By Jordan Whitehouse
9 Things to Do in Hastings County this Spring
It was another long winter, but the warm weather and long days are finally back. You likely don’t need a push to get out there, but if you need some ideas for what to do in Hastings County this spring, keep reading. From whitewater kayaking to mountain biking to celebrating Joni Mitchell, these nine adventures are a great way to kickstart the season. Just don’t forget the bug spray.
Take a road trip to North Hastings
Gas prices aren’t quite as high as they were last year, so take advantage with a windows-down drive around the gorgeous backroads of Hastings Highlands. The area has a bounty of off-the-beaten-track gems, but if you’re a history buff, check out the tailored road trips put together by the Hastings County Historical Society. Each trip is structured around stops at historical plaques, such as the one in Eldorado, the site of Ontario’s first gold mine. For more scenic drives, visit North Hastings’ interactive map for 14 routes with names like “Wilderness Way” and “Rapids, Rocks, and Rallies”.
Get splashed by a waterfall
With spring runoffs and rains, it’s high time for waterfalls — and there are a lot of them around here. The Gut, near Coe Hill, is a classic, especially in spring when the Crowe River rushes so hard through the gorge that you’ll feel it in your chest before you even see the falls themselves. At Egan Chutes, there are actually two powerful sets of falls, Egan Chute and Farm Chute. For the best view of Egan Chute, take the entrance on the western side of the river. Another favourite is Callaghan’s Rapids, where the falls aren’t as vertically high as The Gut or Egan Chutes, but are just as impressive. Find the more visually appealing set by taking the path through the old cedar woods.
Have a pint on a brewery patio
There’s nothing like that first beer of the year on a patio, especially when it’s a fresh one brewed on site. The picnic-tabled outdoor area at Madoc’s 7/62 Craft Brewers is a good option for sipping core beers like Hastings Canadian and Isolation IPA alongside snacks like charcuterie and soft pretzels. In Stirling, follow the sound of live music to Longtooth Beverage Company’s patio around back, where pints of pale ale, lager, Irish red, milk stout, and other seasonals will be flowing. And in Bancroft, hit the streetside seats at Bancroft Brewing Company or the Bancroft Brew Pub next door for up to a dozen delicious small-batch brews on offer.
Whitewater kayak down the Madawaska River
How do you write about adventures in Hastings County without mentioning Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC)? The mighty Madawaska River is at its mightiest in the spring, and MKC has lots of ways to get on it, including five-day courses and weekend clinics. Each multi-day package can include on-site accommodation in a lodge, cabana, dorm, or tent as well as healthy and delicious meals. There are also shorter rafting trips in nine- and five-person rafts, as well as specialized options for women, kids, and seniors. And if the river’s raging a bit too much for you, hit the café instead and take a hike alongside the rapids.
Go horseback riding near Algonquin Park
If you’ve always wanted to try horseback riding but haven’t because of concerns about safety or scenery, check out Highland Wilderness Tours, which offers trail rides on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Located just outside the eastern gates of Algonquin Park, the outdoor tour company has been around for over 20 years. Each of their horseback trips is one to three hours long and includes a mini-lesson, guides, and quiet, dependable horses. The one-hour ride is on an easy trail that passes through woods and goes over one or two hills. On a two- or three-hour ride, you’ll traverse more hills and maybe even cross water.
Hike and cottage at McGeachie Conservation Area
You may never want to go back inside after breathing the fresh forest air at McGeachie Conservation Area. This 500-acre property hugs Steenburg Lake but also has a creek, beaver ponds, wetlands, and multiple trails to explore it all. One of those trails goes to the property’s original homestead, which was built 150 years ago but is now a vacation cottage featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a loft, and private access to the lake. It’s one of the best kept secrets in Hastings County, and it’s relatively affordable compared with similar cottages in the area. Click here for current prices and availability.
Fish for long nose gar in Stoco Lake
Need a challenge to kick off fishing season? Try nabbing the elusive long nose gar in Stoco Lake near Tweed. These unique fish have torpedo-shaped bodies and elongated jaws that form a needle-like snout nearly three times the length of their heads. The five-kilometre-long Stoco Lake is shallow, which also makes it prime territory for walleye, black crappie, and bass. Stock up on bait and tackle at Chris’ Live Bait near Marmora or Fish & Co. in Madoc. For charters and excursions, head to Finaddicts Outdoor Adventures near Tweed.
Fish for long nose gar in Stoco Lake
Need a challenge to kick off fishing season? Try nabbing the elusive long nose gar in Stoco Lake near Tweed. These unique fish have torpedo-shaped bodies and elongated jaws that form a needle-like snout nearly three times the length of their heads. The five-kilometre-long Stoco Lake is shallow, which also makes it prime territory for walleye, black crappie, and bass. Stock up on bait and tackle at Chris’ Live Bait near Marmora or Fish & Co. in Madoc. For charters and excursions, head to Finaddicts Outdoor Adventures near Tweed.
Mountain bike the Hastings Heritage Trail
The 156-kilometre-long Hastings Heritage Trail is a mecca for hikers, snowmobilers, and ATVers, but not every section is ideal for mountain bikers. However, one good spot to go two-wheeling begins in Stirling at the Grand Trunk Train Station parking area. Try this 25 kilometre on-and-off-road route that will take you through the gorgeous countryside surrounding town. Another option is to start off near the historic Marmora Mine, then hop on the trail south to Morrison Road. On your way back north, take a break at Callaghan’s Rapids. Back in Marmora, fuel up at Wings & Strings to plan your next adventure.
