This was an amazing trip, Algonquin is just huge and there is so much to see. It started off a little rough for time but everything worked out ok. We made it on the day and because you don’t need to check in when visiting Algonquin it made things even easier.
This was our first time using the other car to go camping and the only real thing that needs improving is the bed situation. I have some ideas that I believe will work nicely in the Nissan Kicks. This will be a small camper for us to use, it will carry our gear and primarily act as the bed. We keep talking about alternatives such as pulling a small trailer or buying a van etc., although it seems that we really don’t need much and a small car should be enough as long as we can sleep comfortably and shelter from weather as needed.
I had no idea how little I understood about Algonquin, until we got there. My goodness, the vastness of the forest as your driving through is mesmerizing. We caught sight of a moose as we drove in, it was late and it was red eyes and shape of face, nothing more. How we were moving by marker through the park and this single road takes you to the start of your own journey. We came in alone and again was I wrong as to the use of these spaces. It is remarkable to me how much I’ve misunderstood and overlooked what is right next to me.
On our way I got to see a friend I have not seen in quite some time. It was really nice getting to see her. We made a brief stop in Toronto for this visit and really I wish I had more time to spend with her.
She was kind enough to also give us some Jollof Rice to take with us which really hit the spot as we had it with dinner at the campsite on Saturday evening. It was so good!
Now, I know what it tastes like and can recreate it!
It seemed as if this was a haven for Blue Jays, they were in abundance and you can see and hear them everywhere. They were so active at the campground that they acted almost like how you would imagine chipmunks, coming right to the site and approaching you for a treat. I never feed any of the wild animals so it was interesting. Large amounts of crows seemed to fly through quite a bit as well. There were also 2 families of American Black ducks that every morning and evening come to the shores of the lakes to collect treats from people. I managed to get some cool photos and again did not feed the ducks either.
We had a family staying next to us during our trip, the kids were so excited to feed the ducks in the morning that it is easy to understand how it happens. We were able to tell them the kind of duck they were feeding and about their babies. I find it is an easy way to talk to strangers as they are (for the most part) just as oblivious as I am and are curious to learn something new as well. Although from our conversations we did learn there are a few trails that have booklets on the trail to provide knowledge as well.
Way to go, Ontario, I have to say, I am continually impressed that there are so many of these spaces and the size of our Province is deceiving.
Also got to hear and see loons which was really nice as we had yet to tag one in our list.
I also managed to get some cool images of a Great Blue Heron, including video of it hunting on the shore and catching a fish. These birds are so methodical and patient it’s amazing to watch.
We decided to start heading out on some trails and realized very quickly that even the loops are quite long and will take some time. Ran into a couple while walking a trail and learned from them that they were returning from a three day walk on that trail. After about 2 km we decided to turn around and not commit to such an adventure this time. The idea is however to take one of those trails and see what kind of adventure we can have in the future.
Turning around was the best decision we made, these trails are made to traverse one way and bring you back to your starting point. This was not the place to experiment and go blindly so i am very happy that we realized where we were and thought.
We learned a bit about the birds of Algonquin while we were there as well and learned some rather horrible stories about how the birds in the park are changing and declining due to the fact that they are having a hard time wintering in the park now that temperatures are not staying as low as they once did. They Canada Jay, or as some call it, the Grey Jay is really interesting and slowly disappearing from the park which is the southern border of their habitat. These birds store their food in small coolers and freezers they make so they can collect and eat over the winter. Now that the winter isn’t as long the food is not lasting and the birds can’t maintain. It’s very sad. Below is an image of what a Canada Jay looks like, the photo is not mine.
Adults are gray overall with a white head and dark nape. Juveniles are dark sooty-gray with a white mustache stripe. Some variation across range; Rocky Mountain birds are palest. A bird of northern latitudes and high elevations; found in coniferous forests and clearings. Almost always in pairs or small family groups. Known for friendly, inquisitive behavior. Often seen around campgrounds and roadsides, looking for food handouts. Voice consists of variable soft, husky notes.
We have also been trying to take some photos of some plants while we are out now. I have been having fun trying to get decent enough photos that we can look at when we are at home and maybe identify some flowers or some fungi.
eBird checklists
Algonquin Provincial Park–Mew Lake Campground – 10 species
Algonquin Provincial Park–Mew Lake Campground – 7 species
Mew Lake Campground Site 79 – 8 species
GPS Track
Mew Lake Map
- Mew Lake Campground is located at km 30.8 of Highway 60.
- Latitude/Longitude: 45.577837°, -78.513652°
We stayed at site 79 on this trip.
Mew Lake Campground | Algonquin Provincial Park | The Friends of Algonquin Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is a provincial park located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River in Ontario, Canada, mostly within the Unorganized South Part of Nipissing District. Established in 1893, it is the oldest provincial park in Canada. Additions since its creation have increased the park to its current size of about 7,653 square kilometres. The park is contiguous with several smaller, administratively separate provincial parks that protect important rivers in the area, resulting in a larger total protected area.