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Summer Road Trip Guide: Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park
Algonquin Park
 
 
There’s something about escaping the city for a few days that really does something to a person, especially if you take a trip to majestic Algonquin. I say majestic because I seriously felt like I was in a whole new world as soon as I entered the national park. Driving through Algonquin is like stepping through the closet and into Narnia. You are confronted with stunning views and the most peaceful quietness of nature.
 
Algonquin Park
Algonquin Park outdoors fun
Algonquin Park photo
Algonquin Park photo
Algonquin Park wildlife
 
 
Being Canadian, born and raised only 4 hours from this place I can’t believe it took me this long to get here! I was lucky enough to be invited by some friends to a water access only Cottage on Rock Lake in the south west side of the National Park. Now I say cottage but don’t be confused with the fancy cottages that we are used to seeing in Muskoka, this cottage was completely different in the best way. With one main cottage surrounded by five mini sleeping cabins, it was like a mini resort with no power.
 
Algonquin Park Chalet Camp pic
Algonquin Park Chalet Camp pic
Algonquin Park Chalet Camp photo
Algonquin Park Chalet Camp photo
Algonquin Park canoe photo
Algonquin Park photo
 
 
The drive was not as long as I expected either. With the Wayhome music festival happening in Barrie over the weekend we decided that it would be best to take the back roads on the east side of Lake Simcoe instead of highway 400 to avoid any traffic. We took 48 to 12 and then hooked back onto highway 11 in Orillia. From there we took 11 through Gravenhurst, and Bracebrige, we stopped in Hunstville to get some gas. The good part about stopping in Huntsville is that we were able to go through the town and get on highway 60, which takes you right into the park! Once in the park it is easy to find your way once you know your destination. Trust me when I say that the drive is worth it, however long it takes you! Just look at all the beautiful fun we had!
 
Algonquin Park boating photo
Algonquin paddle boat fun photo
Algonquin relax photo
Algonquin relax photo
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algonquin25
 
The first day that we got there it rained causing for a pretty amazing morning the next day. Waking up in this peaceful escape blanketed by a sheet of fog was breathtaking. The views were spectacular. Just shear forest for as far as we could see, and a few cliffs mixed in as well. On the land that we were staying on there was this tree that had fallen down. Sinking into the water it gave off a very surreal feeling during the foggy morning that was simply beautiful. I have never been immersed into nature on this level before, and I cannot wait to experience it again. This is one trip that I will never forget!
 
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Algonquin30
Algonquin4
 
It’s not everyday that you see a sunset like this!
 
Algonquin Sunset photo
 
Photos by Rachel Hawtin