Algonquin's Winter Wonderland

Algonquin's Winter Wonderland

Over the last few weeks, Ontario (both Northern and Southern) has experienced several squalls of snowfall, resulting in 3-4 feet of the white stuff that has blanketed the whole province. When faced with shoveling sidewalks, or snow-blowing driveways, or driving through a blizzard when caught unawares, it can be a little daunting - especially when the snow keeps coming!

Alan, clearing the driveway for the 8th time in just under two weeks!

However, when stepping outside the cities, towns, and subdivisions, we can find ourselves in awe of the vistas that reveal themselves in the wilderness that makes up vast areas of our country.

We are currently in the Muskoka Region of the Canadian Shield and enjoying one of our favourite spots - Algonquin Provincial Park. It's here where we found the Winter Wonderland that adorns the forests, lakes, and rocks of the area.

The West Gate entrance to Algonquin Park (The flag poles are actually perpendicular to the ground - it's just the angle of the camera which gives the appearance of leaning poles).

It was around -19 degrees Celsius, with the windchill factor taken into account, but the clear blue skies and glorious sunshine beckoned us outside to brave the elements and enjoy the landscapes.

There are still spots where there is open water!

Sammy Squirrel came to see what we were about

Hoping the snow obeys the STOP road sign!

After hiking the Spruce Bog Trail, we returned to one of our favourite spots - the Algonquin Logging Museum. The trail is just over 1 km long, and traces the development of the logging industry in Algonquin from the time of the earliest European Settlers, to the more recent times. Along the hike, there are various buildings and historical exhibits that represent this historical journey, including a recreated camboose camp, as well as an Alligator - a steam-powered tug that was used to help haul the logs.

The snow on the rooftops was about 4' deep

The 'Alligator' - a steam-powered tug that helped to move the logs

Once again, you can see the depth of the snow on this engine

Mark attempted to call the lumberjacks for their meal, but no-one came! I guess they weren't that hungry, after all! 

We were fascinated by the sheer number of wild birds that landed on us whenever we stood still - even though we didn't have any food for them! We did pick up some seeds from the floor and they seemed happy to take them from our hands. We had chickadees and nuthatches coming to us.

One chickadee even alighted upon the windshield of the car while we were eating our picnic lunch inside! He seemed very interested in what we were enjoying!

We also thought we heard a pileated woodpecker because the rat-a-tat sound that echoed through the forest was very deep in pitch. It turned out to be a  Downy, who settled on a tree right next to us and almost posed for a photo-op! 

Downy Woodpecker

A brief stop into the Visitor's Centre allowed us to take a short detour leading to a little gazebo.

You can see the depth of the snow by the way this bench has been almost submerged!

So glad we have the freedom to visit places like this, and appreciate the real beauty of winter in Ontario.