One-Tank Trip for Sept. 21/19
(c) By Jim Fox
Just a “heads up” while taking in the kaleidoscope
of fall colours in Ontario Parks.
You don’t have to encounter Highway 401-like
traffic while in the woods marvelling over the vibrant fall spectacle.
Visitors can find themselves shut out of
Algonquin Provincial Park near Huntsville because of traffic gridlock on
Highway 60 that passes through.
“The secret is out,” said Jeff Brown of
Ontario Parks about Algonquin’s fall colours that are “beautiful and it’s one
of our busiest parks in the fall.”
 |
| Many Ontario Parks feature blue water and colourful leaves in the fall. (Jim Fox photo) |
Weekends get “extremely crowded, especially
at the West Gate,” he said, adding: “Sometimes, it completely fills up and
visitors are unable to enter.”
Leaf-peepers need not despair as “Algonquin
is far from the only park in Ontario where visitors can experience incredible
fall colours,” he said.
To check on the progress of the seasonal
change follow the Fall Colour Report (ontarioparks.com/fallcolour) that showed
the first signs of changes in the past week.
 |
| Algonquin Park traffic bogs down on fall weekends. (Ontario Parks) |
Ontario Parks offers these alternatives for
parks that are “awe-inspiring” in the fall while avoiding traffic and crowds.
The
falling leaves
Bonnechere Provincial Park in Killaloe has
“incredible fall colours,” that can be best seen on its hiking trails.
This includes the McNaugton Trail along the
meandering Bonnechere River or canoe to Jack’s Chute observing flora and fauna.
There are scenic campsites, a beach, visitor
centre and cottage and four rustic cabins available.
Restoule Provincial Park is just west of
Algonquin, is south of Lake Nipissing and north of the Muskoka Lakes.
 |
| Taking a fall walk at Bon Echo Provincial Park. (Ontario Parks) |
The forest is similar to Algonquin with red
and sugar maples dominating with deep reds and brilliant gold and orange hues.
Towering, gnarled yellow birch add to the
warmth of the canopy, while red oak adds a deep reddish burgundy and pine and
hemlock add green.
The seven-kilometre Fire Tower Trail peaks
at a fire tower, one of the few remaining in Ontario.
Mikisew Provincial Park is called the “perfect
complement” to Restoule with an extended camping season until Oct. 15.
“Sleep in a campground surrounded by mature
maple trees in all their fall beauty, or tuck yourself away in a lovely red
pine forest with that fresh pine smell,” Brown said.
The
park is on the shores of Eagle Lake with
trails and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Rondeau Provincial Park is called “an oasis
of nature nestled between Windsor and London.”
 |
| Rondeau park shows its fall finery with colourful maple leaves. (Ontario Parks) |
Established in 1894, it’s Ontario’s second-oldest
provincial park after Algonquin, it “has it all – spectacular colours, vibrant
wildlife and activities for the whole family.”
Being at the same latitude as California on Lake
Erie, Rondeau stays warmer to late October and has activities throughout the fall.
These include a Halloween celebration on
Oct. 12 and a chili cook-off on Oct. 19.
 |
| Spectacular fall colours can be seen in Algonquin Park along Highway 60. (Barbara Fox photo) |
The colourful Spice Bush Trail winds through
a southern hardwood forest of old-growth tulip trees, American beech and maple.
Open until Oct. 27.
Colours
galore
Other less-crowded spots include Sandbanks
Provincial Park in Picton, open until Oct. 21.
It’s a chance to discover Prince Edward
County with apple and pumpkin picking, beer and wine tasting, and hunting for antique
treasures.
 |
| A photo opportunity is from the deck at Algonquin Park’s Visitor Centre. (Jim Fox photo) |
Bon Echo Provincial Park in Cloyne has the fairly
rugged overnight Abes & Essens Trail with three loops for spectacular views
of lakes, forested areas and wildlife.
Many of the Group of Seven artists were
frequent visitors.
Lake Superior Provincial Park offers amber
reds, warm yellows and brilliant oranges unparalleled hiking trails, now
bug-free.
The Awausee Trail takes visitors past lookouts
with views of the Agawa Valley and Lake
Superior. The find out more: www.Ontarioparks.com; 1-800-ONTARIO
-30-
Jim
Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment