Fall in Calabogie: Top Activities to Experience This Autumn

This is you ultimate guide to enjoy Fall 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.

Fall in Calabogie

YOUR ULTIMATE WEEKEND GUIDE TO FALL IN 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 during Fall in 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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Would you stay in a cabin so remote, you have to hike to get there… Trust me it’s 100% worth it.

Looking for a secluded winter getaway near Toronto? Meet Lavender Landing, a hidden off-grid cabin in Creemore, Ontario, just 1.5 hours from the city. No cars, no crowds—just snow-covered trees, a crackling fireplace, and total privacy.

🚶‍♀️ Getting there is part of the adventure – You’ll hike 1km through the forest to reach this cozy retreat, but don’t worry, the owners provide snowshoes and a sled for your trek.

🔥 Cozy perks:

✔ Heated by a wood-burning fireplace (because nothing beats the sound of crackling fire in winter)
✔ Gorgeous views over the snowy forest—no neighbors, just nature
✔ Off-grid, but still has WiFi & power outlets
✔ Mini fridge, camping burner & BBQ  for simple meals
✔ Heated outhouse just steps from the cabin

🌲 Endless trails & a hidden waterfall!

This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a winter adventure. You’ll have access to scenic trails, including one leading to the largest privately owned waterfall in Ontario.

📌 SAVE this post for your next Ontario cabin getaway! Would you hike 1km in the snow for a morning like this? Let me know in the comments! 👇

📍 Lavender Landing | The Hollow Mill | Creemore, Ontario

*invited stay*

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

#OntarioCabins #WinterGetaway #CozyCabin #SnowyEscape #HikingOntario #OffGridCabin #WinterHiking #CreemoreOntario #HiddenGems #CabinInTheWoods #cabinvibes
Winter hiking can be magical… unless you make these mistakes. ❄️

I’ve made my fair share of winter hiking mistakes, and trust me—some made my hike way harder than it needed to be. Avoid these 5 common mistakes (and don’t miss the 3 extra ones at the end!👇).

1️⃣ Overdressing & Overheating
I was afraid of being cold, so I layered up too much. Big mistake. Once you start moving, your body warms up fast—and sweating in the cold makes you freeze later. Wear breathable layers you can easily remove.

2️⃣ Skipping the Snowshoes
The trail looked packed, so I thought I didn’t need them. Two minutes later, I was sinking knee-deep in snow. If there’s fresh or soft snow, bring snowshoes.

3️⃣ Not Checking Trail Conditions
Deep snow, ice, or even surprise closures can ruin your hike. Check trail reports before heading out and bring microspikes or snowshoes if needed.

4️⃣ Starting Too Late in the Day
Winter days are short, and the sun sets fast. Start early so you’re not racing against daylight.

5️⃣ Forgetting a Second Pair of Gloves
Wet gloves = cold, miserable hands. Whether from snow or sweat, a dry backup pair is a lifesaver.

🚨 And here are 3 mistakes most people don’t think about… but definitely should! 👇

6️⃣ Not Protecting Your Phone from the Cold
Cold weather drains your phone battery FAST. Keep it in an inside pocket close to your body and bring a portable charger.

7️⃣ Ignoring Wind Chill
-5°C might sound fine, but with wind chill, it can feel like -15°C or worse. Dress for the “feels like” temp, not just the forecast.

8️⃣ Not Telling Anyone Your Plan
Winter hiking conditions can be unpredictable. Always tell someone your route and expected return time.

📌 Save this post so you don’t make these mistakes! Have you ever had a winter hiking fail? Tell me in the comments! 👇

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


#WinterHiking #HikingTips #OutdoorAdventure #WinterHikes #HikingOntario #WinterExploration #StaySafeOutdoors #DiscoverOntario #HikingFails #coldweatherhiking
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