A blissful discovery

Majestic lakes are probably one of the images that the mere mention of Canada evokes in many people's minds, and that itself may be of little surprise, given that the country is said to have more than two million lakes covering about 7.6 percent of the country.

Canada is of course a vast expanse, the world's second-largest country, but if you are keen to get a feel of what having two million lakes in one country is like, the Algonquin Park provides a useful microcosm.

Driving along Highway 60 with Willy the collie in the back seat, lakes were another constant companion. At first it was difficult to tell where lakes began and where they ended, because they looked little different from the snow-covered terrain that was free of any human traces. But the nearer you got to the surface of a frozen lake surface the easier it became to tell what you were looking at. The lakes are simply more wide open, smoother and more reflective.

Alex suggested I go back to the park in summer to try what he called "remote camping", meaning you canoe to a small island between the lakes and spend a night snuggled up with nature as you share the habitat with other species.

Even if the lack of snow and ice then would have stolen some of the park's many surprises, I'm sure many others would be lying in store.

If you go

Fees: A day visit to the park requires a daily vehicle permit, and the price depends on the season. From now until the end of March it is CDN$17 (82 yuan; $12.40). Additional fees apply to camping and other recreational activities.

Transport: The most convenient way to get to the park is probably driving your own vehicle. The park is about three hours north of Toronto Pearson International Airport. Take Ontario Provincial Highway 404 on to Highway 11, and then onto highway 60, which will lead you straight into the park. Algonquin Provincial Park's official website: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/

Travel tip: If you are interested in learning about Dr. Norman Bethune's life, the Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site is worth a visit as well. The memorial house is located between Toronto and Algonquin Provincial Park. Take exit 169 on Highway 11. The address is 235 John Street North, Gravenhurst, Ontario.