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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 by local artist Herschel
Payne called Whispering Winds: An Algonquin Symphony, featuring images
captured by the artist during his travels across Algonquin by
canoe and snowshoe. Payne recorded these motifs in oil paint
on a series of wood panels, many of which later became the
larger canvasses currently on display. (Payne’s work will be
on display each weekend through to April 21, and then daily
from April 27 to June 27.)
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. 5, 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)
788-1223.
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).
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