Photo Credit: Wilderness Tours
The Ottawa Valley is an outdoor playground for adrenaline junkies, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. As summer sets in, the warm weather, blue skies, and the Valley’s pristine waters, rolling hills, and woodlands invite visitors and locals to surf, hike, fish, kayak, and immerse themselves in the distinct heritage and culture of the region. The Ottawa Valley has much to offer in the summer season.
1. Go whitewater rafting with Wilderness Tours
Providing quality rafting experience since 1975, there are plenty of rafting options at Wilderness Tours, from a classic raft day trip, to a full-blown family trip which includes two nights of camping and all-inclusive meals. A visit to their website will get you enthusiastic about the possibilities on the Ottawa River waters. Details
2. Explore the ATV trails in Renfrew County
Renfrew County boasts a 750-kilometer network of trails for ATV-ing, that are built on a foundation of abandoned forest access roads and rail lines. The rural countryside views pass by as you ride through the area and get to appreciate the natural beauty of lush forests, glittering lakes, and wetlands. Details
3. Head to Petawawa Point
Petawawa’s premier summer site is an embodiment of what summer consists of – sandy beaches, scenic vistas, boat launches, and watersport equipment rentals. Whether you head to Petawawa Point to simply take a breath of fresh air, or you’re looking for a little more adventure, there is something for all. Details
4. Walk through the Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre
The Shaw Woods consist of over 200 hectares of wetlands, mixed forest, and old-growth forest. The 14-kilometer network of trails are well-groomed and are a way for visitors of the Outdoor Education Centre to appreciate the uniqueness and value of the undisturbed forest areas. Learn all about the flora and fauna through well-explained guides, which uncovers the natural beauty of distinct points of interest on these walking trails. Details
5. Visit the Silent Lake Provincial Park in Bancroft
6. Take in the views at the Eagle’s Nest Lookout
This short uphill climb on an old logging road leads hikers through the woods, and up to the spectacular Eagle’s Next Lookout – a 120-metre cliff that offers views of Ontario’s wilderness. The hike may be slightly challenging for beginners, but the vantage point is well worth the effort. Take Hwy. 508 west about 2.2 km past Calabogie Peaks Ski Resort where you will parking on your right on the side of the road (watch for trial head).
7. Go kayaking or canoeing with the Madawaska Kanu Centre in Barry’s Bay
The Madawaska Kanu Centre is a family-run resort by the river with a friendly, warm atmosphere, welcoming paddlers of all skill levels to join a kayaking or canoe course. There are specialty programs, and even a 5-day whitewater program that allows new and seasoned paddlers to learn skills and build up their confidence on the water. Details
8. Go fishing at Calabogie Lake
Just steps away from the city, the Calabogie Peaks Resort is a place where adventures are unlimited. A perfect getaway, the Calabogie Lake and beach allow for boating, paddling, swimming, beach volleyball, and beach chess. Start your summer by indulging in the warm sun and the scenery around Dickson Mountain. Details
9. Go paddle boarding on the Madawaska River Trail
10. Tour the Bonnechere Caves
Operating as a popular visitor spot for locals and tourists from around the world for the past 55 years, the Bonnechere Caves are a great example of mother nature’s abilities. Guided tours take you around the airy caves for your viewing pleasure. There are plenty of opportunities for photography, and a chance to view some underground fossils, such as the Crinoid Rings, Cephalopods, and Honeycomb Coral. Details
11. Spend a day on the golf course at Dragonfly Golf Links in Renfrew
This former cattle farm was developed into a full 18-hole golf course in 1999, serving the Ottawa Valley with a consistently improving natural course. Dramatic and rolling terrain, as well as turquoise ponds and dense forest patches make for a beautiful and spectacular experience. Voted as a Valley favorite by golfers in the region for the 7th year in a row, this charming site is ideal for a summer’s day out. Details
12. Pick blueberries at Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch
At the Hugli Blueberry Ranch, visitors can pick their own high-bush blueberries by hand. Start your blueberry picking adventure by foot or on a short wagon ride to the best picking spot in the field that day. Designated accessible picking areas for those with physical disabilities, and family-fun activities on the site are also available. Details
13. Go ziplining at the Logos Land Resort
Photo Credit: Logos Island
Hanging right over Astrolabe Lake, three ziplines – 658 feet, 1125 feet, and 1315 feet – thrill visitors to the zip line course at Logos Land Resort to provide a thrilling experience for adrenaline junkies. Those looking for more can visit the golf course and waterpark that are also located at the resort. Details
14. Go camping at Fitzroy Provincial Park
Fitzroy Provincial park is a great family camping park with a century-old White Pine Forest, and tons of opportunities for camping, swimming, or hiking. It’s lush green trees and serene landscapes create quite the vista in the summer months, and set the scene for your time out in one of the 200 campsites over 2 campgrounds. Details
15. Take the self-guided Pembroke Heritage Murals Walking Tour
The Heritage Murals celebrates the richness of character and heritage in the city of Pembroke; its colorful downtown walls depicting its historic past for current-day residents to enjoy, and the older generation of the population to reminisce. A digital audio mural tour titled “Keeping Up with The Times” can be found by clicking the link below, and is a 54-minute guided recording for the outdoor gallery. Details
16. Cycle around the Ottawa Valley with Valley Cycle Tours
Ride around on a self-guided or guided tour on bicycle and explore the Ottawa Valley and beyond. With the wind in your hair, take a breath of fresh air and take in the beautiful scenery on a fantastic day trip with the Valley Cycle Tours. Details
If you are a cycling enthusiast join for The Tour de Whitewater. Cycle in beautiful Whitewater Region where there is a ride for everyone 150k, 100k , 60k Gravel, 50k, 30k & 10k Family Ride and plenty of other activities. Details
17. Go on an Off Road Adventure with Valley Adventure Tours
Explore Barry’s Bay with Valley Adventure Tours! Go on an off road adventure and encounter, peaceful secluded forests, muddy water crossings, climb to the top of the Canadian shield, experience breathtaking views, and visit some of the most stunning & remote lakes in the area. They offers guided off road sightseeing tours from various locations around stops at scenic lookouts, remote forests and backcountry lakes, as well as historical points of interest. Details
18. Pack a picnic at the Bonnechere Bakery and Bistro
Baking, is this family-run bakery and bistro’s passion. Using the freshest and finest ingredients to make their delicious pastries, you are guaranteed to taste the heart and soul that goes into their products. They also make soups, salads, and farm style bread that are perfect for packing a picnic. Details
19. Take a summer retreat at Grail Springs
Bancroft, being the mineral capital of Canada is an idyllic setting for a spa retreat. The Grail Springs Retreat Centre is surrounded by pristine forest, walking trails, wildlife, an alkaline lake, and an overall stunning beauty. They are devoted to providing spa and healing therapies to clear your mind, heal your body, and escape busy city life. Details
20. Go canoeing on Grant’s Creek
Grant’s Creek presents a picturesque canoe route through rapids, small lakes, and a winding creek that all takes you to a swimming spot and picnic location that is located within a fragile and untouched environment. The creek is designated as an Ontario Provincial Park purely because of its ecological importance. Details
21. Taste some craft beer at the Whitewater Brewing Company
22. Discover Conroy Marsh Conservation Area
Explore this wetland covering over 2,000 hectares in the valley bowl of the York & Little Mississippi Rivers. Named after Robert Conroy, an Ottawa Valley lumber baron, area includes at least 21 eco-sites and the marsh is an intriguing place to unobtrusively explore by canoe or kayak. Plants found here include wild rice and wild cranberries. Details
23. Explore Blakeney Park’s rapids
This municipal park foams and roars with the power of the Mississippi River along a rugged natural area with 1.5-kilometres of trails. It’s a great place to tube or wade as long as you are wary of the fast current since there are no lifeguards. Details
24. Explore Foy
Explore the Foy property’s high granite and quartz uplands amidst pine, oak, aspen, birch and Eastern Hemlock then head to the beach of fine sand deliver from the delta of a great waterway from a melted glacier. Watch for the outline of long-gone ancient lake etched in the shoreline. Since this park is unmanned, there is no admission. Details
25. Explore The A.Y. Jackson Trail
The A.Y. Jackson Trail documents the travels and painting sites of this very famous Canadian artist in the 1950s and 1960s. It follows old Highway 17 west of Ottawa to Renfrew, then winds along back roads to Dacre, Calabogie, Eganville, Brudenell, Killaloe, Rockingham, Quadville, Barry’s Bay, Paugh Lake, Madawaska and Whitney to Algonquin Park. Details
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Excellent compilation of suggested places and activities in the eastern Ontario region. Well done!