Ever considered camping In Algonquin for March Break?

This is the first day of March Break for most families across Canada. For many people, March Break means a quiet stay-cation near the homestead. But for others, this is an opportunity to show the kids a part of the world without taking away from their time at school.

If a vacation is on your March Break agenda, where do you plan to go? Is your family itching to see a big city, rich in history with some of the most popular tourist attractions in the world? Or is this the time to get away from the city, and spend a week surrounded by nothing but nature?

What About A Trip To Algonquin National Park?

The oldest national park in Canada, Algonquin is one of the most popular natural tourist destinations in the entire country. The operators of the park allow families to drive into developed campgrounds near the borders, or choose to venture deep into the bush for an interior camping adventure.

These interior campsites are marked by park operators, and you can book one or more of these sites for the duration of your stay in the park. In the summer, these internal campsites can be reached by canoe. Algonquin holds over 2,000km of interconnected lakes and rivers, providing some of the greatest canoeing in the entire country.

In the winter, or the thawing period between winter and spring, interior sites can be accessed by ski, snowshoe, or if enough snow has melted, basic hiking. You can move to different sites each day or remain at one spot for your entire stay in the park. But you will need to plan ahead by booking these spots with Ontario Parks.

What Does It Cost To Stay In Algonquin?

The cost to stay in Algonquin depends on how long you plan to be there.

• A day pass costs $16/day most of the year, as well as during March Break.
• Overnight stay at developed campgrounds near park borders permits 6 people and 1 vehicle at a cost ranging from $38 to $50, depending on the lake
• A Yurt accommodates 6 people; contains bunk beds, electric heating, outdoor fire pit at a cost of $97.18 – plus a $100 refundable deposit
• If you want the thrill of camping without feeling completely isolated, you can stay at the Whitefish Group Campground for $71.19/night a site – youth groups go for $35.90/night
• Backpacking to one of the interior sites costs only $11.87/person each night. Children 17 and under get in for only $5.09/person each night
• You can book cabins for $62.15 to $137.47 a night, or $365.84 to $914.75 for the week

What About Camping Gear?

Winter camping and backpacking gear may not have been made specifically for March Break vacationers visiting Algonquin, but you can still reap the benefits. You will need to invest in winter tents and winter sleeping bags, which are resistant to cold weather and harsher elements than gear used in the summer.

This time of year is also a great time to rely on igloos or snow caves for warmth. These types of shelters are built thick and are strong enough to withstand extreme wind chills or heavy snowstorms. Many campers also use what’s known as a bivouac sack, which is an extra layer of insulation wrapped around a sleeping bag to provide additional warmth out in the wilderness.

Always remember to pack extra layers like wool sweaters and thick pants to protect your body from the cold. A camper who is unprepared for the elements could succumb to frostbite or hypothermia.

If you need any additional gear at the last minute or want some advice from park employees, you can stop at the Algonquin Portage – Store and Outfitters, which is located only a few kilometres from the entry point at Algonquin Outfitters Opeongo Lake. This is also the location where you rent canoes for summer travel into the park.

Any Last Bits of Advice?

The thing about camping, especially in a place as remote as Algonquin, is that you need to be prepared for the unexpected. To add a little peace of mind, remember to sign up for travel insurance before arriving at the park. This way, should you or a member of your family suddenly be faced with a medical emergency, you can call for evacuation out of the park without worrying about the cost.

Take a look at some of the pictures of Algonquin on the park’s official website. There are dozens of pictures of the various lakes and rivers running through the park, and you can also utilize the park’s virtual webcam to get a live view of the site today. This will also help you see how huge some of the trees are in the park. If you’re from the city and think you’ve seen tall trees, you’ll be amazed at what is waiting for you.

There’s a reason Algonquin was named a National Historic Site of Canada. This is one of the most incredible locations in the country. Staring up at the stars at night or watching the sun rise over the horizon both are memories that will stay with you forever.

If you want to have a little adventure on March Break, choose Algonquin National Park. It’s a getaway, an adventure, a bonding experience, and an incredible way to appreciate the natural wonders of Canada.