Combermere
In Combermere you’ll find scenic and historic gems that are not to be missed. At Lookout Park, just off Hwy. 62, take in the panoramic view of beautiful Kamaniskeg Lake eighty metres below. The lake was where the Mayflower sternwheeler ship sank on the night of November 12, 1912, making it Canada’s worst inland maritime disaster at that time.
Just outside the village is Crooked Slide Park, where you’ll see a reconstruction of the unique chute used by loggers in the early 1900s to float logs from local communities down to the Madawaska River. Grab some fresh pizza and head to the nearby beach for a picnic, or stay and dine at an outdoor patio, or try the bistro or café.
Barry’s Bay
Barry’s Bay is one of the largest towns in the area, offering all the usual amenities, including three gas stations, fast food, patio dining, cafés, coffee shop, chip truck and bistros. While you are in the heart of town, visit the historic railway station, which is still in its original location.
Across the street, the Avro Arrow monument celebrates the jet fighter and well known Barry’s Bay resident Janusz Zurakowski, who was the first test pilot for the famous aircraft. Once you’ve had a chance to fuel up and refresh, take a drive along Kamaniskeg Lake to Lakeshore Park. Stroll the sandy beach or dive into the water to cool off on a hot day.
Wilno
Although it may be a tiny hamlet, Wilno is brimming with culture and hospitality. Long known as Canada’s first Polish settlement, no visit is complete without stopping at the majestic St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which offers stunning views of the valley below.
The local pub serves authentic Polish cuisine with a local twist, while the Kashub Heritage Park across the road brings the area’s pioneer roots to life with original buildings and on-site displays. The park is situated along the J.R. Booth Trail, a corridor that follows the original rail bed for the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway.
Killaloe
With the sparkling waters of Brennan’s Creek running through the heart of the village, Killaloe is a hidden gem along the Highway 60 corridor.
Stop by historic Station Park, built on the site of the old railway station, and enjoy a picnic lunch from the nearby chip truck, or grab a locally roasted coffee at the café. While you are in the park, be sure to visit the Countdown Sister Monument or see what the community Book Tree has to offer. Further along the path, you’ll find the covered bridge overlooking the falls, a perfect backdrop for some photos.
Many of the buildings in the village date back almost a century and recall a time when Killaloe was a bustling centre of activity along J.R. Booth’s Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway. Built between 1892 and 1896, it became part of the famous Grand Trunk Railway system in 1905 and later the Canadian National Railway.
Eganville
Eganville is known as the Jewel of the Bonnechere and it lives up to that reputation, rich in both local history and natural beauty.
Look for the stone clock tower in the centre of town and you’ll find the Bonnechere Museum. There you’ll have opportunities to explore the area’s cultural and geological history, complete with guided fossil hunts. Nearby Centennial Park is home to the Countdown Monument, the first permanent public art monument in Canada to honour survivors of sexual violence. A short walk from the downtown will lead you to McRae Lookout Park, where you can take in the power and majesty of the Fifth Chute of the Bonnechere River from one of the viewing platforms.
When you are ready for a break, choose from a number of dining options, whether it’s a quick bite from the café or chip truck, a patio lunch or a bistro dinner. Groceries, pharmacy and two gas stations are also in the centre of town.
Pikwakanagan
The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation welcome visitors to their vibrant community, renowned for its birchbark canoes, including the construction of the world’s largest birchbark canoe, “Gitche Chee-mun,” in 1956.
Explore history, culture and art at Omàmiwininì Pimàdjwowin — the Algonquin Way Cultural Centre, which features many cultural objects, such as canoes made by local families, dance regalia, archaeological stone tools, archival photos and information on local Indigenous medicines. Chip trucks, a restaurant and several gas stations are all nearby.
Quadeville
The tiny hamlet of Quadeville is tucked away in the hills along the Lower Madawaska River, a popular spot for whitewater kayaking and canoeing.
Spend some time hunting for rare minerals and semi-precious gems on a self-guided tour of the local Beryl Pit, then fill up at the gas station, grab some fries from the chip truck or stop by the general store for refreshments.
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