Location
Algonquin Park is about a four-hour drive north of Toronto. 
 

General description

	Catriona enjoys a campfire barbecue.  Photo: Channel 9

Call of the Wild has been operating wilderness canoe trips in the park since 1983 and, as there are 2500 freshwater lakes within the park, there is quite a choice.

The south-western two-thirds of the park is thick with maple and birch trees, and they are the ones that turn orange, red, purple and yellow before dropping their leaves. The north-eastern section of the park is primarily pine and poplar, cedar and spruce. 

The park is home to 260 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, including moose, white tailed deer, beavers and wolves, 20 species of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 1000 kinds of plants. There are about 2000 black bears living in the park, but they are very shy and rarely seen. 

There are 29 access points that act as gateways, and inside there are more than 1500 wilderness campsites, 1500km of canoe routes and 170km of backpacking trails. 

Most of the lakes are accessible only by foot or canoe, and this allows you to appreciate the beauty of the park right in the very heart of it. 

Logging has been an integral part of the park’s history since it was started in 1893. Logging companies actually asked the government to include their land as part of the park so it was protected from settlers who were clearing land for farms. The logging is out of sight, but it still goes on. 

Call of the Wild Tours will arrange a canoe/camping trip to suit your needs and length of stay. The two-people canoes are quite large and are made of kevlar, a material lighter and stronger than fibreglass. They supply camping equipment, transportation to and from Toronto, a guide, park entry permits and all meals. All you need to take is your sleeping bag, hiking boots and personal effects. For winter trips there are cabins that sleep up to eight — they have wood burning stoves and picnic tables, but no shower or toilet facilities. 

Everyone chips in and helps with the preparation of the camp — setting up tents, cooking and cleaning-up after the good, hearty meals. 

The Visitors’ Centre has exhibits of the park’s history, a restaurant, bookstore and art exhibit. There is also a theatre where you can see a presentation on the park, and a viewing deck for panoramic views of the landscape. 
 

	Paddle through the misting lakes.  Photo: Channel 9

Cost

Adventure World has three-day canoe trips, including transfers from Toronto, camping gear, canoes, meals and a guide, starting from $343 per person. Tours run from June to September.

Canadian Airlines flies to Toronto. Return economy airfares start at $2234 from the east coast, $2554 from Adelaide and $3034 from Perth. 

For more information

Canadian Airlines – for information and reservations 1300 655 767

Canada Travel Information Service

02 9954 3377

General Canada Information
www.canada.trav.net

Call of the Wild
http://www.CallOfTheWild.ca

Adventure World 02 9956 7766

Please note The Australian company Adventure World has no link to the Swiss company of the same name involved in the recent tragedy in Interlaken.

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