Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/651528
TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA O ntario has so much more to offer than exhilarating big cities. There are stands of great wilderness, including Algonquin Provincial Park. Established in 1893— Ontario's oldest provincial park— Algonquin's mandate was to protect the region's fl ora and fauna. Over time it has become a much-loved destination for those who crave the outdoors, as a wilderness getaway, a place to reconnect with nature and, for some, a personal spiritual retreat. Picture sitting on the deck at Killarney Lodge, sipping on your favourite beverage as you watch and listen to a pair of loons call out the end to another spectacular day on the Lake of Two Rivers. Or curl up in front of a roaring fi re with a steaming mug of hot choc- olate, a home-baked cookie and a real page- turner. Time seems to luxuriously slow down; worries and schedules fall to the wayside. One of only three resort properties located inside the boundaries of Algonquin Park, Killarney Lodge is the perfect base camp for exploring the park's surrounding lakes, trails and primeval forests. Close to the roadway corridor that passes through the park, a stay at Killarney Lodge makes for easy access to the best the park has to offer—including the trailheads, visitor centre, and nature centre programs on everything from reptiles to the magical sound of the howling wolf. The family-owned Killarney Lodge is a quiet refuge of 25 private, lakeside log cabins surrounded by colourful gardens and tucked into the woods and craggy rocks of the Canadian Shield landscape. Exploring the land and the water is encouraged—each cabin comes with its own private canoe. The lodge is a true "getaway" where guests are persuaded to unplug and disconnect, leaving the fast pace of everyday life behind. Cabins are light on high tech—you won't fi nd television, radio or a telephone. Just step outside on a crisp, clear night for some natural entertainment as the magic of star-fi lled skies grabs hold. Push a canoe off from shore and head out for a slow morning paddle, drinking in the sights and sounds on the quiet waters of the lake. Indulge in a little wildlife watching—moose, deer, beaver and, if luck is on your side, perhaps a bear or the elusive wolf. The lodge's location is key to exploring Algonquin Park. It is close to hiking trails that criss-cross the parkland—making for a perfect day's outing in the fresh air. A stay at Killarney Lodge includes three home-cooked meals each day and nighttime snacks 24/7. Guests heading off to explore the park can pack a hearty picnic lunch fi lled with enough snacks to keep energy levels up along the trail. The lodge's kitchen is known for country style meals, making full use of herbs fresh from the garden and home-baked desserts served in a casual log dining room that has been described as "both rustic and elegant." Killarney Lodge opens for the season in mid-May and welcomes guests until the weekend after Canadian Thanksgiving. Shoulder seasons are a quiet time to enjoy the nature of Algonquin. Cabins are heated so guests can stay cosy even through cool nights in early spring and late fall. SPECIAL INFORMATION FEATURE KILLARNEY LODGE BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS KiLLarneY LoDGe ONTARIO