There’s more to Ontario’s largest provincial park than just the great outdoors.

For gallery goers, Algonquin Park’s unique Visitor Centre (km 43) offers an opportunity to view the very best art from local, national and international artists specializing in nature and wildlife in the Algonquin Room. This winter’s no exception – on show currently is a delightful display "CATHEDRAL OF THE SUN" by Paul Stevenson. A native of St. Thomas Ontario, Paul now lives in Dutton with his wife Donna, where they have a log cabin gallery called Northern Landscapes. Paul has been camping and canoeing in Algonquin Park since 1967.  He started painting in the park in 1970.  Since then, he has painted coast to coast in Canada and as far north as Yellowknife.  He has travelled throughout the world but his passion has always been the Canadian Wilderness. 

His one-man show entitled "CATHEDRAL OF THE SUN" can be viewed at the Visitors Centre in Algonquin Park until June 28, 2003.

More indoor fun can also be had viewing the Centre’s exhibits related to the Park's natural and human history. The Centre, opened in 1993 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of  Algonquin Park and the entire Ontario provincial park system, also has a restaurant, and a bookstore is open on winter weekends and daily over the Christmas holiday.

(The Algonquin Park Visitors Centre will be open to Dec. 23 each weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dec. 27 - 30 daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Jan. 6, the Centre will be open weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Another great place to view some wonderful works by a variety of artists during the spring, summer and fall seasons is the Algonquin Gallery, located at what was the park’s original museum at km 20. The Algonquin Gallery’s hard to miss – just look for the Turtle Pond located in front of the Gallery, featuring a number of exquisite turtles sculpted by renowned sculptor Kevin Hockley.

Visitors will also want to stop in at the Gallery Café and the Gallery Boutique. The café offers a full menu featuring venison sausage, fresh-cut fries, barbecued items, cappuccino and espresso. The boutique features original artwork, limited edition prints, reference books and a wide range of Algonquin-related souvenirs.

Admission to the Gallery is $7 for adults, and $6 for seniors and students (children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult). For further details, call 1-800-989-6540 or (705) 635-3951.

Outdoor fun for all

For those wanting to experience a little of the winter wonderland that Algonquin Park becomes once snow arrives, a variety of activities are offered. Skiers can enjoy the exhilaration of skiing through the winter woods, over ridges and down long hardwood hills. Along the way, you’ll see the tracks of deer, moose, otter, fox and wolves… and, occasionally, the animals themselves. Birds such as the Common Raven, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee and colourful winter finches are also frequently seen.

Algonquin boasts more than 100 kms of superb cross-country ski trails, not to mention countless snowshoeing possibilities. Three excellent ski trails are to be found along the Highway 60 Corridor, with loops ranging from five to 24 kms. Dogsledding opportunities, offered by commercial operators, are available at three locations in the Park (two along Highway 60 and one in the northwest section accessible from the village of South River on Hwy 11). Highway 60 is ploughed and sanded all winter, and the Mew Lake Campground is available for the intrepid winter camper (complete with a heated comfort station).