The Victoria Day long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, but it still feels like spring has barely begun. Kicking off the camping season, we spend a few nights at Algonquin, probably Ontario’s best known provincial park.

Pog Lake is one of several front-country camping sites lining the developed Highway 60 corridor that runs through the southern portion of the park. With an abundance of hiking trails and paddling options near by, even the most ardent city-dweller can find a way to reconnect with nature.

Best of all, the unseasonably cool weather meant no blackflies or mosquitoes all weekend, making the excursions especially enjoyable. There were even a couple of moose sightings along the way. That alone makes up for any cold and wet evening in our tents!