Spring adventures... Ottawa Valley style By Melissa Marquardt
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pring is a breath of fresh air. Grass starts to green, buds appear on trees. Migratory birds return from their winter home in the south, sing to stake out breeding territory. Lake ice breaks up and rivers trickle and then flow. Skis and snowshoes are swapped for shorts and bicycles. Thoughts turn to weekend camping, trails to explore, rivers to paddle and lakes to fish.
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over 900 lakes and dozens of rivers, providing anglers with the opportunity to catch the big one. The Valley’s extensive four-season trail network provides adventurers with even more reasons to get outside. Hiking and walking trails for every skill level, bring city escapees face to face with Mother Nature. Old growth forests, such as the Shaw Woods near Lake Dore and Gillies Grove in Arnprior, showcase some of her greatest works of art with towering trees and a host of wildlife. Cycling routes follow scenic rural roads and sometimes challenging elevation changes (serious riders should consider the Foymount Hill Climb Challenge). Mountain biking trails, such as Forest Lea and those maintained by the Beachburg Off Road Cycling Association, offer a more technical ride. The Ottawa Valley’s history and heritage are well known to many, but its reputation for recreational geology experiences has been growing. There’s much to be said in the story of our Earth and the town of Eganville is proud to tell it. Learn about the Ordovi-
cian time period by exploring Ontario’s most extensive underground cavern and the Geology Fossil Trail to see remains of creatures dating back more than 500 million years. Rock hounds and mineral collectors should bring their digging tools to search for buried treasure at quarries and pits between Quadeville and Bancroft. Rose quartz, feldspar and beryllium are just a few of the prizes to be found. Now that the snow is gone, no more excuses. It’s time to pack up the car and head up the Valley for springtime adventures. Things to do, getaway packages, places to stay and more trip planning information can all be found at www.OttawaValley.travel/.
PHOTO BY TREVOR LUSH & BORCA
Cradled between the Ottawa River and Algonquin Park in Ontario’s highlands, the Ottawa Valley offers all of this and more. With 2.4 million hectares of wilderness and smalltown charm, a 30-minute drive west of the Nation’s Capital is gas money well spent. Experience signature world-class rafting and paddling in the whitewater capital of Canada. The mighty Ottawa, Madawaska and Petawawa Rivers attract thrill seekers to course down class three to five rapids garnering bragging rights for years to come. Petawawa’s Hell or High Water Festival kicks of the Valley’s paddling season the second weekend of May. But these waters are not just for paddlers. More than 20 species of fish can be found in
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