The park sits at the foot of the Canadian Shield and is a mosaic of habitats with wildlife galore. More than 20 kinds of reptiles and amphibians (none venomous), 40 varieties of mammal, and 130 species of bird will have even the most jaded nature-watcher reaching for her binoculars. Moose sightings are practically guaranteed on mornings in May and June. Park naturalists lead popular "public wolf howls," when they attempt to elicit a cry from the wilderness. They're successful about 80 percent of the time.

A natural canoeing destination with more than 2,400 lakes and 750 miles of rivers and streams, Algonquin offers up 1,000 miles of mapped canoe routes. Outfitting services provide rentals and suggestions, and tour operators serve a buffet of paddling possibilities.

For hikers there are 18 day-hiking trails—14 along Highway 60—each with an accompanying interpretive booklet, plus three backpacking loops with campsites spaced a day's hike apart. Mountain bikers will find a challenging stacked loop system through hilly hardwood forests.

But one needn't be a hardy adventurer to appreciate Algonquin. Hour-and-a-half guided walks run daily through summer. There's a 6.2-mile rail trail that's ideal for families on bikes. Films and talks are presented at the Outdoor Theatre most evenings.

The Visitor Centre is a state-of-the-art facility exhibiting the park's natural and cultural history. Its deck overlooks a magnificent panorama. The Algonquin Art Centre is home to Canada's premier wilderness and wildlife art exhibition, and the open-air Logging Museum traces Algonquin's logging history from the 1830s along a short trail of displays and reconstructions.