Algonquin Provincial Park, the crown jewel of Ontario's park system, covers 3,500 square miles. The park was created in 1893 to serve as a wildlife sanctuary for animals such as moose, wolves, black bears, white-tailed deer, and over 250 species of birds.

Summer is undoubtedly the busiest time of year, with RVs and canoes streaming into the park. Reservations for campsites are a must through Ontario Parks, so plan ahead. Moose sightings are the norm in May and June, often right off the highway. The virtual size of the park allows for an easy reconnection with nature.

Access the park by Highway 60, the corridor which runs east to west through the south end of the park. Expect to make numerous stops along the route at lookouts. Track & Tower, Booth's Rock, and Hardwood Lookout offer stunning vistas and are easily accessible from the road. Keep in mind that all vehicles must have a valid permit to stop in or use the park.

Cooler nights and fewer insects make fall a great time to camp. The options are endless; take a week and explore the furthest reaches of the park, or just overnight at a family-friendly site like Canisbay Lake. For something completely different, inquire about staying in a yurt—an eight-sided, 16-foot-wide structure with a wooden floor. But be sure to plan ahead—there are only eight available for rent in the park.

Late September gives way to a true spectacle, with Red Oaks and Tamaracks the last to show signs of the changing season. Call the park office in advance to get updates on when peak colors can be expected.

The Visitor's Center opened in 1993 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the park, and offers an engaging examination of the park's history and wildlife. A short video presented in the theatre communicates the delicate balance that exists and how to properly sustain it.

The Algonquin Logging Museum sits closer to the East Gate and reveals the long history the park has with logging. Even before the park was established in 1893, most of the white pines had been cut down. The outdoor exhibits show a logging camp and more on a one-mile loop.

How to get there:
Access is primarily through the south end of the park off Highway 60. The West Gate lies just east of Dwight, and the East Gate is close to the town of Whitney.

Where to stay:
Reservations for camping in the park can be made through the following website: www.ontarioparks.com/english/algo.html.

For more creature comforts, the 70-year-old Killarney Lodge is inside the West Gate. Log cabins are just feet from the Lake of Two Rivers. Each cabin is allocated a canoe for their personal use. Check out the on-site art gallery. Rates from $224 (Canadian) per person.

Where to eat:
The Portage Store overlooks Canoe Lake and offers a full menu, including homemade burgers and fresh pies.

Outfitters:
The Portage Store has been outfitting canoeists since 1937. Complete planning, guided trips, and canoe delivery available.

Algonquin Outfitters operates from within the park and just outside the West Gate.