"People visiting Algonquin Park understand the incredible beauty of this place and that there's something really special in it that pulls everybody here," says Christine Luckasavitch, owner of Waaseyaa Cultural Tours.

Waaseyaa means 'bright light' in Anishinaabemowin, the language of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation and Christine is just that — a guiding light to the history and lived experience of her people.

For Christine, Algonquin Park is far more than just a place to visit, it is home.

"This beautiful place that so many people celebrate is a place that we have called home since time immemorial," she says. "Our markings and our presence are still very much on the land, even if it's not apparent to visitors to the park. Our stories are held by this land."

Through Waaseyaa Cultural Tours, Christine provides guided walks in Algonquin Park and shares the history of people and place.

She tells of generations of Anishinaabe, her family included, who were forcibly displaced from their territory when Algonquin Park was created and of the thousands of years of Indigenous brilliance that brought us innovations like the snowshoe and the canoe that continue to be vital to the in-depth exploration of this vast landscape.

Christine's hope is to instill a love and respect for the land so it will continue to be protected.

"I want to make sure people fall in love with the land and therefore treat it with even more respect," she says. "The point of these tours is to make sure that this land is cared for in perpetuity, for future generations. And not just future generations of Algonquin people, but all of our future generations."

Christine offers her tours year-round, sharing knowledge and her commitment to environmental stewardship, which goes beyond just the basics of Leave No Trace principles.

"Treat the land, treat the water, as relatives," she said. "How would you behave if you went to a relative's house? You're going to be respectful and spend your time visiting and appreciating that time together rather than being dismissive or destructive. This isn't just some wilderness space that's there for recreation or exploitation, it is home."

"I wouldn't say it's ever loud out here," says John Langford, owner of Voyageur Quest, a family-run company that provides guided adventures and lodging in the quiet, northwestern edge of Algonquin Park.

When he tells people in Toronto that he runs a company near Algonquin, he's often met with the refrain: 'It's so busy there.'

"And I say, 'you're right, certain parts of it are' but you'd have a hard time convincing me that we're busy up where we are," he says. "Here it feels like what I think people imagine classic Algonquin Park to be."

Voyageur Quest's cabins, cottages and chalets are off-grid, powered by solar, rustic and intimate. They are located just on the edge of Algonquin's western side where the hardwood hills meet the coniferous shoreline.

"Where we are, it's just so perfect," he says. "The hills are all maple, yellow birch, beech, and then the shorelines are all conifers, pine, spruce, tamarack, and so you get to see both."

The Algonquin Log Cabin, for example, gives visitors a cozy landing space, complete with chef-prepared meals, and a wilderness guide to take them out on the land. The day excursions are customizable to the visitor's comfort level and weather but are designed to allow for a deeper connection to the land.

But if you're after a larger adventure into the backcountry, John also offers multi-day camping trips all year long, putting his more than three decades of experience in the area towards crafting unforgettable guided trips.

Gliding along a forested path on cross-country skis, with the crunch of snow underfoot and the warmth of the sun peaking through the trees, is one of John’s favourite ways to enjoy winter.

There's even a word for it, he says: apricity.

Apricity is an old English word that has mostly fallen out of use but it refers to the feeling of warmth you get from the sun on a cold winter's day.

"You stop for a moment in the forest and it's quiet. The angle of the sun is low and it creates shadows and light filters through the trees," John says. "Then you start hearing the birds."

Ontario Parks has snowshoeing, skiing and fat biking trails available throughout the season, with varying degrees of length and difficulty. The Mew Lake Campground is open for winter camping with some roofed accommodation and a skating rink available.

Christine's tours continue through the winter, including her Full Moon Hikes where you can see the moonlight glistening off the snow as she tells her engaging stories.

And Voyageur Quest has a plethora of cozy winter options. The season just so happens to be John's favourite one in the park.

"It is so beautiful," he says. "And the quiet is very special."