1 of 4
William Ennis
Algonquin Provincial Park
Access to the park is via Ontario Highway-60 (ON-60).
2 of 4
William Ennis
Algonquin Provincial Park
Only a few lakes are open to motorboats.
3 of 4
William Ennis
Algonquin Provincial Park
Visit the park in the fall and surround yourself with the magnificant colours.
4 of 4
William Ennis
Algonquin Provincial Park
A spacious Algonquin Provincial Park campsite.
Story & photos by William Ennis
Established in 1893, Algonquin Provincial Park is Ontario's oldest provincial park and at 7,600 square kilometres (2,934 square miles), it's very nearly the largest. The park occupies a vast area of North Eastern Ontario, starting south of North Bay and continuing through to many miles of forest, lakes, and rivers.
These natural wonders act as a magnet to those who want to get away from the rat race of everyday life and exchange it for the sounds of nature, a murmuring creek, and the cacophonic, crazy call of the loons. An extremely popular park, Algonquin seems to be two parks divided by the lesser known backcountry and the overused section along ON-60 highway.
The only major highway to enter the park is ON-60, which cuts across the lower, narrower section of the park running from Huntsville, on the west, to Barry's Bay, on the east. This section holds the majority of the RV campgrounds. There is, however, an overwhelming use of the out-front campsites.
Algonquin Provincial Park offers ‘Yurts' for rent. These are eight-sided structures on a wooden deck and some even have electric heat. They can hold up to six campers and can be driven to at Achray and Mew Lake campgrounds. Many hiking trails either leave from the campgrounds or from trail centres along the highway.
Along ON-60 are many picnic areas and small roads that lead to small stream rapids, wetlands and parking areas for trailheads. At some areas, these roads are not always well marked and may not be wide enough for an RV. Be wary of the roads that start out spacious as they only become crooked, narrow, and hilly with few places to meet and pass other vehicles.
There are also privately run stores and lodges accessible along ON-60. The Portage Store has been preparing canoeists for adventure in the park since 1937. If you are not ready to take a canoe and supplies with you on your visit to the park, you have the option to book with the store. They can set up a two-day trip or a multiple day trip complete with canoe and everything you need for your trip, including food, and reserved campsites in the remote area.
The Opeongo Store, located on Lake Opeongo and the largest lake in the park, also offers complete outfitting for backcountry trips. Take advantage of their water taxi with a ride to the other end of the big lake where you’ll find the main portages for heading into the more remote parts of the park. You can be well on the trip without having to canoe the entire length of Lake Opeongo. Some of the old park ranger's shelter cabins have been salvaged and upgraded for rent by park visitors, so depending on where you want to go, you can choose a regular campsite or one of the improved facilities.
Only a few lakes are open to motorboats. There was a time when loggers set up camps, cut tremendous quantities of logs and used the streams and rivers to send them to market. The trash they left behind was fuel for out of control fires that destroyed great quantities of timber. Their greed was ruining the land. A concerted effort by citizens of Ontario led to the development of a park that allowed logging, as well as sport fishing, camping, and canoeing.
There is a logging museum close to the east entrance, which is a necessary stop if you want to learn about the early days of the land that became the park. The indoor displays and a short video show the first logging methods. A walk outside takes you to some of the old equipment and the real buildings. It's possible that you will feel a little claustrophobic in the group bunkhouse — imagine spending the winter in this dark, low ceilinged building, with another 50 or so workers.
Outside you will see the tools the workers used and their heavy equipment from the days gone past. Walk a little farther and you’ll come to a rebuilt dam that lets you see how the logs passed through the shallow waters of small connecting streams.
In the park are many old sites and the leftover remains of an early period where money was king and respect for the land was noticeably absent. When travelling in the backcountry, part of the fun is taking the time to visit these historic sites and using your imagination to see the hustle and bustle of the workers.
How different the logging is now! Cutting is kept away from lakes and streams to allow peaceful passage of the canoers and hikers. Areas for logging are selected and trees are marked for removal. In many cases rotten trees with holes are left for nesting birds and other species that inhabit the park.
You will also find the Visitor Centre near the east entrance. It’s here where you can get general information, pamphlets and books about the park. If you are a biking family, there is an old abandoned railway bed that provides a quiet, easy ride. There’s also a more challenging bike trail for those who want something more physically stimulating.
The "Public Wolf Howl" attracts a lot of interest. These take place on Thursdays in August depending on the weather. Check campground bulletin boards for availability. It may be busy!
Even though Algonquin Park is loved by so many, which makes it difficult to reserve sites, it is worth the trip – just remember to book early. It's a park that we have enjoyed a lot. The scenery is great, and in the fall, the colours are magnificent. A few developed campgrounds remain open until Thanksgiving.
For more information and details about the park visit:
- http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/camping/developed-campgrounds-compare.php
- http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/
Connect with Algonquin Provincial Park on social media: facebook; twitter; youtube