My wife and I are trying to plan a trip this spring/summer into the park. Nothing to long or tough, just a couple of nights(it's been a while) we plan to leave the kids at home, but would like to keep in contact, just "in case", plus my wife would be more relaxed. What kind of coverage is there? I like going into rock lake, lots of hiking and things to do in that area. I know, the last thing you want to hear is a phone ringing, but I promise to leave it on vibrate as soon as we get into the park!

thanx again

jim
p.s You'll know what I'm talking about when you have 4 teenagers at home.

Hi Jim

The cell transmitter poles are located along Highway 60. The terrain plays a great part in whether you'll get a signal. Here's some personal experiences ...

Southmost campsite on Pinetree Lake .. "1 bar" .. up on a big rock behind the tentsite. Enough signal strength to get through and chat. Stepped off the rock and signal disappeared.

Campsite on Pen Lake at mouth of Galipo Creek .. "1 bar" .. up on top of exposed point jutting into lake. Again, OK to get through and chat. Again, a narrow "zone" of reception .. about 3 feet wide! Signal was probably bouncing off rock faces alongside south Rock Lake.

Beach in front of Canoe Lake access point office .. absolutely no signal! Big rock heights surrounding the south end of the lake were obviously blocking all signals .. and that's only a few hundred meters from the highway.

So, it can be a toss-up for sure! Being out "mid-lake" near the highway may increase your chances?

Barry Bridgeford
http://www.AlgonquinAdventures.com
http://www.ABRweb.ca .. Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists - Caring for Algonquin's Backcountry

"... p.s You'll know what I'm talking about when you have 4 teenagers at home."

OK, I can relate - my oldest is now old enough to be the official 'baby sitter' and we're enjoying the freedom of going out for a few hours - but the cell phone is with me and I have been called.

So, I'll admit you have a good reason to take it with you.

I can also confirm reception at the south end of Pen Lake. I was dismayed when the guys pulled out a cell phone to even try it and downright depressed when it worked.


___________________________
No your other left!
www.loonislandoutdoors.com

This is a good question to ask but very difficult to answer, as things are always changing.

I have gotten fairly good signals along the Loggers museum trail and even was able to send out photos, however there are "magic black holes" where the signal will drop and reappear for seemingly no reason at all. In many of the highlands of the corridore trails I will also get a good signal.

Be careful though, for I use Rogers, and have found that my coverage in the park is much poorer then say Bell. It seems that as I enter the park's west gate I loose all bars, only to get them back as I exit at the east side. All the while though along the corridore, Bell customers can chat away.



Jeff P
http://algonquincanoeing.blogspot.com/