Do you remember the last time you truly felt the rhythm of the water? Maybe it was the stillness of a morning paddle across a glassy lake, or the rush of a river carrying you downstream. 

This 2-night, 3-day itinerary invites you to experience water in all its forms, from still to rushing, and walk away not just refreshed, but transformed.

4 Days to Go With the Flow in Ontario's Highlands
4 Days

Start Here: Harcourt

Begin your journey in beautiful Harcourt, just south Algonquin Park's south gate and just as beautiful as the park itself. Here, the York River meanders north into the park and is a prime way to begin any adventure involving water.

  • Join Deep Roots Adventure for their popular High Falls Paddle, Explore & Dine experience, a five-hour guided adventure on the York River into Algonquin Park.
  • Your lunch is included in your paddle experience but you will want to stop for a made-from-scratch dinner at AM/PM Outdoor Gourmet near Bancroft. 
  •  Consider renting a stand-up paddleboard from Deep Roots Adventure to spend the remainder of your day on the water.
Harcourt
Haliburton County
From Toronto: 250km • 3 hr From Ottawa: 255km • 3 hr 10 min

Time Spent Here: Your paddle with Deep Roots Adventure will take most of the day and if you add on with a SUP experience too, you can expect to spend a full eight or ten hours in this area. 

End Your Day: Silver Springs Cottage Resort

Located just a short drive from Harcourt, Silver Springs Cottages can be your launchpad for your water immersion. Located on Elephant Lake, the resort is just five kilometres from Algonquin Park trails and forest. 

  • The water is the reason for your trip through Ontario's Highlands so take some time to explore the shoreline of Elephant Lake on a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat. 
  • Elephant Lake connects to two other lakes, Benoir Lake and Baptiste Lake, which means you can go far from this home base. 
  • Settle into one of the resort's nine cottages and fall asleep to the sound of water lapping at the shoreline. 
  • Stop into South Algonquin Country Store to pick up something for breakfast tomorrow morning. 

Start Here: Silver Springs Cottage Resort

Waken with the sun today and enjoy breakfast overlooking the water. 

  • Take one last paddle on the lake before heading out for the day. 
  • If you have time, consider a short hike of the area's trails to get your legs warmed up. 

Next Stop: Spirit of the Waterfalls

It's time to slow down and let the water teach you about being centred and connected to it all.

  • Book the Spirit of the Waterfalls experience and spend the afternoon exploring the spirit of water with a guided, shamanic journey at a private waterfall. 
  • Wander the on-site labyrinth as part of your experience. 
  • Take your feet off and dip them in the water to get closer to nature.
  • Consider adding on one of five other experiences available here.

Time Spent Here: Plan on at least half a day here for this experience. This is not something to rush.

Next Stop: Bancroft

You will drive right through Bancroft and it's worth a stop to explore a community where water has shaped the rugged landscape for millennia. 

  • Refuel at The Granite right in the heart of Bancroft, just feet from the mighty York River that winds through town.
  • Stroll along the York River through Riverside Park on the beautiful York River trail.
  • See the landscape from a new perspective at Eagles Nest Park Lookout, with sweeping views of the river and Canadian Shield in the valley below. 
  • Grab a locally brewed six-pack or enjoy a tasting flight at Bancroft Brewing Co. Their beers are inspired by the region’s landscapes and history, and they make a great takeaway for a lakeside evening later in your trip.
  • Stop in at The Muse Gallery & Cafe to pick up something for a light breakfast tomorrow morning at your cottage accommodation. 
Bancroft
Hastings County
From Toronto: 245km • 2 hr 50 min From Ottawa: 220km • 2 hr 35 min

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 make sure you are on the road early enough to reach your accommodation before sunset. 

End Your Day: Myers Cave Resort

Nestled beside Marble Lake, this sustainable resort offers a direct connection to the water. If you choose your cabin wisely you will be able to fall asleep to the sound of rushing water here. 

  • Settle in on your deck or at the water and this will be a good time to crack open one of the six-pack you snagged from Bancroft Brewing Co. 
  • Stretch your legs with a wander along the sandy beach or consider taking a paddle before dark in one of their canoes and kayaks - free for guest use.
Flinton
Lennox & Addington
From Toronto: 240km • 2 hr 55 min From Ottawa: 175km • 2 hr 5 min

The village of Flinton was built to house Billa Flint's employees, working at his mill on the river.  Ruins of the mill can be seen at the famous Flinton Falls and swimming hole at the Flinton Conservation Area, nestled in the corner of the village.

Start Here: Myers Cave Resort

You don't need to rush this morning, take your time to enjoy the resort before you head out.

  • Spread your blanket on the beach and spend some time soaking up some sun and enjoying the water views.
  • Take out a paddleboard or kayak to explore Marble Lake and get a different perspective on the water.
  • If the Red Barn Zone food truck opens before you leave, grab a slice or two for the road to tide you over until your next stop. 

Time Spent Here: Plan on hitting the road by noon so you have enough time in your day to travel at a leisurely pace. 

Next Stop: Flinton 

Waterfall lovers - this is your spot. Located in Flinton, Flinton Falls is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the power and beauty of water in motion. Here, the Skootamatta River carves through the landscape to create rapids and a small waterfall.  

  • Park at the Flinton Conservation Area where you can walk to the top of the falls for a great view of the water. 
  • Hike one of the conservation area's trails and sit on one of the picnic tables to enjoy the views. 
  • Addison's Restaurant is just a few kilometres from Flinton and is a great spot to refuel for the rest of your day.  
Flinton
Lennox & Addington
From Toronto: 240km • 2 hr 55 min From Ottawa: 175km • 2 hr 5 min

The village of Flinton was built to house Billa Flint's employees, working at his mill on the river.  Ruins of the mill can be seen at the famous Flinton Falls and swimming hole at the Flinton Conservation Area, nestled in the corner of the village.

Time Spent Here: Plan on an hour to see the falls, take a hike, and explore Flinton. If you will be stopping for lunch at Addison's Restaurant, make sure you leave early enough as the next leg of your journey requires a longer drive. 

Next Stop: Smiths Falls

No exploration of water in Ontario's Highlands would be complete without a stop at the heart of the Rideau Canal and waterway, Smiths Falls. Here, the Rideau River rushes through town to create stunning rapids and waterfalls and has shaped the industry in this community for more than 200 years. 

  • Dine overlooking rushing rapids on the outdoor patio at the Lockmaster's Taphouse, right in the heart of downtown Smiths Falls.
  • Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Smiths Falls Pedal and Paddle and put in at the Detached Lock off of Abbot Street to explore the swale and the Rideau River.
  • Snap a photo at the National Historic Site, the Bascule Bridge, a historic example of movable bridges that was build in 1912 by CN Rail to cross the Rideau Canal. 
  • Sit by the locks in Centennial Park and watch the boats travel through the historic Rideau Canal locks, still manually operated by hand after nearly 200 years of operations. 
  • Stop for an ice cream from The Pickled Pig on Beckwith Street to savour during your time here. 
Smiths Falls
Lanark County
From Toronto: 340km • 4 hr 17 min From Ottawa: 80km • 1 hr 10 min

Since Smiths Falls was once a hopping railway hub, it's only natural that it's home to the Eastern Ontario Railway Museum.  And what's more unique, you can stay overnight in one of the Museum's caboose cars.  Knock that one off your bucketlist!

Next Stop: Almonte

The Mississippi River is front and centre in the town of Almonte, winding its way through town and shaping the culture of the community it passes through. Bring your camera for this stop!

  • Take a stroll on the Almonte Riverwalk which travels along the shores of the Mississippi River through town, ending at Almonte's iconic waterfall. 
  • Check out the two power generating stations on the river, one of which sits near Metcalfe Geoheritage Park, Canada's first municipal geoheritage park with a scenic location on the river.
  • Dinner at Joe's Italian Kitchen is a must - their waterfront location means you can dine on the patio overhanging the large waterfall, literally feeling the spray of the water on your face as you dine during high water season.
  • Another great place to grab a bite to eat is the Barley Mow, with a two-story patio right at the water's edge the view is phenomenal.
Almonte
Lanark County
From Toronto: 360km • 4 hr 30 min From Ottawa: 52km • 50 min

Dr. James Naismith, the founder of basketball, was born in Almonte, where the original homestead still stands today.  Visit the Dr. James Naismith memorial statue on Mill Street, and get your picture taken with this Canadian legend.

Time Spent Here: You could literally spend all day in Almonte, but you will want to ensure you leave in time to reach your final destination before dark, a roughly one-hour drive from Almonte.

Next Stop: Pakenham

En route to your final destination for the day, Pakenham is midway between Almonte and Arnprior and the site of the historic Five Span Bridge and Pakenham waterfalls. Explore the village at your leisure. 

  • A must stop is the historic 1840s Pakenham General Store, an old fashioned general store with everything you could possibly want to cap off your visit here. Their baked goods are off the charts delicious!
  • If you're craving a java break, Keepers Coffee Bar offers specialty coffees and light meals to go.
  • An ice cream cone from Scoops would not go amiss with your stop here!
  • Take your coffee or baked treat to the small park beside the Pakenham Five Span Bridge where you can nibble while you enjoy the view of the historic bridge and the Mississippi River rapids. 
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: You should need no more than an hour or two in Pakenham.

End Your Day: Calabogie Peaks Resort

Located on the shores of Calabogie Lake, Calabogie Peaks Resort can be your respite after a long day on the road. With a full resort experience the only thing you will need to bring with you is your willingness to explore. 

  • Settle into your room then wander down to enjoy the nightly bonfire on the grounds of the resort.
  • If you haven't had dinner yet, the resort's on-site restaurant, Canthooks is known for its cuisine and as a gathering place for guests. 

Start Here: Calabogie

Calabogie is true cottage country where the water is the centrepiece of the experiences here and life is always better at the lake.

  • At Calabogie Peaks Resort you can spend your last day lounging on the beach, borrowing one of the complimentary paddleboards, canoes, or kayaks, or swimming in Calabogie Lake. All will keep you refreshed and centred.
  • Dine at the resort or head to the local hotspot, Oh-el-la Cafe, known for their excellent coffee and breakfast fare. 
  • Rent a paddleboard or kayak from Mad River Paddle Co. and explore Calabogie Lake. Ask about their guided excursions!
  • Stop for lunch at On the Rocks for a fine dining experience overlooking the lake. 
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: This is the last stop for your trip so feel free to stay as long as you like (or book another day at the hotel and extend your visit!). 

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