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Things to See & Do
Paddling
Fishing
Downhill Skiing
Snowmobiling & ATVing
Hiking, Biking & Snowshoeing
Wildlife Viewing
Activities By Season
Local Weather
Things to Do and See
There is plenty to see and do in and around Barry's Bay Cottage Resort. With our lakefront cottages each having their own dock, spending time on the water is easy. The shallow, sand bottom lake makes it a delight to swim or simply wade around. We also have a water trampoline as well as a common beach area for those that plan to spend a few hours soaking up the sun. Fishing, hiking, backroad touring, canoeing and wildlife viewing are some of the other popular activities. During winter our close access to Madawaska Valley Ski Area and the B102 TOP Snowmobile Trail system makes us a favourite for active visitors who like to indulge in a soak in their own private hot tub after a day out and about.
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Paddling
If you are looking for a little more activity, then why not get out on one of our free rental canoes or kayaks to paddle about the lake for awhile. Stretching over 2 miles in length and home to several nice bays, you never know what will turn up around the next bay. Better yet, you can even easily link up with a series of three other lakes. After passing through the culvert onto Trout Lake, short portages are needed to continue south into Buch and Kulas Lakes. For the adventurous, this is a good day trip, while the area is riddled with fabulous canoe routes. Family raft trips and kayaking is offered at the Madawaska Kanu Centre, while all paddlers can take advantage of the services of Algonquin Bound Outfitters found nearby Algonquin Bound Outfitters.
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Fishing
Fishing is certainly another popular pastime on Carson Lake. In addition to bass, the lake is a renowned lake trout destination. Lakers are best caught through the ice in winter, but can also create a dynamic fishery in the spring and fall. As the waters warm up, the bass fishing begins to heat up and by late June this fishery is quite active. Early September is another prime time to try for these hard fighting sportfish. Since there is no public boat launch onto the lake, motor boat rentals are available for those that pre-book. There is also a row boat on site to test your luck while during winter, ice fishing huts and packages are available.
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Downhill Skiing
Nearby Madawaska Valley Ski Area boasts Boasting the 6th highest ski vertical in Ontario, mile long runs and small lift lines. Formerly known as Radcliffe Ski Area, this quiet area is well known for its great snow and good mix of easy and challenging runs. The reasonable rates and relaxed family atmosphere will keep you smiling, while the lack of crowds will allow you to ski until your hearts content.
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Snowmobiling & ATVing
Snowmobilers will find our short linking trail to the B102, which links to the B Main of the TOP (Trans-Ontario Provincial) trail system at the northeast end of the lake. The frozen cruise across the water is exhilarating. Similarly, when the snowmelts (and often before), ATV and mountain bike riders also take advantage of this old railway system that links Barry’s Bay with Algonquin Park. You can ride for days on this system, but what can be better than spending a day on the sled or bike and the evening in the hot tub? Snowmobilers will want to check out our unique food delivery service and snowmobile packages. New for 2010, we now offer snowmobile rentals.
ATVers should note that they are allowed on municipal roads in the district, which makes it possible to ride from the resort to link up with the B102 via the Arbor Vitae Road. The trail access is found across from green 911 number 612. Mountain bikers and trail runners are better off linking to this trail by continuing along the Arbor Vitae to the 679A-B easement road to the old railgrade. A right at the railgrade takes you around the east side of the lake to eventually link up with the end of Otter Lake Lane. Careful, this trailhead is not marked and easy to miss. Next stop Barry’s Bay!
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Hiking, Biking & Snowshoeing
Closer to home, we have a short nature trail that makes a nice place to stretch your legs. In winter, why not bring along the snowshoes or we have some for rent. If you are looking for longer trail systems to hike, bike, snowshoe or simply explore there are several in the area. We recommend making a circuit around the lake via side roads and the old rail system described under Snowmobiling and ATVing. Additionally, the Bear Mountain Trail system at the north end of nearby Bark Lake, the Thomas P Murray Recreation Trails and, of course, the impressive system of trails in Algonquin Park are not too far away.
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Wildlife Viewing
If wildlife viewing is your thing then the Madawaska Valley is a great destination. There are over 60 species of birds including great blue herons, kingfishers and the common loon that call the area home. Pileated woodpeckers, warblers, sparrows, indigo buntings and chickadees are other birds that can be seen nesting in the trees. Of the 14 species of mammals in the area, the moose and white-tailed deer are the most popular sites. Seeing these large creatures roam effortlessly through the woods is a sight to remember. Other common critters in the area include beaver, porcupines and the friendly chipmunks. Our cottage books will have a complete list of species, as well as a list of some of the common trees and shrubs in the area to see.
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Activities By Season
Winter
- Downhill Skiing at Madawaska Valley Ski Area
- Snowmobile trails – direct links to B102 (across the lake) and Ontario Provincial trails (rentals available)
- Snowshoeing on area trails (rentals available)
- Ice skating on Carson Lake (weather permitting)
- Lounge area with playstation, pool table, ping pong, card table, satellite TV and more. We also have wireless internet in the lounge.
- Cross-country ski trails in and around Algonquin Park
- Dog-sledding – available through local outfitters servicing Algonquin Park
Spring - Summer - Fall
- Free use of canoes, row boat & paddle boat
- Fishing for lake trout and bass
- Four lake canoe route
- Beach area, complete with water trampoline
- Children’s playground that includes jungle gym, swings, slide and sand box
- Horseshoes and basketball at play area
- Visit Algonquin Park to hike, canoe and experience nature at it’s finest
- Family raft trips or kayaking on the Madawaska River
- Golf at nearby Barry's Bay or Homestead Golf Courses
- Excellent road and mountain biking in the area
- Direct access to hundreds of kilometers of Renfrew County ATV trails
- Lounge area with playstation, pool table, ping pong, card table, satellite TV and more. We also have wireless internet in the lounge.
- Enjoy the nature trail or take an excursion to many of the area trails
- Roast marshmallows on your own private fire pit
- Star gaze without the light pollution
- Search for the abundant wildlife
- Tour the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour every October
- Browse specialty boutiques and local artisan studios
- Experience Canada's first polish communities at Barry's Bay and nearby Wilno
- Explore area attractions like Algonquin Park, Madawaska River, Bonnechere Caves, Wilno Lookout and Church and the Crooked Slide
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Current weather Conditions:
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