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Algonquin Park Celebrating 125 Years (1893-2018)

In 2018, Algonquin Park is celebrating 125 years since its establishment.

Algonquin Park was established in 1893 when the Ontario government acted upon a recommendation of the Royal Commission on Forest Reservation and National Parks in "reserving a portion of the ungranted Crown domain to be set apart as a Forest Reservation and National Park."

The commissioners envisioned the Park to serve a variety of roles including:

  • maintenance of water supply in a half dozen major water systems
  • preservation of forests
  • protection of birds and animals
  • a field for experiments in forestry
  • a place of health resort
  • beneficial effects on climate

Algonquin Park: Yours to Explore

Algonquin Park continues to perform these original functions, and since 1893 has expanded to twice its initial size. The original Park area, consisting of 18 townships (approximately 3,797 square kilometres), was designated in 1893 as Algonquin National Park under the Algonquin National Park Act. The Park’s name was subsequently changed in 1913 to Algonquin Provincial Park, and since 1893 the Park has had its boundaries amended eight times to include 15 additional parcels of land. Today, Algonquin Park covers 7,630 square kilometres.

Today, Algonquin Park protects a variety of natural, cultural, and recreational features. Algonquin is biologically diverse with more than 1,200 vascular plant species and more than 400 vertebrates have been found within its boundaries. The Park contains numerous historical resources and has inspired more than 100+ books, 2000+ scientific papers, numerous films, at least one symphony, and the art of Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, and many more.

More About Algonquin Park's History

Algonquin Park - A Place Like No Other A Chronology of Dates and Events of Algonquin Provincial Park Raven Newsletter - Birth of a Park Raven Newsletter - A History of Park Rangers
Algonquin History Dates and Events Birth of A Park Ranger History

Algonquin Park provides many opportunities for visitors to appreciate the Park’s natural setting while enjoying numerous recreational activities. Accessible from large urban centres and convenient to most tourism travel routes across Ontario, Algonquin Park attracts over a million visitors yearly who participate in day use activities, camping, and backcountry travel along an extensive network of canoe routes.

The Friends of Algonquin Park Celebrates 35 Years in 2018In order to help share Algonquin Park with visitors from the world, The Friends of Algonquin Park was established in 1983. This Canadian registered charity and non-profit, non-governmental organization is people passionate about Algonquin Park. The Friends enhance normal government funding for Algonquin Park by generating revenue through the operation of retail locations, recruiting members, and fundraising. All of our proceeds are reinvested back into the Park. The Friends of Algonquin Park is celebrating 35 years of supporting Algonquin Park in 2018 and we hope you will consider making a donation during this significant year.

Based upon success of the establishment of Algonquin Park 125 years ago, Ontario has continued to expand the provincial park system. Ontario had just 8 provincial parks until 1956, but today the park system has expanded to 340 (operating and non-operating) parks covering approximately 8% of Ontario. Ontario Parks was established in 1996, and is a branch of the current Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and serves as the government organization responsible for the management of Algonquin Park, and other provincial parks.

Clearly, Algonquin Park is a very important place for all those who cherish Canada's natural, cultural, and recreational values. We encourage you visit Algonquin Park this year to help us celebrate, but more importantly come to Algonquin Park to discover what makes this place so special.


Related Information

 

Reserve your developed or backcountry campsite for your next visit.

Share your passion for Algonquin Park by becoming a member or donor.

Special regulations for Algonquin's special fishery.