Travel Vacation - Why Algonquin Park Is The Ideal Spring Vacation Destination For Naturalists And Outdoorsmen

Springtime has arrived in central Ontario. It's already the middle of April and, although there is a fresh blanket of snow on the ground, the age-old cycle of rebirth and new life is well underway. For naturalists and outdoorsman, spring is the best time of year to get out and observe wildlife in action and there is no better place to do it than Ontario's world-renowned Algonquin Provincial Park. The following paragraphs will address how Algonquin Park stands apart from other vacation destinations that cater to the naturalist and outdoorsman.

Algonquin Park is located approximately two and a half hours north of the city of Toronto, and is a protected wilderness sanctuary that encompasses over 7,725 square kilometres of pristine forests, lakes, rivers and wetlands. Algonquin's wide varieties of natural habitats provide a safe refuge for a staggering diversity of plant and animal life. 53 species of mammals, 272 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles and amphibians, 54 species of fish, and approximately 7000 species of insects are all found within Algonquin's borders. In addition, there are well over 1000 species of plants and another 1000 plus species of fungi growing in the Park. With such a wide array of plants and animals, Algonquin Park in Ontario is truly one of a kind making it the ideal vacation destination for naturalists and outdoorsmen alike.

Although most animal species can be observed July through November in Algonquin Park, the best viewing can be found in April, May, and June. This is the short period, just after hibernation, when food sources become readily available and animals are busy taking advantage of the newly emerging abundant sources of food, and before it gets too hot in the summer when wildlife tend to travel further into the forest where it is cooler.

In addition, May is the month for moose watching in Algonquin Provincial Park. According to park officials, the best moose viewing in the province occurs along the park's Highway 60 corridor, any morning or evening in May. At this time of year, it is quite common to see a half dozen or more of these magnificent creatures standing at the side of the road. The highest number of recorded sightings for one pass along the highway is 26 moose.

Visitors to the park, who take the time to stay for more than a day, generally become more familiar with where the best wildlife observation areas are and the best times to wait which makes for a more successful and satisfying wilderness experience.

Despite all of the natural habitat that exists in Algonquin Park, a few of the nearby resorts have capitalized on the strong market for spring eco-tourism and wildlife observation by offering nature lovers special spring vacation packages tailored especially to their interests. Additionally, Algonquin Park accommodations are combined with a variety of value added incentives including wilderness tours, educational materials, and recreational equipment.

Algonquin Park offers an abundance of plants and wildlife that other provincial and national parks can't compete with making it the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. When planning your next spring vacation, think about the extent of activities that are available at Ontario's Algonquin Provincial Park.