Algonquin Provincial Park 
Access
From Toronto, northwards on Highways 400 and 11 to Huntsville, then eastwards on Highway 60 into the Park.
Facilities
In Algonquin Provincial Park there arenumerous campgrounds and picnic areas. In addition there are lodges for anglers and hunters as well as some outfitters.
Algonquin Provincial Park, the second largest of its kind in Canada, stretches to the southeast of North Bay and south of the upper reaches of the Ottawa River.
From Toronto, northwards on Highways 400 and 11 to Huntsville, then eastwards on Highway 60 into the Park.
Facilities
In Algonquin Provincial Park there arenumerous campgrounds and picnic areas. In addition there are lodges for anglers and hunters as well as some outfitters.
Algonquin Provincial Park, the second largest of its kind in Canada, stretches to the southeast of North Bay and south of the upper reaches of the Ottawa River.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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This forest area, studded with more than 2,400 lakes, gets its name from the Algonquin Indian tribe who lived here and indeed still do.
A start was made on developing this vast area in the 19th c., when it was extensively cultivated. From time to time there have been catastrophic forest fires, and since 1893 continuous attempts have been made to safeguard the threatened forests.
Forest
The subsoil of the park is of granite. The forest itself is a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, with spruce, Scots pine and maple predominating. It is especially beautiful here in the "Indian summer", in early autumn when the leaves are changing color. It is here that the artist Tom Thomson and his "Group of Seven" are said to have been particularly inspired.
Fauna
A large variety of fauna inhabit Algonquin Provincial Park: bears, deer, wolves, otters and musk rats are only a few of the many mammals found here. In the rivers and lakes numerous fish are at play, including various species of salmon and trout. The banks of the lakes and brooks as well as many other areas are home to numerous kinds of birds.
Algonquin Indians
Originally the Algonquin lived in the region between the sources of the Mississippi and the St Lawrence River in enclosed villages with houses roofed with thatch and bark. As skilled gatherers, fishers and hunters they were able to exploit to the full the potential of the woodlands. They also knew how to clear the land and grow crops of maize.
Their lives were shattered from the 17th c. onwards when the white man arrived in the forests of eastern Canada, as well as through increasing conflicts with the neighboring Mic-Mac tribe, who had been driven from the lowlands of the St Lawrence by European colonists from the Atlantic coast. The Algonquin bartered furs for tools and cheap knick-knacks from Europe.
Canoeing
Because of its many waterways Algonquin Provincial Park is very popular with canoeists. There are more than 1600 km / 1000 mi of rivers and lakes marked out for those keen on this sport.
A start was made on developing this vast area in the 19th c., when it was extensively cultivated. From time to time there have been catastrophic forest fires, and since 1893 continuous attempts have been made to safeguard the threatened forests.
Forest
The subsoil of the park is of granite. The forest itself is a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, with spruce, Scots pine and maple predominating. It is especially beautiful here in the "Indian summer", in early autumn when the leaves are changing color. It is here that the artist Tom Thomson and his "Group of Seven" are said to have been particularly inspired.
Fauna
A large variety of fauna inhabit Algonquin Provincial Park: bears, deer, wolves, otters and musk rats are only a few of the many mammals found here. In the rivers and lakes numerous fish are at play, including various species of salmon and trout. The banks of the lakes and brooks as well as many other areas are home to numerous kinds of birds.
Algonquin Indians
Originally the Algonquin lived in the region between the sources of the Mississippi and the St Lawrence River in enclosed villages with houses roofed with thatch and bark. As skilled gatherers, fishers and hunters they were able to exploit to the full the potential of the woodlands. They also knew how to clear the land and grow crops of maize.
Their lives were shattered from the 17th c. onwards when the white man arrived in the forests of eastern Canada, as well as through increasing conflicts with the neighboring Mic-Mac tribe, who had been driven from the lowlands of the St Lawrence by European colonists from the Atlantic coast. The Algonquin bartered furs for tools and cheap knick-knacks from Europe.
Canoeing
Because of its many waterways Algonquin Provincial Park is very popular with canoeists. There are more than 1600 km / 1000 mi of rivers and lakes marked out for those keen on this sport.
Things to See
Algonquin Art Centre
The Algonquin Art Centre, located at km 20 near the main campgrounds in the park, is a must see for visitors interested in nature and Canadian art. The Algonquin Art Centre is housed in a beautifully restored stone building that was once the Algonquin Park museum. The Algonquin Art Centre has an indoor gallery consisting of three wings featuring artwork by some of Canada's leading artists. After your visit you many feel you have learned about nature through the eyes of an artist.
Another interesting feature of the Algonquin Art Centre is the outdoor gallery. It is set among the pine trees and well manicured lawns and is a pleasant spot to linger or have a picnic lunch.
Another interesting feature of the Algonquin Art Centre is the outdoor gallery. It is set among the pine trees and well manicured lawns and is a pleasant spot to linger or have a picnic lunch.
Algonquin Visitor Centre
The Algonquin Visitor Centre was opened in 1993 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Algonquin Park and the entire Ontario provincial park system. The park's history is presented through exhibits, dioramas, theater presentations and a panoramic view of the landscape.
Art Gallery of Bancroft
The Art Gallery of Bancroft is located in the restored train station and features works by local and regional artists. The gallery offers changing exhibitions throughout the year.
Also of interest is the building itself. The station still retains its original stamped tin ceiling.
Also of interest is the building itself. The station still retains its original stamped tin ceiling.
Bancroft
In the Madawaska Valley on the southern edge of the Algonquin Provincial Park lies the busy little town of Bancroft. In recent years Bancroft has developed into a popular holiday resort. Experts have found some beautiful minerals in the surrounding countryside, which geologically forms part of the Canadian Shield.
Gem and Mineral Show / Rockhound Gemboree
In August every year a mineral exhibition is held in Bancroft, attended by many people interested in precious stones.
The Bancroft Gem and Mineral Show is claimed to be one fo the largest gem shows in Canada attracting dealers and collectors from across Canada. Running concurently with the gem show is the Mineral Capital Stone Carver's Show and Symposium.
The Bancroft Gem and Mineral Show is claimed to be one fo the largest gem shows in Canada attracting dealers and collectors from across Canada. Running concurently with the gem show is the Mineral Capital Stone Carver's Show and Symposium.
Kiosk
The former village of Kiosk forms the northern entrance to Algonquin Provincial Park. It is a favorite spot for anglers looking for trout.
North Hastings Heritage Museum
The North Hastings Heritage Museum displays a variety of items including medical equipment, a mineral collection, and Victorian costumes. The museum also recounts the history of the town.
The museum is housed in a log cabin which was built in 1879.
The museum is housed in a log cabin which was built in 1879.
More Canada Resources
- Ontario tours & things to do by Viator
