The K&P Railway reached Calabogie in the 1880s; damming the Madawaska created Calabogie Lake. These historic and scenic landmarks are complemented by opportunities for active days: hiking and snowshoeing trails, a long scenic drive, guided tours and motorsports. To choose the right focus, it’s worth looking at the differences in route, duration and activity.
History and scenery around Calabogie
The K&P Railway is also known as the “Kick & Push.” The dam across Grassey Bay was built for the railway and remains a lasting landmark in the Calabogie area. Calabogie Lake was created by damming the Madawaska. Together, these reflect different local connections: the railway’s arrival in the 1880s, a dam associated with it, and a lake formed by damming the river.
Trails for hiking, snowshoeing and riding
The Manitou Trail is a 9 km moderate hiking and snowshoeing trail connecting Calabogie Peaks with Eagle’s Nest. It passes through picturesque pine forests and offers mountain panoramas of Eagle’s Nest, Manitou Mountain and Red Arrow Rock. The K&P Trail runs from Calabogie to Renfrew, is well used and is suitable for a ride. When weighing the two, the Manitou Trail has specific information on its length and difficulty, while the K&P Trail is distinguished by its route to Renfrew and its suitability for a ride.
A 140-kilometre scenic drive
The scenic drive starts on Highway 17 between Arnprior and Renfrew and is 140 km long. It follows Calabogie Road to Burnstown, Calabogie, Griffith, Dacre and Mount St. Patrick, then returns to Highway 17. Unlike the trails, the focus here is a road route that passes through several places in a set order. The route can therefore be considered a trip in its own right, while the Manitou Trail and K&P Trail each have their own route and activity features.
Guided tours and paddling
Tom Irwin Adventure Tours offers guided ATV and snowmobile tours lasting either half a day or a full day. Clothing, equipment and a guide are included with the snowmobile tours. The company is located at 636 Mill St in Calabogie and offers ATV tours in Calabogie and the Madawaska Highlands. The half-day and full-day options provide a clear guide for planning your time; what’s included is specified for the snowmobile tours.
For activities on the water, Mad River Paddle Co. at 1022 Madawaaska Street in Calabogie offers paddleboard and kayak rentals as well as lessons. Before visiting, it’s a good idea to check the latest information about rentals and lessons.
Events and driving experiences
Calabogie Motorsports Park hosts numerous car and motorcycle club events. The park 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 with track-ready rental vehicles, as well as high-performance driving programs with certified coaches. Those interested in motorsports can choose between club events, driving experiences and high-performance driving programs.
Discover more destinations: Killaloe, Barry's Bay, Foresters Falls, Petawawa, Arnprior, Renfrew, Golden Lake, Pembroke
For the broader travel overview: Renfrew County.
