Introduction

Something I’ve always told myself is that “You start to die the moment you choose to stop learning”. A bit grim but it is something that keeps me going. Life does get tough and in the way a lot of the time but throughout each and every day, I learn something new and that is something I revel. Everything from formal education in an institute to the small things I didn’t know about… everything I suppose. I’m even learning how to code right now as I type this. Crazy huh? Thus, what began this series I will be making as I continue to enjoy life here in Southern Ontario. So Welcome.

Anyway, since my beloved and I made our way to Algonguin over the weekend (August 13-15 2022) and there was a lot of explore. A world away from the GTA but eerily similar. Kind of like a hard mode for anyone living on the shores of Lake Ontario. Anyway, since it was my first time up that far north (Sudbury doesn’t count), I wanted to document the various features of Natural Ontario and the Shield through the eyes of someone who hasn’t been here all that long.

Basic Information about the Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is a park in Ontario, located about 3.5 hours North of Toronto or 2 hours West of Ottawa. (45.8N, 73.4W). It can be accessed primarily via Highway 60. It spans about 7635 sq km across the border between Southern Ontario, the Northern half and the border with Quebec. Within the southern half of the Nipissing district, the park itself is considered a twilight zone between deciduous and conifer-dominated forests according to the official Friends of Algonquin website.

Figure 1. Algonquin’s location in Ontario. Made with Open Street Map.

Figure 2. Where we went within Algonquin Provincial Park. Made with Open Street Map.

Figure 3. Digital Elevation Model of Algonquin Park with contour lines (Made via QGIS and Ontario Geohub because I wanted to show off to be honest).

Initially intended as a trip for a group of friends and ourselves, it turned into a couple’s weekend away plus a side of field research for yours truly. Keep reading to see what we found at each location listed in figure 2. It was an absolute blast for the senses and a world I never thought I’d get the chance to immerse myself in. Definitely be going back.

NB: If I have identified anything wrong here, please feel free to comment using the Rpubs black toolbar feature at the bottom of the screen if you haven’t deleted it already. Most if not all the identifications I have made here were with the help of Inaturalist and the support of the lovely community there.

What did I find?

Raccoon Lake

Our accommodation was here at the less than appropriately named lake. Hence, we are using the renamed Raccoon Lake. Uncomfortable conventions aside, the location looked to be rather befitting for canoeing, kayaking, swimming and the long centennial trail that led north of the campsite. Our time budget didn’t allow for such a long hike but alas, there is always next time like I said. There were a few interesting specimens we came across at our particular spot alone…

Figure 4a. A Cheeky Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)

There’s actually a bit of a story with this one. Basically, we got really brave and tried to approach us for food. Almost as if it was trying to extort us. Like campground manager or something. Cute but a bit more aggressive than I would’ve expected haha.

Figure 4b. An American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)

And as a final treat for our stay at Raccoon Lake (Maybe turn your volume down a bit)

What I suspect to be an Eastern Wolf (Canis lycaon) pup

Spruce Bog

Assuming we all know the difference between a bog, marsh, fen and what not (Its the type of vegetation that dominates each respective landscape), I had never set foot in a bog before (except maybe the Oshawa creek). Regardless, the sight was one to behold. Absolutely stunning. I mean it’s no Hawaii but the fact that conifers can just grow tall and strong midst saturated bog water was astounding. It reminded me a bit of the mangrove salt marshes of Northern New Zealand. Magical. Admittingly, not everyone gets excited for wetlands but through my time as an amateur ecologist/botanist, it is something I have certainly come to appreciate.

Figure 5a. New Zealand Mangrove Marsh at Te Puna, Tauranga ( Avicennia marina subspecies australasica). Photo courtesy of NIWA.

Figure 5b. Spruce Bog at Algonquin Provincial Park

As for the species I had come across, I can’t say I found too much. As per an anonymous tip, I was told that pitcher plants were visible within the vicinity. Alas, I did not find any. However, I did find some other interesting tidbits.

Figure 5c. Fireweed on the boardwalk ( Chamaenerion angustifolium).

Figure 5d. Unidentified caterpillar species. (????).

Figure 5e. Lobster Mushroom. (Hypomyces lactifluorum).

Whiskey Rapids

Whiskey Rapids was our first of three walks on Sunday. A simple loop trail that followed the course of a river, it was rather fantastic to bear witness to such sights. That being said, I would argue the rapids were far from that (Rather slow to be honest). Alas, I’m a huge sucker for water features.

Figure 6a. My partner strolling through a deposition zone along the river.

More plants and what not include:

Figure 6b. Familiar Bluet (Damselfly) I think (Enallagma civile).

Figure 6c. American White Water Lily in bloom (Nymphaea odorata).

Figure 6d. Spotted Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum).

Figure 6e. Ghost Plant (Monotropa uniflora).

Tea Lake Campground

Here, we simply stopped for a moment whilst we waited for the guided walk that followed. Nice view. Not much else to say. Little to ID.

Mizzy Lake Trail (Guided Walk)

We later went on a guided walk where we found a lot of fascinating organisms with the help of outside help. Here are the highlights:

Figure 7a. White Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba).

Figure 7c. Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta).

Figure 7d. Goldenrod (Solidago Genus).

Figure 7e. Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina).

East Beach

A nice, relatively isolated swimming spot. It was when we went anyway. Nice but nothing of interest here.

Big Pine Trail

The final walk and one that was relatively uneventful except for one thing…

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Figure 8. What I suspected to be a Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus). Sorry. Quality is garbage here.

Conclusion

And thus, concludes our time at Algonquin. As I mentioned, I will be coming back sometime for more exhilirating adventures. Thanks a million to the greatest partner in the world, Madeline and some gratitude and due respect be paid to the first nations of the land. These include the Algonquin of the Pikwanagwans First Nations, Antoine, Bonnechere, Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini out of Bancroft, Mattawa of North Bay, Ottawa, Shabot Obaadjiwan from Sharbot Lake and the Snimikobi of Ardoch. We are ever grateful to be able to share this land with their original stewards. We hope to not only avoid the transgressions of the settlers of prior but also, together, forge a new future where these lands remain protected and well-preserved in their state.

Never done a land acknowledgment before but hopefully, it was all in good taste. These are the peoples who are involved in a land claim which surrounds the area at the moment and stretches across to Ottawa itself. More information can be found in the references below. Whilst colonial powers have had an impact on native peoples across the world, in New Zealand, we are taught to pay respects to the the local Maori who govern each land that they claim sovereignty over as they are what is known as Kaitiaki or guardians. Hence, I firmly believe in such a showing of respect for the indigenous people of Canada as well. If there are any inaccuracies or if this offends anyone within reason, please let me know.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and look out for my next one… whenever that will be.

Nga mihi. Cheers.