Golden Lake: Shoreline Scenery and Algonquin Culture
Accommodation in Golden Lake
Lakeshore and Water
Golden Lake offers rocky shoreline outcrops, sandy beaches and clear water. The varied shoreline shapes define the character of the lake. If you want to make water and scenery the focus of your trip, they are a distinctive feature of the area.
Bonnechere Lodge at Golden Lake maintains a free public boat launch. For guests travelling by boat, it is a practical access point on the lake.
Algonquin Culture and History
The Algonquin Veterans Warrior Memorial in Pikwakanagan (Golden Lake) was dedicated to all Algonquin warriors who served Canada in war and peace. The virtual exhibition Faces of Pikwàkanagàn offers another perspective on the history of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan. It presents an illustrated timeline of the community’s adaptation and continuity since the designation of Reserve No. 39.
Near Golden Lake, the traditional Pikwakanagan Powwow takes place every year on the third weekend of August. Visitors can experience Algonquin dances, songs and drumming; arts and crafts and food stalls are also part of the event. The set date makes this weekend a useful reference point if you want to include cultural traditions in your travel plans.
The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation are an Algonquin community on the shores of Golden Lake and the Bonnechere River. Nearby, the Algonquin Way Cultural Centre (Omàmiwininì Pimàdjwowin) works to revitalize, reintegrate, promote and protect the traditions, customs, practices, heritage, language and arts of this First Nation.
Scenery, Trails and Winter
The provincial Crown land known as the Deacon Escarpment Conservation Reserve covers 2,200 hectares and rises more than 150 metres above the Bonnechere River Valley. Beaudry’s Creek can be seen along one section of the Deacon Escarpment Trail. As it flows towards Kilby Road, the creek forms small waterfalls and rapids.
Nearby, the unmarked Deacon Escarpment Trail is a moderate-to-difficult hike of about 2 km round trip to the top. Its difficulty rating, lack of trail markers and approximate length give you practical information to help decide whether the hike suits your outing. The B101, originally also known as Pakkotinna, runs north from Highway 60 to Highway 62; its starting point is just north of Golden Lake.
Winter gatherings are also associated with a specific location: the Moon Skating Loop is set up and maintained for them. The skating loop and rinks are on Island View Drive. Parking is available at Island View Park, formerly Goldcrest Lodge, and at Red Pine Camp.
Golden Lake as a Destination for Your Stay
When looking for a vacation rental or holiday home in Golden Lake, consider what you want your stay to focus on: the lakeshore and boat launch, Algonquin culture and traditions, or trails and winter activities.
More places in the directory: Barry's Bay, Pembroke, Arnprior, Greater Madawaska, Renfrew, Foresters Falls, Killaloe and Petawawa.
For the broader travel overview: Renfrew County.
