Addington Highlands Welcomes You: Outdoor Fun, Scenic Drives & Rural Hospitality.
Looking to spend time outside this summer? Getting active? Disconnecting from devices? Finding space for a little R&R? Addington Highlands is the place for you. The most northern township in Lennox & Addington County, Addington Highlands is a hidden gem.
Whether you take the short drive north of Napanee on Highway 41 or the scenic route along Highway 7, you’ll find yourself surrounded by gently curving lakes and lush, forests and vegetation in an artist’s palette of greens. Perhaps the most inspiring feature is the enduring rock formations of the Canadian Shield, the most famous of which is Mazinaw Rock, centrepiece of Bon Echo Provincial Park.
We know that play is important for humans of all ages – the mental and physical health benefits are well documented. But more compelling than that is the chance to just get outside and have fun. After long hours at a desk, it’s a welcome change to move the body.
If water is your passion, this region, part of the area affectionately known as the “Land o’ Lakes,” will become your new happy place. Abundant rivers and 100 + lakes are the perfect spots to boat, fish, swim and paddle. Clean, clear water is also great for scuba diving. Mazinaw Lake is the world’s 7th deepest.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, there are many parks and trails to explore while hiking, cycling, or geocaching. Don’t forget your binoculars for a close up view of all the birds and wildlife. From a leisurely stroll to more challenging trails, you’ll be able to pick an excursion that suits the ability of family members from kids to seniors. Bring the whole gang!
Curious about history, geography, or geology? Love learning about plants and animals? Rocks and minerals? You’ve come to the right place. Addington Highlands has all that and more. At the Cloyne Pioneer Museum, learn about the history of what is now Bon Echo Provincial Park. Writers, artists and photographers will find inspiration in tales of the former Bon Echo Inn – a gathering place for creatives and visionaries, including Walt Whitman, whose profound words are inscribed on the renowned Mazinaw Rock: “My foothold is tenon’d and mortised in granite/ I laugh at what you call dissolution/ And I know the amplitude of time”.
Bon Echo Provincial Park has a full schedule of educational programs for nature lovers of all ages. Come for the day or book a campsite and stay awhile. With 200,000 plus visitors per year, there are lots of opportunities and more than 500 campsites.
For budding astronomers or casual stargazers, the Lennox & Addington County Dark Sky Viewing Area is located just minutes south of the Addington Highlands border. Experience the night sky more as it was a century ago and admission is free.
Whether you prefer the iconic Muskoka chair, a padded lounger, or simply a blanket on the grass, you’ll be able to find the perfect spot to get comfy and chill. Pack a picnic or grab some takeout and make a day of it.
Feel the sun on your face, the breeze in your hair. Listen to the birds singing or the sound of gentle waves against the shore. Find a quiet place to rediscover you. Escape in a novel, express yourself with art or journaling, spend some time in mindful contemplation, perhaps while colouring a mandala.
There’s time and space for an afternoon nap. Stay as long as you like in one of many cottages, campsites, and Airbnbs. Check out the options for solo stays, family fun or a couples’ getaway. Addington Highlands is a great place for family reunions, girls and guys weekends and retreats.
Drive to Addington Highlands and check out the spectacular scenery, panoramic vistas and unique local businesses. Friendly entrepreneurs are always happy to see you. From artists and artisans to gifts and food, spend a pleasant day or more exploring the shops.
Visit the five main communities: Cloyne, Denbigh, Flinton, Kaladar and Northbrook and find a warm welcome whilst shopping or exploring the unique dining options.
Kaladar sits at the corner of highways 7 & 41, the most southerly of the five communities. The Kaladar General Store is a great place to stock up on all the essentials and hunting, fishing and camping supplies.
The Trans-Canada Trail is a great place to stretch your legs. Currently the longest recreational, multi-use trail network on the planet, you can enjoy it year round whether hiking, cycling, paddling or cross-country skiing. Craving a chip truck, visit Gala’s Pit Stop for all things deep fried.
Flinton, just west of 41, is a great place to canoe, kayak or swim at the famous waterfalls on Skootamatta River. The L&A Forest Trails (maintained by L&A County) provide over 10km of former logging roads and single track trails that are specifically designed for off-road cyclists and hikers. Snowshoeing, cross country skiing and even fat tire biking opportunities are available when the snow flies.
North of Flinton, Deer Rock Lake is a popular fishing spot boasting a large variety of species, a public boat launch, and several unmaintained campsites. Made up of low ridges or islands, it’s one of the largest continuous peat lands in Southern Ontario. Keep your eyes open for a glimpse of deer, elk, moose or even black bear.
Why not start your day with a coffee from Spill the Beanz in Northbrook. Stock up on groceries for your day trip, camping, or cottage needs at the Northbrook Foodland. Take a break to refuel and grab a snack at Northbrook Gas and Variety. There are also two more chip trucks: 41 Fries and Superior Foods – both sell ice cream for those hot summer days. Kuriosity Shop displays and sells the works of local artists and artisans in a wheelchair accessible building. Looking for gifts or decor for home or cottage, this is a great place to discover something different – artsy, craftsy or whimsical. Works on show span paintings, quilts, knitted items, stained glass, repurposed artworks and skin care products.
Ready for a sit down meal? Owned by a Gold Seal Chef, Addison’s Restaurant provides delicious home cooked food in a welcoming fully licensed establishment. Daily specials, homemade desserts and pizza accompany fabulous service.
The Pine Grove Motel in Northbrook is a clean, cozy and budget-friendly establishment for overnight stays.
Several businesses in Cloyne supply groceries, gas, hunting and fishing gear and even antiques and chainsaw carvings to residents, cottagers, campers and snowmobilers, as well as day trippers. Finnegan’s General Store has been a local icon for over a 100 years serving the needs of the community. In 2020 it was bought by Stephanie Regent who has been working to revitalize it and now offers a Pizza Shoppe, Ice cream from Central Smith, groceries, produce and the work of over a dozen local artists. Holden’s Hearth at Home owned by Roger Holden is just next door for all your home heating and bbq needs.
Speaking of BBQs, grills, or campfires? Milligan Meats butcher shop is your source for meat and deli items – think steaks, kabobs and stuffed pork chops, plus produce, maple syrup, and cheese. Local honey, frozen food treats and do not forget Milligan’s Original Barbecue Sauce. And its a cool store!
Have a passion for birding? Located just ten minutes from Bon
Echo Provincial Park, The Tweet Boutique & Gallery features the
talent of local bird and wildlife photographer, Amy Kay along
with Canadian fine art, gifts, and nature inspired decor. You will
also find everything for your backyard birds, from unique
feeders to premium food, and a collection of birding
accessories.
Lakeside Inn Restaurant & Bar has twenty recently renovated
rooms and an onsite restaurant for breakfast, lunch and supper.
Mazinaw Lakeside Resort is under new management. Check
their website or give them a call for further details.
Denbigh
Rose Hill Nature Reserve features 358 acres to explore, a 3.5 km walking trail, ponds, wetlands, plus creeks, forest maple hemlock, spruce pine and balsam fir trees. Offering hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and picnicking, there truly is something for everyone.
At Glaeser’s Country Store one can experience shopping at an old-time historic general store, that has been serving the community for more than 100 years. Similarly, Rosie’s Cafe & General Store is also a great place for sandwiches, coffee and pizza and catching up on community news.
Addington Highlands All Year Long
Words and even photos can’t do justice to the experience of fall colours enjoyed firsthand in. Stand in the forest, surrounded by crisp autumn air and admire nature’s outstanding display of gorgeous colours: reds, oranges and yellows pop against the backdrop of evergreens. Addington Highlands is also a great winter destination for snowmobiling, ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing and ice fishing. For even more outdoor fun, check out the winter night sky or try geocaching in the snow!
With approximately 1,800 residents, the population of Addington Highlands has increased almost 10% from 2016 to 2021. The area is attractive to young families and those looking to get away from urban hustle, which presents a huge opportunity for small business growth, particularly for contractors to serve both seasonal and permanent residents.
Whether you visit for a few hours or make Addington Highlands your home, it’s one of Eastern Ontario’s most beautiful locations to get out in nature, enjoy the fresh air, take a break from screen time and reconnect with what really matters. Perhaps take Walt Whitman’s advice and find, “Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour.”
If you visit and like what you find, and think you might want to join the Addington Highlands community, then you should be talking to Larry Zajdlik, Diane Walker or Diane Cassidy Bush, realtors who are intimately acquainted with the local market.
For the first time in twenty years, Lennox and Addinton is playing host to an art tour on ninth and tenth September. The work of twenty eight artists and artisans will be on display…check the website lastudiotour@gnaaa.ca or scan the QR code in the ad.
Larry Zajdlik and Diane Walker are located in the heart of the
Land O’ Lakes in Northbrook. The Royal LePage ProAlliance
office caters to both buyers and sellers. The region is as unique
as the properties, from seasonal recreational properties to
expansive waterfront estates. Choosing local realtors,
regardless of your location is paramount to buying and listing.
Realtors live on local lakes and have the local knowledge
that provides comfort and confidence to clients.
The Diana Cassidy-Bush Team pride themselves on their deep
knowledge and love of the area and strive to make the real
estate journey successful, enjoyable, positive, and with some fun
along the way. Whether it’s finding your first home, a cozy
waterfront cottage, a peaceful rural property, or assisting with
selling, downsizing, or investing, they are available to guide you.
