Local Activities & Weekend Attractions Around Marmora
When you stay at Marmora Retreat, you’re not just booking a getaway, you’re stepping into one of Eastern Ontario’s most interesting corners. Nestled in the heart of Hastings County, Marmora and Lake combine small-town friendliness with an abundance of natural beauty, all just two hours from Toronto. From its mining roots to its serene conservation areas, this region invites you to explore far beyond our 24-acre property.
Guests often tell us they’re surprised by how much there is to see and do here. Sharing our favourite local spots is one of the best parts of hosting – it’s what makes staying with us feel personal, not just another weekend away.
Historic Marmora:
Mining Heritage & Cultural Attractions
Long before Marmora became a peaceful lakeside community, it was a thriving mining town. In fact, back in 1820, it was Upper Canada’s first mining site, a legacy still visible today.
The Marmora Mine, just east of town, stretches 75 acres wide and drops 635 feet deep. For a self-guided history tour, follow the Miners’ Loop, which connects Millside Park, Hastings Trail, Deloro Mine Site, and Marmoraton Mine. Each stop tells part of the story of the iron, gold, copper, and silver that once came from this land.
Stop by the Municipality of Marmora and Lake Tourism Centre downtown for maps and local tips. Memorial Park at 9 Matthew Street is also worth a visit – it features a gazebo, cenotaph, splash pad (open daily in summer), and picnic spots along the Crowe River, all cared for by the Crowe Valley Lions Club.
And if you’re into art or photography, don’t miss Ron Plaizier’s wildlife gallery on Marble Point Road – his work beautifully captures how nature has reclaimed the area’s old industrial spaces.
Parks, Trails & Conservation Areas
The natural environment around Marmora keeps people coming back. Crowe Lake, Crowe River, and Beaver Creek create a network of waterways perfect for kayaking, fishing, or watching sunsets. Iron Conservation Area and Callaghan's Rapids Conservation Area offer different experiences – the rapids provide dramatic photo opportunities while conservation area trails let you hike through forest paths spotting local wildlife.
The Hastings Heritage Trail system connects multiple local trails with options ranging from gentle walks to challenging terrain. Nayler's Common Trail is another favourite. Most trails are pet-friendly, and we've learned our four-legged guests appreciate a good hike as much as their humans do.
Our farmhouse guests have direct access to the bay and are provided a variety of paddle sports and watercraft. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate the access to Crowe Lake for canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing.
Local Dining & Day Trips
Marmora's downtown embraces a strong "Buy Local" movement. Theo's Pizzeria is a local favourite (we can arrange delivery to the property). Tap & Tonic Pub & Bistro offers upscale dining. The Miners Restaurant operates in a historic building with old mining tools and photographs lining the walls – it's like eating inside Marmora's history.
For day trips, Bancroft (45 minutes north) is known for gemstone mining. Greensides Farm (3 km east on Highway 7) draws year-round visitors. You're also positioned between Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park and Algonquin Provincial Park for more extensive nature experiences. Several golf courses operate within an hour's drive, offering everything from casual layouts to challenging championship greens.