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Algonquin Park Introduction
Algonquin Park is Ontario's oldest and largest
provincial park. Easily accessible from major centers in
eastern Canada and the U.S., the park is a canoeist's, camper's
and naturalist's paradise.
 Covering
approximately 8000 square kilometers (3500 square miles)
of rugged Canadian Shield country, the park is home to an
abundant wildlife population, including moose, wolves and
black bears. While many Algonquin visitors see moose, the
latter two creatures are less common sights. During late
August and into the fall, people who try howling for wolves
are often rewarded with a mournful response from a nearby
pack. Smaller mammals like otters, fox, chipmunks, squirrels
and raccoons are common sights. Over 250 bird species have
been recorded in Algonquin Park and everyone's favorite
wilderness bird, the common loon, is found nesting on most
lakes.
A canoe tripper could spend a lifetime exploring
Algonquin Park. Over 1500 km of canoe routes follow lakes,
streams and portage trails through the vast forested interior.
Campsites and portages are marked and well maintained. Fly-ins
are prohibited. Motor boats are restricted to a few lakes
and road access to the park is limited to the Hwy. 60 "corridor"
and peripheral access points. As a result, most of Algonquin
Park is only accessible by canoe. Backpacking and day hiking
trails allow travel on foot. In the winter the park is also
open to travel by ski and snowshoe.
 If
you don't feel quite ready for venturing into the park interior,
12 drive-in campgrounds offer visitors a slightly different
camping experience. Most of the campgrounds are along the
Hwy. 60 corridor, with easy access to park facilities, day
canoe trips, hiking trails and other activities.
However, you don't have to be a canoeist,
or even a camper, to enjoy Algonquin Park. Many people stay
at lodges and resorts outside the park and enjoy day excursions
in the park. Canoe and kayak day rentals are available at
all four Algonquin Outfitters bases for shorter outings.
The Minnesing mountain bike trail is a great
ride for fat tire fans and the Old Rail Line trail offers
a more sedate riding experience (and yes, we rent mountain
bikes at both our Oxtongue Lake and Opeongo bases).
There are picnic areas, beautiful sand beaches,
day hikes and some amazing scenery to be seen. The Algonquin
Visitor Centre is a "must see" for any Algonquin
visitor.
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