Last week, my girlfriend and I went up to the Barron River for a 3 night stay. We camped a few kilometers from "the canyon" to avoid the crowds, as I usually do on most of my trips. Coming in on Tuesday, I thought it would be a bit quiet with the long weekend coming up, but to my surprise, there was lots of people going by. Within the first 52 hours of being in the park, a total of 52 canoes/kayaks passed by our campsite. We didn't mind as most everbody said hello or waved, but it is the amount of interest for the canyon that impressed me and this during weekdays...I can just imagine the traffic during this past weekend.

I remember between 15 and 20 years ago, on many occasions, having the whole river to ourselves, mind you, this was at the trout opening in April. Things have changed since all of the promotions for the canyon have come out. Even though, we appreciated our outing within Algonquin.

Living on the Barron Canyon Rd, I can attest to the fact that it does get busier every yr. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to live any where else, just an observation. Friday evenings we see a barrage of vehicles with canoes/kayaks and camper trlrs heading in, and Sunday afternoons are a mass exodus of dirty dusty vehicles heading out. Summers do however seem quieter with the absence of log trucks. Not complaining about log trucks either, as I may find myself driving one someday, but just another observation. Tues morning, after the long wknd, I saw the first one of the season come out at 6AM loaded to the top of the stakes with hardwood logs! We will probably head into Achray over the next few wks and enjoy the quiet time as well as this late summer weather.

I hear ya, the East side is no longer a secret and people are willing to make the long drive to get there now ... can't say that I blame them.