Activities

Things to do and see

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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 Mountain Ski Area and the OFSC B102 Provincial 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.



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.



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. Bass make up the bulk of the action in summer and surprisingly can be caught off of our docks from time to time. Early September is another prime time to try for the hard fighting lake trout. Since there is no public boat launch onto the lake, motor boat rentals are available for those that pre-book. During winter, ice fishing huts are available.



Downhill Skiing

Nearby Madawaska Mountain Ski Area (formerly Radcliffe Hill and Madawaska Valley Ski Area) is under new management and plans some impressive upgrades including new runs and a snowmaking machine. This will bode well for an area that boasts one of the top 10 highest ski verticals in Ontario, mile long runs and small lift lines. Well known for its great snow and good mix of easy and challenging runs, the hill is well worth a visit if you come up in winter. New in the 2011, 2012 season we are now offering discounted ski tickets. Save up to 20% off their already low regular lift rates!



Snowmobiling & ATVing

Snowmobilers will find our short linking trail to the OFSC B102, which links to the B Main of the TOP (Trans-Ontario Provincial) trail system on the east side 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?

We are once again offer snowmobile and ATV rentals through Back Country Tours Back Country Tours. We also offer a unique food delivery service option for touring snowmobilers. For a low fee you can have your food and beverages waiting for you when you arrive!

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 or other trails in the immediate area. Off Arbor Vitae Road, there is a nice Crown land area that can be accessed across from green civic address number 554. This area hosts and impressive system of old roads and trails that eventually will link to the B102. On the other side of the lake, Otter Lake Lane is the easier access point to the B102. Please be careful not to cross private property when accessing the trail systems.



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. Trail runners and mountain bikers can explore the B102 off Otter Lake Lane or even the trails across from civic address 554 on Arbor Vitae Road. Further afield, the Bear Mountain Trail system is found 13 km west of the resort on the south side of Highway 60. It leads to a great vantage point and a series of trails at the north end of nearby Bark Lake. The Thomas P Murray Recreation Trails south of Barry's Bay on Highway 62 are equally impressive. Of course many prefer to explore nearby Algonquin Provincial Park where several trails are found along Highway 60. We provide maps and free use of the local Backroad Mapbook to help you pick (and find) the trail of choice.



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.



Activities By Season

Winter
  • Downhill Skiing at Madawaska Mountain Ski Area
  • Snowmobile trails – direct links to the OFSC B102 (across the lake)
  • 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
  • Sleigh Rides – available through local outfitters
Spring - Summer - Fall
  • Free use of canoes and paddle boat
  • Fishing for lake trout and bass
  • Explore our own four lake canoe route (linking Carson, Trout, Buch and Kulas Lakes)
  • Beach area, complete with water trampoline
  • Children’s playground that includes a 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


Local Tour Operators