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Of all the animals in the world, the wolf is probably one of the most popular animals.. to at least those who love wildlife. In history it was both man’s best friend and one of man’s hated competitors. In the UK, wolves are extinct.. hunted until every last one had been killed. However in Canada, these awe inspiring animals still survive, and if you go to the right place at the right time you may even be able to experience the haunting howls of these superb creatures.

Gray wolves are slender, powerfully built animals with large, deeply descending ribcages and sloping backs. Their abdomens are pulled in, and their necks heavily muscled. Their limbs are long and robust, with comparatively small paws. The front paws have five toes each, while the back paws have four. The forelimbs are seemingly pressed into the chest, with the elbows pointed inward, and the feet outward. Females tend to have narrower muzzles and foreheads, thinner necks, slightly shorter legs and less massive shoulders than males. Wolves are very strong for their size, possessing sufficient strength to turn over a frozen horse or moose carcass. (more…)

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Posted in Alberta, Algonquin Provincial Park, Canadian Wildlife, Muskoka, Ontario | 3 Comments »

Well, it’s back to all things normal again, and back to Canada to carry on with our usual recommendations of places to see and do!
Somewhere new today! While out last month we headed north to check out a little place called Sundridge, North of Bernard Lake. While we were there we made sure to stop by somewhere which would give us a superb photo opportunity – and it’s one I’d recommend you stop by if you’re in the area!

Where as a couple of our look outs featured have either been low down by Lake Simcoe’s beaches, or high up looking over Minden and the surrounding hills and valley – this combines both height and Bernard Lake to give you a pretty breathtaking change of scenery.
If you approach from the south, travelling north up High Rock Road, you’ll see coming up on the right a lay-by parking area with sign letting you know that you have arrived. This is the best place to park as access to cars isn’t always possible down into the lookout its self.
We visited in the Fall, so there were some impressive displays of colour on show from many of the trees around this area, and actually gave us some of the best shots of the fall colours while we were out there this time round! (more…)

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Well, regular readers may know, I’ve only recently returned from Canada a couple of weeks ago. One of the main reasons for going, was to visit Canada, in the month which gave it it’s well known red and white flag ~ Autumn or – Fall.
If there was a country which symbolised a season, Canada would certainly be the country which symbolised Autumn. We decided to go to Canada in the first full week of October, generally it and the following week is the best advised week to go if you want to see fall colour in Ontario – but this is open to speculation as the change in colour can be late or early depending on the year, but this was the week we chose – and it turned out to be perfect.

First let’s think of autumn in the UK. If we were to think of autumnal colours here, we’d think of browns, and yellows, and very very occasionally browny orange and red. In Canada, it would be Yellow, Orange and Red. After seeing what I’ve seen in Canada, even some of the most brightly coloured trees at home here in the UK, are paled into insignificance by the brilliance of the colours that can be seen at this time of year in Canada. The leaves there seem to almost emit light, rather than just reflect it – in dazzling arrays of oranges, yellows and of coarse brilliantly bright red. (more…)

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Posted in Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada Trip.co.uk, Lake Simcoe, Ontario | 2 Comments »

Well we decided to take a look at Deerhurst Resort, and well, let’s just say if you want somewhere truely special, this is the place you’ll want to base yourself on your visit to Canada.
Nestled on 800 acres of rolling, wooded countryside on Peninsula Lake in Muskoka, Ontario, Deerhurst Resort radiates the charm of its natural setting and rich heritage. Famed for its 1,600 fresh water lakes and striking granite outcroppings, Muskoka has been a celebrated vacation retreat since the 19th century.

Nearby Algonquin Park, immortalized on canvas by Canada’s most acclaimed artists, the Group of Seven, offers a legendary Canadian wilderness experience. Since 1896, Deerhurst Resort has made the most of this year-round natural playground setting with a full palette of leisure pursuits, guest comforts and engaging service. The centerpiece is the Pavilion, where guests enjoy full amenities under one roof – a new hotel wing, elegant conference center, restaurants, art gallery, lounge and indoor sports complex with a full service spa. Clusters of low-rise condominium style accommodations are tucked throughout the resort landscape by the lake, ideal for families or a getaway with friends. (more…)

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Posted in Algonquin Provincial Park, Muskoka, Ontario | 1 Comment »

Today’s  mini article is literally because this may be a small place on the grand scheme of things in Algonquin park, but often small places have big features, and that’s one of the reasons i thought I’d feature it!
The two rivers store is located at km 31.4 along highway 60 within Algonquin Park. It’s main feature of coarse is its store, which provides a whole range of Canadiana souvenirs, and a suprising variety of clothing!

The other big feature of this store is that it also has a small cafe-style restaurant! It serves a variety of foods from chicken to burgers, but mainly in Take-out style. So if you’ve been living on camp-food for the last week or so while camping out in Algonquin, this place can offer you some much need, and well earned comfort food!

Remember if you’re going to park up anywhere in Algonquin Provincial Park or do any of the trails, 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 time of year, so remember to check out their website (linked at the bottom of the article!) (more…)

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Well, it’s another article about Algonquin Park, though this time we’re featuring one of the amenities that sits just off highway 60.
The Portage Store is found at km 14.1 just after the Hardwood Lookout Trail. It has quite a few amenities that you may be looking for, Toilets, a Restaurant, a Telephone and even Petrol (gas).. Yes, that’s right Petrol! You may find it useful to know, that there are in fact very few petrol stations within or around Algonquin Park, so my advice is to fill your tank before you head into the park – but The Portage Store is there just in case you misjudge or your vehicle drinks petrol like a colander!

Another important role The Portage Store plays is as a facilitator of Canoeists! This is after all a national park which 80% is only accessible through canoeing into its depths or by hiking your way through it, and this particular store is an Access Point to the Interior (or back country). The Portage Store has been outfitting Algonquin Canoeists since 1937. Located on Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park, the store effectively serves as the gateway to the Algonquin interior. The Portage Store can offer you as little or as much as you need to make your Adventure of a Lifetime safe, and fun. Friendly, knowledgeable staff offers you their experience, their advice and even waterfront instruction.

The Store offers a wide range of outfitting packages and rental options, including canoes, kayaks, camping equipment and food packs. Shelves are well stocked with appetising, convenient foods that comply with Algonquin Park’s ban on cans and bottles, as well as a full range of camping and fishing supplies. If you’re camping in the park The Portage Store also offers a convenient canoe delivery service to the following major highway campgrounds: Rock Lake, Pog Lake, Lake of Two Rivers, Mew Lake and Cannisbay. (more…)

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Like all good places for people to visit, there is always a Visitor Centre, and naturally, Algonquin Provincial Park is no exception. Located at km 43′s marker, Algonquin Visitor Centre is there to help you gain a little more understanding about the history and ecology of the park. No visit to Algonquin Provincial Park would be complete without a stop at the Visitor Centre at Km 43, opened in 1993 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Algonquin Park and the entire Ontario provincial park system.

The Visitor Centre has world class exhibits on the Park’s natural and cultural history, a relaxing restaurant, an excellent bookstore, and “The Algonquin Room” featuring ongoing exhibitions of Algonquin art. A theatre presentation sums up the Park story and then takes you out to the viewing deck from where you can admire a breathtaking panorama of wild Algonquin landscape.

Look out for the large sign by the side of the road indicating you have arrived and head up the road to the centre. Its a longer road than i first expected but you’re there sooner than you know. When we went the car park was only half full, so it seemed that it had plenty of parking – though i would imagine at some points in the year the car park may get rather busy! Remember if you’re going to park up anywhere in Algonquin Provincial Park or do any of the trails, 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 time of year, so remember to check out their website (linked at the bottom of the article!). (more…)

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Well, its Friday again! Time for the last (for now) of the trail articles from Algonquin Park, we could only cover a few of them on our visit as there simply is so much to do, I’d recommend you take at least three days if you want to hit on the best parts of the park! But don’t worry, if you’re wanting more Algonquin Park trail articles, we’re heading back in October to try catch the Autumn colours, and we’ll see what trails we can go on then!
The trail in this article is the Whiskey Rapids Trail, the very first of the trails along Hwy 60 on the left. Remember if you’re going to park up anywhere in Algonquin Provincial Park or do any of the trails, 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 time of year, so remember to check out their website (linked at the bottom of the article!)

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!

The Whiskey Rapids Trail is a 2.1kilometre loop starting on Highway 60, 7.2 kilometres from the West Gate of Algonquin. For about half of its length, the trail follows the Oxtongue River and culminates on a fine view of the picturesque Whiskey Rapids. The trail guide for this particular trail helps you understand the role of rivers in the natural and human history of Algonquin Park.
(more…)

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Another Friday, and another article visit to Algonquin Provincial Park. This time, we’re not looking at a trail, just one of the small stop-offs which are along highway 60.
If you head down Highway 60, when you get to km 23.5, you’ll see the entrance to the Cache Lake Historic Site Exhibit car park. It’s actually a very big gravelled car park, so you’re likely to find parking at most times, though this car park as far as i can see can be used as a small boat marina as well as for the historic site.

Basically what you will find is an interesting spot – which although is historical, is the result of the removal of various previously essential components of the early park. You’ll arrive at the Car park and walk up to the right where you’ll find your first sign explaining the site. The sign explains that you are now standing at Cache Lake, the hub of Algonquin Park from the 1890s to the 1950s. Park Headquarters, a major railway station and a large hotel occupied this site during those years. As it says, all you need to do is take a 250 metre round trip along the old railway station platform to view four other historical panels which will explain what was there during those 60 years.
(more…)

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Well, it’s Friday once more – and time for another trail review.. though this is a serious trail.. And one i have to admit i haven’t walked fully, mainly as you will need to dedicate your whole day to this trail – it’s the longest trail Algonquin Provincial Park has on highway 60!

First, I’ll say it again.. this is a beast of a trail. You really have to be serious about this one, it’s going to truly take the majority of your day to walk this one, and with a difficulty rating of “Difficult” you’ll need to make sure you’re properly equipped for the job too!

The Mizzy Lake Trail is an 11-Kilometre loop (not counting a two-kilometre optional side trip) beginning on the Arowhon Road just in from km 15.4 on Highway 60. The trail visits nine small lakes and ponds with a view to maximising your chances of seeing wildlife, particularly moose and beaver. Results obviously cannot be guaranteed but the possibilities are good, especially if you are at the prime areas early in the morning or later in the evening. (Try to avoid the middle part of summer days. That is by far the poorest time to see wildlife.)
You should wear good, solid, water resistant footwear and allow SIX HOURS to do the trail. If by some chance you have misjudged your rate of progress and want to avoid finishing the trail in darkness, you may walk back to the parking lot via the Arowhon or Weldwood roads, both of which connect to the old track part of the trail. (more…)

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