James Dickson was so moved by the beauty of Algonquin’s lakes and forests that the purpose of his survey changed from dividing the land for settlement to preserving the land as a park. Dickson even wrote a book praising the experience of canoeing and camping in the region. As a result of his survey, a Royal Commission was established, and the Algonquin National Park Act was passed in May of 1893.
It's amazing to think that 110 years ago there were people with enough vision and foresight to realize that land and wildlife needed to be protected. The original goals of Algonquin Park included:
- maintenance of water supply in a half dozen major water systems
- preservation of a primeval forest
- protection of birds and animals
- a field for experiments in forestry
- a place of health resort, and
- beneficial effects on climate.
More than a century later, Algonquin Provincial Park is still protecting wildlife and providing millions of people with quality wilderness experiences. Every year people come from around the world to camp, canoe, fish, and watch wildlife in Ontario’s oldest and most famous provincial park. Generations of Canadians have caught their first Lake Trout and heard their first call of a loon in Algonquin.
Algonquin holds a special place in the memories and hearts of many people. Join us in celebrating Algonquin’s 110th birthday this summer with the following special events:
- On June 5, at the Achray Campground (near Pembroke), is the Achray Blackfly Bash and the Grand Opening of the Outside In, a ranger cabin and recently renovated interpretive centre in which the famous artist Tom Thomson stayed for a summer. Join Algonquin’s park naturalists for a special interpretive hike celebrating the life of Tom Thomson. Retrace Thomson’s footsteps along the new Jack Pine Trail to the very place where he sketched the famous Jack Pine painting.
- At 10 a.m. on July 5 join the Park Superintendent and staff for the re-opening of the Spruce Bog Trail. This is Algonquin’s first barrier-free, wheelchair accessible trail.
- At 2 p.m. on July 5 at the East Beach (km 35.4) take part in the grand opening of the East Beach Picnic Pavilion, and sample some of the largest birthday cake you’ve ever seen. Join park staff and have a piece of cake shaped like Algonquin Provincial Park.
- At 9 p.m. on July 5 at the Outdoor Theatre (km 35.4), a special presentation will take place. Ghosts of Canoe Lake will look at the unique history of one of Algonquin’s oldest lakes, 150 years after it was named.
- On July 5 and 6 the winners of The Friends of Algonquin Poster Colouring Contest will be displayed at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre (km 43).
- At 2 p.m. on July 6 meet at the Cache Lake Parking lot for a conducted walk on the history of Algonquin.
We hope you will join us in celebrating Algonquin’s history, and hope you will continue to be part of its future. Visit the Algonquin web page and link to The Friends of Algonquin website for more details on these and other commemorative events.
Contributed by: Brad Steinberg, Park Naturalist, Algonquin Provincial Park
