Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada – Must Go #2

The park

I spent a few days in Algonquin Provincial Park in 2004 but one of my dream is to return there to make a long canoe trip.
Algonquin Provincial Park is a part of the forest and lakes land that are situated central Ontario. It was established more then 100 years ago and as there’s only 2 main roads crossing this park, you can really feel yourself lost in the wild. With more then 7000 km² and more then 2000 lakes, it’s a paradise for canoe lovers like me.

The best season to go to Algonquin Provincial Park is definitely September during the Indian summer. The temperature is still good and the trees so colorful.

A short stay

As we spent only 3-4 days there, I cannot really judge which season is the best one to visit. What I can say is that in the end of September we could really enjoy it. You won’t have flies or mosquitoes but yellow and red leaves instead… you know that thing that is called Indian summer.

The accommodation

We stayed in Arowhon Pines Resort. Even it wasn’t as cheap as other places where we used to go, the situation next to the lake, the comfort, the delicious food and the service was worth it. The quality and healthy food was in abundance with big buffet of cereals and fruits for breakfast. It offered different choice of meal with fresh veggies and buffet of homemade pies and dessert looking so delicious that we where taking a small part of each to taste the most we could.

The cabin had one common living room with open fire place and 3 private bedrooms or more that where really cozy. We could use canoes without extra charges every day. So we couldn’t resist to go on the lakes every morning or evening to enjoy sunrises or sunsets. Those lakes are Joe Lake, Little Joe Lake, Baby Joe Lake and Lost Joe Lake… that are names I’ll remember all my life.

A perfect and quiet place to relax, taking the sun by the lake. This Resort is far from the Algonquin Provincial Park main road.

Memories

The moments I remember the most was that morning when we were paddling in the fog. Through it we saw a great blue heron fishing and then flying with the sunrise as background. Another moment was when we saw a moose swimming across the lake. Last but not least was this day trip on a canoe. Nobody was around, the sky was blue and it was no windy at all. It was so quiet that we could hear the silence.

One of the main reason I want to return there, is to make a long canoe trip of one or two weeks. With that huge nature area, you can canoe for weeks without passing on the same lake or river. And if you want to go out of water, you can also explore some of the many hiking trails. The start are usually near the main road, they are well marked. You’ll find maps that you can borrow or buy near the starting point.

While on our little canoe tour during the sunrise, we saw that great blue heron. After a moment observing it, he decided to fly away, offering a good oportunity to take an excellent shot.

You will have a few opportunity to observe Mooses if you spend a few days in the Algonquin Provincial Park ON. This one was seen not far from the road.

My conclusion

Algonquin provincial park is definitely a place I’ll recommend you to go. For sure it’s also the place I’ll return during one of my future trip to do a nice canoe tour. Knowing the place will also help me to organize a great adventure.