Discover Barry's Bay

Barry's Bay brings railway history together with lakeside experiences: an original railway station houses a local museum and a seasonal visitor information centre, while parks, a boat launch, and waterfront trails showcase different sides of the town. As you plan your trip, consider whether you want to focus primarily on historical discoveries, a waterside walk, or access to the lake.

Railway Station and Railway History

The Barry's Bay Railway Station opened in October 1894 as part of the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railroad. Today, it houses a local history museum and Madawaska Valley's seasonal visitor information centre. The station has free Wi-Fi, a public accessible washroom, and a picnic area. This brings the history of the railway and practical public amenities together in one place.

The former railway line is also part of the town's history: it served Barry's Bay and Wilno and is now a popular recreational trail. The original Barry's Bay Railway Station can still be visited. Anyone interested in the town's development and its railway past can consider the station and recreational trail as different points of interest during their stay.

Parks with Distinctive Stories

Water Tower Park is home to Ontario's last surviving wooden water tower. It also has a train-themed children's playground. The park combines a notable piece of railway history with a play area designed around the same theme. Families can pair a visit with an interest in historic structures or trains, while keeping in mind that these are two distinct experiences.

Located in the town centre, Zurakowski Park honours Janusz Zurakowski (1914–2004), a longtime resident and world-renowned test pilot. A replica of the Avro Arrow is located in the park, commemorating Zurakowski's work as a test pilot for the aircraft. Visitors interested in aviation will find a different historical focus here than at the railway station: the emphasis is on a person and the aircraft associated with his work as a test pilot.

Lakeshore, Trails, and Public Access

Lakeshore Park is located on the shore of Kamaniskeg Lake and includes a sandy beach as well as a public beach. The Omanique Beach Waterfront Trail runs along Barry's Bay's waterfront. The approximately 1.5 km route has benches; the area also includes the public beach and park. Plenty of seating and views of the lake make this trail a way to spend time by the water with opportunities to take a break.

For access on the water, Barry's Bay has a public boat launch providing access to Kamaniskeg Lake. The launch is beside walking trails and is within walking distance of the town centre. Another public boat launch at Bark Lake is the municipality's public access point to that lake. These options serve different lakes and may be relevant when planning a vacation rental in Barry's Bay if you want to include water access in your stay.

The destinations described here offer different points of focus: the station, museum, and Zurakowski Park highlight local and technological history; the beach, waterfront trail, and boat launch offer waterside experiences.

More Local Pages

Find more local pages for Pembroke, Renfrew, Greater Madawaska, Petawawa, Golden Lake, Foresters Falls, Killaloe and Arnprior.

For the broader travel overview: Renfrew County.