Parks, Beaches, and Boat Launches

Bark Lake’s Public Boat Launch is the municipality’s public access point for Bark Lake. The dock system was generously donated by the Roger & Kate Kropf Family Trust in 2024.

Visit: 15 Big Bear Crescent, Barry's Bay
Amenities: boat launch, dock

Put in on Kamaniskeg Lake at the Barry’s Bay boat launch, located adjacent to walking trails and within walking distance to downtown Barry’s Bay.

Visit: 25 Island Lane, Barry’s Bay
Amenities: boat launch, dock, picnic area

The former Canadian National rail line is now a multi-use recreational trail. The trail is owned by the Township of Madawaska Valley within our borders and the trail may cease to be public in our neighbouring municipalities – take care to review signage posted along the trail.

Note that this trail is multi-use and may be in use by motorized vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians at any given time.

Visit: public access points include Highway 60/Sherwood Drive, Kelly Street/Paugh Lake Road, and Wilno Heritage Park
Amenities: N/A

Located in the heart of Combermere, this boat launch allows public access to the Madawaska River system. While you’re there, check out the historical plaque and learn the story of the ill-fated Mayflower.

Visit: 39249 Combermere Road, Combermere
Amenities: picnic area, washrooms, boat launch, dock, historical features

Stop in at Crooked Slide Park and see a reconstruction of an original log chute on Byers Creek, used by loggers in the early 1900s to connect to the Madawaska River. After the property was donated to the Township by Murray Bros Lumber Company, the chute was reconstructed in 1973 and again in 1994. Today, the park attracts people from across the world to view our logging history in action.

Please note that this is a natural park and the walkway runs alongside moving water.

Visit: 343 Old Barry’s Bay Road, Combermere
Amenities: picnic area, washrooms, historical features

Dennison Park offers a stopping point in Combermere to take in local history and a view of the Madawaska River.

Visit: 39325 Combermere Road, Combermere
Amenities: picnic area, dock, historical features

Located on the shores of Kamaniskeg Lake, Lakeshore Park stretches along the shore and includes a sandy beach, picnic spot, and the Mervin Olsheski Memorial Playground. The Renfrew County District Health Unit monitors water quality on a weekly basis at this location over the summer months.

Visit: 77 Lakeshore Park, Barry's Bay
Amenities: accessible water access ramp (seasonal), playground, picnic area, public beach, beach volleyball nets, washroom

Located on the Madawaska River, this park is home to a children’s playground, a public beach with raft, and washroom facilities. The Renfrew County District Health Unit monitors water quality on a weekly basis at this location over the summer months.

Visit: 1051 Mill Street, Combermere
Amenities: washroom, beach, playground, picnic area

A roadside trail with plenty of seating and great views of the lake, named for the sawmill that stood near the site in the early 1900s.

Visit: Island Lane, between Mask Island Drive and Lakeshore Drive
Amenities: picnic area

The Railway Station in historic Opeongo Square operates as a seasonal visitor information centre and local area museum. The Station has free WiFi, a public washroom, and Township staff to help you find out things to do in Madawaska Valley. When the Station is not open, you can still enjoy the grounds as a rest stop.

Visit: 19503 Opeongo Line, Barry's Bay
Amenities: accessible washrooms, free WiFi, picnic area, historical features

Enjoy a swim on the shores of Paugh Lake at this municipally maintained beach.

Visit: Yandreski Road

Amenities: picnic area, washrooms, beach

Home to Ontario’s last remaining wooden water tower, visit this park to learn more about railway history on our area, enjoy a stop on the train-themed children's play structure, or take a pause at the pebble mosaic, dedicated to the memories of Anastasia Kuzyk, Nathalie Warmerdam, and Carol Culleton.

Visit: 20 Mahon Street, Barry’s Bay
Amenities: picnic area, historical features, playground

Operated by the Wilno Heritage Society, the Park sits in the heart of Wilno on the site of the community’s former Railway Station. Dedicated to our region’s rich cultural Polish and Kashub heritage, the museum is open seasonally and features numerous displays and buildings, as well as a resource library and gift shop.

Visit: 1112 Wilno Road North, Wilno
Amenities: washrooms, picnic area, historical features

Located in Halfway, popular Wadsworth Lake Public Beach is a long sandy beach complete with a raft for swimming and a boat launch ramp on the far end. The Renfrew County District Health Unit monitors water quality on a weekly basis at this location over the summer months.

Visit: 120 Hopefield Road, Barry’s Bay
Amenities: public beach, boat launch, washrooms, picnic area, swimming raft

Located in downtown Barry’s Bay, the Park was built by dedicated volunteers to honour long-time local resident and world-renowned test pilot Janusz Zurakowski (1914-2004). A veteran of the Polish Air Force and Royal Air Force, Zurakowski worked as a test pilot after immigrating to Canada in the early 1950s and later retired to Barry’s Bay where his family built and operated a tourist resort. Zurakowski’s most well known accomplishment was as the test pilot of the Avro Arrow, and a replica exists on site in recognition. 

Visit: 83 Kelly Street, Barry’s Bay
Amenities: picnic area, historical plaques