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Algonquin Park’s historic lodges

July 16, 2015 by Judy 19 Comments

Camp Tanamakoon Algonquin Park

In June mosquitoes are out, especially in the late afternoons, but the wildlife viewing more than makes up for the bugs. We saw moose, fox, osprey, eagle, blue heron, big snapping turtles and a variety of songbirds.

Algonquin-Provincial-Park-Smoke-Lake-sea-plane

Killarney Lodge was our base for three nights. The log cabins have a rich patina that I love. They were built in the 1930s on a peninsula jutting out into Lake of Two Rivers. Try for Cabin 24 if you book, it’s a guest favourite. Dinner on our first night in Algonquin was excellent. Based on memory, I chose the ribs, I had them the last time I was at Killarney. They’re still very good.

Killarney-Lodge-red-cabin

On our second night we dined at Bartlett Lodge. It’s the oldest of the three lodges dating back to about 1916. Our meal was delightful, from the charcuterie plate to the Quebec duck and the homemade ice-cream. The young chef (who looked all of 22) outdid himself. Bartlett Lodge owners are art-lovers. Awhile back, they purchased Isobel McLaughlin’s former art studio, a square-timbered log cabin. McLaughlin studied art at OCAD (Ontario College of Art & Design) under Arthur Lismer, one of the Group of Seven painters who worked in Algonquin Park. The owners dismantled the cabin, moved it to their Cache Lake location and rebuilt it. Two suites now occupy McLaughlin’s former studio along with a beautiful lounge. Other cabins and a platform tent can also be rented.

Algonquin-Provincial-Park-Bartlett-Lodge-Isabel's-Cabin

Arowhon Pines’ dining room is famous and not just because of the food. It’s unique hexagonal design makes it a favourite with diners, many of whom read like a who’s who from Canada and beyond. Little flags at occupied tables give guests’ origins away. I saw the US, Italy, the UK, France, and Brazil represented. Also in the dining room that night…  Edward, the Maître D’. He was here the last time I visited. That’s the charm of these historic Algonquin lodges; staff return year after year, so does the clientele.

Algonquin-Provincial-Park-Arowhon-Pines_001A

Algonquin-Provincial-Park-Arowhon-Pines_003

If you go, you should know…

Algonquin Provincial Park has always attracted famous Canadians. Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, particularly Arthur Lismer, Lawren Harris and A.Y. Jackson painted here. Former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau loved to paddle here.

Algonquin-Provincial-Park-Opeongo-Lake-cormorants-2

The park is VERY large = 7,653 km² (2,954.8 miles²)

Algonquin-Provincial-Park-Canoe-Lake-Permit-Office

In August and early September, look out for public wolf howls – check AlgonquinPark.on.ca

Algonquin-Provincial-Park-Canoe-Lake-beach

Algonquin Provincial Park has exceptional fall colours, wildlife viewing, moose spotting and trout fishing.

Algonquin-Provincial-Park-Visitor-Centre-moose

Algonquin Art Centre offers plein air art classes. Call to reserve.

Algonquin-Park-turtle

Filed Under: Canada, Canadian Places Tagged With: Arowhon Pines, Arthur Lismer, Bartlett Lodge, Group of Seven, Killarney Lodge, OCAD

Comments

  1. Barbara says

    November 6, 2023 at 5:51 am

    I was looking out of curiosity for a White Fish lodge from the 1950s. When I was about 8 years old my Mother worked there.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Fall color road trip in Canada - Canadian Roadstories says:
    September 11, 2017 at 7:44 pm

    […] fall weekends if you don’t like crowds. Try mid-week instead when hiking trails, yurts and Algonquin’s three historic lodges are less […]

    Reply

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