Things to Do in Hastings County this Spring
It was another long winter, but the warm weather and long days are finally back. You likely don’t need a push to get out there, but if you need some ideas for what to do in Hastings County this spring, keep reading. From whitewater kayaking to mountain biking to enjoying live theatre, these nine adventures are a great way to kickstart the season. Just don’t forget the bug spray.
Take a road trip to North Hastings
Gas prices aren’t quite as high as they were last year, so take advantage with a windows-down drive around the gorgeous backroads of Hastings Highlands. The area has a bounty of off-the-beaten-track gems, but if you’re a history buff, check out the tailored road trips put together by the Hastings County Historical Society. Each trip is structured around stops at historical plaques, such as the one in Eldorado, the site of Ontario’s first gold mine. For more scenic drives, visit North Hastings’ interactive map for 14 routes with names like “Wilderness Way” and “Rapids, Rocks, and Rallies”.
Experience maple goodness
Maple syrup is a quintessential Canadian experience. In the spring, when the days are warm and the nights are cool, sap begins to flow from maple trees. This sap is boiled down to create the sweet, delicious golden delicacy known as maple syrup. In Hastings County, we are fortunate to have many local maple producers who offer rich, flavorful syrups. Additionally, there are cafes that feature maple-themed drinks and desserts, as well as restaurants serving pancakes, which are undoubtedly best when drenched in maple syrup. For more information about all things maple in Hastings, be sure to check out our Maple Map.
Take in the view of a waterfall
With spring runoffs and rains, it’s high time for waterfalls — and there are a lot of them around here. The Gut, near Coe Hill, is a classic, especially in spring when the Crowe River rushes so hard through the gorge that you’ll feel it in your chest before you even see the falls themselves. At Egan Chutes, there are actually two powerful sets of falls, Egan Chute and Farm Chute. For the best view of Egan Chute, take the entrance on the western side of the river. Another favourite is Callaghan’s Rapids, where the falls aren’t as vertically high as The Gut or Egan Chutes, but are just as impressive. Find the more visually appealing set by taking the path through the old cedar woods.
Caution: Waterfalls and running water can be extremely dangerous. Keep your distance, stay on designated trails and be careful of slippery rocks and banks.
Have a pint on a patio
There’s nothing like that first beer of the year on a patio, especially when it’s a fresh one on tap or brewed on-site. In Stirling, follow the sound of live music to Longtooth Beverage Company’s patio around back, where pints of pale ale, lager, Irish red, milk stout, and other seasonals will be flowing. Marmora has a few great patios to choose from, with The Iron Rooster Rotisserie and Grill's, large wood patio just off Highway 7, a popular stop for their food, drinks, and motorcycle museum. There is also the Mighty Crowe Bar & Grill with their spacious stone patio, with delicious food and cold beer. If in Tweed make sure to stop into Oakley's Lakeside Pub for a cold one and a great bite to eat while overlooking beautiful Stoco Lake. In Bancroft, hit the streetside seats at Bancroft Brewing Company's new location or the Bancroft Brew Pub down the road for up to a dozen delicious small-batch brews on their streetside patio.
Whitewater kayak down the Madawaska River
How do you write about adventures in Hastings County without mentioning Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC)? The mighty Madawaska River is at its mightiest in the spring, and MKC has lots of ways to get on it, including five-day courses and weekend clinics. Each multi-day package can include on-site accommodation in a lodge, cabana, dorm, or tent as well as healthy and delicious meals. There are also shorter rafting trips in nine- and five-person rafts, as well as specialized options for women, kids, and seniors. And if the river’s raging a bit too much for you, hit the café instead and take a hike alongside the rapids.
Go horseback riding
If you've always wanted to try horseback riding but aren't sure where to start, consider one of the guided experiences available in Hastings County. Horsin' Around Riding Ranch in Marmora offers trail rides that take you through majestic pine forests and across golden hay fields, allowing you to enjoy the scenery from the back of one of their beloved horses. They also provide pony rides, camps, and more. If you're in Stirling, check out Fina Vista Farms, which offers trail rides, lessons, camps, and even accommodations. A unique experience they offer is their Horse Play Days. This all-day event allows riders to meet the horses, learn how to groom and tack them, enjoy a trail ride, and lunch is even included.
Get back to nature at a Conservation Area
You may never want to go back inside after breathing the fresh forest air at one of our many beautiful conservation areas. There is McGeachie Conservation Area, a 500-acre property hugging Steenburg Lake, with a creek, beaver ponds, wetlands, and multiple trails to explore it all. One of those trails goes to the property’s original homestead, which was built 150 years ago but is now a vacation cottage featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a loft, and private access to the lake. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Hastings County, and it’s relatively affordable compared with similar cottages in the area. Click here for current prices and availability. Vanderwater Conservation Area in Tweed is a popular spot for horseback riding, hiking, and passive biking with its 16km of forested trails. In the summer months, you can often find people watching the rapids as water flows over the limestone steps of the Moira River. Another popular conservation area is Callaghan's Rapids in Marmora, famous for its two waterfalls spanning the width of the Crowe River, here you can hike one of the trails to the river and follow it downstream to find the falls where you can see the water pouring majestically over the ledges. The Gut Conservation Area in Coe Hill, is a 400-acre site with walking trails, a look out area and a stairway that leads down to a breathtaking gorge known as the "Gut". This fissure is over 30 meters high and is a truly powerful sight to see as water rushes through it from the Crowe River.
Caution: All bodies of water can be extremely dangerous. Keep your distance, stay on designated trails and be careful of slippery rocks and banks.
Gone fishin' at a lodge
Check out Stoco Lake Lodge in Tweed, here you can try nabbing the elusive long nose gar in Stoco Lake. These unique fish have torpedo-shaped bodies and elongated jaws that form a needle-like snout nearly three times the length of their heads. The five-kilometre-long Stoco Lake is shallow, which also makes it prime territory for walleye, black crappie, and bass. Limerick Lake Lodge is a popular fishing destination with their multiple cozy cabins, boat rentals, and lake that is home to largemouth and smallmouth bass, lake trout, and panfish such as rock bass and perch. Make sure ahead of time you stock up on bait and tackle at Chris’ Live Bait near Marmora.
Enjoy some spring cycling
Explore Hastings on two wheels along one of our spring gravel cycling routes. These routes are a great way to take in the spring scenery whether it's the lilacs in Lonsdale or Queensborough, the sound of flowing water as you cycle across the Black River, or along the Trail of Two Lakes. Each route will Immerse you in beautiful surroundings as you get fresh air and exercise after a long winter indoors.
Lollygagging in Lonsdale (Tyendinaga Township)
Riverside Rouleur (Madoc & Queensborough)
Lay of the Land (Stirling-Rawdon)
For more routes check out hastings.bike
Go birdwatching in Hastings County
Grab your binoculars and venture out birding this spring, with our large natural landscape of lush forests and pristine lakes it's no surprise we are home to many of our feathered friends, with approximately 286 different species spotted as per ebird.org, there is sure to be plenty of birds to spot. To learn more about birdwatching in Hastings County check out our blog here.
