The Explorer's Guide to Algonquin Park

by Michael Runtz

Overview

Algonquin is a near-North paradise of 3,500 square miles of forests, lakes and rivers atop the rugged Canadian Shield. This idyllic haven from urban life is easily accessible from dozens of major U.S. and Canadian population centers.

Michael Runtz has spent decades observing and photographing the wildlife of Algonquin Park; the 4th edition of The Explorer's Guide to Algonquin Park is the updated and expanded culmination of that work.

Informative but also highly evocative, Michael's prose demonstrates a love of the natural world and a genuine desire to share it with others. Elevated by Michael's award-winning wildlife photography, this work is one part guidebook, one part celebration of one of Canada's most treasured Parks.

This new edition features:

• Access routes, hiking trails and canoe routes indicated on easy-to-read full-color maps
• Where, when and how to see moose, wolves, birds and other wildlife, including 3 new chapters (Butterflies, Odonates, and Wildflowers)
• Points of historical interest, such as ranger cabins and aboriginal rock paintings
• A feature on climate change and how it has and will affect Algonquin wildlife
• New photography from the last 10 years of Michael's career
• Updated maps and lists of Park facilities and services.

Michael skillfully guides first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike in this new, expanded color edition of The Explorer's Guide to Algonquin Park.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780228103165
Publisher:	Boston Mills Press
Publication date:	03/16/2021
Edition description:	Fourth Edition, Revised and Expanded
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Michael Runtz is a well-known and highly respected naturalist, author, and university educator. He is the author of 10 books on natural history and 1000s of articles in journals, magazines and periodicals.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 7

Preface 9

Habitats

The Lay of the Land 11

Hardwood Forests 21

Pine Forests 26

Northern Conifers and Peatlands 31

Lakes 34

Rivers and Streams 39

Beaver Ponds 42

Wildlife

Observation 47

Moose 57

Wolves 60

Bears 64

Beavers 69

Loons 72

Butterflies 76

Odonates 80

Wildflowers 85

Climate Change and Algonquin 89

Seasonal Highlights 92

What to Avoid 98

Access Points

The Highway 60 Corridor 103

The East Side 157

Basin Depot 193

Brent 205

Kiosk 208

Kingscote Lake 210

Other Access Points 212

The Park Interior 215

Camping Tips 219

Appendices

1 Useful Services 227

2 Accommodation 228

3 Useful Addresses and Phone Numbers 231

4 Relevant Publications 232

Index 235

Editorial Reviews

If you are looking for more information about Algonquin Park you will want to read The Explorer's Guide to Algonquin Park... The book is divided into sections on habitats, wildlife, access points and camping tips with the section on access points complemented with numerous maps... Reading this guide by Michael Runtz will not only provide you with more information about this world famous park, you will also enjoy the numerous stunning photos that are displayed throughout the book.

Simcoe.com - Glenn Perrett

[Review of previous edition:] If you want to explore Algonquin's 3,500-square-mille wilderness paradise of forests, lakes, rivers and rugged Canadian Shield, this is the book to take along.

The Toronto Star - Maureen Littlejohn

[Review of previous edition:] Looking forward to a weekend away, camping with the family? The Explorer's Guide to Algonquin Park is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to explore one of Ontario's greatest natural treasures. This guide is the only Algonquin Park guide written by a naturalist who is fully familiar with the area... This book is as indispensable as insect repellent and good hiking boots.

Frontenac This Week/Kingston This Week - Rob Mooy

[Review of previous edition:] A comprehensive introduction to all of the features of the park: the routes to take, where to camp, there to hike and what to see there.... An added bonus is the very fine photographs taken by the author. [The book is] highly readable and contains a wealth of information for the beginner or seasoned adventurer.

Grand Magazine

[Review of previous edition:] Lavishly illustrated, the third edition of naturalist and photographer Michael Runtz's guide to Algonquin Park, 15 years after the release of the first edition, offers readers a general guide to what they'll find.

The Ottawa Citizen - Bruce Deachman

[Review of previous edition:] You name it, this book has it. A must if you plan to camp in Algonquin!

Home and School News - Donna Sauriol

[Review of previous edition:] This very useful book first appeared in 1993, the 100th anniversary of Ontario's original provincial park... This revised and expanded edition is loaded with great pictures, maps and park info. This is not a canoe book or a route guide but rather an overall appreciation of this great park... Runtz takes the readers across the breadth of it, detailing hiking trails, points of interest, historical remnants, some excellent maps of each access point and all kinds of ideas on how to see the often abundant wildlife.

CHE-MUN (Journal of Canadfian Wilderness Canoeing)