Algonquin Provincial Park
Family Attractions
By Michael and Alison Goldstein
Algonquin Park has eight organized campgrounds, most with showers, flush toilets, electricity, laundry facilities, and a good beach. Operating dates vary between 24 April and 12 October, and all are available from Highway 60. The Mew Lake Campground is open year 'round. Reservations are available at all campgrounds.
Cross-country skiing attracts fans of all ages.
Picnicking
There are five established picnic grounds spread along the Parkway corridor, equipped with parking, tables, garbage disposal, and sanitary facilities.
Canoeing
Canoes may be rented at the Portage Store (Canoe Lake), the Opeongo Store (Opeongo Lake), and at Bartlett Lodge (Cache Lake). There are canoe trip outfitters at the Portage Store and the Opeongo Store. In addition, there are organization canoe trips available. Most canoe trips leave from Canoe Lake, Smoke Lake, or Lake Opeongo.
Entertainment
In the summer, there are conducted walks by Park naturalists, who explore different aspects of Algonquin's flora and fauna. Evening programs include videos and slide shows (bring a flashlight,and mosquito repellant!). Wolf howls are a popular summer attraction.
Museums
The Logging Museum and Bookstore, located just inside the East gate, includes an historical video. the exhibit trail (open all year), centers around a full-size reconstructed"camboose camp", where loggers lived and worked in the Park. Star attractions are a working dam and log chute, and one of the last of the steam-powered tug boats (called an "alligator"), which would winch itself from one lake to another.
The Visitor Centre, at kilometre 43, is a wonderful resource for exploring the Park's attractions. Photographs and audio tapes relate the Park's history, influenced by logging, tourism, and the railway.A series of excellent"diorama" present the Park's wildlife in such natural settings that it appears you are viewing live creatures through a window.
A huge observation deck gives you a bird's-eye view of many acres of Algonquin landscape, where birdwatching and wildlife sighting are popular activities.
The bookstore here is well stocked with a variety of souvenirs, and reading material on all aspects of the Park.
The Algonquin Gallery, at kilometre 20, presents various art shows, by Canadian artists such as Robert Bateman. One complete wing is devoted to landscapes by Tom Thompson, legendary Algonquin Park artist.
RELATED GORP LINKS
 GORP Family
GORP Canada
GORPtravel
Canada Trips
|
