Remember that summer you convinced your friends to go whitewater rafting, and you still talk about the experience to this day? Or when you learned to water ski for the first time? Or how about that wild mountain bike ride you took that pushed you to your physical limits, but the burn was worth it? 

These are the experiences that push us to our limit, where we tested how close we can tread the line between terrifying and exhilarating.

This summer, we invite you to recreate the excitement of coming out at the end of an adventure and looking back and saying “I did that!” 

4-day, 3-night Invitation to Adventure
4 days | Total Distance: 473 km

Start Here: Haliburton

Haliburton is a community that attracts adventurers. Nestled in the heart of Haliburton Highlands, this community acts as an outpost for epic wilderness adventures through the region’s vast forests and deep lakes. 

• Book a parasailing experience with Ski-Mazing Watersports and start your holiday off on the right – er, ski. They also offer waterskiing and wakeboard lessons, Flyboarding and Jetovator hydroflights if you want to maximize your water adventure. 
• Head to Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride on Eagle Lake and explore 23-kilometres of epic mountain biking trails to test your mettle on the steep hills here. Don’t have a mountain bike? You can rent one right at the hill.
• Experience authentic Mexican food at Poquito Loco in downtown Haliburton – their tacos are a must-try. Pro tip: get some take-out to bring with you to your next destination.


• After your mountain bike ride take the ski lift to the top of the hill for an epic view (weekends only in summer months). 
• Skyline Park is right in Haliburton and has an amazing view of the town and countryside you can access after only a short walk. 
• Plan ahead to book a Deep Roots Adventure Guided trip like their High Falls Paddle, Explore & Dine that takes you along the York River.
• At the Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve you can walk among the trees on their three-to-four hour guided Canopy Tour that is the longest canopy boardwalk of its kind in the world.
• For a hearty homestyle dinner, wait until you’re on the road and stop at South Algonquin Diner in Wilberforce, en route to your next destination.
• If you love fish and chips, a stop at Hook, Line & Sinker in Haliburton is a must.
Haliburton
Haliburton County
From Toronto: 215km • 2 hr 55 min From Ottawa: 285km • 3 hr 15 min

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 in advance, you could spend the whole day or a few hours here. Make sure you leave enough time to grab a bite to eat either in Haliburton or en route to your next stop. 

End Your Day: Footprints Resort

Step out of the ordinary with an overnight stay at this outdoor adults only resort on beautiful and secluded Diamond Lake. 

• Relax in the on-site hot tub while gazing up at the stars. 
• Bring your own food with you to this resort – there are cooking facilities on-site. 
• Wander the property or paddle around the private lake to get back to nature. 

Time Spent Here: Plan to get to bed early because there is a full day ahead of you on day two. 

There are other accommodations in the area which would make a great place to spend the night on this trip - check out Sandy Acres Resort and Harmony Resorts - South Algonquin.

Start Here: Footprints Resort

You will want to get out on the road early today because there are more thrills ahead of you on this itinerary. Don’t worry about breakfast because that will be your first stop on the road today! 

Next Stop: Café BC

You only have one stop in Bird’s Creek and that’s at Café BC. You won’t regret holding out for breakfast when you reach this cozy cafe.

• Fill up! Breakfast is served here until 3 p.m. but you’ll want to be in and out early.
• Try the Creek or Hungry Man breakfasts as they have enough to keep you going all day long.

Time Spent Here: Fuel up and get back on the road because Barry’s Bay awaits.

Next Stop: Barry’s Bay

Known as a bustling cottage community, Barry’s Bay’s population booms in the summer months. This is a fun place to explore if you have the time. The highlight of your visit here is a whitewater rafting trip down the Madawaska River with Madawaska Kanu Centre but there are lots of other great finds here.  

• If you love those unique finds for unusual shops, Grumblin' Grannies is it. Visit one of Barry’s Bay's two locations and explore gifts, home décor, and jewelry you won’t find anywhere else. 
• Visit Madawaska Kanu Centre for an adrenalin-spiking five-kilometre river rafting experience down the beautiful Madawaska River. Their adventure whitewater rafting experience will teach you how to paddle, surf, and try to tip over the inflatable raft for a little extra excitement.
• If you want to take it down a notch, book a Forest Therapy session with Finding Your Way Adventures in one of the surrounding forested areas and parks.

Barry's Bay
Ottawa Valley
From Toronto: 315km • 3 hr 50 min From Ottawa: 185km • 2 hr 15 min

Barry's Bay was once home to Janusz Zurakowski, the chief test pilot for the famous Canadian Avro CF-105. Visit the monument in his honour at Zurakowski Park during your visit here.

Time Spent Here: A rafting trip at Madawaska Kanu Centre can take a few hours, so plan on spending at least half a day here. 

Next Stop: Eganville

If you haven’t been to Eganville in the Ottawa Valley you have been missing out. Eganville is a true “valley town” with lots of local spots to get a cup of coffee, a sandwich, or a hearty burger, and it’s also surrounded by plenty of spots to hike or paddle. 

• The highlight of your visit to Eganville will hands down be the Bonnechere Caves. This is a great place to stretch your legs or have a picnic while looking over the water. Brave the dark and damp and delve deep into the earth on a guided tour of the underground cave network. 
• Pick up a cup of coffee and a sweet treat or sandwich from Fifth Chute Coffee, right in Eganville.
• Have some time to kill? Visit Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre to stretch your legs and check out the old growth forest.
• For sit-down dining, the Granary Schnitzel House is a local favourite that’s been refueling guests for more than 30 years. Try their schnitzel or expand your horizons with some of their other fare. This would be a great place to have dinner before continuing on your itinerary.

Eganville
Ottawa Valley
From Toronto: 350km • 4 hr 20 min From Ottawa: 135km • 1 hr 35 min

Laying in a deep limestone valley, Eganville is known as the Ordovician Fossil Capital of Canada.  See these fossils up close at the Bonnechere Caves, and go deep underground to do your own fossil hunt. 

Time Spent Here: Plan on a three-to-four hours to see the caves and grab a bite to eat or take a hike. You will want to make sure you arrive at your final destination before the sun sets. 

End Your Day: OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River

OWL Rafting is a world-class whitewater destination located on the mighty Ottawa River and the perfect spot for maximum fun finders on the prowl. OWL Rafting puts you in the hands of their experienced guides to raft the rapids and come out the other side a winner. 

• Check into your accommodation (your choice – a cozy cabin, camp site, cabana, or glamping site). 
• Explore the resort’s beach and take a refreshing dip before bed.
• Watch the sunset from the water on one of the resort’s canoes, kayaks, or SUPs. 

Time Spent Here: You’ll want to arrive at the resort a few hours before sunset to get settled in and orient yourself.

Start Here: OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River

Are you ready to ride the waves? Your whitewater adventure at OWL Rafting begins today and you can expect fun, sun, and waves today. 

Please note:

This can be high adrenalin adventure, but it doesn’t have to be! You can choose your thrill level to suit your, and your family’s, needs. They offer multiple packages with everything from a gentle, relaxing raft trip to an experience that will ensure you get wet (over and over again).

• Your OWL Rafting adventure can range from low to medium or high adventure intensity levels – it’s a choose your own adventure!
• After a day spent on the water, rushing down rapids and swimming in the Ottawa River, the hearty meal served during the pontoon boat ride back to base at the end of the day will taste amazing.
• Enjoy dinner at OWL’s cafeteria-style dining hall, right on the resort.

Time Spent Here: Your OWL adventure is an all day affair. 

End Your Day: OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River

You will be ready to get to bed early after your heart-racing adventures with OWL. This is your last chance to take advantage of the site’s resort facilities before you check out tomorrow.

Start of Day Four: OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River

This is your last day of whitewater adventures at OWL Rafting but don’t worry you can always come back again next year to build more epic memories.

• Have a hearty breakfast (included in your whitewater rafting package) to fuel your adventures today.
• Get out on the road early to maximize the daylight hours for your last day.

Next Stop: Wilderness Tours

Wilderness Tours is a four-season adventure destination that’s been operating for more than 40 years. This would be an excellent spot to explore whitewater rafting, but we reserved this destination for something just as exciting: mountain biking. 

• Rent a bike or bring your own with you for this adventure, and rip along single, double, or bermed trails. 
• Access the BORCA mountain bike trail network, just off the resort, or use the network of trails right on site.
• Try out Wilderness Tours’ two new gravity trails, Ender and Window Shade for thrilling vertical drops.
• Explore the new mountain biking skills area. 

Time Spent Here: You still have more adventures on the agenda today, so plan on  no more than a couple of hours spent here. 

Next Stop: Calabogie

Nestled around Calabogie Lake the rolling, forested terrain of Calabogie calls to intrepid wanderers to explore and push themselves to their limit.

• If you still have some pep left in you, you can hike to an awe-worthy lookout Eagle’s Nest Lookout.  
• Discover the thrill of new adventures at Calabogie Motorsports Park while driving your own car around the track or rent a race-prepped Mustang to get a feel of the track.  
• Is it time for lunch? Take a break at Redneck Bistro in the heart of Calabogie, a local favourite. 
• Did you miss out on mountain biking at Wilderness Tours? Contact Mad River Paddle Co. to book an introduction to mountain biking or stand-up paddleboarding adventure in Calabogie.  
• If you’re lagging after your adventures have a java pick-me-up from Oh-el-la Café. 

Calabogie
Ottawa Valley
From Toronto: 372km • 4 hr 40 min From Ottawa: 102km • 1 hr 15 min

Referred to as 'the funnest small town in Canada' by CBC's comedy series, Still Standing, Calabogie more than lives up to the name.  From indoor activities like restaurant hopping, to outdoor adventure in watersports, backwoods play, and skiing Ontario's vertical drop at Calabogie Peaks, there's plenty of fun to be had at this outdoor paradise.

Time Spent Here: Keep an eye on the clock to make sure you arrive at your final destination in time for your ATV booking. 

Next Stop: Pakenham

This community is nestled on the shores of the mighty Mississippi River and is worth a quick visit to refuel with food and caffeine to take with you to your final destination. 

• Check out one of the Seven Wonders of Lanark County - the historic Five Span Stone Bridge and the rapids that flow below.   
• Grab some lunch or coffee to go from Keepers Coffee Bar, right on the main street.
• The teeny tiny ice cream shop, Scoops, is the perfect spot for dessert. 
• 1840s General Store is the only general store in Canada to have been continuously operating since the 1800s. Explore their baked goods and historic interior. 
• Sample a flight of craft beer made from pure spring water at Cartwright Springs Brewery. 

Pakenham
Lanark County
From Toronto: 377km • 4 hr 40 min From Ottawa: 59km • 50 min

Cartwright Springs Brewery takes locally-made to a whole new level, using natural water from an artesian spring located on the property, just 15 metres away.

Time Spent Here: Plan on an hour or more in Pakenham. 

Next Stop: Thrill Seeker ATV Tours

This is your last stop for your trip, and you’ll want to arrive in plenty of time to get oriented with your ATV, sign any waivers, and with plenty of time for an amazing ride. Plan to get dirty on your ride, and bring an extra set of clothes with you.

• Book an ATV experience in advance through Thrill Seeker ATV Tours’ online booking platform. 
• Get out on the trails and have fun! Remember that a successful ride is definitely one that involves mud. 

Time Spent Here: Thrill Seeker ATV Tours offers a variety of tour packages, but if this will be your first time on an ATV, the 90-minute tour is a good introduction to the activity.

Paddling
Bicycling