This former lumbering town is located in the interior of Ontario, midway between Pembroke and Algonquin Park, and about 75 km west of Cobden. Barry’s Bay is now an outfitting station in the Kamaniskeg Lake vacation area, with over 56 km of waterway. Nearby, Mount Madawaska provides popular downhill and cross-country skiing facilities.
The village was named for area lumberman William Byers who’s hay farm on Kaminiskeg Lake was recorded on a local 1847 surveyor’s map as “Barry’s Bay”. The village was incorporated in 1932.
Barry’s Bay Attractions
Madonna House Pioneer Museum
2888 Dafoe Rd, Combermere, ON K0J 1L0
(Highway 517, 18 km south at Combermere._
613-756-3713
Operated by a lay missionary group, this museum features artifacts and implements of early pioneers. Adjacent gift shop sells antiques, books and jewellery, with proceeds going to the world’s needy. Victoria Day to Canadian Thanksgiving Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canadian Thanksgiving to Christmas Tuesday through Saturday 2 pm to 5 pm. New Year’s Day to Victoria Day Thursday and Saturday 2 pm to 5 pm.
Madawaska River Float Trips
Madawaska Kanu Centre, Box 635, Barry;s Bay K0J 1B0
14 km S on Dunn St or Siberia Rd.
613-756-3620 or 613-5994-5268 after Labour Day
Take an exciting 5 km rafting trip, taking 2 hours, on the rugged Madawaska River. Bring sneakers and swimsuits; helmets and lifejackets provided. Open mid-June to August 31; trips depart every 2 hours Mon-Thurs 10 am to 2 pm
Madawaska Valley Ski Area (Radcliffe Hills) Ski Resort (closed)
6 km S on Hwy 62
613-756-2931 1-800-668-8249
A family ski hill with a new 3-acre snowboard park. The skiable terrain ranges over 193 acres. Open mid-Dec to mid-March