Barry's Bay

History

This area of Renfrew County was first settled in the early 20th century along with other communities on the Opeongo Line. The town served as a standby base for the Canadian military during the war years. Local workers and lumbermen were reformed into soldiers to help contribute to the war efforts of Canada in World War II.
It was first named 'Kuaenash Ne-ishing' (Algonquin for 'beautiful bay'), and later named after James Barry, a foreman for McLaughlin's Lumber in Arnprior who constructed a cabin as his headquarters in the area where St. Hedwig's Church stands.

Barry's Bay is at the northern end of Ontario Highway 62, at its junction with Ontario Highway 60. It is 185 km west of Ottawa - follow Highways 417 and 17 to Highway 60 near Renfrew.
By bus, Greyhound Canada travels from Ottawa to Pembroke once daily (2 hr 8 min, $18-45) and from Pembroke to Barry's Bay twice a week (1 hr 28 min, $14-40).

• Barry's Bay/Madawaska Valley AirparkGeneral aviation only; no scheduled service.

The nearest taxis are in Pembroke (Ontario).

• Railway Station Museum & Water Tower Park, Tourist & Visitor Information Centre, and South of 60 Arts Centre

  phone: +1 613-756-5885
  address: 19503 Opeongo Line
  Home to one of only two remaining wooden free-standing water towers in Ontario. In addition to the usual information about attractions and events, "the Railway Station" houses an art gallery, and offers picnic facilities and free wi-fi.

• Zurakowski ParkThis park honours local resident Janusz Zurakowski, one of the test pilots of the Avro Arrow. A replica Arrow is on display in the park.

• Radcliffe Hills Ski Area for snowboarding and downhill skiing.

• The Baykery

  phone: +1 613-756-1618
  address: 21 Bay
  The local bakery - bread, sweet or savoury pies, cookies, butter tarts, and donuts, all home-made.

• Charlie D's

  phone: +1 613-756-7162
  address: 19349 Opeongo Line
  A roadside "chip wagon" serving french fries, hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and many varieties of poutine.

• Dairy Freez & Grill

  phone: +1 613-756-7116
  address: 23 Bay St
  A roadside stand. Serves locally-made Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream.

• Polka Spudz

  address: 2 Opeongo Square
  Another roadside "chip wagon", but this one serves pierogis in addition to the usual fare. Try the Polish Poutine!

• Madawaska Coffee Co.A cafe that roasts its coffee in small batches. Roasted coffee and souvenir mugs are available to take home.

As the second-closest town east of Algonquin Provincial Park (Whitney is right at the park's entrance), Barry's Bay gets quite a few overnight visitors who are tired of camping in the park.

• Ash Grove Inn

  phone: +1 613-756-7672
  address: 42524 Combermere Road
  In the summer, a "fifth wheel" trailer is offered as an additional double room. Non-smoking hotel. Reservations accepted by telephone only. Restaurant on premises.

• Balmoral Hotel

  phone: +1 613-756-5162
  address: 16 Opeongo Square

• Madawaska Valley Inn

  phone: +1 800-363-2758
  address: 19854 Ontario Highway 60
  Four guest rooms with a shared hot tub. Complementary wi-fi. Breakfast is available at an extra charge. There is a gift shop on-premises, with homemade jams and other items for sale.

• Pinewood Inn

  phone: +1 613-756-1333
  address: 378 John St

• Madawaska Valley Public Library

  phone: +1 613-756-2000
  address: 19474 Opeongo Line
  Free wi-fi is available at the Barry's Bay and Area Public Library.