Greater Madawaska

During a stay in Greater Madawaska, you can explore cultural history, outdoor activities, and motorsports as distinct themes. Calabogie offers specific points of interest: the history of the K&P Railway sits alongside Calabogie Lake, while hiking and snowshoeing trails, guided tours, paddling options, and Calabogie Motorsports Park provide further ideas for planning your trip. This allows you to shape your stay around your own interests.

History and Scenery in Calabogie

The K&P Railway, also known as the “Kick & Push,” reached Calabogie in the 1880s. Near Calabogie is the dam across Grassey Bay, built for the K&P Railway and still a lasting landmark. In Calabogie itself, the damming of the Madawaska created Calabogie Lake. The railway, the dam associated with it, and the lake created by damming offer different perspectives on the area’s history and landscape.

Hiking, Snowshoeing and Guided Tours

The Manitou Trail is 9 km long, runs from Calabogie Peaks to Eagle’s Nest, and is designated as a moderately difficult hiking and snowshoeing trail. Along the way, the trail passes through picturesque pine forests; its viewpoints include panoramas of Eagle’s Nest, Manitou Mountain, and Red Arrow Rock. The length, difficulty level, and named viewpoints give you specific details to consider if you would like to include a hike or snowshoe outing in your plans.

For guided outings, Tom Irwin Adventure Tours offers ATV and snowmobile tours lasting either half a day or a full day. Snowmobile offerings include clothing, equipment, and a guide. The operator also runs ATV tours in Calabogie and the Madawaska Highlands and is located at 636 Mill St in Calabogie, Ontario. The K&P Trail runs from Calabogie to Renfrew, is well used, and is suitable for a ride. This offers different ways to get around: a hiking or snowshoeing route, guided tours, and a trail suitable for a ride.

Scenic Drive and Motorsports

A 140 km scenic drive begins on Highway 17 between Arnprior and Renfrew. It follows Calabogie Road through Burnstown, Calabogie, Griffith, Dacre, and Mount St. Patrick, then returns to Highway 17. The sequence of communities makes the route a distinct way to experience the region by car; Calabogie is one of the named stops along the way.

Calabogie Motorsports Park hosts numerous club events for cars and motorcycles. The operator describes its race track as the longest in Canada; it has 20 corners and a 2,000-foot straight. The park also offers driving experiences in track-ready rental vehicles, as well as high-performance driving programs with certified coaches. If you include motorsports in your trip plans, you’ll find both events and opportunities to drive on the race track here.

Paddling Options

Mad River Paddle Co. offers paddleboard and kayak rentals, as well as lessons, in Calabogie at 1022 Madawaaska Street. If you plan to take part in a paddling activity, confirm current rental and lesson options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Renfrew, Killaloe, Petawawa, Arnprior, Barry’s Bay, Golden Lake, Pembroke, Foresters Falls

For the broader travel overview: Renfrew County.