| Valley Explore |
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|  | WalkExplore the Ottawa Valley on foot. This guide offers walking trails through hamlets, towns and... | |
 | BikeThe Ottawa Valley offers excellent biking opportunities for the beginner and the sports enthusiast.... | |
 | DriveThe following tours, designed for the independent traveller via car or bike, will escort you along... | |
 | XC SkiThe Ottawa Valley has a variety excellent cross-country trails for various skill levels. This guide... | |
 | CanoeThe Ottawa Valley offers a variety of interesting paddling excursions with rivers and creeks... | |
 | WaterfallsWaterfalls, large and thunderous or sleek and elegant, are fascinating natural formations. The... | |
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| Grassy Bay
 Grassy Bay Map Grassy Bay, a flooded wetland area, off Calabogie Lake, is a great place for “naturalist canoeing”. It is a designated Provincially Significant Wetland. Separating the bay from the lake is a causeway, originally built as a crossing for the K&P railway line. The causeway acts as a barrier to the current movement created by the Madawaska River flowing through Calabogie Lake. Grassy Bay is filled with interesting vegetation and wildfowl. In late spring, turtles migrate from the Bay to the shore and roadside where they lay their eggs. One often will see the turtles laying their eggs on the gravel roadside of Barryvale Road and (unfortunately), later in the day, see raccoons digging up the egg nests. During spring and fall, Grassy Bay is a favourite rest stop for migrating geese and ducks.
How to get there
Off Hwy 17, midway between Renfrew and Arnprior, take Cty Rd 508 (Calabogie Road) turnoff and travel 26 km to Calabogie. Turn left onto 511 (Lanark Rd) at Stinson gas station just as you reach Calabogie. Veer left through village staying on Cty Rd 511 and go over two bridges. Directly after crossing the second bridge, you will see the tourist information booth on your right, where you can park and launch your canoe at the public boat ramp.
Directions
- Once you have launched your canoe it is best to stay close to the left shoreline as the river current in the center can be quite strong. You will round a point on your left and easily notice the access opening cut through the causeway leading into Grassy Bay.
- As you skirt the shoreline and reach the far side of the Bay you will come upon wild rice growth, which in past years was harvested by native Indians. Watch for Blue Herons and Common Loons, which often nest and feed in this area.
- Working your way around the bay, you will travel through a marshy area, where the water fowl are most predominant.
- Just before you reach the causeway you will find an old sunken relic of some sort. After you have passed this, work your way along the causeway until you reach the opening that you first came through.
- Once through the opening, trace your route back to the boat launch, being sure to stay along the shoreline to avoid the current.
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