Site # 1 on the PCI index might work...dunno about the swimming (no beach) but spacious interior of site and sunset views out western landing but not from the site itself as it is fully forested.

Site #2 on the index is good too.  Great multi-level layout, really good views that are mostly unobstructed.  Also not sure about swimming (visits were in May so we weren't even thinking of that although there is exposed shield rock right up to the water so likely good for that too).

I haven't extracted it in some time (last time was probably two or three months ago) but it worked fine then.  

Best luck would be in moving, cooler tributaries...and later in September for the lakes.  Brookies will come to the surface to feed in the warmer waters but not for very long.  You could luck into one even in July or August on a dry fly but that would be the exception as opposed to the rule.

Hi Mikey,

Welcome aboard and glad to hear you're having a good experience here - I couldn't agree more about the site as a resource for quality information - it has helped me become a better tripper over the years.

The link below to this sites PCI index shows Bonnechere Lake and the various sites.  Some of them have been recorded to show you what you may be in store for.  I can tell you that site #2 on the below link is one of the nicest sites on the lake - beautiful layout, nice swimming, good rocks for viewing the meteor shower (unfortunately you'll have a full or near full moon so you won't get to see much at all as far as stars and meteors go, bummer).

I've stayed on sites #1 and #2 and both are good but 2 is really nice.

http://www.algonquinadventures.com/PCI/PCIindex.htm
 

Generally a spring is ground water that has just come up through the rock/soil for the first time.  As such, it is typically safe to drink since it hasn't had exposure to they typical pollutants that mar water (i.e. human/animal fecal waste, decomposing flesh, etc.).  However, the springs with a man-made box always make me look carefully for evidence of animal habitation within the box (such as a rodent nest or droppings).  While these boxes don't make a great home (damp and chilly) they could conceivably be used as such.

I too have enjoyed the cool, fresh water from springs as well as from small streams but I just observe what is upstream to see if there is any evidence of something that would have leached into the soil to contaminate the water.  I also drink interior lake water straight in some conditions so my bar of "purity" is likely lower than the average person.  I also have a cast iron stomach.

If you are going to drink water from a stream that a portage crosses I would recommend walking fiver or ten meters upstream to collect it...there could have been a hiker ahead of you that made the poor choice to relieve himself into that waterway thinking it is like a urinal.

I believe the limit is 9 at one time.  It has been that, historically.

I've used a Nesco for the last five or six years.  It's about $70 US and works well.  Excalibur are excellent, but I'm not a big-time dehydrator - just for camping trips and to do fruits.  

The nesco works well - I can do probably half a dozen apples at one time and they take anywhere from 4-8 hours; also works well on meats like ground beef; spaghetti sauce, olive tapenade, salsa, etc.  If you are looking for higher volume, the excalibur would probably be best (and you'll pay for it) but if you're in need of low to moderate utilization, something like nesco works well.

No watch, no GPS, just a compass and map.  

You certainly don't TRULY NEED a GPS; you can use one if you want to carry the extra weight and if you cannot use a map and compass it would be a good idea to have something to navigate with.