Beyond the Dock
The view from Blueberry Island lookout.
Our favourite local stops around Baptiste Lake, Maynooth and Bancroft
Slow mornings at the cabin. A good lunch in town. A trail worth taking. Here are a few places to explore when you feel like venturing a little further.
A little planning tip
We're on a water-access island. Plan mainland outings together and check seasonal hours before you set off. Driving times below begin on the mainland, after your boat ride.
Our favourite stops for food
From a farm stand to a lakeside patio, a few places we like to stop along the way.
Lunch with a lake view at Birch Cliff Lodge.
BAPTISTE LAKE
1931 Patio & Grill
Pull up a chair on the lakeside patio at Birch Cliff Lodge for a meal overlooking Baptiste Lake. A lovely place to linger by the water with family or friends.
9 DOG BAY ROAD
North Shore Homestead
A bakery and farm stand stop before you head across the lake. See what’s in season and pick up something for the cabin.
MAYNOOTH
Sun Run Café & Bakery
One of our favourite stops for coffee, baked goods or lunch. Leave a little time to wander the village while you’re there.
BANCROFT
Wattle & Daub Café
A café break that gives back. We love that this social enterprise supports Bancroft Community Transit.
BIRDS CREEK
Café BC Restaurant
Friendly service, generous portions and prices we appreciate. An easy choice for a satisfying meal during a day out.
There’s always time for ice cream
Baptiste Lake Marina
A cone close to the lake. Check the marina’s seasonal hours before heading over.
Coffee & a cold drink
A reason to pause, whether you’re at the cabin or heading into town.
Your morning coffee on the deck, with the lake in the background.
BLUEBERRY ISLAND
Coffee at the cabin
Make a cup of locally roasted Madawaska coffee, bring it out to the deck and let the morning unfold.
BANCROFT
Bancroft Brewing Co.
Pick up a few local brews for an evening back at the cabin, or see what’s pouring in the taproom.
BARRY’S BAY • A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD
Madawaska Coffee Co.
If your travels take you toward Barry’s Bay, stop at the café and bring a bag of beans home.
On island time
You don’t have to leave Blueberry Island to make a day of it.
A cozy campfire as the sun sets over the lake.
Take the trail to the lookout
Follow the trail behind the A-Frame for a view across Baptiste Lake.
Paddle, swim & fish
Kayak or Canoe around the island or across to Musky Bay when conditions are calm, cast a line or spend the afternoon by the dock.
Make an evening of it
Gather around the campfire for marshmallows and a little more time together.
Explore a little further by boat
Plan a lake outing toward High Falls and the dam. Keep a safe distance from the dam and moving water.
A day on the mainland
Pair a trail with lunch, a browse through town or an ice cream stop.
ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK • SOUTH GATE
High Falls Hiking Trail
A forest walk to views of the York River’s rapids and falls. A separate outing from the High Falls dam on Baptiste Lake.
BANCROFT
Eagle’s Nest Park
A lookout over the York River valley. Pair your walk with lunch in town.
MAYNOOTH
A wander through a village
Make time for brunch at Sun Run and a browse through Maynooth’s antique shops and artist’s studios.
PROVINCIAL PARKS
A picnic and a trail
Choose Silent Lake for a day outdoors, Egan Chutes for river and waterfall scenery, or plan a longer outing into Algonquin.
More trails to explore
A few more possibilities when you feel like choosing a different path.
Lake St. Peter Provincial Park
A provincial park outing north of Maynooth.
A walk to the Crowe River gorge.
Walking trails through forest near Steenburg Lake.
A historic log chute near Combermere. Check current access while repairs are underway.
A little further afield
For a longer stay, or a day when you want to venture beyond the neighbourhood.
Haliburton Forest & Wolf Centre
Visit the indoor Wolf Centre or explore the forest’s other experiences. Plan and book ahead.
Make a day of Mazinaw Lake, its dramatic rock face and the park’s trails.
Visit the sacred Indigenous Teaching Rocks and learn about the carvings’ significance.
Allow for your boat crossing as well as the drive. Check seasonal access, day-use permits and reservations before setting off.
Come for the lake. Explore at your own pace.
A few places worth finding
See how the stops fit together, and plan a little exploring around your stay.
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