Mad River Paddle Co. in Calabogie. (OVTA photo)
There’s nothing quite like summer in the Ottawa Valley and if you’re looking for some suggestions to guide your warm-weather fun, you’re in luck.
The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) recently announced that its 14 Visitor Information Centres are officially open for the summer season.
Officials say centre staffers are ready to provide you with all the details you need to make the most of your summer adventures.
“Whether looking for outdoor activities, delicious bites, unique shopping or rich cultural experiences, the Ottawa Valley has something for everyone. Visitor Information Centre staff recently toured the area to gain first-hand knowledge about some of the experiences visitors and residents can enjoy,” reads a press release.
The OVTA has put together a list of must-visit activities and attractions in the Valley. Here’s their listing:
Experiences on the water:
Rent a stand-up paddle board (SUP), kayak, canoe or paddle board water bike from Mad River Paddle Company in Calabogie. Gear up for outdoor excursions with a rental from Highlands Outfitters: pontoon and fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards as well as fishing gear and more. Rent or buy from Ottawa Valley Air Paddle’s huge selection of kayaks and SUPs at their shop in Arnprior.
Beat the summer heat at Splash Valley in Cobden, featuring Eastern Ontario’s largest floating water playground, water slides, a sandy beach, zip lines and golf. Try wakeboarding, waterskiing, and surfing or take a boat tour with Griff Slaughter Experience in Pembroke.
Learn whitewater paddling on the Madawaska River and enjoy locally sourced food at Madawaska Kanu Centre in Barry’s Bay. Also on the Madawaska River, the friendly folks at Paddler Co-op in Palmer Rapids offer shuttles, rentals and whitewater instruction. Get in touch with Braiding Rivers who welcome all people who identify as female to paddle and connect with the land.
Experience the Ottawa River with OWL Rafting who are offering reduced rates for teens and seniors as well as their signature pontoon meal cruises. Also on the Ottawa River, Wilderness Tours offers high adventure and family rafting day trips, lazy river tubing in addition to resort days and destination weddings.
Experiences on land:
Beach days are a summer staple each showcasing their own unique features. A few to note include Robert Simpson Park in Arnprior, Burnstown Beach, Melissa Bishop Park in North Algona Wilberforce, Bonnechere Provincial Park in Killaloe, Driftwood Provincial Park in Stonecliffe, Pine Point Beach in Deep River, Petawawa Point Beach and Wadsworth Lake Beach in Barry’s Bay. A trip underground at the Bonnechere Caves in Eganville is a wonderful place to learn about the area’s geological history, to cool off in between beach trips or to duck out of the rain. Cycling, walking and running are also popular ways to “get moving” and the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail boasts hundreds of kilometres of maintained gravel trail to enjoy! In the summer months, ATV riders also use this and a huge network of trails to explore the Ottawa Valley on four wheels. For motorcycle riders, Ride the Highlands’ routes highlight some of the areas best roads and motorcycle-friendly businesses.
Food and beverage experiences:
At Dante’s Delicatessen in Cobden foodies will find fresh cuts of meat as well as a tasty bite of lunch. A visit to Mount Molson Dairy Bar in Petawawa will satisfy any ice cream cravings from atop what was once home to the world’s shortest downhill ski run. Mallard’s Milk Bar in Arnprior also serves up cool treats in the form of small batch locally inspired ice cream and if gelato is your game, stop by Farmstead Cheesehouse and Gelateria in Pembroke. At the Boathouse in Golden Lake visitors will enjoy a fresh and delicious meal, a sweet butter tart or cronut. Those wanting to explore the area’s craft beers, wines and spirits will appreciate the self-guided Tap and Cork Route which spans the Ottawa Valley and Pontiac Regions.
Cultural and heritage experiences:
Wander in and outdoors viewing exhibits that celebrate the heritage and traditions of the first Polish settlement in Canada at the Polish Kashub Heritage Museum in Wilno. The Arnprior and District Museum, the NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum and McDougall Mill Museum in Renfrew, the Ross Museum in Foresters Falls, the School House Museum in Deep River, the Bonnechere Museum in Eganville and the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre in Pembroke all offer unique glimpses into the Ottawa Valley’s past. The Canadian Clock Museum in Deep River and the Garrison Petawawa Military Museum also give visitors a chance to explore historical moments.
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff at the Ottawa Valley Visitor Information Centres are eager to help plan your visit and provide recommendations to ensure you have a memorable experience,” reads the release.
Stop by any one of the centres for maps, brochures, and insider tips on the best places to visit, eat, and stay. Ottawa Valley Visitor Information Centres are located in Arnprior, Barry’s Bay, Cobden, Eganville, Killaloe, Pembroke, Petawawa and Renfrew. Days and hours of operation vary by centre. For more information visit https://www.ottawavalley.travel/places-to-visit/
(Sherry Haaima)