Returning to Algonquin Park |

Our plan was to visit Algonquin Provincial Park before the insects make their presence known. And, also in the hope that we catch some last vestiges of winter including patches of snow and thawing lakes and streams. If memory serves me, it’s a two-hour drive from my home in Stittsville to the Town of Whitney, ON, where we had rooms booked at the East Gate Motel. Whitney is conveniently situated a few kilometres east of the Park entrance on Highway 60.

My pals, Jim and Gary, are veteran painters and like myself have painted in the Park a number of times. Outdoor easels, canvases and paints along with warm boots and clothing, are packed in the back of our van. A few miles west of Renfrew we begin to see the rugged Canadian Shield terrain rising ahead. The anticipation starts building.

We grab lunch and gas up at the Algonquin Lunch Bar & Gas Station in Whitney and then proceed to the Algonquin Park office where we are met with helpful staff who process our day passes and patiently answer our questions. As we walk back to the van, we pause to listen to the surrounding silence and savour the tranquility of pine and spruce in every direction. Added to the effect is a sense of the history too. Each of us, in our own way, wonder if our painting efforts will do us justice. And we are keen to try.

22”x28”

The weather has been wonderful. Each day we return to the motel with one or two paintings started. Some of them may turn into larger studio renditions in our studios, as we search to express the wonder of our experiences.

The sharing with artist friends and the joys of plein air painting make the trip all the more worthwhile. The paintings tell it so.

The Algonquin Provincial Park keeps calling.

Charlie
April, 25, 2026