BANCROFT AND AREA ATTRACTIONS
Bancroft Ontario attractions are plentiful! Are you looking for things to do in Bancroft? You’re in luck because this area offers a wide variety of things to do to keep you busy, whatever the season. Browse the list below to get some ideas, and start your next adventure.
Algonquin Park
For more than a century, Ontario’s famous Algonquin Park has protected a great wild expanse of forest and lakes, of ragged cliffs and quiet ponds, of lovely rivers and sparkling rapids, of delicate orchids and giant moose. It has inspired writers and artists, scientists and photographers, canoeists and campers. The park has helped our Canadian identity, and has left cherished memories with millions of individual visitors from all over the world. more…
Art Gallery of Bancroft
The Art Gallery of Bancroft is located at 10 Flint Ave, Bancroft, Ontario. Each year there are approximately 11- 12 exhibits presented, and it is completely run by dedicated volunteers. There is a gallery gift shop which features crafts and paintings for sale. Submissions by artists are always welcome! For more information, please visit the Art Gallery of Bancroft’s website or by phone at 613-332-1542. more…
Bancroft Mineral Museum
The Bancroft Mineral and Mining Museum is housed in the fully-restored heritage train station. Stop by and discover the history of the mining in the area. more…
Bancroft Village Play House
Recently acquired by Tweed & Company Theatre, there are many upcoming events! For shows and ticket information, please call 613-478-6060 or visit their website.
Crooked Slide Park
Log chutes were used in the 1800’s to transport the larger timber down river. Crooked Slide Park is a restored chute on Rockingham Creek, and is an interesting example of how one used to work. Located in Combermere, Ontario, on Old Barry’s Bay Road. more…
Eagle’s Nest
Climb atop the Eagles Nest for a breath-taking view of the York River Valley. Located above down town Bancroft, off Hastings Street North, it’s not something you’ll want to miss. more…
Egan Chutes Provincial Park
This beautiful waterfall is located at the end of an old forest access road, east of the town of Bancroft. There is a 10-20 minute walk to get to the falls, but the scenery once you get there will be worth it. There is a natural V-shape in the rock at this part of the York River which forms the “chute”. Please note that there is no swimming allowed, and one should use caution as there are no guard rails. Driving Directions: Hwy 28 East – approx. 15 km east of Bancroft. Watch for Egan Chute Provincial Park Signs.
The Gut Conservation Area
Located on South Lake Road, in Apsley Ontario. The “Gut” is a gorge around 30 meters high, through which Crowe River flows for approximately 230 meters. The water levels vary, but in any season it is a beautiful site. The conservation area has walking trails, a lookout, and a stairway down to the gorge. more…
Hastings Heritage Trail
The Heritage Trail is a 350 km multi-use trail, which follows an old abandoned railway line. It is a four season trail commonly used for walking, skiing, biking, horseback riding and recreational vehicle riders. The trail starts in Glen Ross and heads north to Lake St. Peter. There are many stops along the way which are sure to catch your interest. For more information on the Hastings Heritage Trail, visit the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance website.
High Falls
High Falls in Bancroft is located on the York River at Birds Creek, and has a dam built on it’s crest to control the level of Baptiste Lake. more…
Madonna House
Founded in 1947 by Catherine de Hueck Doherty, Madonna House is located on County Road 512 in Combermere. This Roman Catholic community of approximately 20 members operates several unique attractions including a gift shop, a pioneer museum and an art gallery. The Madonna House Gift Shop opened in 1964 and carries all sorts of antiques, collectibles and unique hand-crafted items such as pottery, jewelry, candles, and woven and knitted items. The Madonna House Pioneer Museum houses a collection of artifacts that are a testament to the lives of early settlers to the area. The Art Gallery, the most recent addition to Madonna House, displays the work of resident artists. Located at 2887 Dafoe Road, Combermere. Highway 517, just off Highway 62
McGeachie Conservation Area
Located on the north shore of Steenburg Lake, the McGeachie Conservation Area is operated by the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority. The original 358 acres that made up the conservation area were donated by Jack and Ethel McGeachie, and in 2000 the park expanded to over 500 acres. One can enjoy walking trails, wetlands, beaver ponds, old growth forest, and more.
North Hastings Heritage Museum
Located on Station Street Bancroft, the North Hastings Heritage Museum is a place of history for you to enjoy while visiting Bancroft. Open July 1st to Labour Day. 10am – 5pm, 7 days a week. more…
The Princess Sodalite Mine
The Princess Sodalite Mine and Rock Shop is located 4 Km East on Highway 28. Here you’ll final local and worldwide mineral and fossil specimens, Canadian soapstone carvings, silver and gemstone jewelry, rock crafts, gifts, and a rock farm to collect your own specimens! Open daily at 10am. more…
Rockhound Gemboree
The Rockhound Gemboree held annually in Bancroft is Canada’s largest Gem and mineral show. It consists of four days and 100+/- dealers and exhibitors bringing with them excellent examples of gems, minerals, crafts, and jewelry. more…
Scenic Hastings
North Hastings offers 13 different scenic routes, marked by highway signs to keep you on track. Please see the Scenic Routes website for more information and maps.
Studio Tours
The Studio Tours are held once a year in the fall, and are an event in which local artists display their creations. You not only get to see the talent that lies in the people of Bancroft, but while driving to their various locations, you experience the beautiful fall colours. Most works of art are for sale, so be sure to bring your wallet! more…
York River Millennium Band Shell
The York River Millennium Band shell opened in the spring of 2001, just north of the heart of downtown. This traditional log structure is home to various events throughout the spring, summer, and fall, bringing music, theater, festivals, and much more to all of Bancroft’s residents and visitors. more…
Know of another Local Attraction? Email us.
**Disclaimer : Hours of operation change frequently. Please contact the organization to verify.