Vacation rentals in Barry's Bay

Situated between the Madawaska River and Drohan Lake in rural Ontario, Barry’s Bay has grown from a stopover for people heading to Algonquin Park to a vacation destination in its own right. This small town sits in the middle of the wild Madawaska Valley, surrounded by rolling woodland landscapes and pristine waters. Outdoor adventure permeates the area that historically served as a gathering place for the Algonquin First Nation. Farmers and loggers arrived in the 19th century, and in 1933, the town was officially incorporated until it amalgamated with neighbouring communities into the Madawaska Valley in 2001.

Today, Barry’s Bay is a popular destination for cottagers in the summer. A common sight is Adirondack-style chairs facing the shimmering waters, whether on the banks of the Madawaska River or surrounding Drohan Lake. With two unique bodies of water north and south of town, Barry’s Bay is a favourite spot for water-sport enthusiasts and captures the hearts of anglers for its unique freshwater fishing spots. And just 10 minutes east of Barry’s Bay is the small town of Wilno, Canada’s oldest Polish settlement.

The natural wonders of Barry’s Bay shine bright in summer when longer days allow for more time outside. While June sees the most rain, July follows with the warmest temperatures of the year, making it the best time to swim in the river and lake or explore the area’s many hiking trails. When fall arrives, the forests change color as the maples, aspen, and tamarack go from deep red to bright yellow, attracting nature photographers. Winter is cold in Barry’s Bay, but people still find a way to have fun outside. Snowmobile trails offer an opportunity to zip through the wonderland at high speeds and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing offer the same picturesque views by foot.

The Madawaska River

The rapids on the Madawaska River are excellent for whitewater rafting. You can book a trip on a nine-person raft piloted by local experts who can navigate the choppy waters. The river’s natural flow makes paddling easier for beginners, and summer is the most popular season, when the water is warm and you can spot kingfishers on the banks.

Crooked Slide Park

Barry’s Bay was a busy timber town in the early 1900s, when a steady procession of logs floated down the Madawaska River for processing at local mills. The Crooked Slide Park on Old Barry’s Bay Road still has a chute built in the early 20th century, which stirs up memories of the loggers solving log jams in the river and creek with strategically placed conduits.

Madawaska Valley fishing

In summer, Madawaska Valley is crawling with anglers who come to catch smallmouth bass, northern pike, and channel catfish. Beyond the river, countless lakes surround the area offering a different fishing experience in each body of water. In the winter, ice fishing is an option once the lakes freeze over.