10 Spring Adventures to Have in Hastings County
The weather is getting warmer, and little green shoots are finally poking through the soil. It’s been a long winter but spring is here, it’s time to take advantage of the longer days to get back to more time outdoors. If you need some encouragement to get out there, keep reading. From whitewater kayaking to rocking out with Long Range Hustle, these 10 Hastings County adventures should awake you from that winter slumber.
Hit the backroads of North Hastings
Gas prices are high, but the free feeling of driving backroads with windows down may be worth it. Hastings 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 trips, visit North Hastings’ interactive map for 14 routes with names like “Wilderness Way” and “Rapids, Rocks, and Rallies”.
Get splashed by a waterfall at The Gut Conservation Area
With spring run-off and April showers, it’s high time for waterfalls in the region. Creeks and rivers are rushing right now, and that means falls like The Gut, near Coe Hill, are at their most powerful. This one is impressive no matter the time of year, but in the spring, the Crowe River rushes so hard through the gorge here that you’ll feel it in your chest before you even see the falls themselves. When you do descend through the forest trail and finally come across the beast, just sit down and let the sound envelop you.
Have a pint on 7/62’s patio
Even a pint on a patio can feel like an adventure at this point, and Madoc’s 7/62 Craft Brewers is a good option. The outdoor area is well-spaced with picnic tables and well-covered for spring showers. The seasonal beers are always solid here, as are the core brews: Al’s Best Bitter, Madoc Dark, Hastings Canadian, Isolation IPA, and The Little Irish. 7/62’s snack game is great, too. You’ll find everything from pakoras to charcuterie, but you can’t go wrong with the Bavarian style pretzel served with warm tangy mustard dip.
Whitewater kayak down the Madawaska River
You can’t write about adventures in Hastings County without mentioning Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC), the first whitewater paddling school in the world. The mighty Madawaska River is at its mightiest in the spring, and MKC has a few options for getting on it, including five-day courses and weekend clinics. There are also shorter rafting trips in nine- and five-person rafts, as well as specialized options for women, kids, and seniors. If the river’s raging a bit too much for you, hit the café instead and take a hike along the river.
Eat pancakes at Trillium Ridge Sugarworks
The sap is also flowing fast this time of year, and maple syrup producers like Trillium Ridge Sugarworks are busy turning it into liquid gold. The North Tyendinaga sugar shack has been making organic, wood-fired maple syrup for over 40 years. They will be open for pancakes, tours, and maple syrup pickups through the first weekend in April. Brunch is available from 9 am to 2 pm every day and includes sausage, homemade maple baked beans, and unlimited pancakes covered in fresh, hot maple syrup. Reservations are required, so call ahead to 613-396-5141.
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. 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 stay in a Yurt or Rustic Cabin at Silent Lake Provincial Park
Silent Lake Provincial Park is just west of Bancroft and is home to a large variety of trails from its three hiking trails with varying lengths and difficulty, to its 34km of cross-country skiing trails. When looking for a place to rest after a great day outdoors look to one of their 8-yurts or 10 rustic cabins that are available at the park all year round.
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.
Take a tour with Thrillseekers ATV
If you are not afraid to get a little muddy and are looking for a fun and fast-paced ride through the wilderness around Marmora, check out Thrillseekers ATV, they offer guided ATV tours with all the equipment provided. They take you through the trails around Marmora, including along the Heritage Trail where you can take in the breathtaking scenery and view of the stunning Marmora mine.
Mountain bike around Marmora
The Hastings Heritage Trail is a four-season, multi-use trail that follows an old railway line for 156 kilometres. It’s a mecca for hikers, snowmobilers, and ATVers, but not every section is ideal for mountain bikers. Those near Marmora are an exception. 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 Conservation Area, where two cascading waterfalls stretch across the entire Crowe River. Back in town, fuel up at Marmora Pizza Plus to plan your next adventure.
