Algonquin Park: A True Natural Wonder

By Author: Fabiola Groshan
Total Articles: 2678
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Algonquin Park is a one of a kind park that tends to change any visitor’s understanding of outdoor magnificence. It is located in Canada, between Ottawa River and the Georgian Bay and its size alone speaks for itself: the park stretches over 7653 square kilometers (almost 3000 square miles). Because comparisons with Belgium have become so common these days that people consider it some kind of measuring unit, I won’t tell you the same thing as Wiki, that the size of Algonquin park is a quarter the size of that country (actually I just did). Instead, I will emphasize that this park is almost as big as Cyprus, Puerto Rico or Jamaica.

A big advantage of the park is the proximity to major urban centers like Toronto and Ottawa, which makes it even more popular. This mammoth of natural beauty contains an almost incredible number of over 2400 lakes and an equally impressive network of streams and rivers which sum up to about 1200 kilometers (745 miles). A lot of research involving wildlife takes place here, mostly because of the mixture of deciduous and coniferous forests, which allows this park to support a huge diversity ...
... of animal and plant species.

You can find here loons on almost any lake; also beavers, moose and deer - if you prove to be patient (and silent) enough. Black bears are present but rarely seen. As most people tend to avoid such close encounters, that is probably for the best. The same goes for the wolves, whose howling, although chilling, can prove to be quite a motivation for rare stories and a closer bounding around the fire.

There are as many campsites as 1200 here, spread over eight designated campgrounds all along the south side of the park (Highway 60) and 100 more in the northern and eastern parts. As for Algonquin park cabins, there are a lot of them spread around, more than enough to cover any taste and any price range. Still, it is recommended that you book ahead. There is no point in taking any chances when it comes to a good bed and a delicious meal, and discounts are not to be ignored.

Many owners specify an impressive number of details about the conditions they offer, from amenities to means of payment, things to do or how to locate them. A phone call is probably best, as it gives you the opportunity to ask any number of details about their cabin and, more importantly, to get a feel for what kind of host and reception you may get.

Algonquin Park presents opportunities for outdoor activities during all four seasons. This widens the range of activities enormously and makes repeated visits not only just as enjoyable, but even totally different. Every possible type of equipment can be found and rented on site: kayaks, canoes, bikes, water skis, alpine skis, snowboards, snowshoes and so on.

Still, the most unique and most appreciated recreation feature of the park is the canoe experience. The Algonquin park canoe trips are almost legendary. Those who have enjoyed the experience never forget it. The wilderness of the land, the exhilarating experience over the water, the fantastic landscapes, all add up to form a unique feeling of joy.

And did I mention that Algonquin park canoe trips are truly amazing? Well, I guess you will have to see for yourself what it means to paddle through the mist while taking the photos of your life. In the end, whether you are looking for peace and relaxation or for the rush of adrenaline, this park has it all.

For more resources about Algonquin Park or about Algonquin park cabins, as well as regarding Algonquin park canoe trips please review these pages.