Vacation rentals in Calabogie

Located on Calabogie Lake, about an hour west of Ottawa, the small town of Calabogie has long been a magnet for adventure-seekers thanks to its year-round outdoor activities. In winter, people flock here to ski and snowboard at Calabogie Peaks, home to the highest vertical drop of any public ski hill in Ontario at 238 metres, or enjoy cross-country skiing on the popular Nordic Trail. In summer, attention turns to the water: Calabogie Beach boasts white sands and calm waters perfect for swimming, boating, paddling, and canoeing. Neighbouring Wabun Lake and Norway Lake are also stunning locations worth the trip.

Calabogie is also known for its abundance of year-round hiking trails, the most scenic being Sugar Mountain Trail, Manitou Trail, and the famous Eagles Nest Trail, which leads to a clearing full of inukshuks, one of the most spectacular vistas in all of Canada.

Summer is a great time for cottage rentals in Calabogie due to the warm sunny days perfect for enjoying the water. On Saturdays, wander around the charming Calabogie Summer Market, which showcases local farmers, gardeners, artisans, and bakers. In addition to picking up unique souvenirs, you can watch live demonstrations of weaving, felting, spinning, and wood carving. In July, the town hosts a popular weekend festival of blues music and barbecue ribs. In autumn, a walk along any of the trails and nature will reward you with a spectacular show of changing colours. The temperatures can be chillier so remember to bring additional layers. Spring sees the area bloom to life, and you can expect a mix of pleasant sunny days with some cooler ones. If you’re heading to Calabogie in winter, you’ll be treated to great conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

The Eagles Nest Trail

Just a short drive out of town, you can take a relaxing walk on this 1.5-kilometre hike with a gentle uphill climb through the woods. The trail leads you up to a lookout at the top of a 120-metre cliff, which rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Along the way, there’s plenty of wildlife to spot, including minks, coyotes, white-tailed deer, and the occasional moose.

Calabogie’s Waterways

Jump in a canoe or kayak and explore the beautiful waterways in the area. The calm waters of Calabogie Lake is a great place to start — or try paddling downstream of Madawaska River. Surrounding lakes like Norway Lake and Black Donald Lake also offer beautiful scenery to explore. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent equipment in Calabogie; and if you’re new to paddling, you can take lessons.

Bonnechere Caves

Take the 40-minute drive to the town of Eganville and explore the Bonnechere Caves. This expansive cave system is one of Ontario’s finest natural attractions, running along the Bonnechere River. You’ll head underground and walk through cavernous passageways and past a sinkhole. Along the way there are various rock formations and fossils that will catch your eye. The highlight is an underground waterfall that makes for a truly spectacular sight.