Sarah's Guidebook (A work in progress)
Sightseeing
This facility offers well-maintained trails for hiking or snowshoeing though diverse ecosystems including old-growth forests. It's like being in Algonquin Park, but it's only a 15 minute drive from the Guesthouse. Access is free. Good parking.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre
2065 Bulger RdThis facility offers well-maintained trails for hiking or snowshoeing though diverse ecosystems including old-growth forests. It's like being in Algonquin Park, but it's only a 15 minute drive from the Guesthouse. Access is free. Good parking.
The Fourth Chute on the Bonnechere River can be accessed from the Fourth Chute Rd between Eganville and Douglas. A guided tour of the Bonnechere Caves is offered from May to Thanksgiving. You can also park for free on the upstream side of the bridge by the start of the chutes and walk along the right bank. You'll encounter a natural stone arch along the way. Just below the chutes is a great spot for a swim. You can also walk through the river at this point (less than 1 m deep) and walk upstream on the other side past old mill ruins to the outflow of the caves.
Fourth Chute
The Fourth Chute on the Bonnechere River can be accessed from the Fourth Chute Rd between Eganville and Douglas. A guided tour of the Bonnechere Caves is offered from May to Thanksgiving. You can also park for free on the upstream side of the bridge by the start of the chutes and walk along the right bank. You'll encounter a natural stone arch along the way. Just below the chutes is a great spot for a swim. You can also walk through the river at this point (less than 1 m deep) and walk upstream on the other side past old mill ruins to the outflow of the caves.
The ghost town of Balaclava is a good extension to a trip to the Bonnechere Caves. Just take Scotch Bush Road south from the Caves. The highlight is an intact abandoned grist mill which can be viewed from the bridge over Constant Creek. Its about 40 minutes from the Guesthouse/ 12 minutes from the Caves.
Balaclava
The ghost town of Balaclava is a good extension to a trip to the Bonnechere Caves. Just take Scotch Bush Road south from the Caves. The highlight is an intact abandoned grist mill which can be viewed from the bridge over Constant Creek. Its about 40 minutes from the Guesthouse/ 12 minutes from the Caves.
Grand Lake is in Algonquin Park (Sand Lake Access) just upstream from the Barron Canyon. It is believed that Tom Thompson painted his famous “Jack Pine” here. The beach is at the main campsite at Achray. Achray is a great place to start a canoe trip to destinations such as Carcajou Bay, High Falls, St. Andrew’s Lake, or the Barron Canyon.
Distance to Achray: 91 km
Grand Lake
Grand Lake is in Algonquin Park (Sand Lake Access) just upstream from the Barron Canyon. It is believed that Tom Thompson painted his famous “Jack Pine” here. The beach is at the main campsite at Achray. Achray is a great place to start a canoe trip to destinations such as Carcajou Bay, High Falls, St. Andrew’s Lake, or the Barron Canyon.
Distance to Achray: 91 km
Get a spectacular view of the Bonnechere Valley from just over on the other side of the Lake. Park your car at the intersection of Tramore Rd and Libby Lane (20 minute drive) and access the trail head from Tramore Rd. It's a fairly steep rise that takes you to the top of the Deacon Escarpment. The trail isn't always super-obvious, but keep going even after you think you've reached the best spot. The views just keep getting better.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Deacon
Get a spectacular view of the Bonnechere Valley from just over on the other side of the Lake. Park your car at the intersection of Tramore Rd and Libby Lane (20 minute drive) and access the trail head from Tramore Rd. It's a fairly steep rise that takes you to the top of the Deacon Escarpment. The trail isn't always super-obvious, but keep going even after you think you've reached the best spot. The views just keep getting better.
The Pakkatinna Trail is shared by hikers, ATVers, and snowmobilers. The first 2 km take you to the top of Sauer’s Mountain which can be seen by looking to the northwest from the Guesthouse. The summit provides a panoramic view of Golden Lake.
Allow about 3 hours for the in-and-out hike. Easy to moderate. Consider getting the AllTrails App as a guide.
Distance: 12 km – Take Hwy 60 west from Golden Lake. Watch for the trailhead on the right after passing Mundt’s Bay Rd.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Deacon
The Pakkatinna Trail is shared by hikers, ATVers, and snowmobilers. The first 2 km take you to the top of Sauer’s Mountain which can be seen by looking to the northwest from the Guesthouse. The summit provides a panoramic view of Golden Lake.
Allow about 3 hours for the in-and-out hike. Easy to moderate. Consider getting the AllTrails App as a guide.
Distance: 12 km – Take Hwy 60 west from Golden Lake. Watch for the trailhead on the right after passing Mundt’s Bay Rd.
One of the closest access points to Algonquin Park is via Basin Depot Road near Round Lake. Right at the Park entrance you will find the trail head to Egg Rock Look-Out. It also goes by the name Whispering Pines Trail. It is a 0.6 km out and back trail. The Basin Depot access to Algonquin Park is follows the Bonnechere River upstream and this is a truly undiscovered part of the park with great wildlife viewing opportunities. It is approximately 50 km to the Park Entrance.
Basin Depot Road
Basin Depot RoadOne of the closest access points to Algonquin Park is via Basin Depot Road near Round Lake. Right at the Park entrance you will find the trail head to Egg Rock Look-Out. It also goes by the name Whispering Pines Trail. It is a 0.6 km out and back trail. The Basin Depot access to Algonquin Park is follows the Bonnechere River upstream and this is a truly undiscovered part of the park with great wildlife viewing opportunities. It is approximately 50 km to the Park Entrance.
Oiseau Rock (Rocher-a-l'Oiseau) is a 500 foot cliff on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River. It is one of the most important indigenous rock art sites in N. America. A small lake at the top of the cliffs has a fun rope swing and great swimming. Although it is only 89 km away, this is a full day trip. Access to the look-out is a 10 km in and out khike.
Oiseau Rock
Oiseau Rock (Rocher-a-l'Oiseau) is a 500 foot cliff on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River. It is one of the most important indigenous rock art sites in N. America. A small lake at the top of the cliffs has a fun rope swing and great swimming. Although it is only 89 km away, this is a full day trip. Access to the look-out is a 10 km in and out khike.
One of the highlights of a trip to Calabogie (55 minute drive) is Eagle's nest Trail. Other highlights include skiing at Calabogie Peaks, the Red Neck Cafe, and the Calabogie Brewing Company.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Eagle's Nest Trail
Eagle's Nest TrailOne of the highlights of a trip to Calabogie (55 minute drive) is Eagle's nest Trail. Other highlights include skiing at Calabogie Peaks, the Red Neck Cafe, and the Calabogie Brewing Company.
The Barron Canyon is perhaps the most spectacular setting in Algonquin Park. Access is via the Sand Lake Gate. It is 86 km to the trailhead. A 1.6 km trail takes you along the top of 300 foot cliffs that drop to the Barron River. If you have a canoe, a great day trip involves putting in just upstram from the canyon at Brigham Lake and paddling down to Squirrel Rapids.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barron Canyon Trail
Barron Canyon RoadThe Barron Canyon is perhaps the most spectacular setting in Algonquin Park. Access is via the Sand Lake Gate. It is 86 km to the trailhead. A 1.6 km trail takes you along the top of 300 foot cliffs that drop to the Barron River. If you have a canoe, a great day trip involves putting in just upstram from the canyon at Brigham Lake and paddling down to Squirrel Rapids.
Chutes Coulonge is a great day trip if you'd like to experience spectacular scenery, local history, and adventure all in one place. Interpretive trails provide a lesson in the logging history of the Ottawa Valley and take you across the chutes to view the canyon which can also be enjoyed on a zipline.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parc des Chutes Coulonge
100 Prom. Du-Parc-des-ChutesChutes Coulonge is a great day trip if you'd like to experience spectacular scenery, local history, and adventure all in one place. Interpretive trails provide a lesson in the logging history of the Ottawa Valley and take you across the chutes to view the canyon which can also be enjoyed on a zipline.
Swimming
High Falls is a very popular day trip. Access Algonquin via Sand Lake Gate and park at the High Falls Cheater Trail (just past Barron Canyon). The hike to the falls is about an hour each way. This series of cascades and waterfalls on the Barron River provides a magical collection of swimming holes, diving platforms, and a natural water slide.
417 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Algonquin Park
High Falls is a very popular day trip. Access Algonquin via Sand Lake Gate and park at the High Falls Cheater Trail (just past Barron Canyon). The hike to the falls is about an hour each way. This series of cascades and waterfalls on the Barron River provides a magical collection of swimming holes, diving platforms, and a natural water slide.
Foy Provincial Park is an inactive park on Round Lake. Its a 30 km drive to the park gate on Red Rock Road. Park at the side of the road by the entrance and walk 5 minutes to the waterfront to discover a fabulous sandy beach. you might also enjoy the 1.8 km trail loop off the right side of the beach that continues along the waterfront.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Foy Provincial Park
Red Rock RoadFoy Provincial Park is an inactive park on Round Lake. Its a 30 km drive to the park gate on Red Rock Road. Park at the side of the road by the entrance and walk 5 minutes to the waterfront to discover a fabulous sandy beach. you might also enjoy the 1.8 km trail loop off the right side of the beach that continues along the waterfront.
Food scene
Check hours. Try the cronuts. Great burgers and onion rings.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Cottage Cup
3 Kokomis RdCheck hours. Try the cronuts. Great burgers and onion rings.
Green's Chip Truck
11056 Ontario 60Not your average chip truck. Try the Jamaican specialties.
Famous for Polish specialties - cabbage rolls, perogies, sausages and sauerkraut. Local beers. Even more famous for Tuesday Night Blues Jam (best in the off season when the local hippies dominate the dance floor). Also check out the Kashub Heritage Museum across the road, the Wilno Craft Gallery next door, and the local artisans listed in the Madawaska Studio Tour brochure.
68 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wilno Tavern Restaurant
17589 ON-60Famous for Polish specialties - cabbage rolls, perogies, sausages and sauerkraut. Local beers. Even more famous for Tuesday Night Blues Jam (best in the off season when the local hippies dominate the dance floor). Also check out the Kashub Heritage Museum across the road, the Wilno Craft Gallery next door, and the local artisans listed in the Madawaska Studio Tour brochure.
The best schnitzels outside of Germany or Austria. A local landmark for around 30 years. Good selection of beers. Decadent desserts.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Granary Schnitzel House Restaurant
57 Bonnechere St WThe best schnitzels outside of Germany or Austria. A local landmark for around 30 years. Good selection of beers. Decadent desserts.
Newest local hot spot. Not your typical small town eatery. Creative menu.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Axe & Paddle
291 Bridge StreetNewest local hot spot. Not your typical small town eatery. Creative menu.
Another one of the places that has made Eganville a dining destination in the Ottawa Valley.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rio Tap & Grill
76 Bonnechere St EAnother one of the places that has made Eganville a dining destination in the Ottawa Valley.
Try to schedule dinner here to watch the sun set over Golden Lake. The dining room provides a sweeping view of Golden Lake with a backdrop of the Opeongo Hills. A great way to end the day after hiking the Tramore Cliffs or the Pakkatinna Trail (it's situated between the hikes).
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sands on Golden Lake
13163 ON-60Try to schedule dinner here to watch the sun set over Golden Lake. The dining room provides a sweeping view of Golden Lake with a backdrop of the Opeongo Hills. A great way to end the day after hiking the Tramore Cliffs or the Pakkatinna Trail (it's situated between the hikes).
This is the original Whitewater location and still the coolest. Located in a repurposed barn. If you're planning to go here, arrive 2 hours early and hike from the parking lot to Inspiration Point on the Ottawa River. You'll almost certainly encounter some kayakers playing in the surf and possibly some whitewater rafts. Definitely the place to go at the end of a day of rafting. Often has live entertainment.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whitewater Brewing Company - Riverside
503 Rafting RoadThis is the original Whitewater location and still the coolest. Located in a repurposed barn. If you're planning to go here, arrive 2 hours early and hike from the parking lot to Inspiration Point on the Ottawa River. You'll almost certainly encounter some kayakers playing in the surf and possibly some whitewater rafts. Definitely the place to go at the end of a day of rafting. Often has live entertainment.
Everything about this place is eclectic - just like Killaloe. Famous for pizza on Friday nights, but you generally can't tell what to expect at Garth's. An authentic Killaloe experience. One-of-a-kind.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Garth's Kitchen
14 Lake StEverything about this place is eclectic - just like Killaloe. Famous for pizza on Friday nights, but you generally can't tell what to expect at Garth's. An authentic Killaloe experience. One-of-a-kind.
Killaloe is "Home of the Beavertail". The iconic Canadian pastry was introduced to the world by Grant and Pam Hooker of Killaloe. Try the Killaloe Sunrise behind the post office on the bank of Brennan's Creek !
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
BeaverTails
170 Queen StKillaloe is "Home of the Beavertail". The iconic Canadian pastry was introduced to the world by Grant and Pam Hooker of Killaloe. Try the Killaloe Sunrise behind the post office on the bank of Brennan's Creek !
The new and bigger WWBC location. Always popular, open year round, but doesn't quite have the character of the original location in Forester's Falls.
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whitewater Brewing Company - Lakeside
78 Pembroke StThe new and bigger WWBC location. Always popular, open year round, but doesn't quite have the character of the original location in Forester's Falls.
A very hip craft brewery. Scenic patio overlooking cascades on the Madawaska River. Make this a stop if you are doing a loop that includes a hike at Eagle's Nest and maybe dinner or a show at the Neat Cafe in Burnstown.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Calabogie Brewing Co
12612 Lanark RdA very hip craft brewery. Scenic patio overlooking cascades on the Madawaska River. Make this a stop if you are doing a loop that includes a hike at Eagle's Nest and maybe dinner or a show at the Neat Cafe in Burnstown.
This is an AMAZING venue. See topshelf musical acts up close and personal. Start your day with a stop at the Fourth Chute on the Bonnechere. Next, check out the abandoned mill at Balaclava. Then, maybe stop to sample the Holy water at the Mount St. Patrick Holy Well. Hike Eagle's Nest in Calabogie. Treat yourself to a pint at the Calabogie Brewing Co. And finish up with dinner and the show at the Neat (timely reservations required). You'll be glad you've got a king-sized bed to come back to.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Neat Coffee Shop
1715 Calabogie RdThis is an AMAZING venue. See topshelf musical acts up close and personal. Start your day with a stop at the Fourth Chute on the Bonnechere. Next, check out the abandoned mill at Balaclava. Then, maybe stop to sample the Holy water at the Mount St. Patrick Holy Well. Hike Eagle's Nest in Calabogie. Treat yourself to a pint at the Calabogie Brewing Co. And finish up with dinner and the show at the Neat (timely reservations required). You'll be glad you've got a king-sized bed to come back to.
This is our closest (and smallest) craft brewery. It offers some exceptional beers. Check their website or call before going because unlike their beers, their hours are unpredictable.
Square Timber Brewing Company
800 Woito Station RdThis is our closest (and smallest) craft brewery. It offers some exceptional beers. Check their website or call before going because unlike their beers, their hours are unpredictable.