Mechanical translation by Google Translate (not edited) –
In Canada, spring is often considered the best and most anticipated season of the year. It represents a period of renewal and growth, with lots of green sprouting and flowers blooming, after a long cold winter.
Those who live in the province of Ontario suffered, that year, a gray winter and very low levels of sunlight. Therefore, it is certainly already jumping for joy with the arrival of the new season.
- Between December 2022 and February 2023, meteorological data from the European Center for Medium Range Prediction (ECMRF) recorded the lowest levels of solar energy in the last 83 years.
During the first few weeks of January 2023, the Greater Toronto Area didn’t get a single sunny day, according to The Weather Network. Still according to them, for more than a month, from December 4, 2022 to January 8, 2023, the small town of London, Ontario, did not see the sun.
Brian Brettschneider – climatologist for the Alaska region of the National Weather Service of the United States and responsible for the records – points out that long periods without sun, like the one experienced by Ontario in January, can have significant psychological impacts. “Getting some sunshine tends to improve people’s moods a lot and therefore the lack of sun in many places has contributed to a feeling of gloom this winter,” he said.
After this long and gray winter, the arrival of spring brings us more light and reminds us that better days are ahead. This feeling of hope is reflected in mental health and well-being, showing that spring is one of the best seasons for the positivity of people and society in general.
Outdoor activities are often preferred across Canada. As the ice melts, lakes and rivers become accessible, perfect for water activities like kayaking, canoeing and fishing. For nature lovers who want to experience the beauty of Canada’s lakes and rivers, spring is the perfect time.
The calm waters of Algonquin Park
Algonquin Park is Canada’s premier canoeing destination. The park is best known for its small, peaceful lakes, well-maintained campsites and, if you’re lucky, the occasional wildlife sighting. Part of Algonquin’s popularity is its proximity to two major Canadian cities, Toronto and Ottawa. The distance between Toronto and Algonquin’s West Gate is just over three hours, while East Gate is three hours from Ottawa. Connecting the two gates is Highway 60, a two-lane highway that cuts directly through the southern part of the park. The most popular hotspots like Canoe Lake and Openongo Lake are just off Highway 60. With over 2,000km of canoe routes, there is a seemingly endless list of possible canoe trips.
Tips for 4 Canoeing routes in Algonquin:
- Burnt Island Lake
Burnt Island Lake is a stunning lake located just north of Highway 60 and accessed from Lake Canoe or Lake Opeongo. Due to its beauty and proximity to the hotspots, Burnt Island Lake is very popular, and as such it can be difficult to secure reservations here. It is important to plan your tour in advance. - Tim River
The Tim River is on the west side of Algonquin Park. You won’t find much current in it; its calm waters meander, gradually, towards the center of the park, where they finally mix with the agitated waters of the Petawawa River. The Tim River is also known for its ease of viewing wildlife, especially in spring and autumn, where moose are very common in the landscape. - Barron Canyon
Towering cliffs of red, white and black rock characterize Algonquin’s northeastern edge. Don’t forget to plan a stop in High Falls to explore an incredible natural waterslide. - Petawawa River
Algonquin is primarily a calm water canoeing destination, with the exception of the Petawawa River. The river originates in Lake Ralph Bice at the north end of the park and flows into Lake McManus on the east edge of the park. The river is punctuated by a series of Class I and Class II rapids and an occasional drop. It’s an exhilarating ride for intermediate and advanced whitewater paddlers. It is not recommended for beginners.
