The Almaguin Highlands has an untouched feel to it.  Canadian history reveals very little early exploration or settlement in the highlands. 

The area was originally a communal hunting and fishing ground, traditional to the Huron, Ojibway and Algonquin peoples.  These traditional users agreed to lead early explorers along the more accessible waterways, skirting their precious hunting area in order to protect it.

The popular town of Kearney is found 8 km east of Hwy. 11. on Hwy. 518. Not only is Kearney known for being the "biggest little town", it is also the home of the late Ralph Bice, legendary guide, trapper, outdoorsman, author and newspaper columnist. Kearney is the gateway to the Sand Lake region with fine beaches, great sailing and fishing, and is the starting point of Rain Lake Road, built on the abandoned railway line (Booth Railway) which ran through Algonquin Park and offers a scenic drive through centuries old stands of giant virgin white pine.

Kearney offers the Lions Community Park, a restored pioneer church at Sand Lake (1884), open for daily visits and summer services on Thursday evenings, St. Patrick's Catholic Church (1904) and "Stations of the Cross" and Near North Country Pleasures offering a wide selection of crafts.

Additional access to Algonquin Park is available by entrances 2, 3 and 4 via Kearney.

The Seguin Trail from Emsdale to Parry Sound passes through the communities of Sprucedale, Bear Lake & Orrville , all situated on Hwy. 518 West. It provides a well groomed snowmobile trail in winter and a multi use recreational in the summer. This area also offers a public beach and boat launch on Doe Lake Rd. #2 where angling for pickerel (walleye), pike, whitefish and smallmouth bass can also be found.

Area features include the Beggsboro Creek Wildlife Area, at the southern tip of Doe Lake, a Public Beach and boat launching on Doe Lake Rd. #2, the Sprucedale Recreational Trail and the Seguin Trail.

The hamlet of Katrine is situated on Doe Lake and abutting Hwy. 11. Located 3 km south of Burk's Falls, Katrine boasts a large public beach, picnic area and golf course. This majestic region embraces 2,000 square miles of rolling hills, large stands of pine and maple and a vast network of lakes and rivers.

A breathtaking view of Doe Lake can be seen from the top of the hill on 3-mile Lake Road. Features include a picnic and rest area just south of Katrine, a Public beach and roadside rest area at the northern tip of Doe Lake, boat access to the Magnetawan River and abundant year round fishing.

The village of Burk's Falls is located on the Magnetawan River and is a haven for canoeists, boaters and hikers. In and around Burk's Falls you will discover the business section, just off Hwy. 11, the Village Green picnic area, with Thompson's Rapids located nearby on Pickerel and Jack Lake Road, works of art at the Peanut Gallery or the local library.

The Arts and Crafts of many local artists and craftspeople have studios and retail outlets in the area.

Forest Tower Road provides access to Algonquin Park at Tim and Butt Lakes (canoe access only from here) and the Magnetawan canoe route may be accessed at Burk's Falls.

Welcome Centre sits beside the Magnetawan River overlooking a covered footbridge, which spans the Magnetawan River, leads to the Heritage River walk.