Just outside of the city of Ottawa in the province of Ontario, Calabogie is a small ski community in the shadow of several mountains on the banks of the lake that shares its name. Nestled amid the dense forest, rolling hills, and innumerable lakes of eastern Canada, the village benefits from easy access to outdoor activities throughout the year, from winter sports like snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing to classic summer recreation, including hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking.

But Calabogie is more than just an outdoor mecca. Its weekly summer market showcases local vendors with fresh produce, handmade crafts, culinary experiences from local chefs, and live music. While the nearby Motorsports Park — one of the largest racing tracks in the country — hosts national and international races throughout the year, along with driving experiences for visitors looking for an exciting day on the track. And with Ottawa just a short drive away, it is easy to check out all of the cultural offerings of a larger metropolitan city during a day trip.

The northern Canadian climate of Calabogie includes drastic seasonal variations in temperature. Precipitation is a constant throughout the year, with long showers in summer, and snowfall in winter that can get quite substantial on the surrounding hills. That said, temperatures are pleasantly warm from May to September in Calabogie, making for excellent conditions to play on the lake or go mountain biking or hiking — all easily accessible activities from your in-town cottage rental. Just be sure to pack a rainproof layer and sturdy shoes, as moderate rainfall is a regular occurrence.

Conditions change radically in the winter, when temperatures can stay below freezing for several months. The surrounding mountains and their ski runs can often see substantial accumulations of powder, providing excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. Several nearby ski hills host small events and festivals throughout the year. Nearby Ottawa provides several opportunities for cultural offerings like the Winterlude Festival in February, with skating, ice-sculpting contests, and live music, and a fringe festival in June with avant-garde and experimental theater performances.

Eagles Nest Trail & Lookout

This five-mile out-and-back kid-friendly trail is a moderately paced hike through the Canadian woodlands along meandering rivers and tranquil lakes. Culminating in a dramatic rock formation with a scenic overlook, this is a beautiful romp through the woods. You might spot local wildlife like rabbit, deer, grouse, and even the occasional moose from the trail.

Calabogie Lake

With the town sitting on the edge of Calabogie Lake, you’ll have several opportunities for various water-bound activities, including kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Rentals are readily available in town, just steps from the water. These are two of the best ways to explore the miles of forested waterlines, hidden inlets, and beaches along the lake. You can also spend your days swimming and lounging on the sands.

Whitewater Rafting

For those seeking a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, the nearby Ottawa River hosts several outfitters offering whitewater rafting trips that cater to all levels of experience, ranging from first-timers to advanced rafters. The raging rapids, riverside cliffs, and thick pine forests set the scene for quite a fun outing.