Maynooth brings together traces of a former farm, the history of artists, pottery workshops, a market and guided snowmobile tours. If you’re looking for a hotel in Maynooth, the kind of experience you want can help you choose where to stay: Would you like to explore history and art, create something yourself, or plan a guided activity? Practical arrangements vary by offering; in particular, it’s worth checking access to the Bruton Farm Hiking Trail and workshop participation requirements before making plans.
Farm Remains on the Bruton Farm Hiking Trail
The Bruton Farm Hiking Trail leads to a former farm site. The remains there include a farmhouse, four barns, a blacksmith’s shop and several small outbuildings, as well as stone walls and wells. The trail begins at the south bay of Scorch Lake, follows the Scorch Lake Lookout Trail for 137 m, then branches east onto an old Cadge Road. It is accessible only to users of the Interior area from Scorch Lake. Check these access arrangements before you arrive, as they may change. The route therefore initially follows a named section of the Scorch Lake Lookout Trail before continuing along the old road.
Artists’ History and Pottery
Maynooth has hosted painters from the Group of Seven and inspired artists such as David Milne and Tom Thomson. Another way to explore creativity is Seven Sisters Pottery & Studio, a hands-on pottery and art studio in Maynooth, behind the Wildwood Gallery. The workshops teach printing, collage and hand-building techniques in ceramics. Equipment and materials are provided; pottery pieces can be picked up after the workshop. Children must be accompanied by adults who work on their own projects alongside them. The references to artists are historical; the workshops have a different focus, inviting you to create something yourself. Workshop formats and participation requirements may change, so check them before making plans.
Horseback Rides of Different Durations
Ride the Wilderness offers public introductory rides lasting 1 to 3 hours, as well as a three-hour ride to a Crown land lake that includes a water crossing. The durations overlap at three hours; the lake ride also has a specific destination on Crown land and includes a water crossing. Operator details for the introductory rides may change. Check the details in advance if you’re considering this option.
Guided Snowmobile and Forest Tours
Highland Wilderness Tours offers guided snowmobile tours and provides snowmobiles, helmets, balaclavas and an orientation. The snowmobiles used are two-seaters; you can drive yourself or bring another person along. The operator also offers multi-hour tours through the forests of Hastings Highlands. So, alongside the snowmobile tours, there are also tours listed with a duration of several hours; the forest tours are presented as a separate offering. Tours and equipment details may change, so check this information before making plans.
The Maynooth Morning Market
The Maynooth Morning Market offers woodwork, crafts, baked goods, jewellery, vegetables, clothing, knitwear, coffee and flowers. Unlike a tour or workshop, it isn’t centred on a single type of experience, but offers a range of products at the market. This adds a distinct focus on goods and market offerings to the options for art and outdoor activities, appealing to visitors who are also interested in shopping and markets.
Discover more destinations: Bancroft, Quinte West, Belleville, Coe Hill, Tweed, Gilmour, Madoc, Lake Saint Peter
For the broader travel overview: Hastings County.
