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January 17, 2012

Winter in the Wild Festival - February 18, 2012

Download the Winter in the Wild Festival Guide Book (pdf)

Ontario Parks, in cooperation with The Friends of Algonquin Park, has announced the Winter in the Wild Festival happening in Algonquin Park on Saturday, February 18, 2012. This family event celebrates the wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park in winter. Events begin at 10am with a Winter Bird Walk at Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail and conclude with a unique wintry Wolf Howl at Mew Lake Campground.

This festival is a celebration of the winter wilderness of Algonquin and highlights some of the season's best activities offered in the Park. In addition, there will be several activities that have never been offered before making this a truly unique Algonquin winter experience. The events will take place at locations along Highway 60 within the Park.

All of the activities during the festival are free with the purchase of a Daily Vehicle Permit or Camping Permit with the exception of food.

Events Schedule

Guided Winter Bird Walk at Spruce Bog Boardwalk - 10:00am to 11:30am

Meet at the Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail (km 42.5)

The winter woods may often times seem quiet, but a number of different birds can bring your outdoors experience to life if you are looking and listening for them. Join a Park Naturalist as we go searching for some of these birds, particularly the northern "Algonquin specialities" such as Gray Jay, Spruce Grouse, and Boreal Chickadee, all the while being aware of the other natural phenomena in our midst. A limited number of binoculars will be available on loan to participants, courtesy of The Friends of Algonquin Park.

Participants should wear multiple 'layers', sturdy, winter-appropriate footwear, gloves/mitts and a winter hat.

Chili Lunch at the Visitor Centre - 11:30am to 1:30pm

Meet at the Algonquin Visitor Centre (km 43)

The café will be selling a lunch of Chili (vegetarian and beef) with a roll, dessert and a drink. The Algonquin Visitor Centre has world class exhibits on the Park's natural and human history, a relaxing cafe and an excellent bookstore. A theatre presentation sums up the Park story and then takes you out to the viewing deck from where you can admire a breathtaking panorama of wild Algonquin landscape.

Tour of the Algonquin Visitor Centre Collections Room - 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Meet at the Algonquin Visitor Centre (km 43)

Algonquin Park's Visitor Centre offers outstanding exhibits, but it is also a museum in the true sense of the word. Hidden away below the exhibits is its specimen room, which houses the Park's collection of hundreds of natural history items such as bird and mammal skins, pinned insect specimens and plant specimens, all collected over the course of many decades. This is your opportunity to have an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at an area that is usually accessible to Park staff only.

Winter Wildlife Excursion by Snowshoe - 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Meet at the Algonquin Visitor Centre (km 43)

Discover what Algonquin wildlife is active in winter while exploring infrequently traveled areas by snowshoe. This excursion will be led by a Park Naturalist. Please meet at the Visitor Centre which is located at km 43. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow courtesy of The Friends of Algonquin Park however bring your own if you prefer. This excursion will require moderate physical fitness and is suitable for all ages. Instruction will be provided on snowshoeing technique.

Participants should wear multiple 'layers', sturdy, winter-appropriate footwear, gloves/mitts and a winter hat.

Campfire, BBQ and Ice Skating at Mew Lake Campground - 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Meet at Mew Lake Campground (km 30.8)

Roast a marshmallow, sip some hot chocolate and get warmed by the fire at Mew Lake. Bring your skates if you wish to try out the Mew Lake Campground Rink. Also, check out the winter camping demonstrations by park staff. There will also be a BBQ supper available for sale featuring hot dogs, beef and veggie burgers as well as cold drinks– cash only please. Marshmallows and hot drinks are complimentary.

Fireside and Night Hike Wolf Howl Program at Mew Lake - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Meet at Mew Lake Campground (km 30.8)

Join a Park Naturalist for the first-ever fireside and night hike program. After a fireside introduction on Algonquin Park's wolves, including a discussion on their relationship with humans, and how wolves in Algonquin Park live, we will travel by foot to a place where wild wolves may answer the imitations given by the naturalist staff.

Participants should wear multiple 'layers', sturdy, winter-appropriate footwear, gloves/mitts and a winter hat. We will be walking a total distance of approximately 2 km round-trip. Headlamps/flashlights recommended.