With the cost of absolutely everything going up, most of us are feeling the pinch, having less to spend on luxuries such as vacations. However, there must be a reason more than 7 million visitors descend upon the Ottawa region each year. There is! We are very lucky to live in a place which offers so much to do and see. You could easily plan a great staycation for every day of the summer.
I hope I am able to inspire you to explore the region this summer.
Staycation Idea Number 1!
Eagles Nest (Calabogie) to Blakeney Rapids (Blakeney)
Start the day with an invigorating hike which will reward you with unparalleled views.
There are two 2 trails you can take. Each with the own trailhead and parking lots. I guarantee you will be absolutely amazed when you reach the lookout. The view is absolutely incredible.
Trail 1- Eagles Nest Loop; Length 2.7 km Elevation gain 99 m Route type Loop. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 50 min to complete. The very beginning of this trail has a steep section but it quickly levels out and I would say is quite an easy hike after that. If you are lucky you may see people rock climbing which is very popular here.
Trail 2 -Skywalk Loop; For those who would like a longer hike. Length 10.1 km Elevation gain 390 m Route type Out & back. Generally considered a moderately challenging route as it takes an average of 3 hours to complete.
Make your next stop the NEAT Café in Burnstown (https://neatmusicandcoffee.ca/) because you have earned it!! This is a very cool place to stop for food, coffee or a drink either outdoors in the garden or inside the funky café. They even host outdoor concerts with some pretty amazing acts passing through and they now have accommodations.
As you make your way back home make sure to drive through the town of Pakenham to see the 5 span bridge. This five-arch bridge is one of kind in North America and is believed to be the only one of its kind in the world outside of Russia. Originally built in 1903 by Scottish Stone Masons (O’Toole & Keating of Ottawa) over the Mississippi River and rapids in Pakenham created with stones that came from a local quarry.
Make your last stop Blakeney Park and Rapids trail in Blakeney. This is a very pretty park with a meandering trail between small islands over a few nice footbridges. It is a great place to just sit and enjoy the nice sunny lookout from the rocks over the rapids. 1 km out and back.
Stay tuned for my next Staycation ideas!
