Skip to content

Things To Do

  1. Home
  2. Explore/Community
  3. Things To Do

The region which is part of Ontario’s Highlands offers a broad range of activities. For outdoors enthusiasts our lakes and wilderness offer watersports, paddling, hiking, ATVing and snowmobiling (District 6), biking, fishing, hunting, camping, and more.

We have a very active arts community, numerous festivals and events, live theatre nearby, unique shops and restaurants.

Lakes and Rivers – Our region features a host of large and small lakes and rivers. Larger lakes all feature boat launches.

Public Beaches

  • Coming soon

Boat Rentals

Boat Launches

  • Dock Road (Herschel)
  • North Baptiste Lake
  • Old Diamond Lake Road
  • Salmon Trout Lake Road
  • Graphite Lake
  • Hinterland Beach
  • Big Point Papineau Lake

More Things To Do

Hastings County Resources and Information

Explore www.hastings.ca for information on exploring, living and working in Hastings County.

The Map Room – Hastings County provides FREE access to a variety of Interactive Maps. Scroll down to the “MAP ROOM”. From here you can select from a variety of maps including a General County Map, Township Lot & Concession Maps and Municipal Office Locations.

Access to Algonquin Park – (alternate entry point tips)

If you’re looking to get away from the busy HWY 60 corridor, there are a handful of alternate Algonquin Park entry points easily accessed from Hastings Highlands. Make Hastings Highlands your home base for trips on the trails and lakes of this spectacular provincial park.

  • Kingscote Lake /Peterson Rd Access Point – From this entry point you will find hiking, mountain biking, paddling and backcountry camping. Permits for this access point are available at Pine Grove Point. http://www.pinegrovepoint.com/park.html Be sure to make your booking at www.ontarioparks.com. From this entry point you can access Kingscote Lake via Kingscote Lake Rd immediately opposite Pine Grove Point on Elephant Lake Road. To Access the Byers Lake Mountain Bike Trail or the High Falls Trail from this entry point, you will need to travel North and East from the Pine Grove Point approximately 2km on Elephant Lake Road (becomes Peterson Road). The sign for entry to the parking lot is only visible when approaching from the west.
  • Hay Lake Access Point – From Hwy 127, 9.9 km south of Hwy 60, follow the McRae-Hay Lake Road (gravel) west for 4.6 km, keeping to the left, to the public boat launch on the east shore of Hay Lake. A 4 km paddle brings you to the boundary of Algonquin Park. Permits and other information are available at the East Gate.
  • Shall Lake Access Point – From the village of Madawaska on Highway 60, follow the Major Lake Road (paved, then gravel) northwest for 26.2 kilometres (crossing the hydroelectric transmission corridor) to the Access Point Office (where you buy your permit) located on the Opeongo River between Farm and Crotch Lakes.
  • Galeairy Lake Access Point, Whitney – At Whitney, 5.6 km east of the East Gate on Highway 60(past the bridge), turn south on Post Street and continue 0.2 km (past the liquor store) to Ottawa Street. Turn left on Ottawa Street and follow it for 0.5 km to the second junction, turn right and follow a short gravel road to the public boat launch on the east shore of Galeairy Lake. Permits and other information are available at the East Gate.
  • Aylen Lake Access Point – From Hwy 60, 11.8 east of the village of Madawaska, follow the Aylen Lake Road (gravel) north for 7.8 km, turn left crossing over a dam and continue 0.4 km, turn right and proceed 0.3 km to the public boat launch on the SW shore of Aylen Lake. Permits for this Access Point are available at the East Gate.

Useful Websites

Artists and art lovers who visit Hastings Highlands have come to know the area as an enclave for vibrant cultural expression among the hills and trees. With Maynooth’s history of hosting Group of Seven painters and inspiring artists such as David Milne and Tom Thomson, contemporary local artists and arts audiences still attach great importance to the expression of our connection to nature, innovation, and sensuality through painting and other art forms.

Arts Routes and Studio Tours

Ontario’s Highlands are home to many talented and innovative artists. When the leaves start to turn, head to the hills and explore the studios of local artists and artisans showing their work. Studio Tours in Bancroft/Hastings Highlands and in the Madawaska Valley include painters, stained glass artists, potters, jewelers, sculptors, textile artists, chocolatiers, and more.

Area Galleries

Organizations and Clubs

Venues

Art Supplies

Retreats, Residencies, and Studios for Artists’

Shops

Hastings Highlands residents, businesses and community organizations make this area unique and lively. Here are some of the yearly events that locals and visitors enjoy together. Many events are organized by Maynooth and Hastings Highlands Business Association (MHHBA) members and a host of community minded volunteers. http://maynooth.on.ca/events.html

Maynooth Madness

Every Labour Day weekend Maynooth Madness Arts and Heritage Festival brings people home to Maynooth. Over the years this festival has featured Logger’s Games and Mud Dawgs and currently comes together as a street festival with a focus on arts, heritage, and children’s activities. This 30-year tradition is brought to you by MHHBA in partnership with Maynooth Farmer’s Market, North Hastings Garden Club, Municipality of Hastings Highlands, Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini Algonquin First Nation, and North Hastings Children’s Services.

Brighten the Night Christmas Parade & Kids Party

Brighten the Night Christmas Parade & Kids Party brings the main street of Maynooth aglow with lights and excitement. This community parade begins at the close of the Christmas Market and features DIY floats including local performers. This event is produced by MHHBA in partnership with Home Again, the Municipality of Hastings Highlands and the OPP.

Southern Ontario Ice Festival

(facebook)
Started in 2016 by Peter Hoang, Josh Smith and Andriy Kolos this event has become a yearly celebration of a gripping winter sport. Using The Arlington Hostel/Bar as a home base, climbers of all ability levels come from far and wide to practice on nearby ice cliffs.

Easter Egg Hunt

Every year, for the last 25 years, the kids look forward to the Easter Egg Hunt, hosted and sponsored by MHHBA.

Citizen of the Year and Volunteer Recognition Awards

Each Year the MHHBA organizes and sponsors a Citizen of the Year and Volunteer Recognition awards evening where citizens are acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to our community.

Maynooth Pride Parade

Joey Shulman and Barry Siegrist (Wildewood Gallery) have been organizing this yearly event since 1990. Taking place the first weekend in August the events around Maynooth Pride have grown over the years to include local businesses and community members and in 2018 we had our first family pride event, Fay and Fluffy Story Time, at the local library. August is Pride month in Maynooth!

Maynooth Farmer’s Market (Facebook)

This locally run Farmers’ Market offers up local produce, plants & flowers, maple syrup, homemade breads, infused herb & berry vinegars, other preserves, meats, baked goods, jewelry, clothing, crafts and more. Open every Saturday 8 am – 1 pm, May through October, at the Old Community Centre on Hwy 62 & Yonge Street. Winter Market is held monthly at Emond Hall, November-April.

Garlic Festival (Facebook) (Website)

Started in 2017 by Bancroft Stewardship Council, this event has been a huge success in our community. This event partners with the local Farmer’s Market and features performances, art works, market vendors, and garlic!

Studio Tours (Bancroft Website)  (Madawaska Website)

Ontario’s Highlands are home to many talented and innovative artists. When the leaves start to turn, head to the hills and explore the studios of local artists and artisans showing their work. Studio Tours in Bancroft/Hastings Highlands and in the Madawaska Valley include painters, stained glass artists, potters, jewelers, sculptors, textile artists, chocolatiers, and more.

The clean lakes and shimmering rivers of Hastings Highlands offer many angling opportunities in all four seasons. Whether you’re after the unique-to-our-area Jewel Lake Trout or fishing for Bass or just looking for some peace and quiet out on the water we have what you’re looking for.

Licences & Regulations (Website)

Get your fishing license, regulations and all the information you need to get a start

Fishing from a Boat

Ice Fishing

Stocked Lakes

Where to Fish

Fishing Retreats

Gear and Supplies

Join the Worlds Largest Treasure Hunt

There are millions of geocaches hidden around the world, there are probably some near you right now. Get the free Official Geocaching app and start finding them.

Visit: geocaching.com/play

Golf season in Ontario may not be long, but moderate temperatures make for idyllic summer and early fall getaways.

Bancroft Golf Course (Website)

A 9-hole gem located in the south east corner of Ontario, Bancroft Golf Course treats golfers with impeccable greens, multiple tee boxes, great food, casual …

Address:
543 Hastings St. N RR #2
Bancroft, Ontario K0L 1C0

Phone: (613) 332-2426

Bancroft Ridge Golf Club (Website)

Bancroft Ridge Golf Club offers a great experience for all levels of golfers. With spectacular views of the Eagle’s Nest, and the majestic York River running through the property, picturesque ponds and winding streams, Bancroft Ridge is one of cottage country’s most scenic courses.

Address:
30 Nicklaus Drive,
Bancroft, Ontario K0L 1C0

Phone: (613) 332-4653

Put your feet in the stirrups, grab the reins and see the beauty of Ontario on horseback.

Ride the Wilderness (Website)

Our Public Horseback Riding Stable offers affordable trial rides 1-3 hrs in length with a scenic 3 hour ride to a crown lake, crossing water on the way, being our most popular trail ride. Gentle, well trained horses, high quality tack, small private tours, and knowledgable guides makes us a great destination if you want to explore the Algonquin Park area by horseback!

Address:
239 East Lake Road, Maynooth Ontario K0L 2S0

Phone: 613 338-2330

Mountain Creek Ranch (Website)

Mountain Creek Ranch is nestled in one of the scenic valleys in the Highlands of Eastern Ontario. Thousands of acres await your discovery on one of our trusted horses or ponies.
Here at Mountain Creek we strive to make your experience both memorable and very safe.

Address:
146 Buckhill Road, Bancroft, On K0L 1C0

Phone: 613 334-6628

Every fall our wild northern highlands attract people from far and wide to join the hunt. Popular game in our area: Grouse, Moose, Bear, Deer and Wild Turkey.

Ministry of Natural Resources (Website)

Everything you need to know about hunting licenses and regulations can be found on the Ministry of Natural Resources website

Purchase your License

Helpful Links

Gear

Whether you are looking for a white water adventure or a serene paddling experience a trip to Hastings Highlands places you at the rocky heart of many unique and exquisite locations.

Where to Paddle

Paddling Routes

Rentals & Sales

Courses & Tours

Shuttle Services


Explore

Ontario Backcountry Campers

During the Winter Season outdoor ice skating Rinks are available for your enjoyment: 

  • Maynooth Rink 
  • Lake St Peter Rink 
  • Birds Creek Rink

Greyhound Lines bus services travels Highway 62 through Hastings Highlands twice/week: Fridays and Sundays. Travel easily from Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa and Pembroke to our communities. The bus stops in Bird’s Creek, Maynooth, and Maple Leaf.

Website: https://www.greyhound.ca/
Phone: 1-800-661-TRIP (8747)
Schedule: Bus Schedule (PDF)