The Ultimate Fall Weekend in Calabogie

Located just an hour from Ottawa, Calabogie is the ultimate Fall getaway with stunning hikes, tasty eats, and the coziest boutique hotel! If you’re looking for recommendations of what to do in Calabogie this Fall,  look no further: this curated itinerary features my top picks for what to do and where to stay to make the best of your visit.


When I posted about Calabogie on my Instagram page I was surprised by how many people said they had never heard of it before. If you have, it is most likely because you like skiing or because you’ve hiked the famous Eagle’s Nest Lookout. But let me tell you, Calabogie is so much more than a day-trip from Ottawa.

Let me convince you to book your next Fall weekend getaway here! Why is Calabogie worth a visit? It is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and offers a perfect nature gateway in all seasons. With a ski hill in the Winter and numerous hiking trails in the summer, it is definitely going to please the outdoors lovers out there.

I’ve put together this itinerary to help you hit all the highlights, taste the best food, and make the most of your time here.

YOUR ULTIMATE WEEKEND GUIDE TO CALABOGIE

What to know before visiting Calabogie?

  • Calabogie is located in eastern Ontario, specifically in Renfrew County. It is about 90 kilometers west of Ottawa, along the Calabogie Lake.
  • Calabogie has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially settled for timber and agriculture.
  • It’s located 5 hours from Toronto, and 2.5h from Montreal.
  • Calabogie Lake spans about 10 kilometers in length and has a maximum depth of approximately 33 meters, making it a sizable body of water in the region.
  • In the Winter, it is home to the Calabogie Peaks Ski Resort.

Where to Stay?

If you’ve been following my social media for a while, you’ll know that I’m a sucker for renovated motel. And I owe that love to Somewhere Inn in Calabogie which was my very first experience in a boutique motel.

This 1970s motel was completely renovated and reopened its door in 2021 with the goal of creating a basecamp for adventures and exploration. The 11 rooms and commun spaces are the perfect mix between a cozy cabin in the wood and a modern nordic inspired hotel. In their design, they’ve prioritized local artist and producers. All the fourniture was custom made by Toronto woodworker Jeremy Kehoe and their wine bar is filled with local wines and beers for you to taste.

Their cabin-inspired guest rooms feature some of the must comfy bed I’ve ever slept in and their signature fire places. If you want to spoil yourself a bit I highly recommend getting the Calabogie King with soaker tub room. You’ll be able to enjoy a bath next to the fire place. How perfect right? And during your stay here, forget about watching TV; they’ve purposefully decided not to put any TVs in the rooms to encourage connecting with nature instead of the screen.

On site, you also have access to the Wine Bar in the Lobby building, the lounge and the lawn filled with games, long chairs, fire pits and hammocks. Since my visit, they even added a thermal cycle with a Sauna at 80C and a Cold Plunge at 4C.

Travel Tip // Somewhere Inn just opened their second boutique-hotel – this time in a historic house – in the heart of Collingwood. I can’t wait to check it out and I’m sure you will to.


What to do in and around Calabogie

Hike to the Eagle’s Nest Lookout

Located just 5 minutes from the Motel, Eagle’s Nest is an absolute must do if you love hiking. The lookout is absolutely stunning! It quickly took a top spot in my favorite Ontario lookouts. It’s also definitely one of the busiest lookouts on this list so make sure you either go during the week or arrive early (the parking often gets full in the afternoon).

Read More // Top 11 Best Lookouts in Ontario

There are many different way to get to the lookout (8 to be precise), but the easiest is straight across the parking lot. That trail is a 2km trail straight to the lookout – so expect some heavy climbing at the beginning. On the way back, you can retrace your steps or choose one of the other many trails if you want to keep hiking. You might also be interested to know that he site is considered sacred by the Anishinaabe and got its name because it used to be a nesting area for bald eagles.


Hike to the Wabun Lake and Sugar Mountain Loop

Lesser known then the Eagle’s Nest Lookout is the Wabun Lake and Sugar Mountain Loop. This one also has a gorgeous lookout, although maybe not as spectacular as Eagle’s Nest. If you’re up for a challenge, you can opt for the 16km loop which will bring you along the Madawaska River. But if like me you are a bit short on time, you can also take the 3km shortcut to the lookout – just be ready for a climb!

Finding the trail head and park here can be a bit tricky. Luckily the Adventure Report Blog has all the info and I used their coordinate to find my way there.

Travel Tip // Do not hike here during hunting season which usually starts in early November.


Take the chairlift at Calabogie Peaks

For my non-hiker friends, the chairlift at Calabogie Peaks is the perfect way to soak in the scenery with zero effort! Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride! Pro tip : the best views are on the way down—trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

And if you want to stretch your legs? There are trails to explore all around the resort if you feel like adding a hike to the mix!


Where to Eat?

Believe it or not, Calabogie is also a great foodie destination! Here are some of my favorites:

Oh-El-La Café | Perfect for a cozy coffee break!

Calabogie Brewing Company | Grab a local brew to unwind and try one of their delicious pizza.

On the Rocks | If you are looking for something a bit more upscale, try On the Rocks. The food is delicious and the views are even better.

* P.S. This adventure was part of a collab with Ontario Tourism but all opinions (and obsessions) are 100% mine!”

READ THESE BEFORE VISITING MORE OF ONTARIO

ONTARIO GUIDES | The Ultimate Weekend in Beaver Valley ; The Best In and Around Niagara Falls : A Complete Guide; How to spend the Perfect Weekend in Bracebridge

ONTARIO TOP 10 | Top 11 Best Lookouts in Ontario

WHERE TO STAY IN ONTARIO | Tiny Stays: A Unique Stay in Prince Edward County; Spend the night with Alpacas at Haute Goat Farm

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🍁🍂 Fall Guide: Perth 🍁🍂

Planning a day trip to Perth this fall? You’ll want to 📌 save this guide!

Just an hour ⏳ from Ottawa and Kingston, Perth is the perfect destination for a cozy fall getaway.

WHERE TO ENJOY NATURE?

🌳 Stewart Park - A beautiful park right at the middle of the city. 

 WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK?

🧀 Perth Cheese Shop - Try some of their wide variety of cheese or a charcuterie cone! 

🥧 Perth Pie Company - If I had to choose my favorite place it would definitely be this one. Their homemade pies are soooo good! 
 
🍵 NorthFolk Cafe - Another great coffee shop if you need a second cup! 

🍫 Perth Chocolate Works - Homemade chocolates in one of my favorite building in Perth. 

🍽️ Billings & Company - A delicious restaurant and wine bar. 

WHERE TO SHOP?

👗 Lida - A super trendy shop with a mix of new and second hand clothes. 

🛍️ Flint & Honey - Another trendy clothing store with a great choice of accessories. 

🌱 Ecobou - A curated vintage clothes boutique. 

Have you ever been to Perth? What’s your favorite place to visit? I’d love to hear your recommendations! 🍂✨

🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires

#perthontario #perthon #visitperthontario #lanarkhighlandstourism #ontariotravel #ontariotownsquarecenter
Sometimes, all you need for your adventure is a good chat with ChatGPT 😉. I asked for a waterfall hike within 2 hours of home, and it delivered: Egan Chutes Provincial Park!

If you haven’t been, this hidden gem near Bancroft is a waterfall wonderland. There’s a short and sweet trail to the first falls, but if you’re up for more, you can extend the hike to about 10 km to see two more incredible waterfalls. The sound, the mist, and that perfect photo op… 📸

Have you ever used ChatGPT to help plan an adventure? Tell me in the comments—or maybe try it for your next hike! 🌲

🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte ce trouve dans les commentaires

#eganchutes #eganchutesprovincialpark #ontarioparks #bancroftontario #ontariohiking #ontariohikes
Want to catch one of nature’s most unique autumn shows? This weekend might be your last chance to see the larches at Mer Bleue Bog near Ottawa before they lose their golden glow! 🍂

Mer Bleue is a stunning and rare spot, known for its boreal-like landscape. It’s one of the largest bogs in southern Ontario, with boardwalk trails weaving through the wetland, giving you up-close views of unique plants, wildlife, and that iconic golden hue of the tamarack (larch) trees.

Larches are unique—they’re the only conifers that turn golden and lose their needles in fall. And it happens quickly, so if you’re planning a visit, this weekend is your chance to soak in that magic! Bring your camera and your warm layers! 🍁✨

Don’t wait! Tag a friend who loves fall adventures and make it happen before the season slips away. 

📍 Mer Bleue Bog, Ottawa 

🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte ce trouve dans les commentaires

#larches #merbleueconservationarea #ottawatourism #ottawacanada #myottawa #ottawanature
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