my c.c.r. has a thread going on this topic,,  good read,,

Last edited by swedish pimple (3/05/2020 7:45 am)

John Connelly wrote:

I wouldn't get too upset yet .
Current rates for interior Algonquin Park .
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/general_park_info/fees-backcountry.php

John, I don’t get what you’re trying to accomplish here? True, the rates haven’t changed for Algonquin. But it’s not hard to look at these changes and see how they could very easily be applied to the Park in a few years.

Like most people on this thread, I think the current fee structure is better than the new one. If that’s the case, doesn’t it make sense to think about possible changes to it proactively instead of reacting once it takes effect on a wider scale? The more people who know the direction things are going now, the better chance there is that those who disagree with the changes can make their voices heard before any possible changes come down, rather than after.

I don’t know. To me this is an extremely relevant conversation. I think dismissing it by focusing on the short term is a mistake.

I think dismissing John as "the resident troll" says more about you than John.

AlgonquinLakes wrote:

...But it’s not hard to look at these changes and see how they could very easily be applied to the Park in a few years...

If I recall correctly, the my ccr thread had a response from Massasagua Park saying that this is a 2 year trial that would then be rolled out everywhere, depending upon its success. 

I'm don't know why they are changing the backcountry fee structure to something radically different. Not sure if it is purely about revenue (Hmmmm, isn't it always about the money?) but there would be a loss with this method whenever the group size is 4 or more. Then I think about car camping and perhaps that fee structure should change as it is prohibitively expensive to solo car camp. I also wonder what will happen to the winter backcountry rates. Are they going to charge almost $50 a night when you don't even get a real site. Instead you just find some random patch and pitch a tent.

Hey Trippy. I don’t think they know. Hence the 2 year pilot. Generally I agree with what you are saying though. Plus they are going to have to assume learnings in Temagami will hold true in Algonquin and I’m not sure that they would.

There is also the added complication that I’m pretty sure this is the Ministries Pricing Strategy Dept.

Last edited by ShawnD (3/06/2020 5:00 pm)

ShawnD wrote:

....Plus they are going to have to assume learnings in Temagami will hold true in Algonquin and I’m not sure that they would.

I agree. Algonquin is way too unique given it's size and overall accessibility to many. Any data from Killarney, Temagami, etc. could give some indicators, but Algonquin is a completely different ball game.

trippythings wrote:

  I agree. Algonquin is way too unique given it's size and overall accessibility to many. Any data from Killarney, Temagami, etc. could give some indicators, but Algonquin is a completely different ball game.

All I can speak to is Algonquin Park's backcountry campsites (not having camped at Killarney or Temagami). 

Having camped in Algonquin's backcountry many times over a quarter century, and having had many more PCI campsite reports cross my desk, I can state with confidence that the backcountry campsites vary from tiny to large, from steep to flat, from rocky to swampy, from sheltered to windblown. There are no standards to the campsites beyond a fire-ring and a thunderbox!

I put a question to those who have camped the backcountry of Killarney or Temagami .. how do the campsites there stack-up to Algonquin's?
 

Great post and some excellent comments re increased nightly fees for Temagami and Missassauga Parks..  I have never canoed, camped, or fished in any of these parks and have no plans to do so.  After all, when you have found the best, why try the rest.   To be honest, I have no idea what the difference is between soloists and groups camping in these other Parks.  But it sounds to me that there are more groups than soloists.

Seriously though, most of the posts have to do with canoeing and camping and no mention of fishing.  When it comes to trout fishing in Algonquin Park (as well as other species), the others just aren't even close to what APP has to offer.  As for APP nightly fees, I have been camping in Algonquin for 54 years and I remember when I was 16 my permit was $6/night for a group or single person.  Today, this rate has doubled for a single person, and even less than that for me seeing I am a senior.  As a soloist, I would never pay what these other parks are asking for and seriously doubt many will.  Thus, I can see more canoeists/campers and those wishing to fish visiting Algonquin Park more often.  Hopefully, this will increase Algonquin's revenues and thus make it possible for more wardens to patrol Algonquin.  One can only wish and time will tell.

However, what time has told us is that they we have been given a gift over the years for canoeing, camping and fishing in Algonquin Provincial Park for some very small nightly fees.  For this I am truly thankful for, as well as members of this forum and the others who visit Algonquin Park more often. After all, who wouldn't after canoeing, camping and fishing in THE GREATEST PARK IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!  And yes I am biased because honestly, I can't believe any other Park could have given me what Algonquin has over these past 54 years as  Algonquin Park is my friend, my second home, my destiny!

Last edited by boknows (3/07/2020 4:17 pm)