Algonquin II
For this trip to Algonquin, we stayed at the A-frame cabin at Dock & Hound Cottages. This consisted of a single room with bed, table and chairs and wood-burning stove. There was a BBQ out on the deck with plenty of pots and pans for cooking, and a campfire. Unfortunately it was a bit damp during our stay so we didn’t get a chance to enjoy this. The cottages are situated on Little McGarry Lake, so kayaks and lifejackets are provided. If we had been staying longer, we would have made use of these, but we decided to spend our leisure time at Algonquin Park itself, with the East Gate less than an hour’s drive away.
The cabin had electricity but the washroom facilities were at the main house, a few minutes’ walk from the cabin. This was also where we accessed the Wi-Fi, which was much needed as there was completely no phone service on the property. Flashlights were provided for night-time excursions. It was a cute place to stay and a 5 minute drive to Maynooth.
In Maynooth, I recommend visiting Madawaska Art Shop. The sell mostly furniture and larger items for your cottage but their star seller is the homemade fudge! There is an art gallery upstairs too. For a coffee, Sun Run Café is the place to go. They have a couple of picnic tables outside where we could sit with Rita, and a vast variety of delicious traybakes and pastries, including gluten-free vegan delights like a zucchini brownie!
We headed to Algonquin Park for some kayaking and hiking. Like last time, we went to Lake Opeongo for the kayaking, hiring our equipment from Algonquin Outfitters. We spent the afternoon on the lake, stopping off for a snack at one of the campsites. After kayaking, we took a short hike at Beaver Pond, where we got to check out the dams and lodges.
The next day was an 3 hour hike at Centennial Ridges. This 10.5km loop, dedicated to a variety of people who made contributions to the Park during its first century, is classed as demanding due to the inclines and uneven ground. It was certainly worth it for the views of Whitefish Lake; it’s uncommon to have such an elevated lookout in Ontario.
The newly renovated Bent Anchor Bar and Restaurant, located in Cobermere right on the Madawaska River, is a must for dinner and a drink. They are very dog-friendly, and Rita received tons of attention, both from the waiters and fellow diners. Emma and I were famished after our day outdoors and with items like Food Coma Poutine and Carnivore Kale Caesar on the menu, we knew we’d chosen the right spot! We both opted for Mexican Loaded Fries and it’s safe to say we were satisfied.
On our last day, we exited the Park via the West gate, and our route took us through Huntsville, past Kawartha Dairies. We had to stop (although there is a drive-thru so technically you don’t even have to turn off your engine!). Rita got a pup cup of lactose-free vanilla and Emma and I got “small” waffle cones…..but we are telling you, they weren’t small!! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their chosen flavours and it perked us up for the drive home.
