Some Special Events This July in #AlgonquinPark

June 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment

If you are still planning a trip to Algonquin this summer but haven’t yet booked…maybe some of these events might peak your interest!  FYI if you are going during the end of July or beginning of August…Book NOW…that is peak season in the park!   Event Details are from the Friends of Algonquin Park Website.

On Now:

  • Art Exhibit: Algonquin Palette and Experiencing Algonquin
    9am – 5pm

    A joint exhibition, “Experiencing Algonquin” is meant to convey Barbara Simpson’s impressions of the rugged beauty of Algonquin with its diversity of habitat and wildlife. “Algonquin Palette” by Vera Penrose, Susan Sydney and Ron Ward, members of the Kawartha Artists’ Gallery & Studio Outdoor Painters’ Group hope to awaken lasting memories of your visit. Algonquin Park visitors are treated to an ever changing palette of colours.

    Over the course of a year, the Visitor Centre’s Algonquin Room presents six different exhibitions of Algonquin-themed art by area artists. The art is available for sale and a portion of each sale is dedicated to The Friends of Algonquin Park who, in turn, use these monies to enhance the educational and interpretive programs in Algonquin. Stop by to view some exciting work, and maybe meet the artist, too!

June 28 – July 31:

  • Art Exhibit: Images of Nature
    9am – 5pm

    Algonquin photographer Michael Bertelsen is proud to display his collection of prints that define the rugged beauty and wildlife of this great park. Julia Bertelsen’s exhibit includes watercolour paintings of selected plants animals and insects of Algonquin Park. Hand-painted paddles will also be part of this display.

    Over the course of a year, the Visitor Centre’s Algonquin Room presents different exhibitions of Algonquin-themed art by area artists. The art is available for sale and a portion of each sale is dedicated to The Friends of Algonquin Park who, in turn, use these monies to enhance the educational and interpretive programs in Algonquin. Stop by to view some exciting work, and maybe meet the artist, too!

July 6:

  • Rock Bass Family Fishing Day
    Saturday, July 6, 9am – 3pm

    Location: Whitefish Lake, South on Centennial Ridges Road (Highway 60 south at km 37).
    Bring your children, watercraft (all regulated equipment required), and fishing rods for a fun-filled day at Whitefish Lake. Learn fishing, cleaning, and cooking techniques for this easy-to-catch Algonquin delicacy. All participants in watercraft must wear a personal flotation device (PFD). The day includes fishing, lunch, prize draws, and a Park Helper Children’s Program clean-up. Fishing gear (rod and tackle) and PFDs can be obtained on loan at the event.

    EVENT SCHEDULE

    Stay tuned for a detailed schedule of activities for the day.

    IMAGES

    See images from past events on The Friends of Algonquin Park Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150227315796568.319793.169395331567
    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    All Algonquin Park and boating regulations apply. A valid seasonal, day use, or camping permit is required for participation. Canadian residents can fish license free during this event. All children must be supervised by an adult. Canoes may be launched at event site and boats…

July 13:

  • Discover Trout Fishing in Algonquin Park
    Saturday, July 13, 3 – 8:30pm

    Algonquin Park is home to one of the world’s best trout fisheries. Many anglers familiar with warm water fisheries to the south find Algonquin’s Brook Trout and Lake Trout a mystery and often find themselves in a frustrating fishing situation. Join retired senior fisheries specialist, and owner of Dragonfly Guiding, Greg Betteridge to discover the ecology, behaviour, and techniques necessary to increase your chances of catching Algonquin’s two famous trout species.

    This Experience Algonquin Workshop, presented by The Friends of Algonquin Park, will consist of a short session on land where 12 participants will learn the basic equipment required for trout fishing in Algonquin Park. The group will then rig their equipment with specialized gear provided (see below), plus discover the fascinating biological similarities and differences of Algonquin’s two trout species. Then after this brief indoor session, the group will head to a nearby lake to apply their new knowledge by attempting to…

July 27 & 28:

  • Loggers Day
    Saturday, July 27, 10am – 3pm

    Join us for this highly entertaining and educational day when the Algonquin Logging Museum comes to life, brought to you by The Friends of Algonquin Park, the Algonquin Forestry Authority and Ontario Parks.

    Take in the demonstrations around the Logging Museum trail and try the old-timer loggers’ lunch served in the sawlog cookery from 12:00 to 2:00pm (or while quantities last).

    See previous images on Facebook at: www.facebook.com…

    Keep up-to-date about this event automatically. Select “Other Event Actions” (below) and then “Notify me of changes” and enter your e-mail contact info. You will receive automatic updates for this event as they are posted.

  • Wakami Wailers Concert
    Sunday, July 28, 7 – 9pm

    The award winning Wakami Wailers are scheduled to play an open air concert at Algonquin Park’s Outdoor Theatre on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at 7:00pm. Listen to the music of the Wakami Wailers >

    The Ontario-based Wakami Wailers will get your toes tapping through lively music sharing Canada’s logging history, park and protected areas, plus much more. Join the Wailers for a fun-filled evening of entertaining stories and songs from their popular releases – The Last of the White Pine Loggers, Waltz With the Woods, and River Through the Pines.

    The Wakami Wailers will also be playing at Loggers Day on July 27, 2013 at the Algonquin Logging Museum.

    This concert is brought to you by The Friends of Algonquin Park as one of summer’s Special Events. Admission to this event is a minimum donation of $2.00 per person.

To see more scheduled events/interpretive programs visit http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar

~Enjoy your trip!

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Once Around Algonquin – an epic canoe journey by Kevin Callan

June 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Today Guest Blogger and Author Kevin Callan shares with us about his upcoming epic canoe journey around Algonquin called “The Meanest Link”.

meanestlink

I knew it was too good to be true. The plane flying me home after I presented at the paddling show in Minneapolis was on-time; early in fact. The joyful passengers, including myself, boarded in an organized manner with everyone being considerate of each other. Life was good — or at least the best it can be at a busy airport.

Once the plane taxied out to the runway, however, things changed. The revvin engine dropped to a faint hum and brakes beneath us began to squeak. Not long afterwards, the pilot made an announcement that there was a delay in Toronto and we would have to sit patiently on the tarmac until we got the go ahead to take-off.

Ten minutes into the hour-an-a-half wait and the same friendly people became barbaric. Intolerance took over from compassion. The steward got the worst of it — but he also was one of the rudest flight attendants I’ve ever come across. The guy beside also smelled bad — made up of body odour, foot odour, bad breath and something identifiable. I hated being there. It was so claustrophobic and I felt like a goldfish in one of those tanks used at the fall fair — I prayed someone would throw the ring over the pin, win me and take me home in a baggie. To survive this I knew I needed to go to my happy place.

Sleep was impossible, I read the magazine I packed along three times already, and the battery for my minipad was totally drained. So I searched my side bag for something to entertain me and found an old Algonquin Provincial Park map stored on the very bottom. It was stained with coffee, weathered and torn at each corner, and even had a few dried up mosquitoes squashed on it. Planning my next canoe trip in Algonquin became my salvation and out of it came a 20-day, 350-km trip around the park called The Meanest Link.

It wasn’t until a couple weeks later I rethought my idea to paddle the legendary Meanest Link. After all, it has 93 portages, ranging from 50 metres to five metres, adding up to 68 km. That’s if I only walk them once across. I generally go across twice, multiplying the length. Yikes. I guess I’ll have to leave the camp chair and pillow at home for this one.

This route is the brain child of the staff at Algonquin Outfitters, Alex Hurley and Gordon Baker, devised in the summer of 2004. They combined four challenging canoe routes connecting the four Algonquin Outfitters stores serving Algonquin Park: Oxtongue Lake, Huntsville, Brent, on Cedar Lake, and Lake Opeongo.  It was named in honour and memory of Bill Swift Sr., one of the founders of Algonquin Outfitters. Swifty, as he was most often called, had other nicknames, such as Mean Dude, or Meanest, which were a tribute to his gruff exterior persona.

There’s only a few rules to follow — one is you can’t go solo, due to safety. I may have to break that one, however. I’m waiting for my regular canoe mate, Andy Baxter, to see if he can get the time off work. I hope he does.

Stay tuned for more details as the planning progresses. I’m going in June when bugs are at their prime, the water level are up and the Algonquin portages aren’t too crowded.

Kevin Callan is a Canadian canoe enthusiast, media personality, and author of thirteen books, including the bestselling The Happy Camper and “A Paddler’s Guide To” series.

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Day Trips

June 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment

If you are heading into the park this summer you may know that there are a ton of things to do while there including hiking, biking, swimming, and canoeing.  One of the options you have is a day trip by canoe or hiking.  Most of the lakes along the Hwy 60 corridor connect to other lakes via portage.  There are also 2 backpacking trails and 4 interpretive trails that you can do a day long trip on as well.  Below you will find the trails and canoeing suggestions that would make great day trips.

  • Western Uplands Backpacking Trail:  From the parking lot to Maggie Lake is 11km and will take roughly about 5 1/2 hours one way.  If you are up for the challenge then you can go that far.  However there is another lake before that called Maple Leaf Lake.  There are campsites around the lake that you can have lunch at and relax before heading back.  
    • trip4mp

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Highland Backpacking Trail: You can kind of cheat this trail in a sense based on where you start.  Instead of starting at the trail parking lot…you can access the trail from Mew Lake….where the sign for the Track and Tower trail is.  Be warned…there are parts of this trail that are fairly steep and can be difficult to hike if you aren’t in good shape.  Start hiking on the Track and Tower trail from Mew Lake.  You will come to an intersection on the trail…if you go strait you continue on the Track and Tower Trail if you turn left however you will be on the Highland Trail.  You are going to come to a bridge beside a set of falls.  If you want your trip can end here and you can swim in the falls all day.  Or you can continue on the trail to the West side of Provoking Lake.
  • Track and Tower:  This trail is a 7.7km loop with a 5.5km side trip to Mew Lake.  Remember that parking lot at Mew Lake?  If you wish to only do the 5.5km section you can access it here.  It takes you along the old railway bed.   The 7.7km loop is located down the road from Hemlock Bluff and Cache Lake.  The trail is long and will require you to take a lunch.
  • Centennial Ridges:  This trail was created for the Centennial of the park back in 1993.  This is a 10 km hike with several steep cliffs and climbs.  YOU MUST BE IN GOOD SHAPE FOR THIS HIKE.  The hike itself is described as a walk through the parks history.  This trail will definitely take all day so you will need to take a lunch and lots of
    water.

972472-Centennial_Ridges_Trail_at_Algonquin_Park_Algonquin_Provincial_Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Booth’s Rock Trail:  Booth’s Rock is 5 Km of education on how we have impacted the past, present, and future of the Algonquin Environment.  The average person can do this trail in a couple of hours but it’s pretty easy to stretch it out over the course of the day.  There are a few really nice lookouts and a great swimming area at the beginning/end of the trail at Rock Lake.  This trail can be a little rough while climbing up to the lookout areas but it’s not too bad. 
  • Mizzy Lake Trail: If you are looking for a great day trip that has the great possibility of seeing wildlife.  Mizzy Lake is an 11 km trail.  The chances of seeing wildlife are increased if you go early morning.  We used to hit this trail at 6am and be done around noon.  This is a great option for people looking to see moose or beaver.
  • Smoke Lake to Ragged Lake:  This is a great little day trip for families who may be taking the kids on their first “canoe trip”.  The portage between Smoke and Ragged Lake is fairly quick and easy.  From the portage you can then paddle around Ragged Lake and even go to Parkside Bay.  There are plenty of beaches and sites where you can eat lunch at.
    Algonquin - Ragged Lake Map - Small

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Pog Lake to Rock Lake:  This trip is partially paddled on sections on the Madawaska River and Whitefish lake.  I love this trip.  It’s quiet, relaxing, and pretty.  You also have chances of seeing some wildlife like heron’s and beaver.  You can have lunch along the way at Whitefish or wait until you get to Rock Lake.
    trfr4000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope this gives you some ideas on what you can do with the family while staying in the park.

~Enjoy your trip!

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Trip Planning Part 4

May 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Back in January I did a 3 part series on how to pre-plan for you next trip to Algonquin Park.  Today I’m revisiting that with the next part.

In just under a month I’ll be embarking on a 3 day trip into Algonquin.  I’ve already gone through the Ontario Parks website and booked my site in Kearney Campground.  (I know it says unavailable but that’s because I booked it haha)

k129

I’ve picked this site based on a few different criteria.

  1. Privacy – The site is surrounded by trees
  2. Water Access – The lake is right there :) which means some really amazing photos and quiet paddles
  3. One of my readers and friend Katie stayed there last summer and I loved it so I wanted to stay there :)

Now that I’ve picked my site and my dates I need to start my planning phase.  Remember that checklist I put on on here last year?  Those have made it to my computer desktop and are being edited away.  Planning ahead like this makes your trip alot easier to deal with.  As well it allows you to enjoy it more as you already have meals planned so all you need to do is prepare them!

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This year I have a bit of a dilemma that I’m facing and something you may face if you are planning on travelling to the park by transportation other than a car.  I’m going up via Parkbus this year and this means I need to plan extra carefully as I need to take up space on the Go Bus and TTC to get there.  Everything I take has to be able to fit in 2 bags…a cooler and my big dry bag.  Luckily for me my kitchen set (cutlery, knives, and cooking utensils) all fit in one travel bathroom bag.

If you are facing the same dilemma as I am then you will have to cut down on the amount of stuff you take.  For instance, you may need to cut down on the camping “luxuries” that you want to take.  Do you really need that camp stove or are you willing to cook on an open campfire?  Do you need to take those down pillows or are you ok with either a small travel pillow or inflatable pillow?  Remember that inventory I told you to take?  This is where it comes in handy.  You will be able to look at all you have and decide what you need to take based on how much room you truly have.

Other than equipment now is the time to plan my menu as well.  As I said, I have to carry a cooler bag with me…which limits how much weight I can carry realistically.  The question posed to me right now is do I want to take fresh/frozen foods with me or dehydrated meals.  I’m leaning towards a mix of both but because I only have 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners to worry about I’m thinking I’ll be ok with all freshly frozen foods like burgers, chicken, and hot dogs.  The menu below is what I made last year and I’m considering doing it again as it was very tasty!

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On the next post I’m going to walk you through my inventory and take pictures for you that way you can see one of the many ways that you can organize your equipment.

~Enjoy your trip!

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Frequently Asked Questions

May 22, 2013 by 1 Comment

Over the course of the last few years I’ve gotten a lot of questions regarding a large variety of topics.  This post is dedicated to your questions.

1.  Where in Algonquin can I get basic supplies?

If you are looking for the basics like bread and milk or condiments then you have a couple of options within the park.  You can go to the Two Rivers Store or the Portage Store.  If you are in the park for an extended stay then you can go to either Whitney on the east end or Dwight/Huntsville on the west end.

2.  Can I rent a bicycle in the park?

Yes you can!  You can rent a bike directly from the Two Rivers Store.  The store is located at the end of one branch of the bike trail which makes it easy to get to.

3.  Is the park open year round?

Yes!  If you wish to camp then you can camp at the Mew Lake Campground.  The campsites are first come first serve basis unless you wish to use a Yurt which you need to reserve.  You can use the interpretive trails and the backpacking trails.  The Visitor Center is also accessible during the winter.   Algonquin also has two ski trails that you can use.

4.  I camp by Parkbus is there a way to get around?

If you came by Parkbus and you are camping along the corridor you have very little options for getting around.  If you feel up to it you can bike along Hwy 60…be cautious however because the Hwy is very busy.  The other option is by calling a cab from Whitney.  Be prepared as this will cost you a lot of money.

5.  Best time to see wildlife?

A camper once asked a ranger (at my campsite) what time they let the wildlife out.  Without missing a beat the ranger looked at his watch and replied “Oh in about 5 minutes”.  The camper ran back to their car and took off.  Though the wildlife isn’t let out at a certain time, there are a few good times to see wildlife.  First is during the spring run off.  The wildlife is drawn to the side of the road for the salt from the roads.  Early Summer at dusk and dawn is another good time to see wildlife.  Most people go out for a drive at dusk while camping to “moose watch”.  The other good time to possibly see wildlife is the fall during the rutting season.  

6.  Are there restaurants located in the park?

The park has 6 restaurants located along Hwy 60:

  • Killarney Lodge – Lake of Two Rivers
  • Bartlett Lodge – Cache Lake
  • Portage Store – Canoe Lake
  • Arowhon Lodge – Joe Lake
  • Two Rivers Store – Between Mew Lake Campground and Two Rivers Campground 
  • Visitors Center – Across from Spruce Bog Boardwalk

7.  Is there any lodging available for those who may not be into camping but wish to enjoy the park?

If you aren’t into camping and want to stay somewhere with the comforts of home you have a few choices both in the park and outside the park:

  • Arowhon Lodge
  • Bartlett Lodge
  • Killarney Lodge
  • Couples Resort (Whitney)
  • Blue Spruce Resort (Oxtongue)
  • and many other options.

8.  Can I get a canoe rental at my campsite?

Yes.  The Portage Store offers rentals at all the campground beaches.  Check your beach bulletin board for the times.  As well Opeongo Outfitters (not affiliated with Algonquin Outfitters) will also deliver canoes to the campgrounds.

9.  Are there ATM’s located within the park or is there interac service.

Both!  There is an ATM at the Visitor Center and at Two Rivers Store.  The park also has Interac available.

10.  Is there internet or cell phone survice within the park?

Surprisingly the internet question is one of my more popular ones.  There is no wifi service within the park except in the Visitor’s Center.  There is however cell service.  The cell towers have about 3km of service so you may have really good service in one part of the park but then in another part you have a dead zone.  

11.  Are the beaches in the park patrolled by lifeguards?

No.  You swim at your own risk.

12.  How will I know there is a fireban?

You can check out the Friends of Algonquin Website (www.algonquinpark.on.ca) as well here on my blog.  You can also follow the friends of Algonquin Park on Facebook.

13.  What are Radio-Free Zones?

Radio Free Zones are a section of a campground where radios and pets are not allowed.  You are allowed personal mp3 players or radios as longs as they have headphones.  

I hope these answer some of your questions as you think about booking your trip into the park!

~Enjoy your trip

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Travelling to Algonquin: Parkbus Style

May 6, 2013 by 1 Comment

Algonquin Park is an outdoor paradise that is loved by a lot of people.  There is one issue however.  Those without a car cannot access it.  It used to be that you could catch a train from Toronto up to Algonquin….of course that stopped in the 1940s/50s.  You can take a bus to Huntsville or Maynooth but even then you need to find alternative transportation into the park.  This is where Parkbus comes in!  Alex and Boris give us some insight into why Parkbus started and the services they offer.

Alex Berlyand and Boris Issaev - Parkbus Founders

Boris Issaev and Alex Berlyand – Parkbus Founders

1.        Why did you start Parkbus? 

My family lived in Toronto without a car, so I didn’t get to go camping until I turned 18 and 19 and started driving. Realizing what I have been missing all these years, I teamed up with my high school friend Alex Berleand, whose experiences were similar, and we started this as a private initiative.

2.       What was the initial response?

Initially we approached MEC in Toronto, asking them to conduct some surveys in the store. They agreed, and survey results (showing overwhelmingly positive response) helped us approach Ontario Parks and other partners and we conducted a small 3-weekend test pilot in the summer of 2010. We consequently formalized the initiative under the umbrella of Transportation Options, non-profit organization, which was founded back in 1992, and which is dedicated to developing sustainable tourism and transportation in Ontario.

The initial response from everyone was overwhelmingly positive. At the same time, there was a fair share of scepticism, as many people felt that going to Algonquin buy bus won’t work, except for rare cases of single travellers for whom car rental would be too expensive. As our experience showed, however, single travellers are definitely a minority – most people come in 2s 3s and larger groups.

Courtesy of Parkbus

Courtesy of Parkbus

3.       For readers who may not be familiar with Parkbus can you explain how it works? 

Parkbus is simply a bus network which connects Ontario cities (Toronto/Ottawa) to campgrounds, canoe access points, backpacking trails and lodges/motels in and near provincial and national parks in Ontario. By dropping people off right where they will be spending their time, or starting their trip, we are eliminating the need for a car completely when it comes to accessing parks, making park visitation experience greener and more equal. We are also bringing new segments of population and new tourist dollars to targeted areas. Finally, our Parkbus Ambassador Program, with volunteers riding the buses and providing guidance and advice to campers with less experience, is another important aspect of the program.

4.        I see you have recently expanded into Ottawa, congratulations!  Do you think there will be even more expansions in the future? 

Yes, Ottawa will start off as a new pilot service this season, with the hope of making it as regular as the rest of our routes based from Toronto. We are doing our best to expand and improve the service each season, based on the overwhelming feedback we continue to get from our passengers and general public. We certainly have many other destinations in mind, and would like to gradually offer people the opportunity to explore all the beautiful parks and outdoor destinations we have in Ontario.

5.       What, if any, are the chances of the bus running earlier in the season for people like myself who may not have access to a car but still want to enjoy Algonquin in the winter time?

Some of our passengers have also expressed interest in winter service, and that is something we are looking into for a potential pilot next year. As with every new run, we need to make sure there is enough interest focused on one or two winter runs in order for us to make them happen.
6.       Tell us where else Parkbus travels to from Toronto so that my readers are aware of other outdoor opportunities.

Parkbus currently provides service from Toronto to Algonquin, Killarney, Grundy Lake and French River Provincial Parks. This year we are also starting our newly added regular service to the Bruce Peninsula, with stops at Bruce Peninsula National Park (Cyprus Lake Campground), Lion’s Head as well as the town of Tobermory, where passengers can connect to Manitoulin Island via the ferry.

7.       For those who are thinking of taking the parkbus, what restrictions are there when it comes to gear?

We are fairly flexible when it comes to gear allowance on board the bus. Each passenger can take a reasonable amount of the necessary camping equipment. We also allow a limited number of bicycles on each bus. If you would like to bring a bike, please call 1-800-928-7101 before booking your tickets to make sure the space for your bike is still available. Canoes and kayaks are not allowed on the bus, but are available for rent from outfitters in the park, and firewood is also prohibited due to the firewood importation ban.

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Walking Through the Past

April 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Algonquin has a vast history beginning long before it became a Provincial Park.  Though human history is very little before the 1800′s, the land was scattered with various family groups of Native’s.  They hunted, fished, picked berries and lived within Algonquin’s borders.  When the logging boom hit is when we start to see more information about Algonquin’s human history.  The tales of the logging camps is told through exhibits and Logging Day’s at Algonquin’s Logging Museum.  The human history is also displayed throughout the Algonquin Visitor Center.

The Logging Museum is a fascinating walk through the past where you have the chance to “become” a logger for a day.  You start out at the bookstore where you get to watch a brief  video about logging in the park and how it has changed drastically from the 1800′s.  I’ve included the youtube video below (From http://www.youtube.com/user/FOAPAlgonquinPark):

Once the video is done you proceed through a big garage door that takes you out onto the circular trail. This is where visiting the Logging Museum during Logging Days (July 27 10am-3pm) is great because there are actors portraying various aspects of logging whether it is in the camboose shanty or down by the log chute.  The trail allows you to explore at your own pace.  It is a great activity for families as there are exhibits that the children can experience.  Not going to lie….I always go and explore the Alligator and the Locomotive engine :) .
Another way to explore the history of Algonquin Park is by walking through the Algonquin Visitor’s Center.  Not only does the Visitor’s Center teach you about the natural history of the park in regards to the life cycles of the flora and fauna, it also walks you through the human history.  With exhibits such as a look at the Highland Inn and a celebration of the camps that have long been a part of the Algonquin landscape, the museum offers you a rich educational but fun experience.  On site at the Visitor’s Center is a bookstore that provides you a chance to sink your teeth in some books about the faces/spaces of Algonquin’s history.  I mean what is a trip to Algonquin without a day of sitting on the beach reading?
We’ve talked about the museums that you can go and visit but did you know you can get a mini history lesson on the many hiking trails along the Hwy 60 corridor?  Each trail provides you with a booklet (at one time they were 25 cents) that describes either the history, ecology, or an interesting fact about the trail.  The Big Pines Trail, across from the Rock Lake Access Road, is a walk through the history of the logging camps and giant white pines.  It even has a fenced off old logging camp.  Spruce Bog Boardwalk provides a look at the ecology past and future of Algonquin.  Booth’s Rock takes you along J.R.R Booth’s old railway bed.
Another spot that is fairly recent (probably no more than 4/5 years old) is at the Cache Lake parking lot.  This interpretive area allows you to explore the original park headquarters as well as the footings of the Highland Inn.  You are transported back in time as you see the old railway ties, steps leading up to where the Inn once stood, and walk along the old railway bed.  As well, if you are interested in the railroad history of the park you can bike/walk along the old railway bed from Rock Lake to Mew Lake (Cache Lake extension is coming).  Along the way there are signs posted that will tell you about the history of that area.  There is on particular spot that I like by Whitefish which is the remnants of an old lumber mill…you can’t walk up to it but it’s pretty cool!
booth-rail
I hope that this has given the history buffs a chance to see where they may “discover” Algonquin’s history.  I’m hoping to get up to the Park still on Mother’s Day weekend.  As well, in case you didn’t see my Facebook or Twitter post, I’m looking for Parkbus testimonials/reviews for an upcoming article that I’m writing.  If you wish to contribute please email me through the link at the top.
~Enjoy your trip!
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Summer Reading

April 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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As i get ready for some trips this year I’m in the process of updating my e-reader.  I have some guaranteed books that never leave it…like anything about Tom Thomson.  However, I do get stumped sometimes as to what would be good to read.  This got me thinking…what are your favorite books to read while camping/canoeing?

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Creating Your Camp Kitchen

April 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment

We’re halfway through April and still wondering when the ice will go out.  Especially since over the weekend the Algonquin area got another 2 inches of snow.  I’ve been keeping myself busy by working out my paddling muscles while painting my house.  I’m now starting to think about getting gear organized and ready so that when I get the chance I can just grab it and go for a weekend.  One thing that I’m constantly re-organizing every year is my camp kitchen for both base camp and canoe tripping.  Yes you read that right….I have 2 camp kitchen sets.  Today I’m here to help you create your own camp kitchen sets for your next trip (unless of course you are getting a complete outfitting package in which case this is for future reference).

Courtesy of thetoolman on Instructables.com

Courtesy of thetoolman on Instructables.com

The first thing you are going to need is something to store your camp kitchen set.  For base camp you could simply use a Rubbermaid tote or I use wooden boxes called wanigan’s that my dad made years ago.  They are just square boxes made of plywood with a lid and webbed handle.  I’m in the process of designing and building a Chuck Box or camp kitchen.  This is a box that has some shelves, drawers, and opens up to create a work space.  There are some Instructables out there on how to make a chuck box.  The ones I like are:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Chuck-Box-Camp-Kitchen (pictured)
http://www.instructables.com/id/Ultimate-Camp-Box/

Once you have your box or storage solution for your base camp kitchen you need to choose what will be a part of your kitchen set.  Here are my necessary items that everyone needs:

  1. Utensils: No brainer…we need to cook and eat with something.  You could pay for expensive items or you could do as I do and go grab what you need from the dollar store or thrift store.  I have 2 flippers, 1 slotted spoon, a whisk, vegetable peeler, paring knife, can opener, cheese grater, 4 complete sets of eating utensils, a funnel, a spatula, and cutting board.  For your cooking/eating utensils may I suggest a travel pouch or pencil case that is long enough?  
  2. Spices: This is up to you…some people cook extremely gourmet while camping.  We had friends that made a curry every summer in Pog Lake.  The only thing I suggest is to find a way to carry only what you need.  There are some tutorials on how to store spices…some involve straws and tape, others involve pill containers.  I typically take them in the containers they come in however you may want a space saving solution.
  3. Pots and Pans: You should have probably 3/4 pots and 2/3 skillets (frying pans).  If you have a stove top griddle you can include that as well.  The reason I say 3/4 pots is that you should always have one extra that is solely used as a water pot for dishes.  You should also have a kettle and stove-top coffee maker/percolator.
  4. Plates/Bowls/Serving Trays: Take 1 set per camper and some extras for serving or in case you want to only do dishes once a day.  You can take paper or plastic if you wish…just keep in mind when buying them that they should be environmentally safe.
  5. Foil/Saran Wrap/Ziplock Bags/tupperware: The foil can be used for cooking or storing leftovers.  Saran Wrap, ziplock bags,  and tupperware are great for storing items.
  6. Towels/rags/sponge: Again this is pretty obvious.  I have dollar store towels and dish clothes that I use
  7. Dish soap: I use campsuds for my dishes.  It’s biodegradable and the lavender scent is quite nice.
  8. Mugs/Cups:  Because you can’t drink coffee straight from the pot :)
  9. Juice mixes/Coffee/Tea:  Tang is my go to drink of choice while camping.  I never take frozen juices.  Sometimes I will grab the 4 pack of Tropicana orange juices that are like drinking boxes for the mornings…but typically I drink tang/water.  I store them in plastic storage containers with the instructions laminated and taped to the lid.  Coffee/tea are also stored in air tight containers.
  10. Stove:  Last but certainly not least is your stove.  Most of the time my stove is stored separately as its a little too big.  However if you have a big enough storage bin then you may be able to fit it in.

Our Site

If you are going on a canoe trip your camp kitchen is going to consist of the same basics only on a smaller/compact scale.  For example, you could always get a set of pots that fit inside of each other but now you can get a couple of different nesting cooking sets from GSI.  I like the Bugaboo Camper set:

The Bugaboo set includes everything you need for cooking and eating except for the utensils.  Everything nests and locks together so that it can fit in the bottom of someones back easily.   Check out your local outdoors store to see what GSI products that they carry as they offer a wide variety or check out the website link above.  Everything you take with you is going to be downsized to save weight and space but you can still have gourmet meals while out on a canoe trip :) .  For your coffee needs you can get a drip coffee maker that you pour hot water through as it sits on top of your mug.  The spices can still be stored the same way as well as your powdered juices.  you do need to keep in mind though that unless you are doing all your cooking on a campfire (like me), you’ll need to have a single burner stove.  Again talk to your local outfitter for their suggestions.

I hope this helps you as you start planning for the summer camping trips!  Feel free to email your questions!

~Enjoy your trip!

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Filed Under: Canoe Trips, Car Camping, Gear, General Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Where Should You Go?

April 9, 2013 by 1 Comment

It’s that time of year where most of us campers and canoers are really trying to figure out where to go for this years trip.  I myself am still trying to figure out where I want to go with my dad for our annual trip.  Here are some route ideas/suggestions for your canoe trip.

1.  Annie’s Bay or North Arm, Opeongo Lake: This is a great trip and also a very easy trip.  The reason I say easy is because you can eliminate all the hard work by taking a water taxi up to either part of Opeongo Lake.  The taxi will take you directly to your site and then you go from there.

2.  Canoe to Teepee Lake to Tom Thomson: I have recommended Canoe Lake as a starting point many times.  There’s a reason for this.  Canoe Lake is one of the most popular take off spots in Algonquin.  If you are a first timer and aren’t quite comfortable going into the wilderness then you will be surrounded by other canoers and cottagers so you don’t feel quite so alone.  This route is probably less travelled compared to Canoe to Burnt Island but this trip has less portages (makes me happier!).  There may be some beaver dams built along the rivers but other than that its mostly paddling.

3.  Barron Canyon:  This is the trip that I want to do this year.  I’ve hiked it when I was 11/12 but I’ve never had the chance to canoe it.    The thing about the Barron Canyon is that it is a one way trip.  You will need a shuttle between Squirrel Rapids and the Parking lot at the Achray Access point.  You will encounter quite a few portages as you go from Grand Lake down to the Brigham Chute however most people camp between Sutton Lake or Opalescent Lake.  This is probably like a 2 to 3 day trip.

4.  Kingscote Lake:  This is more of a paddle in site trip rather than a canoe trip.  This lake is accesible from the town of Haliburton at the southern point of the park.  This is another trip that I want to do.  The thing about this trip is you paddle in to your site and then you have the option to just sit around and relax or go for day trips.

These are just some ideas for you to get the wheels turning.  There are a ton of options all around the park that you can access.

~Enjoy your trip

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