Accommodations and Meals
Harkness is not 'officially open' until ice-out on Lake Opeongo. Ice-out normally occurs by the end of April but can be as late as May 10.
Although each year brings its own variation in seasonal weather, our recommendation for clothing is what is referred to in Ontario as "dressing for the cottage" ~ be prepared for warm days and cool nights. You can expect cool weather early in the season in May and later in the season from mid-August through October. Warm weather is typical for June and July.
We do not provide bedding or pillows. People staying at Harkness must bring their own pillow, sleeping bag or bedding. We strongly recommend a flashlight (with extra batteries) and rain gear.
Meals are prepared in the cookhouse by our 'chef de cuisine' for a daily rate. Please contact us for our rates.
People staying at Harkness have clean comfortable rooms in a number of cabins. Most rooms have bunk style beds with some single bed and double bed occupancy.
Additional Facilities
A number of additional facilities are available at Harkness for people doing research, offering field courses, and holding meetings.
Classroom: The classroom building offers space for instruction or meetings
Boathouse and boats: A range of small and large boats are available for research on Lake Opeongo or in other lakes. Anyone wishing to use a boat must have, without exception, a current boating safety license from the Canadian Coast Guard. Please enquire about rates.
Chem Lab: The chem lab building provides benchtop space for projects requiring lab space. It's equipped with a fume hood.
Fish Sampling Hut: A 'wet' sampling area with stainless steel table is available for processing organism samples.
Internet: We have a satellite wireless internet system to improve the reliabililty and speed of our internet connection. There is a public terminal available for use in the log lab and there is also an empty network port into which you can plug your laptop.
Radio and Satellite Phones: Field projects at Harkness are provided daily with radios or satellite phones (overnight & remote locations) to be used in case of emergency or routine check-ins while in the field. This is a safety feature that has proven to be an important element of our work in Algonquin Park.