Local Attractions
Sightseeing
Well maintained and marked trails. Easy trails with a few moderate sections, mostly through forest. No maps available but there is a good map on the sign at the entrance.
McGeachie Conservation Area is located in Hastings County on beautiful Steenburg Lake, and has 500 acres of land. This land was donated by Jack and Ethel McGeachie in 1994. McGeachie Conservation Area has many walking trails throughout the property. The property has a creek, beaver ponds, wildlife and acres of wetlands. Also located on the property is the original homestead that was built nearly 150 years ago
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McGeachie Conservation Area
363 Steenburg Lake Rd NWell maintained and marked trails. Easy trails with a few moderate sections, mostly through forest. No maps available but there is a good map on the sign at the entrance.
McGeachie Conservation Area is located in Hastings County on beautiful Steenburg Lake, and has 500 acres of land. This land was donated by Jack and Ethel McGeachie in 1994. McGeachie Conservation Area has many walking trails throughout the property. The property has a creek, beaver ponds, wildlife and acres of wetlands. Also located on the property is the original homestead that was built nearly 150 years ago
The Hastings Heritage Trail is a four-seasons, multi-use recreational trail that follows an old railway line linking Hastings County. The Trail is open year-round and boasts a number of parking lots and access points along the route.
https://www.thetrail.ca/the-trails/#1515010531454-a1908451-647f
https://www.thetrail.ca/the-trails/#1515010570880-e18b4a4e-859b
Hastings Heritage Trail
Hastings Heritage TrailThe Hastings Heritage Trail is a four-seasons, multi-use recreational trail that follows an old railway line linking Hastings County. The Trail is open year-round and boasts a number of parking lots and access points along the route.
https://www.thetrail.ca/the-trails/#1515010531454-a1908451-647f
https://www.thetrail.ca/the-trails/#1515010570880-e18b4a4e-859b
City/town information
Bancroft is located in the heart of Ontario, tucked away from the bustle of the big city but close enough to visit. Central to several mid-sized cities and halfway between Toronto and Ottawa, Bancroft offers the tranquility of the Canadian Shield with all the amenities of a modern community. Built alongside the York River in the mid-1800s, Bancroft sits at the northern tip of Hastings County and the southern end of Algonquin Park.
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Bancroft
Bancroft is located in the heart of Ontario, tucked away from the bustle of the big city but close enough to visit. Central to several mid-sized cities and halfway between Toronto and Ottawa, Bancroft offers the tranquility of the Canadian Shield with all the amenities of a modern community. Built alongside the York River in the mid-1800s, Bancroft sits at the northern tip of Hastings County and the southern end of Algonquin Park.
Ghost Towns
Eldorado came to be when the first gold rush hit Ontario in 1866. Rumours flew of prosperous gold strikes in Hastings County. With great hopes of finding their fortune, people fled to the area, causing hotels, bars, brothels, boarding houses, stores and more then 80 buildings to spring up. Eldorado grew fast and furious. But as the gold mines proved to be worthless, the town was deserted as quickly as it was inhabited.
http://www.ghosttownpix.com/ontario/towns/eldorado.html
Eldorado
Eldorado came to be when the first gold rush hit Ontario in 1866. Rumours flew of prosperous gold strikes in Hastings County. With great hopes of finding their fortune, people fled to the area, causing hotels, bars, brothels, boarding houses, stores and more then 80 buildings to spring up. Eldorado grew fast and furious. But as the gold mines proved to be worthless, the town was deserted as quickly as it was inhabited.
http://www.ghosttownpix.com/ontario/towns/eldorado.html
Bancroft and area Ghost Towns
In the mid 1850’s, Blairton was an iron manufacturing town located on the shores of Crowe Lake. They were open-pit mining in a location only accessible by water. In 1866 however, the railroad arrived in Blairton, and increased profits. With this, the town grew to a reported 500 people enjoying boarding houses, stores, and approx. 40 houses for miners. For ten years the town prospered, until disaster struck. Ice flows ruined the railroad trestle and water seeped into the mine. The railroad was repaired, but the mine was devastated and never re-opened. A few miners cabins survive today and the two story company house. The foundation of the former store are located at the intersection.
Driving Directions: Heading west of Marmora on Hwy 7, drive 7 kilometers to the Blairton Road. The former town site is two kilometers to the north.
http://www.ghosttownpix.com/ontario/towns/blairton.html
Blairton
Bancroft and area Ghost Towns
In the mid 1850’s, Blairton was an iron manufacturing town located on the shores of Crowe Lake. They were open-pit mining in a location only accessible by water. In 1866 however, the railroad arrived in Blairton, and increased profits. With this, the town grew to a reported 500 people enjoying boarding houses, stores, and approx. 40 houses for miners. For ten years the town prospered, until disaster struck. Ice flows ruined the railroad trestle and water seeped into the mine. The railroad was repaired, but the mine was devastated and never re-opened. A few miners cabins survive today and the two story company house. The foundation of the former store are located at the intersection.
Driving Directions: Heading west of Marmora on Hwy 7, drive 7 kilometers to the Blairton Road. The former town site is two kilometers to the north.
http://www.ghosttownpix.com/ontario/towns/blairton.html
Millbridge is part of the Old Hastings Road. In the 1860’s, families came to the area from Southern Ontario when provided free land by the government. The rocky soil made for poor farming conditions, and the settlers fled. In its prime, the town boasted three hotels, stores, mills, a school, a church and a town hall. Today the town is a shell of its former self. There is the St. Oswalds Anglican Church, which sits vacant at the four corners. Taking a right onto Old Hastings Road, you will see the former store and hotel, which have now been converted into private residences. There is also an abandoned church, school and community hall.
In the photos below, you will see the old church and the cemetery.
Driving Directions: Take Hwy 62 North of Madoc, approximately 21 kilometers. Turn left of Center Millbridge Road
https://www.ontarioabandonedplaces.com/ontario/hastings-colonization-road/millbridge-ghost-town
Millbridge
Millbridge is part of the Old Hastings Road. In the 1860’s, families came to the area from Southern Ontario when provided free land by the government. The rocky soil made for poor farming conditions, and the settlers fled. In its prime, the town boasted three hotels, stores, mills, a school, a church and a town hall. Today the town is a shell of its former self. There is the St. Oswalds Anglican Church, which sits vacant at the four corners. Taking a right onto Old Hastings Road, you will see the former store and hotel, which have now been converted into private residences. There is also an abandoned church, school and community hall.
In the photos below, you will see the old church and the cemetery.
Driving Directions: Take Hwy 62 North of Madoc, approximately 21 kilometers. Turn left of Center Millbridge Road
https://www.ontarioabandonedplaces.com/ontario/hastings-colonization-road/millbridge-ghost-town
Umphraville (aka "Umfraville") is the last of the ghost towns as one heads north along the Old Hastings Rd. from Ormsby. In 1875, Umfraville had 250 residents, a post office, hotel, 4 churches, a school and stores. It also boasted a sawmill and flour mill built by William Jorman on the Egan Creek. Umfraville was built as part of the Old Hastings Road by Irish settlers Dermot and Darby Kavanaugh. It was a strong Irish community, sadly turned into a ghost town when the railway was built far to the east. There isn’t a lot to see anymore. The once thriving town has been reclaimed by mother nature. The Umfraville cemetery still exists and an old homestead not too far from it. You can still see some cedar rail fencing and an old barn, but much is gone.
https://www.ontarioabandonedplaces.com/ontario/hastings-colonization-road/umfraville-ghost-town
Umfraville Road
Umfraville RoadUmphraville (aka "Umfraville") is the last of the ghost towns as one heads north along the Old Hastings Rd. from Ormsby. In 1875, Umfraville had 250 residents, a post office, hotel, 4 churches, a school and stores. It also boasted a sawmill and flour mill built by William Jorman on the Egan Creek. Umfraville was built as part of the Old Hastings Road by Irish settlers Dermot and Darby Kavanaugh. It was a strong Irish community, sadly turned into a ghost town when the railway was built far to the east. There isn’t a lot to see anymore. The once thriving town has been reclaimed by mother nature. The Umfraville cemetery still exists and an old homestead not too far from it. You can still see some cedar rail fencing and an old barn, but much is gone.
https://www.ontarioabandonedplaces.com/ontario/hastings-colonization-road/umfraville-ghost-town
Did you say Al Capone had a Canadian hide-out?? That’s right! It can be a bit tricky to find but if you ask the friendly folks at the Quadeville general store, they’ll send you off in the right direction. And while you’re there, you can pick up a t-shirt to remember your visit!
The hideout is only about 2-3 km north of the village of Quadeville on the Letterkenny Road. You’ll travel up a narrow, un-kept driveway through overgrown trees. You can drive your car up the hill, but be careful. It might be wise to park and walk, just to be safe! Once you’re there, look for the old broken down log cabin. There are said to be collapsed escape tunnels on the property (a favourite past-time for Capone).
This property is said to be used by snowmobilers in the winter. Unfortunately you can see that some people have used it as a garbage receptacle and have little reverence for the memories of Capone’s Canadian days. This aside, you will definitely get a nostalgic and eerie sense of how Al and his mobster pals lived while they spent some time in the Canadian backwoods.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=quadeville+ghost+town&view=detail&mid=5700887662AD29208EF95700887662AD29208EF9&FORM=VIRE
Quadeville
Did you say Al Capone had a Canadian hide-out?? That’s right! It can be a bit tricky to find but if you ask the friendly folks at the Quadeville general store, they’ll send you off in the right direction. And while you’re there, you can pick up a t-shirt to remember your visit!
The hideout is only about 2-3 km north of the village of Quadeville on the Letterkenny Road. You’ll travel up a narrow, un-kept driveway through overgrown trees. You can drive your car up the hill, but be careful. It might be wise to park and walk, just to be safe! Once you’re there, look for the old broken down log cabin. There are said to be collapsed escape tunnels on the property (a favourite past-time for Capone).
This property is said to be used by snowmobilers in the winter. Unfortunately you can see that some people have used it as a garbage receptacle and have little reverence for the memories of Capone’s Canadian days. This aside, you will definitely get a nostalgic and eerie sense of how Al and his mobster pals lived while they spent some time in the Canadian backwoods.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=quadeville+ghost+town&view=detail&mid=5700887662AD29208EF95700887662AD29208EF9&FORM=VIRE
Foymount is located on the highest point of land in eastern Ontario. The Canadian Armed Forces set up a radar base there, but when their occupancy in the town was no longer necessary, they shipped out, and the town lay quiet. Many buildings remained empty for some time, including the school, warehouse, homes and apartment buildings. Over the years a developer successfully filled many of the vacancies. Still empty and over-grown are the remains of approx 6 apartment buildings, a warehouse and the school.
http://www.ghosttownpix.com/ontario/towns/foymount.html
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Foymount
Foymount is located on the highest point of land in eastern Ontario. The Canadian Armed Forces set up a radar base there, but when their occupancy in the town was no longer necessary, they shipped out, and the town lay quiet. Many buildings remained empty for some time, including the school, warehouse, homes and apartment buildings. Over the years a developer successfully filled many of the vacancies. Still empty and over-grown are the remains of approx 6 apartment buildings, a warehouse and the school.
http://www.ghosttownpix.com/ontario/towns/foymount.html
Wallace Ontario
Not much remains at Wallace, only the old church and cemetery, and the old community hall which stands boarded up. This Polish community was located at the end of the Hastings road, and was home to several sawmills, supplying the townsfolk with jobs of hauling timber. When the timber supply decreased, the people left, leaving Wallace to become another ghost town.
https://www.ontarioabandonedplaces.com/ontario/hastings-county/wallace-ghost-town/wallace
Hastings County
Wallace Ontario
Not much remains at Wallace, only the old church and cemetery, and the old community hall which stands boarded up. This Polish community was located at the end of the Hastings road, and was home to several sawmills, supplying the townsfolk with jobs of hauling timber. When the timber supply decreased, the people left, leaving Wallace to become another ghost town.
https://www.ontarioabandonedplaces.com/ontario/hastings-county/wallace-ghost-town/wallace
Food scene
Bancroft
Fish & Chips Restaurant located along the banks of the magnificent York River across from the picturesque Eagles Nest in Bancroft, Ontario.
https://www.facebook.com/forhalibut/
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For The Halibut Fish & Chips
220 Hastings St NBancroft
Fish & Chips Restaurant located along the banks of the magnificent York River across from the picturesque Eagles Nest in Bancroft, Ontario.
https://www.facebook.com/forhalibut/
Havelock, Ontario
THE STATION RESTAURANT – TEL. 705-778-1077
THE PIZZA STATION – TEL. 705-778-1088
The Station Restaurant was originally built in 1929
In 1991, it was designated a Heritage Railway Station. The building’s architectural character of low proportions, sloping roofs, quiet skylines and sheltering overhangs echo the CPR’s standard plan for stations of importance It held a significant place in Havelock community as the first divisional point east of Toronto on the Ontario-Quebec Railway, the trunk line of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR).
https://www.stationrestaurant.ca/menu/
https://www.stationrestaurant.ca/the-pizza-station/
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Station Restaurant
30 Ottawa St EHavelock, Ontario
THE STATION RESTAURANT – TEL. 705-778-1077
THE PIZZA STATION – TEL. 705-778-1088
The Station Restaurant was originally built in 1929
In 1991, it was designated a Heritage Railway Station. The building’s architectural character of low proportions, sloping roofs, quiet skylines and sheltering overhangs echo the CPR’s standard plan for stations of importance It held a significant place in Havelock community as the first divisional point east of Toronto on the Ontario-Quebec Railway, the trunk line of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR).
https://www.stationrestaurant.ca/menu/
https://www.stationrestaurant.ca/the-pizza-station/
Madoc, Ontario
Walking into Hidden Goldmine is always a treat. The staff are friendly, the decor and atmosphere is warm and comfortable and your are surrounded by baked goods, treats, neat gift ideas and antiques! Their menu is a few items (sandwich, salad, soup etc) different each day but with enough choice to suit anyone and their heart and sole goes into making each meal offering stellar! Great place to stop and stay or grab and go! You can't go in without coming out with something yummy!
https://www.hiddengoldminebakery.ca/
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Hidden Goldmine Bakery
59 Durham St SMadoc, Ontario
Walking into Hidden Goldmine is always a treat. The staff are friendly, the decor and atmosphere is warm and comfortable and your are surrounded by baked goods, treats, neat gift ideas and antiques! Their menu is a few items (sandwich, salad, soup etc) different each day but with enough choice to suit anyone and their heart and sole goes into making each meal offering stellar! Great place to stop and stay or grab and go! You can't go in without coming out with something yummy!
https://www.hiddengoldminebakery.ca/
Madoc, Ontario Burnsides is known for its Kentucky style chicken and amazing wedge fries but they have so much more. Friendly comfortable restaurant, great gift/Christmas shop on the side. Licenced dining!
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Madoc Dairy - Burnside's Casual Dining
203 Russel StMadoc, Ontario Burnsides is known for its Kentucky style chicken and amazing wedge fries but they have so much more. Friendly comfortable restaurant, great gift/Christmas shop on the side. Licenced dining!
Just a short 13min drive south on 62 from the Guest House. This place does a great breakfast! They have a FB group and their menu is posted online. They also sell fresh baked goods, scoop Kawartha Dairy Ice-cream and have a few convenience items like milk, eggs, ice and pop.
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Rustic Roadside Restaurant
21162 Ontario 62Just a short 13min drive south on 62 from the Guest House. This place does a great breakfast! They have a FB group and their menu is posted online. They also sell fresh baked goods, scoop Kawartha Dairy Ice-cream and have a few convenience items like milk, eggs, ice and pop.
Along the route from Toronto
Madoc, Ontario A family friendly place to be! If you are looking for a break from a long drive, or a place for the kids to burn off energy, Madoc skatepark is a great place to check out. There is not only a large play structure, but also a splash pad on sight for the kids to enjoy. In the summer months, there is also a canteen that provides cheap refreshments. Overall an enjoyable place for the whole family!
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Madoc Skatepark
24 Seymour St WMadoc, Ontario A family friendly place to be! If you are looking for a break from a long drive, or a place for the kids to burn off energy, Madoc skatepark is a great place to check out. There is not only a large play structure, but also a splash pad on sight for the kids to enjoy. In the summer months, there is also a canteen that provides cheap refreshments. Overall an enjoyable place for the whole family!
No roadtrip along the highway 7 east of Peterborough would be complete without a stop at the Indian River Reptile Zoo. This is a fun little zoo that houses many reptiles including a large collection of Snakes, lizards, alligators, and much more. This is a very nice place, that is well designed. In addition to the real reptiles, they have a huge yard full of dinosaur statues as well. Many of them are also animatronics – and I won’t spoil any surprises, but these are really cool.
https://reptileanddinosaurpark.org/
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Indian River Reptile Zoo
2206 County Road 38No roadtrip along the highway 7 east of Peterborough would be complete without a stop at the Indian River Reptile Zoo. This is a fun little zoo that houses many reptiles including a large collection of Snakes, lizards, alligators, and much more. This is a very nice place, that is well designed. In addition to the real reptiles, they have a huge yard full of dinosaur statues as well. Many of them are also animatronics – and I won’t spoil any surprises, but these are really cool.
https://reptileanddinosaurpark.org/