Things to Do
Resting near the east side of Algonquin Park, we attract visitors from around the world interested in the great canoeing, fishing and trails in the park. We are also found close to the Madawaska River where family raft trips or kayaking is possible. Other area attractions include the Bonnechere Caves, the artisans in and around Barry's Bay, the old Railway Station and art gallery in town as well as the spectacular Wilno Church & Lookout. For nature lovers we are close to Conroy’s Marsh and the Madawaska Valley is well known for being home to bountiful wildlife and forest birds.
Algonquin Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is one of the oldest and largest established public parks in Canada. Known throughout the world as a spectacular wilderness destination, it is truly one of the Ontario’s greatest treasures. From the beautiful clean lakes and rocky hills, to the howl of the wolf or the call of the loon, this park is an outdoor recreation paradise. The park can be accessed at many areas in and around Barry’s Bay. Interior trips can begin as nearby as the Aylen Lake access mere minutes away off Aylen Lake Road. Alternatively, the Basin Lake Road access to the east and the Shall Lake access to the west are both about half an hour away.
If experiencing a few of Algonquin Park's more popular day attractions is on your mind, then here are some fantastic options. The breathtaking Barron Canyon and area trails can be found just under an hour away by car to the east. While to the west, a short 35 minute drive brings you to the East Gate and famous Highway 60 Corridor route. Along the corridor visitors can enjoy the abundance of trails and even spend an afternoon at the Algonquin's Visitor Centre complete with exhibits on local wildlife, an outdoor logging museum and much, much more.
If you are looking for a day or overnight canoe or camping trip into the park, Algonquin Bound Outfitters provides full rental packages, guided trips and even shuttle service to the park. Find out more at www.algonquinbound.com
Bonnechere Caves & Fourth Chute
The Bonnechere Caves are one of Attractions Canada’s Provincial Gold Medal Winners. The twisting labyrinth of limestone passages contains the fossils of thousands of 500-million-year-old coral and sea creatures. Each fall, this underground world is transformed into the largest bat roost in the Ottawa Valley. Guided tours leave every twenty minutes and last approximately an hour.
Also in the area is the Fourth Chute, which is one of five spectacular waterfalls on the Bonnechere River. This watershed provides productive farmland, substantial forests, and scenic landscape along its course. Log drivers built chutes around these obstacles, and later dams were built to produce hydroelectricity. Found about an hour away, the caves and chute are located 8 km east of the town of Eganville along Fourth Chute Road. Watch for the blue and white tourism directional signs along Highways 60 or 41.
Wake Board, Wake Surf, Water Ski School (available through a 3rd party)
Pick up and drop off at the dock.
Contact information and rates available upon request.
Boat tours also available to explore Kamaniskeg Lake, the Madawaska River, Blackfish Bay, Combermere, or cruise Nageek Lake and Conroy Marsh.
Madawaska River
The Madawaska River is justly celebrated as one of the best places in North America to learn whitewater skills or enjoy the popular Madawaska Family Float Trips. The stunning location and dependable warm whitewater is a formula that has beginner to expert paddlers returning each summer. An estimated 15,000 canoeists and kayakers paddle the Madawaska River each year. The mix of flat and whitewater appeals to beginners and experience paddlers alike. For more information of canoeing or kayaking in the area, contact either the Madawaska Kanu Centre or Algonquin Bound. The popular family rafting trips are also offered out of the Kanu Centre, which is less 15 minutes away from our Lodge.
For more information, please visit:
http://owl-mkc.ca/mkc/
Crooked Slide Park
Perhaps the most photographed site in the entire Combermere area, this faithfully restored chute is an example of the engineering marvel of the logging industry in the 1800s. The two hundred foot chute and boardwalk, and the adjoining control dam rest on Byers Creek was originally used to safely route logs from Brudenell, Wilno and Barry's Bay into the Madawaska River for their trip down to the Ottawa and eventual transport to Europe. Today, the slide has today become a site for swimmers, photographers, fishermen and those simply wishing to relax and enjoy Mother Nature's gifts. The park is located east of Combermere on the Old Barry's Bay Road approximately 3 km from Highway 62.
Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club
Cross-country skiing near Barry's Bay.
There are over 14 km of classic and skate-ski trails located at the end of Drohan Road in Brudenell, not far from Barry's Bay, Ontario. Groomed with a long-track Yamaha and 60″ Ginzu groomer, the trails follow wide roads through rolling, wilderness terrain.
For more information, please visit:
http://opeongonordic.com/
Dog Sledding, Snow Mobile, ATV, and Horse Trail Tours
Snowmobiling in Barry's Bay Ontario is a way of life! Snowmobiling is an absolute thrill & a guided
Snowmobile tour on groomed trails through the wilderness surrounding Algonquin Park is a THRILL
you won't soon forget!
Dog Sledding in Ontario is an amazing winter thrill, and Dog Sledding near
Algonquin Park - well that's just the most amazing winter experience ever!
Looking for a PRIVATE ATV TOUR with the undivided attention of a fantastic
guide, to relax and ATV through the wilderness surrounding Algonquin Park?
The fully guided, ATV Tours with maximum 3 - 4 ATV's per tour, are quiet
and enjoyable wilderness tours without the smoke and exhaust of a huge lineup!
The Public Horseback Riding Stable offers affordable trial rides 1-3 hrs in length
with a scenic 3 hour ride to a crown lake, crossing water on the way, being the most
popular trail ride. Gentle, well trained horses, high quality tack, small private tours,
and knowledgeable guides provide a fun packed adventure if you want to explore the
Algonquin Park area by horseback.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.ridethewilderness.com
More Information on Local Attractions
For a complete list of local events, be sure to visit www.algonquineast.com, www.madawaskavalley.on.ca or www.southof60.com.
Snowmobiling in the Area
Snowmobilers can access the OFSC B102 on the north end of Lake Kamaniskeg in Barry’s Bay which is a short sled ride from the lodge. The B102 links to the B Trunk Trail connecting Algonquin Park and Pembroke providing over 100km of riding. The B102 also provides access to the E 109 connecting Barry’s Bay to Combermere. Conditions are usually excellent due to the high volumes of snow fall in the area. For more information please visit the OFSC Trail Guide before heading out on the trails.