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.
THE DETAILS
Where | Find Somewhere Inn Calabogie here on google map.
Price | 290$ a night
Reservations | Book your room here
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.
THE DETAILS
Where | Find it here on google map.
Parking | There is a parking lot at the trail head. The fee is 10$ + Tax. Pay with your phone (no cash).
Difficulty | The trail is easy to moderate depending on your fitness level.
Trail | You can find the trail details here.
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.
THE DETAILS
Where | Find it here on Google Map.
Parking | The parking is free but a bit hard to find. Please read the Adventure Report Blog to find all the details on how to get there.
Difficulty | The trail is easy to moderate depending on your fitness level.
Trail | You can find the trail details for the 18km loop here and for the shortcut here.
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!
THE DETAILS
Where | Find it here on Google Map.
Price| $20 per person (free for kiddos under 6!), and you can ride up and down as many times as your heart desires!
When| The chairlift runs on weekends only (weather permitting) until 14 October. So don’t wait too long for your visit!
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!”
Travel Photo Tip!
Why a wide-angle lense is your best friend for landscape photography!
- The wide field of view is ideal for showcasing expansive landscapes, fitting more of the scenery into the frame and giving a sense of the scale and beauty of the environment.
- Wide-angle lenses exaggerate the distance between the foreground and background, adding a sense of depth that makes the photo feel more immersive and three-dimensional.
- Getting close to foreground elements while keeping the background in view helps add layers and guides the viewer’s eye through the image, creating a more engaging and dynamic composition.
Check out my Instagram page for more photography tips and don’t forget tag me if you try these tips on your own photos!
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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Travel fail moment: let me tell you about the time I went kayaking in Lagos and had to be tugged back 😂
Ok, so, the weather was definitely not ideal, but I was determined to kayak during my visit to Lagos. All the tour companies were canceling on me, but finally, I found one that was still running tours—and of course, I jumped at the chance.
At first, everything was going smoothly. I was feeling fantastic, kayaking like a pro, keeping up with the guide, and even tackling the waves like a champ. I thought, “I’ve seen worse, this is nothing!” 🌊
But then… we hit the caves. That’s when I realized why everyone else canceled. The waves were ROUGH, and I got caught in one that tossed me around like a rag doll. The more I fought to get out, the more I felt… well… not so great. 🤢
We finally found a calmer spot, and the guide actually admitted he was starting to feel seasick too. The other girl in the group was in the same boat (pun intended). So, after a quick discussion, we all agreed that being tugged back was the best option. 😵💫
The ride back was surprisingly fun, but I was so relieved to get my feet back on solid ground. 👣
It’s a hilarious story now, though! 😂
So, who else has had a travel fail? Anyone else get seasick?
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#travelfail #instagramvsreality #lagosportugal #kayakinginlagos
Confession of the day : I used to HATE Winter. ❄️ I was the person who hibernated under blankets, avoiding any and all outdoor plans once the temperature dropped below 5°C.
But, plot twist: I’ve learned to love winter, and now I get excited about winter hikes now.
Here’s the secret to not just surviving winter, but actually enjoying it:
1. Dress like an onion. Layers, people—layers! Don’t skip on the warm socks and gloves, and yes, you’ll need more than one jacket. You’ll thank me when you’re not freezing your face off. 🧣
2. Start small. No need to go full-on adventurer right away. Begin with short walks on a local trail. Once you see how peaceful it is, you’ll be hooked! 🏞️
3. Find joy in the little things. Snow falling on the trees, the crunch underfoot, and the fresh, crisp air—winter hikes offer a whole new vibe compared to summer. You’ll be surprised how magical it can feel. ✨
So, who else has gone from winter hater to winter lover? Drop your winter hike tips or share your favorite winter activity! Let’s make the snow work for us, not against us! ❄️
PS. Is it too early for snowy content, or no? Asking for a friend. 😉
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires 👇🏻
#winteriscoming❄️ #winteriscoming #almostwinter #winterinontario #winterhiking
Stop Googling ‘best day trips from Ottawa’—I found the ultimate adventure hack! 🙌 Last weekend, I surprised my friend Emily (she just moved here!) with a road trip planned entirely by Unexpected Journeys. 🚗✨
They planned everything—adorable towns, scenic hikes, cozy coffee shops, and even cider tastings. 🍎🍵 Each stop was a surprise, and honestly, it made the day SO much more fun. We saw Ontario’s oldest bridge, visited the cutest little towns, and drank way too much chai lattes!
Whether you’re exploring with your friends, partner, or the fam, this is the way to find hidden gems without stressing over the details. Bonus: now Emily feels like she’s already a local. 🙌
Looking for something fun to do this holiday season—or the perfect gift for your fave adventurer? 🎁 This is it.
Would you like to try your own surprise roadtrip? We might have a surprise coming your way next week! Stay tuned 😉
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Ps. I was gifted this Unexpected Journey but all option remain my own! 🙌🏻
#ottawatourism #ottawaontario #visitottawa
Hi, I’m Marie! 👋
I’m a French-Canadian woman who grew up in New Brunswick and now call Kingston, Ontario, home. By day, I’m a university professor; by weekend, I’m chasing sunsets, exploring trails, and finding cozy coffee spots to fuel my adventures. Oh, and yes—being bilingual means you’ll often see a touch of French flair in my posts!
My travel style? Solo, slow, and full of great views. There’s something magical about stepping out of your comfort zone and finding beauty in unexpected places, whether it’s a misty forest, a lakeside sunrise, or a charming café. My camera is always in hand to capture those moments that make life feel extraordinary.
I taught myself photography through YouTube, and now it’s my creative outlet and happy place. While I love big adventures, I believe you don’t have to travel far to experience something beautiful—Ontario alone is filled with stunning views and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
My goal? To inspire you to add more adventures to your daily life. Whether it’s trying a new trail, discovering a local gem, or simply slowing down to enjoy a moment, every day can hold a little magic.
If you love outdoor adventures, photography tips, and hidden gems (with a side of great food), follow along! And tell me in the comments: what’s one small adventure you’re dreaming of lately?
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires 👇🏻
#ontarioadventurer #ontariocreator #aboutme
Ever wanted to live in a Hallmark Christmas movie? Just book a trip to Quebec City. 🎄✨
It has everything —minus the small-town bakery owner who’s secretly a prince falling in love with me. 😂❄️
But maybe I was just not looking in the right place. Here’s where you might meet your very own prince this Christmas if you visit Quebec City :
❄️ Skating on Place d’Youville’s rink
☕ Sipping hot chocolate at Café La Maison Smith
🎁 Strolling through the German Christmas market
🏰 Wandering the charming streets of Old Quebec
🎶 Enjoying live holiday music at Terrasse Dufferin
Tag your Hallmark movie co-star and let’s make some memories (and maybe a Christmas love story) happen! 🎥❤️
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#vieuxquebec #oldquebec #oldquebeccity
