Home Regions of OntarioMuskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park Region
Almaguin Highlands
The Almaguin Highlands are the westerly extension of the Algonquin Highlands of Central Ontario. The Almaguin Highlands cover an immense area of approximately 8,000 sq. kms (3,090 sq miles).
The name Almaguin was formed by exchanging the "gon" in Algonguin with "mag", in reference to the Magnetewan River, which played a pivotal role in the development of the area. The Almaguin Highlands are bounded by the Nipissing District to the north and by Muskoka to the south. The eastern boundary of the Almaguin Highlands abuts the western boundary of Algonquin Provincial Park, while the western boundary of the Almaguin Highlands is approximately the mid east-west point of the Parry Sound District.
Many of the towns and villages are located along the Highway #11 corridor. The original Highway #11 is actually an extension of Yonge Street in Toronto and was meant to connect Southern Ontario with Northern Ontario. By 1920 the highway had reached North Bay.
A highway into Canada's near north meant people from metropolitan areas such as Toronto could now reach the Almaguin Highlands in less than a day by car. The area saw an influx of summer residents. Cottages and resorts sprang up along the shores of the many beautiful, pristine lakes and rivers that make up the Almaguin Highlands.
