Throwback Summer: 2-night, 3-days of Old-fashioned Summertime Fun
Summertime is the ultimate season – you can lounge at the beach on a warm and lazy day, hike on the cooler days, spend those perfect weekend evenings at the drive-in, and usually still have some daylight left at the end of the day to savour the sunset.
The only downside is how fleeting it is, but it wasn’t always that way. Think back to the summers of your youth…remember how the summer months seemed to stretch on and on into day after day of warm, hazy bliss? What if you could find that feeling again this summer?
Make those two months feel like years, and embrace the quiet moments, the time between, and spend time just swinging your feet at the end of a dock, cloud watching.
We kept the pace nice and slow when building this curated itinerary. Recreate a summer filled with "first times" and that seems to last forever using this multi-day retro summer itinerary.
Day One
We’ve kept the schedule today nice and loose so you will have time to embrace vacation time instead of go-go-go time. Basking in the do-nothing moments is the trick to making three days feel like three weeks.
Start of Day One
Start Here: Carnarvon
Tucked deep in the wilds of Haliburton Highlands, the small community of Carnarvon is the perfect spot to start your journey. Feel your breath slow as you immerse yourself in small town life here, take your time to truly experience the moment.
What to do here
• Slow food is the perfect accompaniment to your leisurely day today – visit Rhubarb Haliburton for a lovely made-from-scratch fine dining experience for lunch or dinner.
• Make the short drive to Buttermilk Falls to see the falls and marvel at nature’s wonder.
• Pick up some baked goods for breakfast tomorrow (or for an impromptu picnic today) from Country Bakery. These folks don't have an online presence but are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
• Sample the craft beer from Haliburton Highlands Brewing Co. at their new location in Carnarvon.
• Food truck fare is the ultimate in leisurely, spur of the moment dining. Mason Jar Food Co. will have whatever you are looking for.
• Another Carnarvon dining option is the homestyle local favourite, The Mill Pond Restaurant.
About the area
Time Spent Here: Plan on at least two hours in Carnarvon to get a sense of the community here, and to allow for some time at Buttermilk Falls.
29 km • 24 mins
End Your Day: Bonnie View Inn
Perched on the shores of Kashagawigamog Lake, Bonnie View Inn is the perfect spot to experience the slower pace and summer joys of your youth. You’ll want to settle in at your accommodation early so you can truly begin to embrace vacation time. We’ve included two nights in your stay here, but feel free to book this fabulous summertime accommodation for a week or longer for a full old-fashioned experience.
What to do here
• Explore the 300-feet of beachfront by foot or borrow one of the canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards to paddle the lake.
• Settle into your room in the inn or cabin and change into your “holiday time” clothes.
• Grab your sandals and book and lounge on the beach to watch the sun set.
• Have a craft beer or cocktail on the patio overlooking the water.
• Savour the gooey deliciousness of s'mores over a roaring bonfire and reminisce about the first time you tried them.
Time Spent Here: Arrive at least a couple of hours before dark so you have time to truly unwind before bed.
End of Day One
Day Two
You can spend the whole day at the inn, just chilling at the beach and savouring a cocktail on the beachside patio, or you can explore the area a little. The most important thing is to keep your day nice and slow – no rushing!
Start of Day Two
Start Here: Bonnie View Inn
Waken to the call of the loons on Kashagawigamog Lake and take your time relaxing over coffee and drinking in the sunshine before beginning your day.
What to do here
• An early morning paddle on Kashagawigamog Lake will be magical. Watch the paddle dip and stroke, dip and stroke, and watch the day unfold.
• Relax on a lounge chair on the 300-foot beachfront and take a lazy dip in the lake whenever you like.
Time Spent Here: You can spend the whole day here and feel the precious summer moments creep slowly past, or move on to the next stops on your itinerary – the world is your oyster today!
7 km • 10 mins
Next Stop: Haliburton
When it feels right, you can head to the village of Haliburton, a 10-minute drive from the inn, to step into the sleepy small-town world in one of the most beautiful communities in Ontario.
What to do here
• Have you tried SUP Yoga? Book a class from Wolf Flow SUP Yoga and find out why people have fallen in love with this mindful water activity. Karley from Wolf Flow also offers private or group instruction right at Bonnie View Inn if you’d rather stay “home” for the day.
• Visit Abbey Gardens to pick up some pre-made and locally sourced meals, canned goods and produce.
• A wood-fire pizza from Into the Blue Bakery at Abbey Gardens will take the edge off your appetite. Package some up and take some back to the inn for a late night snack.
• Book a foraging experience from Stephan Lukacic from Deep Roots Adventure to take the time to slow down and see nature from a new perspective.
• Skyline Park in Haliburton offers an invitation to sit and drink in the stunning view of the countryside spread out below. Take your time here and let the moments slip past.
About the area
In addition to its' stunning scenery, Haliburton is home to a thriving arts community. With plenty of galleries dotting the countryside, a must-visit is the renowned Haliburton Sculpture Forest, a unique outdoor collection of sculptures by Canadian and international artists.
Time Spent Here: Depending on what experiences you book for yoga or foraging you could easily spend three or more hours here. Be careful not to jam too many things into your schedule! The key to summer days that feel like they go on and on is having ample sit around and do nothing time.
7 km • 10 mins
Next Stop: Bonnie View Inn
Arrive back at the inn early enough for a leisurely dinner and let the evening spread out before you without thinking about where you need to be or what you need to do. Sit at the end of the dock and swing your legs in the water, sip at a cocktail, and generally just chill while you let the moments creep past.
What to do here
• Watch the sunset over Lake Kashagawigamog and bask in the beauty
• If you haven’t already eaten, dine at the on-site waterfront restaurant and patio – their Maple Glazed Trout is glazed with local maple syrup from Esson Creek Maple.
Time Spent Here: You only have one more day on your journey so take your time to savour each moment.
End of Day Two
Day Three
Has it only been three days? If it feels like it’s been way longer, that’s a good thing! Resist the urge to hurry hurry hurry today and instead just be in the moment. Today you will explore Hastings County before ending your trip with a stargazing experience in North Frontenac.
Start of Day Three
Start Here: Bonnie View Inn
Stay right to check-out today so you have lots of time to lounge and relax before setting off on the last day of your journey.
What to do here
• Take one last dip in the lake and maybe indulge your inner child and jump on their water trampoline as your last summer getaway hurrah.
• Have a breakfast of champions at the restaurant and patio.
• Do some sunbathing to soak up every last ray of sunshine.
Time Spent Here: Plan to get back on the road for around noon. If you missed anything from the day before today would be a good chance to do it.
70 km • 55 mins
Next Stop: Bancroft
Located in the Mineral Capital of Canada, Bancroft’s topography is reason alone for a trip here. Take your time to explore the community, remember you are on vacation time now.
What to do here
• Delve into the world of rockhounding at Lakeside Gems near Bancroft. Book a geologist-led mineral collecting field trip to maximize your visit.
• Do some rock shopping at Princess Sodalite Mine Rock Shop and Farm.
• Did you get enough beach time at Bonnie View Inn? If not visit Papineau Lake and swim in crystal clear water. https://bancroftontario.com/bancroft-ontario-lake-information/papineau-lake/
• Ice cream time is perfect for lazy summer days. Visit Kawartha Dairy in Bancroft and get a cone to savour at nearby Eagle’s Nest Park or just while walking around the downtown.
• Feeling peckish? The Granite in Bancroft makes slow food that will complement your slow summer getaway.
About the area
Bancroft, the Mineral Capital of Canada, is a rockhounders' dream. Must stop locations for all rock-lovers includes the Bancroft Mineral Museum and the Princess Sodalite Mine. Or take a trip down The Miner's Loop and walk in the shoes of miners long ago.
Time Spent Here: Plan on at least two hours here, but feel free to extend it even longer if you head to Papineau Lake beach.
70 km • 50 mins
Next Stop: Madoc
Madoc is one of those small communities that is worth a wander, especially if you aren’t on a tight timeline. Take your time here to explore the slower pace of small-town life.
What to do here
• If you didn't stop to eat in Bancroft, the Rustic Roadside Restaurant sits mid-way between Bancroft and Madoc, and is known for its homestyle burgers and fries. Snap a picture with their giant hamburger!
• Hidden Goldmine Bakery is a must stop for sweet treats and a cup of coffee that will keep you going for the reset of the day. You won’t regret snagging one of their famous butter tarts!
• Pick up a six-pack of beer from 7/62 Craft Brewers to enjoy when you reach your accommodation.
• Not far from both Madoc and Tweed is the beautiful winery, Potter Settlement Winery. Tour their stunning grounds and sample their award-winning wines.
• Don’t leave Tweed without visiting North America’s Smallest Jail House!
About the area
A trip to Madoc isn't complete without a stop to the Hidden Goldmine Bakery for a delicious cinnamon roll or butter tart. Get a flavour for Madoc's gold rush history at this quaint bakery nestled on the historic main street.
Time Spent Here: Feel free to linger as long as you like, as you have until the sun sets before you need to be at your next stop.
77 km • 54 mins
Next Stop: North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve
When the sun starts to set it’s time to get ready for the pinnacle of your getaway, a stargazing experience at the North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve. This preserve is located south of Plevna and is known for its phenomenally dark skies set amongst the rugged Canadian shield of North Frontenac.
What to do here
• Bring a picnic lunch from Addison’s Restaurant, en route to the preserve from Madoc. A thermos with coffee in it would not go amiss after the sun sets.
• Utilize the on-site parking area and the concrete pad where you can set up a telescope (or a lawn chair).
• Settle back to drink in the millions of stars overhead, gazing up at the infinite wonder of space.
About the area
In Plevna you'll find a dark sky area where you can marvel at how small even a vast place like Ontario really is. The North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve promises the darkest skies in southern Ontario. Take a telescope or simply bring a blanket and lie back as you watch the twinkling stars.
