Happy Holidays from Algonquin's Wolf Den

We would like to wish everyone a very joyous and festive holiday and all the best in the New Year.

Winter sure has arrived in Algonquin Park. It is shaping up to be a great winter season, with tonnes of snow already on the ground. This year we are offering a few additional activities at no additional charge.

During the Christmas Break we will lead a guided hike to Gravel Falls. This pretty little waterfall is located up river on the Oxongue, from Ragged Falls. It is around a 4 hour round trip moderate hike along an unmarked route, off the beaten path. Snowshoes will be neccessary and are available for rent from Algonquin Outfitters

On December 28th and 29th from 1pm - 3pm we will be building an igloo here at the Wolf Den. Algonquin Outfitters has lent us an igloo making tool called the Ice Box. The Ice Box, made by Grand Shelters "is an affordable, lightweight, and packable tool for building a snow shelter in any snow conditions" and is available for purchase from Algonquin Outfitters. Warm up by the campfire and enjoy free hot chocolate.



We will also now be open for New Years. On New Years Eve day there will be another guided hike to Gravel Falls and will have an optional Pot Luck and campfire for all our guests to get to know each other

Spaces for this holiday season are filling up fast. To reserve your spot call us today.

Coming this January we will begin free guided hikes every Thursday. Themes will include such topics as Wildlife Signs and Tracks, Trees of our Forest, and Waterfalls and River Ecology of the Oxtongue.

Stay Tuned for Events and Activites coming this March Break.

Cheers,
Robin and Ben from the Wolf Den

Reduced Permit Fees for Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park has reduced its permit fees from $13 /day/vehicle to $11 /day/vehicle for the period of November 1st - December 17th.

This is a very quiet time in Algonquin Park The cooler weather and the fallen leaves have caused the crowds of tourists to stay away. However for the slightly more hardy adventurer it has its own magical appeal. The Tamaracks (Larix laricna) have turned a lovely golden yellow, the bare deciduous trees reveal the not long ago shrouded forest, and you can pretty much have any of the day hike trails to yourself. It is a lovely yet under appreciated time!

Happy Hiking!

Fall Colours in Algonquin Park

Fall in Algonquin Park is in full swing. I have just come across this Ontario Parks website. http://www.parkreports.com/fall/ reports on fall colour for the Province.

At last check Algonquin Park was at 90-100% change with 10-15% leaf fall.

Cheers

Kayaking Lessons

Last Monday I had the opportunity to go out kayaking with Jimmy Seabrook, our in house Kayak Instructor who gives lessons every Monday and Tuesday throughout the summer.

I have always wanted to learn how to kayak and I had an amazing time! Who would have thought that making myself flip over in a Kayak and doing self-rescues would be so much fun!

Having someone to instruct me on kayaking techniques has given me the confidence I needed to be able to take out a kayak on my own and I am absolutely looking forward to doing just that!

We have also had a couple of other people, either staying with us at the Wolfden or just coming up for the day, who have benefited from this great opportunity. There are definitely great things to say all around!

So, I highly recommend this opportunity to anyone who wants to learn how to kayak or to anyone who just wants to better their technique. It’s a lot of fun and the locations for the lessons (Oxtongue Lake and the Oxtongue River) are excellent.

To find out more about Kayak Lessons at the Wolfden, you can check out our website: http://www.wolfdenbunkhouse.com/

Thanks for the awesome time Jimmy!!!

The Algonquin Art Centre & Parks Programs

The Algonquin Art Centre has officially opened for the summer. I went to the Algonquin Art Centre yesterday to check out their exhibits for summer 2007: "Landscapes of Algonquin", "Wolves of Algonquin " and "Wildlife of Algonquin". Each exhibit has a great display of paintings and sculptures, it’s definitely tough to choose a favourite! Each artist captures aspects of Algonquin Park in their own original way and, therefore, there is a little something for everyone.

So, while you’re driving through Algonquin Park, make sure to drop into the Algonquin Art Centre. There is no fee to go into the gallery, though they will accept a donation, and there is even a great spot to sit outside in the Art Gazebo and have a drink or a snack before or after you set off on a hike.

The Algonquin Art Centre also has an excellent boutique with a variety of unique pieces. I definitely intend on going back there to do some gift shopping and maybe some for myself too!

In addition to checking out the Algonquin Art Centre there are also a variety of interpretive programs that are going on in the park throughout the summer.

I blogged more about these events previously, but here is a small list of some of the programs that are being held over the week of June28th – July 5th:
June 28th – "Insect Colours" (Algonquin for Kids program) at 10:30am
June 29th – "Canoe Outing"
July 1st – "The Black Bear" Evening program at 8pm
July 5th – "Calling All Birds!" (Nature Craft); Paint your own wooden bird house with acrylic paint and take it home with you!

To find out about more events check out "This Week in Algonquin " at http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/programs/thisweek.html

Interpretive Events in Algonquin Park

Hey everyone!

Algonquin Park is starting to host their summer series of interpretive events, which come out weekly through the summer till Labour Day. There are a ton of great programs available for kids and adults, such as guided walks, evening slide show presentations and fun games that will all bring you new knowledge and appreciation of beautiful Algonquin Park!

Furthermore, these programs are an excellent addition to any trip you are taking to Algonquin Park, whether it is for a day of hiking or a couple days of paddling!

Some of the events that are taking place this week (June 23rd - 28th) include:

The opening of the Algonquin Art Centre: Open daily from 10am – 5:30pm
"The Loons of Algonquin Park" evening program: 7pm – Sat. June 23rd
"Reptiles & Amphibians" Algonquin for Kids program: 10:30am – Wed. June 27th
Bird Walk with an experienced birder: 8am – Thurs. June 28th

For a more detailed listing of the events being held this week in Algonquin Park you can follow the following link:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/programs/thisweek.html

Or, you can pick up a copy of "This Week in Algonquin" at any of the gates and campground offices, at the Visitor Centre and Logging Museum or find it posted on any of the Park bulletin boards.

Kayak Lessons at the Wolf Den

Join us this summer as we launch into a new Venture at the Wolf Den: Kayak Lessons!
We will be hosting a certified O.R.C.K.A instuctor every Monday and Tuesday, starting this coming week, through till the end of August.
The course being offered is a Level 1 Beginners including Self -Rescue Techniques, on Oxtongue Lake. Lessons are 3 hours, including all equipment for a cost of $120.

Contact the Wolf Den to reserve your spot today
1-866-271-9336 or (705) 635-9336
wden@wolfdenbunkhouse.com

Great North American Wilderness Clean-up - A Success

Photo by Lynn Robinson

Algonquin Park Clean up - A Success

On Saturday May 12th the 2nd Great North American Wilderness Clean up was held across North America. Approximately 170 people particiapted in places like Fort Mcmurray Alberta, Kawartha Lakes, Durham, Parry Sound and here in Algonquin Park

"From those who submitted results to me, together we took 92.5 bags of various sizes out of our wilderness, and 12.5 bags of recycling items, 10 of which were large industrial-sized bags. That totals 105 bags. That's a nasty amount, and I'm so very glad it's outta there!

People found lots of other items, too, such as the usual tires, socks (I actually found a matching pair of socks in a fire pit!!), gloves... Also found were some nasties like used diapers, feminine hygiene products, used condoms, those ever-so-popular white flowers around campsites, on portages and around put-ins and access points. Let's see, what else? A tar bucket, toilet seat, a full propane tank, a car battery (who would have a car out there?), a child's play kitchen set, an old & rotting cedar strip canoe, pots & pans (enough to make a complete set), an old half-filled gallon tin of linseed oil, stubby beer bottles (I remember those!!), a broken flute, an outdoor eletrical junction box (huh?), a cigar box, lots of folding patio chairs, plastic pails, a flourescent tube light, an umbrella, rusty grills, a large tent, and a disposable fuel tank in a fire pit...

...So that's how much more beautiful our wilderness is now". Nancy Maddock, Event founder and co-organizer

Here at the Wolf Den we organized a group of 27 of to beautify Algonquin Park
.
Some went via canoe (provided free by Algonquin Outfitters ) up Joe Lake. Some to Guskawaa Lake and Maple Leaf Lake on the Western Uplands backpacking trail. The last group to Provoking Lake on the Highland Backpacking Trail. Very pleased to say for the most part we didn't find a whole lot of garbage. Most of it came from just a few sites and in some parking lots. We also hit the Oxtongue River Picnic area (lots of garbage) and Ragged Falls (dido)


After a full day of cleaning we held a free BBQ provided by M+M meats.

Sunday morning those who were interested were invited to partake in a free ecology hike provided by Ernie Silhanek, a Fleming College Professor, avid natualist and Wolf Den friend. It was amazing to see that all on the hike also continued to collect garbage. Participants received 1/2 price accommodation at The Wolf Den

Total: 10 large industrial sized garbage bags of recycling, 27 small ON park bags of garbage, 2 tires, a kids play kitchen set, a pile of metal and an old rotting cedar strip canoe.

It was a day about Stewardship, care, and respect for the land and water that supports each and everyday.

Special Thanks to :

Algonquin Outfitters for graciously providing free canoe rentals.

Algonquin Park For donating free day passes to the Park

M+M Meats for providing a free BBQ.

The Outing Club of East York for their continued support.

Joey Gill of hi concept productions For generating a lot of media publicity

CBC Radio for interviewing Robin Golloher co-owner of the Wolf Den on Saturday morning

Huntsville Forester and Vitality Magazine for running the story

Last but not least Kevin Callan and Nancy Maddock who dreamed the dream of the Great North American Wilderness Clean-up and made it a reality and all who participated in making our world a bit more beautiful.

Thanks to all for you made this event a success!!!

Wilderness Clean up Media Release - By Joey Gill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30th
THE GREAT NORTH AMERICAN WILDERNESS CLEAN UP
Algonquin Park Canoe Route Clean Up to Inspire International Event
Toronto: On May 12 and 13th, the first ever Great North American Wilderness Clean Up will take place in Algonquin Provincial Park. World renowned, Algonquin Park is also the victim of one of humanity’s least desirable attributes: littering

"We all do it. We sit around and complain about canoe route maintenance, ramble on and on about how the government should be doing more, question the mentality of those who leave all that garbage and toilet-paper mounds at the campsite, or scratch our heads over why anyone would leave just one sock at the end of the a portage", said Kevin Callan, author and avid canoeist and key participant in the event.

In addition to the dozens of hikers and paddlers scouring the park for litter, there will be a computer link-up at Sir Sandford Fleming School in Lindsay, Ontario for those groups around North America who are not able to attend at the venue so that they may send photos and information about their own particular clean-up accomplishments. There are plans to use this link-up with a projector to show the audience, North America-wide, who's winning the challenge to collect the most garbage.

Although focused initially in Algonguin Park, the scope of the Clean Up is truly North American in scale. "We’re encouraging people across North America anywhere and everywhere there that people go to enjoy green space and wilderness", said Nancy Maddock, event organizer. Last year’s clean up of Algonquin resulted in 125 bags of garbage being collected by a determined group of volunteers.

Visit www.wildernesscleanup.com for sign up details and more information.

"Our goal with this event is to encourage people on Mother’s Day weekend to take better care of Mother Earth", added Callan.

About Kevin Callan
Kevin Callan is the author of eleven books, including the best selling The Happy Camper and the incredibly popular series of paddling guides. On a regular basis he presents across North America and has been a key speaker at all the major canoe events for over 20 years. Callan is also a frequent quest on radio and television, field editor for Explore, and writes on a regular basis for ON Nature, Kanawa and Rapid Magazine. He is a winner of three National Magazine Awards and four film awards’ including "best of" in the prestigious Waterwalker Film Festival. For the last 15 years he has taught Environmental Issues and Sciences at Sir Sanford Fleming College and lives in Peterborough, the birthplace of the modern day canoe.

About Nancy Maddock
Passionately in love with wilderness, Nancy Maddock began to notice more and more garbage in and around the Algonquin Park region, creating the first Algonquin Clean Up event. With over 125 large bags of garbage collected, Nancy was inspired to launch the first Great North American Wilderness Clean Up.

For Further Information, contact event organizer Nancy Maddock
wildernesscleanup@rogers.com
www.wildernesscleanup.com

For Media Inquiries, contact: Publicist, Joey Gill
joeygill@hiconcept.ca
o.416.929.9397 c.416.556.0675.

Great North American Wilderness Clean-up Update

Saturday May 12th wherever you are, whatever you are doing I invite you to pick up a bit of garbage/recycling in support of the Great North American Wilderness Clean-up. I know that many of you already do this whenever you can and that is great. Actually that is the bigger picture of clean up events like this one. By helping on May 12th you will not only be helping to beautify the earth but you will be contributing to the bit of noise needed to promote the idea of stewardship. This can make a few more folks think twice about tossing that wrapper on the ground and value the idea of taking out somebody else’s wrapper (or what not).

So please, on May 12th, whether you are in Algonquin Park or the Wilderness of downtown Toronto, go outside and pick up a grocery bag or 2 of garbage (better yet – separate recycling) and email the number to Nancy at wildernesscleanup@rogers.com

Alternatively you can join an existing group or form one on your own. Check out http://www.wildernesscleanup.com for more info.

Our group the Wolf Pack will be cleaning in Algonquin Park. Some will hike, some will paddle. We will hit interior campsites accessible from Hwy 60 (and some not for public roads and short cuts) such as Joe Lake, Maple Leaf Lake, and Provoking Lake. Day hike parking lots and if time allows Ragged Falls and the Oxtongue River Picnic area will also be targeted. Additionally we will be raking firepits and scattering ash when we can.

Algonquin Park http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca is providing Free Day passes. Algonquin Outfitters http://www.algonquinoutfitters.com is sponsoring and providing free canoes to the members staying at the Wolf Den. The Great Artist Olaf will on hand helping out with the cleaning and taking pictures of the event. M+Ms is sponsoring a free BBQ on Saturday to volunteers. The Wolf Den is offering ½ price accommodation to all participants for the nights of Friday May 11th and Saturday May 12th. A free guided hike will also take place on the Sunday Morning featuring local ecology and the impacts of logging. Space is limited as we only have dorm beds and a few private rooms for 4 left. Please contact me at wden@wolfdenbunkhouse.com if you are interested.

If you are in the Park that weekend and need a place to drop off garbage feel free to leave it at the Wolf Den and we will deal with it.

Cheers, Ben From the Wolf Den

The Great Awakening

After a brief yet intense winter, spring is once again resurrecting the slumbering landscapes of Algonquin. Just a few weeks ago we were snowshoeing in knee deep snow, racing down Nordic Ski trails and busting our backs shovelling yet another new snow fall. Now the ski trails are officially closed for the season, the snowshoes are hung for another year, and the snow shovels, thank God, are being hidden out of sight for at least 8 months!

On Friday, March 23rd Miko and I went for a short hike around Whiskey Rapids, in Algonquin Park. The trail was a bit icy in sections as it was early in the morning. It was Spring Meets Winter All round.

Miko, who loves to swim, had been out of the water for nearly 6 months, which had resulted in her being dirty and smelly, in dire need of a bath! She is an extremely intelligent and obedient dog and I had to give her the ok on heading on in for a swim. Oh the excitement! Even though the water was still frigid the sun was warm and Miko, stick in mouth, looked as if she was in heaven.

On Sunday the 25th Robin and I decided on an afternoon hike with some guests, across the road, on the Beetle Lake Trail. The warm sun once again doin’ it’s thing and the freshness of the Algonquin spring air was a force too strong to ignore.

I was amazed at how little snow was present in the forest, a lot less than 2 days prior. In patches the sun had melted the snow right away from the forest floor, where it found hundreds of maple keys. The tiny seeds had just jumped into action and began to germinate, producing tiny seedlings.

We paused briefly at the 2 really impressive lookouts over Oxtongue Lake and bathed in the afternoon sun.

There were a few soakers along the way, but all in all it was a great day out. I love this time of year. You can feel and smell life coming, well back to life I guess. Moose are once again being seen along the road, coming to lick the salt and eat the early plants in the ditches. For getting new gear, local stores, like Algonquin Outfitters are unloading all of their winter stock at great prices! Although whenever I go in I can’t help but look at all of the canoeing stuff.
Any day now the first of the magnificent spring wildflowers, the trout lily will poke out a leaf or 2. Today, the 28th of March, I noticed that the Oxtongue River across the road from the Wolf Den has been freed. I looked over towards my canoe in building anticipation. Maybe next week, Pontiac (16’ fibreglass) will get to be like Miko and take it’s first swim of the year!

Reel Paddling Film Festival

March 15th, 8pm at the Algonquin Theatre, Huntsville

Our friends over at Algonquin Outfitters will be hosting this years Reel Paddling Film Festival at the Algonquin Theatre on March 15th, 8pm. What better event to attend for March Break, a great opportunity to get ramped up your excitement for the spring and summer paddling seasons. Films featuring all kinds of paddling from flat water Canadian canoe tripping, that we all love, to some of the craziest moves possible on all class of white water rivers by some of the best white water paddlers on the globe.

Come check it out, tickets are a special price of only
$12 for adults / $10 for students Tickets available now at the Algonquin Theatre website or by phone

Algonquin Theatre
37 Main Street East
Huntsville, ON P1H 1A1
Box Office (705) 789-4975
Toll-free 1-888- 696-4255 ext. 2352
http://www.algonquintheatre.ca/events/reel_padd_fest.htm

Job Opportunity at the Wolf Den

Summer Host Position

The Wolf Den Bunkhouse and Cabins is currently looking for a reliable, outgoing, friendly person to assist in hosting duties. Spend your time off canoeing, hiking, biking and exploring in beautiful Algonquin Park.

The position is available from June 1st to August 31st 2007. The dates are negotiable. Preference will be given to those with an Eco-tourism/Environmental background and/or those returning to school in September.

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Hosting --- greeting both domestic and international guests, giving tours of the facility, answering phone/e-mail, taking bookings, providing information on local attractions i.e. Algonquin and Ragged Falls Provincial Parks

Cleaning --- laundry, keeping the cabins, rooms, and the main building (kitchen, lounge and washrooms) tidy

Customer service --- handling cash, selling environmental products in our on-site store

Gardening and outdoor work --- watering, planting, and permaculture planning

Education --- Assisting in planning and preliminary implementation of Environmental Education Centre

You will be working independently, as well as in a team. Tasks may include moderate lifting. Must be able to be assertive yet friendly with guests, and communicate well with others.

Monthly wage of $1450 and includes accommodation. Hours to be negotiated. Bonus opportunities available.

Please forward resumes via email to: Benjamin Teskey at wden@wolfdenbunkhouse.com

Great North American Wilderness Clean-up

May 12 & 13, 2007

For 365 days a year your mother nurtures you. She provides you with clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, good nourishing food to eat, protects you from intense UV rays, and presents you with renewing recreational opportunities.
This mother’s day is your chance to give just a little bit back. Join us in the Great North American Wilderness Clean-up. Hike, bike, or paddle, pick-up a bit of garbage and have a fun day out with great people. Show Mother Earth that you are grateful for all she does for you.


Join an existing group in your area or form your own. Ask Ben from the Wolf Den wden@wolfdenbunkhouse.com for details or visit www.wildernesscleanup.com

Wolf Den’s Group "The Wolf Pack" will be cleaning in Algonquin. Participants will receive ½ price accommodation for the 2 nights.

March Break Special at the Wolf Den

Come and Join us for your March Break and Receive a 10% Discount

Things to do while in the area:

Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Hiking and the World Class Visitor Centre in
Algonquin Park (7 min Drive)
Soak up the grandeur of Ragged Falls (15 min Walk)
Hike through mixed forests and past spectacular
Lookouts on the Beetle Lake Trail
(Right Across the Road from us)
Relax by the Fire in our Lounge or Warm up in our
Cedar Log Sauna
Down Hill Skiing at Hidden Valley
Skating in Dwight

Offer Valid From the Night of Sunday March 11th to the

Night of Thursday March 15th.

No Snowmobiles please!

Contact Ben or Robin today

Email wden@wolfdenbunkhouse.com

1-866-271-9336 1-705-635-9336

www.wolfdenbunkhouse.com

A message from The Wolf Den Hosts: Our Story

The Wolf Den Vision:

To create an ecology education facility while maintaining affordable and comfortable accommodation and eco-tourism related operations.

The Dream:

Our passion is truly the environment, and we believe the best way to protect and honour it, is to teach and educate anyone who is willing to listen about the earth. Many people have lost touch with our Earth Mother, and don’t realize how our fast paced, industrial, commercialised lives are dramatically affecting our earth. It is important to get back in line with the land and understand how it works, in order to fully respect its true worth. This is why we wish to offer the opportunity for people to come here and be immersed in a natural and beautiful setting in which they enjoy, and then learn about the importance of this environment. Being so close to Algonquin Park really affords this opportunity, allowing people to have a protected, amazing place in which to explore so close to us.

Our plan is to still provide year round, affordable and cozy accommodations for a wide variety of guests, but we will to add to that, an environmentally focused learning centre and outdoor education facility. This will unfold throughout the next few years but has already begun through increased awareness of conservation, distributing environmental education pamphlets and by conducting workshops and guided hikes on nature and ecology. As time, funds and knowledge allow we will expand this new branch of the Wolf Den. We are also working on obtaining a sustainable energy demonstration to be put here on site, such as a small wind turbine and/or solar panels. We will have workshops on the equipment and show how they are a viable resource for energy. Education is key.

The Goals:

To overtime add the following additional services and make changes:

• Informative guided hikes in the area
  


• Programs with hands on learning on such things as fire building, outdoor survival, animal observation and tracking, edible and wild plants, ecology, and oneness with the earth
  


• Open a small on-site gift shop and new reception area, in a reclaimed original log cabin, selling local, ethically produced products with minimal to no packaging with items such as Wolf Den clothing, handmade jewellery, natural beauty products, local art, nature books ect.


• Obtain sustainable living working demonstrations such as solar power, wind power, alternative transportation, composting toilets, and permaculture methods
  


• Build additional alternative cabins from methods such as reclaimed wood, used tires, straw bales, rammed earth, & adobe building methods
  Show video presentations on Algonquin’s various animals and plant life, bringing together the ecology of the park


• Create an arboretum trail illustrating local native plant species
  Reduce waste through conservation, intensified recycling, and composting
  Make and post factsheets on native flora and fauna, conservation, and sustainable living practices
  


• Completely switch to environmentally friendly cleaning and toiletries products
  


• Encourage outside educational organizations to recognize and use facilities
  


• Provide public internet services
  


• Provide a shuttle service, and ecotourism tours into the park and local areas
  


• Align strategic partnerships with local outfitting, tourism, environmental and alternative energy companies
  


• Provide increased information about Algonquin Park
  

* Please note that these goals will take time and will be heavily influenced by financial viability and time

Final note:

The Wolf Den is truly a magical place where people can get together from all around the World. And although it may look as though it is simply an affordable, comfortable place to spend the night, the Wolf Den is much more. It is a launching pad, a place in which we can grow and create real learning opportunities to educate the public. A place where we can make a difference in this place we all call home, our EARTH.

How you can help us succeed:

• Spread the word about our place to your family and friends
  


• Take some brochures and pass them out
  


• Write to your favorite guide book about the Wolf Den
  


• Come back for another visit
  


• Organize a group trip of your friends, a club or family reunion
  


• Go online and write a review about your stay here. Some places to go online for travel reviews such as:
  worldweb.com, igougo.com, tripadvisor.com, gusto.com,
  travelpost.com, realtravel.com, travelblog.org