A Algonquin Provincial Park is located in south-central Ontario, Canada, and covers 7,653 square kilometres. Its size, combined with its nearness to the major cities of Toronto and Ottawa, make Algonquin one of the most popular parks in the province. Access to the park is by way of Highway 60, the most common route, as it travels through the southern portion of the park connecting the East Gate to the West Gate. The East Gate is located just west of the town of Whitney, while the West Gate is located just east of the town of Dwight, which is 45 kilometres from the town of Huntsville. The Trans-Canada highway bypasses it to the north.

B In 1893 it was established as a national park under the Federal government. Its name was later changed to Algonquin Provincial Park when it fell under the jurisdiction of the provincial government. In the 19th century, large white pine and red pine trees were cut down to produce lumber for domestic and American markets, as well as some square timber for export to Great Britain. This activity was closely followed by the establishment of small numbers of homesteaders and farmers in the area. Even at that time, however, the region's beauty was recognized by nature preservationists. It is here that the types of trees change from the coniferous forests of Southern Ontario to the deciduous forests of Northern Ontario. It was acknowledged in 1992 for its several heritage values including: its role in the development of park resource management; the pioneering of visitor interpretation programs; its role in inspiring artists; and its development of historic structures such as cottages, camps, a railway station and museum buildings.

C The Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway was constructed through the park in 1896, and provided the first easy access to the area. In an attempt to make the park more attractive to vacationers, Hotel Algonquin was opened at Joe Lake where fishing was the main attraction. Then the Grand Trunk Railway opened its first hotel, the Highland Inn, near Park Headquarters. Built on a hill behind Algonquin Park Station and focusing on winter activities, the two-storey year-round resort was an immediate success. Soon after, a number of business people built other guest lodges in the park. Nominigan Camp, consisting of a main lodge with six cabins of log construction, a favourite of canoeists, was established on Smoke Lake. Camp Minnesing on Burnt Island Lake was created as a wilderness lodge. Later, Highland Inn was enlarged and new camps were added.

D The beauty of Algonquin Park attracted painters such as Tom Thomson, who along with other members of the Canadian elite painters known as the Group of Seven, found the environment inspiring. Thomson served as a guide in the park, often working from Mowat Lodge. He did much of his painting at Canoe Lake, a favourite site overlooking the central portion of the lake. A cairn and totem pole memorial, erected by friends of the painter, stands on Hayhurst Point, near the north end of the lake where he died. Another noted Canadian painter who died in the park was Ken Danby, a celebrated painter of highly realistic portrayals of everyday life. Contemporary painters continue to display a love of nature and a profound appreciation of the natural world through their awe-inspiring works of the park's landscapes.

E Algonquin became popular during the 1950s and 60s for year-round open-air pastimes. Visitors eager to see the diversity of wildlife and explore the 2400 lakes and 1200km of streams and rivers contributed to the establishment of canoeing routes, fishing, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. To preserve wildlife and wilderness areas, and to minimize contact with people, many ideal locations could only be accessed by canoe or on foot. More than 53 species of mammals, 272 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 54 species of fish consider Algonquin home. Also, the park developed a visitor centre which now features exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the park. There are nineteen interpretive trails, ranging in length from 0.8km to 13km, and each trail provides a self-guided pamphlet which is meant to introduce visitors to a different aspect of the park's ecology or history.

F As recreational use of the park increased, it became clear that a long-term plan to manage the park was required. Six years of consultation with park guests resulted in the Algonquin Master Plan. It was an organizational plan that sought to ensure that the park could continue indefinitely to serve all the competing park interests. Three major changes have come about as a result of this plan. First, the park is now divided into regions with different specified purposes and uses: Nature Reserve and Historic; Wilderness; Development, Recreation-Utilization. The second change was to segregate logging, as much as possible, from recreational users of the park. This would help to maintain the park's natural environment and integrity. Thirdly, rules were put in place to limit the impact of recreational use of the park. For example, recyclables are banned in the interior. Also there are restrictions on the number of people who can enter per day and there are limits to the number of people occupying a campsite. Finally, the use of motor boats is limited to a few of the larger and more accessible lakes. The master plan continues to be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.