Waterfront Property for sale on the Madawaska River
Calabogie is a small town in eastern Ontario situated on the shores of Calabogie Lake. The lake is part of the Madawaska river system and is a popular spot for swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Waterfront property in Calabogie is highly sought-after, and many real estate agents specialize in selling lakefront homes. The town is also home to several businesses and attractions, including a golf course, a ski hill, and a beaver colony. For those looking for a slower pace of life, Calabogie is the perfect place to call home. Click now to see a list of waterfront properties.
Things to do in Calabogie Today
The onsite Calabogie Highlands Golf Club is one of the best in the area. Located one hour west of Ottawa, this championship course is known for its scenic views of the nearby lake and mountains. Its cozy dining rooms and outdoor pool make it a popular destination for a great getaway. The resort also offers luxurious Lakeview vacation villas for those who would like to stay on the grounds. The beautiful resort is open from May to September.
The 27-hole Calabogie Golf Resort offers two courses: the Championship Course, an 18-hole championship course, and a nine-hole Lakeview course. The Championship Course takes full advantage of the scenic terrain. Some holes have small ponds that come into play, and many of the holes are gently rolling. The strategically placed bunkers and natural hazards make a round of golf at the Calabogie Golf Resort challenging for golfers of all skill levels.
Calabogie Peaks: Discover the Ultimate Outdoor Retreat in Ontario
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Ontario, Calabogie Peaks offers an unrivaled experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its captivating beauty and a wide array of recreational activities, this stunning destination is a haven for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
At Calabogie Peaks, adventure awaits at every turn. Boasting the highest public ski hill in Eastern Ontario, winter sports enthusiasts can indulge in exhilarating downhill skiing and snowboarding, carving through powdery slopes surrounded by breathtaking vistas. But the fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts. The resort transforms into a summer playground, where visitors can kayak or paddleboard along the shimmering waters of Calabogie Lake, explore scenic Hiking trails, or tee off at the championship golf course.
With its commitment to providing an unforgettable experience, Calabogie Peaks offers top-notch amenities and services. From cozy accommodations that blend modern comfort with rustic charm to delectable dining options showcasing locally sourced ingredients, every aspect has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a memorable stay. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Calabogie Peaks promises to be the ultimate retreat for outdoor enthusiasts in Ontario.
Navigating History: The Vital Role of Madawaska River in Calabogie’s Past
The role of the Madawaska River in the history of Calabogie is of immense significance. Without its presence, the settlement of the entire region would have been considerably delayed. From 1860 to 1890, the Madawaska River witnessed some of the earliest instances of commercial lumbering in Ontario. The compelling demand for timber from a growing population in Upper Canada and the requirement for ship masts in the British Navy led to harvesting the area’s tall white pine. The Madawaska River served as a vital water route to the remote timber stands and facilitated the transportation of felled trees to the market.
In the 1840s, the government assisted lumber companies by constructing slides and booms to streamline log drives on the river. Notable dams were built at Highland Chute, Mountain Chute, Calabogie, and Arnprior to optimize operations. The damming of the Madawaska River near Calabogie ultimately resulted in the formation of Calabogie Lake. This lake served as a central location for the segregation and storage of logs from various drives before transportation down the Ottawa River.
An early sawmill in Calabogie was established by an individual named McFarlane. As described by Alfred Clarke in his historical account, this water mill featured an upright saw that operated vertically. It measured seven feet in length, approximately eight inches in width, and one-quarter inch in thickness. Equipped with a spring pole attachment, the mill aided in the upward movement of the saw after each downstroke. Reports tell of Mr. McFarlane starting the saw on a log, harnessing his horses, and tending to his plough for a couple of hours before returning to move the record and extract another board.
In its nascent stages, the village of Calabogie developed around the timber workers from the sorting camps near the lake. Hotels and a general store were established to cater to the growing community’s needs. Alfred Clarke mentions that the first store, opened by Sam Dempsey, was located at Grassey Bay, as all the supplies were transported from Perth via a road that likely ran parallel to the present-day Highway 511.
Heading: The Impact of the K & P Railway on Calabogie’s Development
The K & P Railway, also known as the Kick & Push, played a pivotal role in transforming Calabogie in the 1880s. This section explores how the railway brought significant changes to the area, including access to outside markets, infrastructure development, and the growth of various industries.
In the late 1870s, the K & P Railway only extended as far as Lavant Township in Lanark County. However, plans to connect the railway to Calabogie faced a setback when the original contractor went bankrupt. Enter M.J. O’Brien, a determined entrepreneur who secured a bank loan to build what was called the Renfrew Extension.
The construction of the Renfrew Extension posed numerous challenges, with the most arduous part being the section that would cross the Madawaska River to reach Calabogie. Building a causeway over Grassey Bay was necessary to accommodate the railway track, and this causeway still stands today as a testament to the railway’s impact. Finally, in 1883, the K & P Railway arrived in Calabogie, followed by Renfrew a year later.
Beyond the railway’s arrival, M.J. O’Brien continued to contribute to Calabogie’s development. Although his planned factory never materialized, O’Brien built a dam and powerhouse, supplying the area with electricity and even installing a telephone system. These amenities were scarce in Renfrew County at the time.
With the railway’s establishment, Calabogie experienced a surge in economic activity. Lumber and lathe mills, grist mills, shingle makers, and mining operations sprung up to cater to the growing workforce. While an iron ore mine in the area closed due to high sulfur content, Black Donald Mines brought graphite to Calabogie for shipping out via rail.
Furthermore, the K & P Railway brought a new wave of visitors to Calabogie in the form of cottagers. Holidaying in the countryside became fashionable in the early 1990s, and the railway facilitated access for those seeking a retreat.
The impact of the K & P Railway on Calabogie cannot be understated. From opening up market opportunities to fostering industrial growth and attracting tourists, the railway reshaped the landscape of this small community.
About Calabogie Ontario, Lake life, Sking and Golfing close to Ottawa
If you’re wondering what the town is known for, there are several things you can learn about the town. It’s a small ski village located on the shore of Calabogie Lake, a small body of water located in Renfrew County in eastern Ontario. The small community with waterfront properties is mainly visited by people from the Ottawa – Hull capital region. The town was originally called Madawaska, after the Madawaska River, which flows from the Algonquin Provincial Park down to the city of Arnprior.
The area’s history dates back to the 1800s when the area was settled. The Madawaska River played a crucial role in the early development of the town. Without the Madawaska, the town would have been much more isolated and probably not have developed as it is today. This area was also a hub for commercial lumbering, which took place in the early nineteenth century. The tall white pine of the region was used to build ship masts for the British navy. The rivers served as important water routes to remote stands of timber. This was also where the lumber was shipped from.
The Madawaska River is important to the town’s history. Without it, the community would not have been settled at all. From 1860 to 1890, the area saw its heyday as the hub for lumbering in Ontario. As the demand for lumber grew in Upper Canada, the area saw a boom in the industry. The tall white pine from the area was used to build ship masts. Moreover, the river provided a waterway to remote timber stands and provided a transportation route for the felled trees to the market.