Algonquin Park

[Sahria]

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Algonquin this summer, in the second week of July. I was a little overwhelmed by the Ontario Parks site and have no idea which area to book in. We've only ever been to Wheatley and Pinery so we're looking for campground style camping. Are there areas that are more preferable for birding and hiking? We're planning on four nights (that's all I could talk him into) and we're bringing our dog. Ontario Parks started taking reservations this morning so I've gone into my excited planning mode.

[cabz]

Where to start??  Oh boy, place one can go on for hours abouty!!!!!!!!  I would suggest trying to camp in either Canisbay or Pog Lake, Pog down along the river, Section C??  Old Airfield behind Mew Lake especially early mornings good for birds and wildlife.   Go on the Birding trip which is held there.  Early July, things are quietening down as nesting is coming to an end, but that does not mean you will not see alot.  Like all birding, right time, right place. But if you ever get the chance, go in August and hopefully they hold a wolf howl and it is successful.  Some of the best memories of camping in Algonquin.  Hope you enjoy your stay.

[Sahria]

Thanks for the info. The place is so huge that I had no idea where to begin. I've been looking forward to a trip there for quite some time now.

[feathered]

Most of the trails along the Highway 60 corridor are great for birding. The Airfield is great, as is the Spruce Bog trail. The feeders at the Visitor's Centre (and the Centre itself) are worth a look because some rare finds occasionally pop up there, and there is a big whiteboard for people to record sightings of rare birds (and also moose/bear sightings) throughout the park. I was up at one of the research stations this past May and we had great luck just about everywhere we went, including a pair of Barred Owl along Arowhon Road.

[Brian Bailey]

I'd second the Pog Lake section "C".  It's centrally located within the Hwy 60 corridor, close to many hiking trails.  You can also paddle or bike for miles in either direction (without portaging) right from the campground.  Pog Lake campground has 3 sections and "C" is by far the nicest:  large, level campsites with an unusually good level of privacy.

I haven't been there in a few years, but I doubt it's changed much.

BB

[Rob'in'To]

Friends of mine were up in Algonquin in August and while it is beautiful up there, the complaint they had was the over-abundance of people.  They felt with the steady stream/presence of people, they saw little wildlife.  Then, returning in September, after school was back in, it was quite different, less people, more wildlife sightings.

I've only ever been twice, both in cold months, to see the Gray Jays.  So, I can't give my own opinion of warm months up there.

[Sahria]

I would love to go in the early fall but we just don't have the time this year. It's quite a drive for us. Hopefully next year! I've looked at the maps and from the suggestions I think we'll go for Pog Lake. Thanks everyone for your input. It does seem a little crowded though, but we'll be spending most of our time hiking and exploring. 59 days until Spring!