This is one for everyone’s bucket list. We have visited a few places during our travels, but few of them qualify for must see / experience locations. Lets just start off by saying Algonquin is amazing, far beyond any expectations we had going in. Far beyond what these words and photos can portray.
ohhh and, there is only one way to see the park- from a Canoe.
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We didn’t waste any time, and lined up a Canoe for our first day. The rentals are reasonable at under $30 per day for a lightweight Fiberglass Canoe. If you line up your rental at an outfitter outside the park, it is about half price, and they will deliver it for free to the most popular Lake- Canoe Lake.
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Canoe’s are serious business around here, a rental shop has about 10 different types of vessels for rent. When you are portaging a canoe, such as I am above, weight is a serious issue.
Taxi! Taxi!
This is how busy Canoe Lake is
Busy Canoe Lake
As we only had one day, we set our sights on paddling across Canoe Lake, portaging to Joe Lake and finding a place to stop for lunch and then reversing the plan back home.
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So we made it across Canoe Lake, successfully portaged the short 300 M to Joe Lake, and launched into Joe Lake, and were met with glassy, peaceful, non canoe invested waters.
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total silence
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Algonquin is famous for its backcountry, canoe in Camping. You can travel for weeks by canoe. Algonquin is home to 2,400 lakes and 1,200 kilometers of streams and rivers. We were on the water for 6.5 hours and only saw two lakes! With more time, or backcountry camping equipment we could have made it to Tom Thomson Lake. There is always next time, I guess.
Take everything as it comes; the wave passes, deal with the next one – Tom Thomson
We found an unoccupied campsite and stopped for lunch.
Lunch time, on an island on Joe Lake
You have to pack absolutely everything in with you, and of course pack it all back out.
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Lunch time views.
We explored Joe Lake after lunch, and then it was time to head back.
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Joe Lake back to Canoe Lake Portage
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The weather was spectacular, blue skies and 28 degrees.
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We wrapped up our Canoeing day with sore shoulders and cold beers!
The next morning we were greeted by an army of Mosquitos. We could see them lined up at the screens on our windows, waiting for their breakfast. We flanked the first platoon, and were hit hard by the second platoon. After bathing in bug spray, we set off for the day.
We visited the visitor’s center, went for a walk, drove around in search of Moose, and checked out the outdoor Logging Museum. Algonquin has a very rich Logging history, they still allow commercial logging in the park today.
The many lakes in Algonquin
We were unsure what to expect at the Logging Museum, but it is included with your daily $17 entrance fee, so we wanted to have a look.
Camboose Shanty
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I can only imagine the smell of 52 un showered men sleeping together in this building.
Roof construction was very cool
Cadge Crib.
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Pure Beauty!
Alligator, which replaced the Cadge Crib
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The next few exhibits were some more modern logging equipment (1950’s)
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Really, you must visit Algonquin Provincial Park!
No Regrets 
Putting it on my list right now!
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You will not be disappointed.
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To have developed such a love for the outdoors and the experiences that go along with it. These memories are missed by so many. You are just enjoying and realizing how absolutely wonderful it is to be a Canadian. I noticed that you didn’t think it wise to wear your sunglasses while canoeing!! Don’t blame you but that would have been a time to have the elastic band around the back of your head attached to each arm of the glasses. Wish we were there…. this time is going fast but at the same time slow as we prepare for our journey. Hugs to you both.
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Glasses were off because they kept fogging up!
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Awesome pics I love that place
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It is a very special place indeed.
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