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Algonquin Park is located midway between Sudbury and Montreal, Canada. It's southern section is bisected by Highway 60.

This section can be reached by an automobile drive of approximately 3 hours north from Toronto, by way of Highways 400, 11 and 60 (through Huntsville).

It can also be reached by an automobile drive of approximately 3 hours west from Ottawa, by way of Highways 417, 17 and 60 (through Killaloe).

In 1893, the park was created as "Algonquin National Park". At that time it was made up of 3,755 square kilometers. Its purpose was to be a forest and wildlife preserve, as well as to protect the upper watersheds of the region's rivers.

In 1913, it became properly known as "Algonquin Provincial Park". Since then, it has been expanded. It now is comprised of 7,635 square kilometers and almost 2,500 lakes of varying size.

Logging has always been an important part of park activities. Cutting is now controlled by the Algonquin Forestry Authority, with specific measures in place to protect lakes, watercourses and special areas.

Estimates place Algonquin's current larger wildlife populations at .. 300 wolves, 2,000 black bears and 2,500 moose.

Opportunities abound for recreational enjoyment of the park.

Numerous drive-in campgrounds, canoe routes, hiking trails, interior campsites and interpretive programs provide a wide range of activities that include camping, canoeing, hiking, wildlife viewing, cross-country biking and skiing, horse back riding and nature photography.

The geographic and climatic characteristics of Algonquin give it a unique and diverse profile. The following topographical map uses a reversed colour scheme to illustrate Algonquin's unique situation.

An old basaltic 'dome' comprises Algonquin's western highlands. It rises to some heights over 1800 feet above sea level. Many thousands of years ago, the ice age's retreating glaciers' deposited a fortunate blend of sand and silt across the highlands. However, the glaciers' eventually tremendous runoffs were blocked by the highlands' solid mass. Resultingly large volumes of water, sand and gravel flooded southeasterly down toward what is now the Ottawa valley. Large amounts of sand and gravel were deposited along the way, producing a landscape across what is now Algonquin's east half, of alternately scoured rock and dry soil.

Climatic conditions also vary from west to east. Algonquin's western highlands intercept moist prevailing west winds from the Great Lakes. Thus, the highlands experience the dual advantages of having more precipitation and better soil conditions. The lower eastern section does have one advantage. Being at a lower altitude, its year-round temperatures are milder than up on the highlands. Its later winter and earlier spring produce a longer growing season for its wildlife.

Algonquin's tree cover reflects the variations in geography and climate. The west highland is typified by round hills covered by deciduous trees and isolated pines .. with wet areas containing fir, spruce, hemlock and cedar. The lower east section has extensive areas of Red Pine, White Pine and Jack Pine.

Even the landscapes and waterscapes of Algonquin differ from west to east, providing diverse experiences for canoeists, hikers and campers.