Before Summer Slips Away, Take the Road to Almaguin

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Before Summer Slips Away, Take the Road to Almaguin

Before we start talking about fall colours, cooler mornings and pumpkin everything, there’s still a little summer left to enjoy.

The lakes are warm, the days are long, and there’s plenty of time to pack everyone into the car and head out for a day of exploring. And the nice thing about Almaguin? You don't really need a plan. Pick a direction, make a few stops along the way, and see what you find.

Stop 1: Start with a Local Favourite

First things first: coffee.

Every good road trip needs a good breakfast or a coffee stop, and Savour This Bakery is a pretty good place to start.

Their homemade baked goods are popular enough that it's not unusual to see people lining up before they even open. If you're willing to wait, it's worth it. Pick up a few treats for the road, and head next door to Savour This Coffee Cafe for a coffee. If you are headed through Sundridge, SIPS is the spot for coffee, matcha, tea and sandwiches to fuel you for your Almaguin adventure day.

Stop 2: Get Outside

This is the easy part. There are plenty of places around Almaguin where you can stretch your legs, get on the water or just stop for a good view.

If waterfalls are your thing, head to Brooks Falls in Emsdale. Looking for something a little more leisurely? The Heritage River Walk in Burk's Falls is an easy way to spend some time along the river.

If you've got a canoe or kayak with you, put in at Tom Thomson Park in South River and spend some time paddling Forest Lake.

Or make your way to High Rock Lookout in Sundridge and take in the view.

Pick one. Pick a few. Take the long way between them.

Stop 3: Eat Local

At some point, you're going to get hungry.

Luckily, you don't have to look far for lunch.

Stop for pizza at Katrine Pizza, grab a table at Bernard's Bistro on the Lake in Sundridge, make Fork on Main in Kearney part of your route, or stop at Piccadilly Billy's in Sprucedale or make a pit stop at Pulled Smokehouse & Welcome Center Canteen in Burk’s Falls for some seriously good barbecue.

There's something nice about building a road trip around where you're going to eat. You get to try somewhere new, and you don't have to worry about packing another sandwich.

And if you find a place you really like? That's a successful road trip.

Stop 4: Take the Scenic Route

One of the best things about a road trip is the stops you didn't plan.

Take a stroll through Circling Hawks in Burk's Falls, explore the unique Screaming Heads, grab something sweet at The Village Sweets, or have a look around The Flower Garden in Sundridge.

If you're someone who can never pass up a thrift store, leave some room in the car for whatever you find at Almaguin Donation & Thrift or Second Nature Thrift.

There are also a few markets happening around the region throughout the summer. On Friday evenings, stop by the Market in the Park at Lions Park in Sundridge, running from 5–8 p.m. On Saturdays, check out the Magnetawan Farmers' Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or the Powassan Farmers' Market, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Stop 5: Stay for Sunset

By late afternoon, some of Almaguin's many shops and businesses are starting to close up for the day. And honestly, we're okay with that. We like our work-life balance around here. The people behind these little shops, cafés and businesses enjoy summer too.

So when the shops close, let your day slow down. Head to the lake and watch the sunset, go for one last swim, or make your way to Doe Lake Park for an ice cream on the beach from Scoop-A-licious.

Keep Exploring

Before summer slips away, there’s still time for one more road trip through Almaguin. Take the scenic route, discover a few new favourites, stop for a bite, and enjoy the places that make this corner of Ontario worth exploring. Use our website and business directory to map out your route, plan your stops, and discover even more local businesses along the way.