Jun
7
2010
Algonquin Park, ON – Peck Lake Trail
Author: RockyWell, i decided to break the recent double up of foody articles and include another article on the amasing Algonquin Park. I’ll say again what i always seem to say – and that should you be reading this as the first article you’ve seen about this Provincial Park, do not underestimate the size and sheer number of things to do in this place. The first time i went to Algonquin Park was in 2009 and we expected (having not done much research) the park to be similar to a UK national park such as the peak district.. but we were very wrong!
The park has many places of interest on the main route in the south, highway 60, especially trails you can go on. Just remember if you’re going to park up anywhere in Algonquin Provincial Park, you’ll need to pull up at the gates (big buildings just off the side of the road either end of Highway 60) and go in to get a Permit. These are $15.00 currently but the rates do change depending on the year.
The Trail this article is focusing on is the Peck Lake Trail.
Make sure you’ve picked up one of the Algonquin park news papers while you’re getting a permit, they’re free and they’re very .. VERY useful to use the map on the back so you know where you are going!
Before you go on any of these trails, remember to have brought with you, proper walking equipment – for example decent walking shoes with a good degree of tread, and comfortable clothes suitable for what ever the weather may be on the day you go on the trail. Another thing you’ll want to factor in is the bugs! If it’s forecast to be warm, chances are you’ll be up against the Mosquitoes and or Black Fly – so bring your bug repellent!
Peck Lake Trail is a 2.3 kilometre loop starting on Highway 60, 19.2km from West Gate of Algonquin Park. The trail takes you right around Peck Lake. The trail is of Medium difficulty, mainly due to the uneven and steep inclines you have to walk up and down. There are some fairly steep drops right by the path as well so make sure you have good footware on so you reduce risks of slipping. Remember to pick up one of the trail guides that you will find in the initial sign at the start of the trail. If you know you wish to keep the trail guide as a souvenir then put $0.50 into the pipe that is located right below it. Alternatively, you can always do this when you’ve completed your walk (or deposit the guide back in the small ‘letter boxes’ under the sign.
The whole idea of this trail, is to help you see what goes on within a lake – typical of those in Algonquin. This one in particular has Rocky shores and clear water – and the lakes in the park are one of its main attractions – as it does in fact have thousands of them! The trail guide is there to help you understand exactly what makes a lake tick.
The first part of the trail is also the part you will come back down last. you’ll know when you get to the splitting point as you’ll see a bench over looking the lake, and you’ll need to head right on the well trodden path around a particularly large tree. It’s worth taking that route round the tree as the route round the other side could lead to trips! You’ll be walking on natural forest floor covering this time round, not a gravel chip path – so there will be leaves, pine needles, twigs and of coarse dirt.. oh and not to mention the tree roots!
This trail is one of my favourites as it combines the beauty of the forest around you, along with the idyllic peace of a small inland lake. When i went, there was only us on the trail so it was particularly quiet that day. Unfortunately though as i mentioned on our last article the weather didn’t seem to be as favourable so when we got to the first informational post – designated in the tour guide booklet the scene over the lake, although beautiful was framed with particularly grey looking clouds!
Walking round the lake you’ll have the possibility to admire not just the trees but also the wildlife around it – if you’re lucky enough you may even get to see the Common Loon – a Bird that not only is one of the finest anglers as it dives under water to catch fish — but is also the bird you’ll see on the reverse of the Canadian Dollar coin – which gives the coin it’s name as being “the loonie”.
The trail book will also literally show you the story of “there’s always a bigger fish” from the minute algae to water fleas, to fish to even Mink and Otters.
So, after you’re mini lake adventure, about 1 and a half hours later you’ll finally get back to that bench. If you manage to catch it on a slightly more clear day than we did you’ll be able to take some fantastic photos of Loons, Kingfishers as well as the whole scenic background of the lake
If you’re reasonably good with walking, this is a trail you’ll want to head out on – it doesn’t take too long and there’s plenty of variety in the scenery!
For more information about Algonquin park and its lake – remember to check out our Algonquin Provincial Park section
And you can also visit Algonquin Park’s official Website.
