TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
Page created by Lauren Sparling | McMaster University | Photo by Shawn M. Kent, CC-BY-SA-4.0
As the tallest mountain in the Ottawa Valley, this ski resort is the go-to place to ski and snowboard.
With over 700 ft of vertical, two lifts, 22 trails and a terrain park, there is something for everyone to enjoy. At the base of the hill, there is a great lodge to enjoy lunch, a pub for Apres Ski and a store to rent your skis and for tune-ups.
Photo: P199, CC-BY-SA-3.0
This 2.7 km trail leading to a beautiful lookout is an activity you must do while in Calabogie.
This trail is open all year round for your enjoyment, but in the fall, the changing colours of the trees make it particularly stunning. This trail is considered moderately difficult, so make sure to wear proper footwear.
Photo: lezumbalaberenjena, flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Grab a pint of locally brewed beer at the Calabogie Brewing Company. This brewery opened in 2015 and has offered an extensive collection ever since.
The first and most popular beer they offer is the Front Porch Kolsch, while others include Portage Pilsner, Summer Solstice and Horizon Neipa.
Photo: calabogiebrewing.com
As one of Ontario’s best-known racetracks, this is an excellent activity in Calabogie. In the summer, you can rent a Mustang GT and drive yourself with a racing coach or be a passenger with a professional driver for an adrenaline rush.
You can also bring your vehicle and drive the 5km loop, with over 20 difficult corners.
Photo: facebook.com/CalabogieMotorsportsPark
This vibrant market showcases the area’s farmers, artists, artisans, and bakers’ local goods. There is something for everyone to enjoy fresh produce, freshly baked goods and other homemade unique goods.
Photo: facebook.com/calabogiemarket
Just a short drive down the road is the Neat Café, which is known for the wood-fired pizza, coffee and live music. Over the years, this café has been able to book names like the Tokyo Police Club, July Talk and the Trews.
This is a very popular place for locals and visitors alike, and you are bound to find something you enjoy.
Photo: facebook.com/NeatCoffeeShop
This beautiful golf course overlooking Calabogie lake offers two different course layouts. A 9-hole and 18-hole course, depending on how long you are hoping to go golfing for.
The property was initially intended as a cattle farm in 1949 until a golf course designer happened upon the property. The owner Rick Fleming decided to make a golf course instead.
Photo: calabogiehighlandsgolfresort.com
This 18 km groomed cross-country trail system winds through a dense forest, making for an enjoyable classic or skate-style Nordic ski. Unfortunately, there are no places nearby to rent cross-country skis, so you will have to bring skis from another location. In the off-season, these trails are also great for biking and walking.
Photo: calabogie.com
There are 14 rock-climbing routes at the cliff face in Calabogie, ranging from 5.6 to 5.11b.
There are also a few bouldering routes. The most popular include Desert Trip, The Gate, Too Many Puppies, and it’s 4:20 Somewhere. Please be aware of climbing these routes at your own risk. They are not regulated by anyone and there are no local places to rent any rock-climbing equipment.
Photo: thecrag.com
This beach, which includes sand and grass, is a perfect area to suntan along the beautiful water of Calabogie Lake.
There is also a covered area to escape the sun and picnic tables to enjoy. If you are looking for other activities, there is a volleyball court, by-the-hour kayak, canoes and paddle boat rentals.
Photo: Google Street View
