Bobcaygeon
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Bobcaygeon is a community of about 3,500 people (2016) in the Kawarthas region of Central Ontario. Built on three islands, it was settled in 1832.Understand
Its lock was the first built on the Trent-Severn Waterway. It has about 3,000 permanent residents and another 12,000 in the surrounding areas. It is one of the country's primary retirement communities. Taken from the Algonquin language, the name Bobcaygeon means "shallow rapids".
It is well-known in Canada because in 1998, the Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip immortalized Bobcaygeon in their hit single that takes its name from the village.
Get in
It is 36 km north of Lindsay along Highway 36. The nearest public transportation is a Tok/Can-ar Coach bus from Toronto that stops 17 km away in Fenelon Falls. Kawartha Lakes Taxi in Fenelon Falls may take you to Bobcaygeon, +1 705 928-1413, but call to confirm (Sept 2017).
See
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phone: +1 705-738-9482address: 21 Canal St ELocated in the Boyd Lumber Office built in 1889, this community museum explores the history of one of the area's founding families. The Boyd family's influence on the community and their lumbering and agricultural interests across Canada as examined.
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phone: +1 705-738-6163address: 85 Dunn StA collection of over 20 historic homes and buildings from 1830 – 1935.
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Lock 32 - Bobcaygeon
address: 3 Main StThe first lock built on the Trent-Severn Waterway, in the 1830s. The area around the lock has a large grassy area for taking in views, a historic house and the oldest swing bridge on the waterway. There's also a small war memorial in the northeast corner near Main St.
Do
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Ontario Open Fiddle and Step Dance Contest
phone: +1 705-738-9171address: Bobcaygeon Community Centre on 51 Mansfield St., at the fairgroundsLast weekend in July. Since 1970, this annual event has displayed the old-time skills of fiddling and step dancing.
Buy
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phone: +1 705-738-2522address: 39 Bolton StBigleys has made Bobcaygeon a destination for shoppers with 7 locations on Bolton Street and Canal Street West selling shoes, clothing and housewares.
Eat
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phone: +1 705-738-4545address: 17 King St EA popular restaurant for fish and chips, steaks, etc. 15 beers from local craft breweries on tap. Take-out available.
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phone: +1 705-738-5123 x276address: 89 Prince St WThe factory and ice cream shop of a local dairy company. Plenty of flavours to choose from and the portions are good. "Baby" size is a generous single scoop, while "Huge" is just as big as the name implies.
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phone: +1 705-738-1802address: 50 Canal St EPretty setting beside the river. Free parking for cars and boats. Open April-October.
Sleep
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phone: +1 705-738-5433address: 31 Main StThe Inn offers a full service menu in its restaurant, or sit on the patio for refreshment in the summer.
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phone: +1 705-738-4300address: 3 Canal St E
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phone: +1 705-738-2295address: 94 Front St ERoom options include one queen bed hotel rooms, one and two bedroom suites with some kitchen facilities, and small cottages in the garden. There is a dock across the street and daily boat rentals for fishing or pleasure cruising are available for a fee.
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phone: +1 705-738-2371address: 1 Main StCatering to visiting sport fishers, all units are equipped with propane stove top, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, dishes, kettle, bedding and towels, pots and pans, fridge, 3-piece bathrooms, cable TV, and outdoor barbecues.
- On Front St. East, there are several camps of rentals cottage available during the summer.
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address: 75 Meachin DrA cosy five-bedroom, 464 m² cottage with a 2,000 sq. ft. living room and a 35 ft. high cathedral ceiling breakfast area overlooking Sturgeon Lake. Sleeps 14+; architecture and furnishings are rustic/modern.
Stay safe
Blue-green algae is a toxic form of algae that can be an occasional problem in this region. Do not swim or wade in water where this algae is present, do not drink the water, and do not let pets in the water. Blooms most commonly occur in late summer and early fall. They thrive in areas where the water is shallow, slow moving and warm, but they may be present in deeper, cooler water. Dense blue-green algae blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint. Very dense blooms may form solid-looking clumps. Fresh blooms often smell like newly mown grass, while older blooms may smell like rotting garbage.
Poison ivy is common in wooded areas. All parts of poison ivy, including the roots, contain a poisonous substance which causes an irritating inflammation of the skin of most people, the inflamed areas frequently developing blisters and accompanied by intense itchiness.