TIPS AND INFO

Here are some tips and tricks from our Blog!

If you want to enjoy the park the most then take advantage of the campgrounds that offer you access to a lake, hiking trails, museums and more.
If you truly are interested on doing a canoe trip and have never done one before, the best suggestion would be to do a base camp that is maybe two lakes in. That way if you decide you don’t like it after all you aren’t canoing back a long ways.
Opeongo is not a lake that should be tackled by beginners unless you plan on using a water taxi. That lake is so unpredictable weather wise its easy to get caught in the elements.
Cedar Lake is definately becoming a hot spot for canoer’s to go. Even though its 6+ hours away from Toronto everyone this year wants to go there.
The wildlife do not have a set schedule as to when they appear. Always keep your eyes open because you’ll never know when the rangers let them out ;)
Bears are home in the park. However they don’t eat the same food that you and I do. Keep your campsite clean and the food in your car so that the bears don’t get it.
Enjoy your time in the park it may not last forever.
Keep your campsite clean and make sure it’s clean before you leave.
Only bring stuff that is completely bio-degradable and good for the environment.
Foil does not burn…..bring it out with you in some places it’s recyclable
Freeze dried foods might not taste the best but there is less waste with them and its quick to prepare.
Stay on the marked portage. Don’t go off course to get around someone. We’ll all get there in our own time.
Can’s and bottles are not allowed in the interior so DON’T BRING THEM! There are tetra packs available now for wines. Pour your wine/beer into a plastic container.
If you bring food like steak or another kind of meat please make sure that your grill and cooking area is clean. The bears do not need people food…it really isn’t good for them.
Speaking of wildlife…..leave it alone. If you see an abandoned beaver lodge, dam or even turtles on a log leave them be. You can ruin an animals natural habitat.
Use your common sense. If you think it might hurt something then don’t do it.
DON’T CUT DOWN TREES FOR FIREWOOD. USE WOOD ON THE FOREST FLOOR THAT IS DEAD!!!!
If you are new to Algonquin Park dont try to overdo it. Take your time and dont push it. Start off with a couple of days instead of doing a 7 day trip. You’ll enjoy it more.
Pack only what you need. Dont over pack. You may think you need it but in the long run its one extra thing to carry and that weight can add up.
Eat the fresh meat in the first couple of days of your trip and freeze things like burgers, hot dogs. Stuff that freezes well. They will act like ice packs.
When going on a backpacking or canoe trip don’t take a cooler with you. Freeze dried foods are great and they dont weigh that much. Also take with you powdered juice mixes instead of premade due to the fact again they are lighter and easier to pack.
If you are renting a canoe and you’re going on a trip that has a lot of portages opt for the lightest canoe you can get. It will cost you more but in the long run you will enjoy not having sore muscles after a long day of portages. Featherweight Carbon/Kevlars are some of the lightest canoes you will find.
Enjoy the great outdoors. Take time to look at the scenery. Read a good book, listen to relaxing music on your iPod. Take the time to be alone with nature. If you want go for a quiet paddle at sunrise/sunset. That is the most relaxing time to canoe.