New service offers weekly bus trips between Toronto & Algonquin Park
Posted July 7, 2011 9:30 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new service launched Thursday offering bus rides from downtown Toronto to Algonquin Park, providing an option for nature-loving urbanites who don’t have a car or don’t want to drive.
Parkbus, a non-profit pilot project partially funded by the province, picks up passengers at stops near the College, Dufferin and Glencairn subway stations and takes them to popular camping, canoeing and backpacking spots in select provincial parks.
So far, the service only goes to Algonquin.
“With its misty-morning lakes and its vast wooded areas, Algonquin Park is one of Ontario’s greatest natural treasures,” Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey said in a statement Thursday.
“Whether you like the full comfort of a lodge, want to try a night in a yurt or to sleep in a tent under the stars, this new service will help get people in the GTA closer to one of this provinces greatest treasures.”
Muskoka-based Hammond Transportation operates the buses. The service runs weekly with Thursday and Friday departures from Toronto and Sunday pickups from Algonquin until Sept. 5.
The non-profit group Transportation Options developed the idea.
The environmentally-conscious may wonder if the influx of visitors may result in the degradation of the park. On its website, Parkbus says a volunteer will accompany each bus to ensure travellers are well-versed on “best park practices.”
A round-trip ticket will cost $69.90 plus tax for an adult, and $34.94 plus tax for a child under 12.
Click here for more information.
