Somewhere Inn Calabogie

Written By Vickie Lanthier

Somewhere Inn Calabogie - Guest Experience

Is there anything better than an escape where you get the best of the outdoors, but have the comfort of a modern stay?

The other week, I got to enjoy Somewhere Inn™ Calabogie for three days, two nights, and plenty of time at the fire pit in the evenings either engaged in conversation, watching the flames, or looking up at the star filled sky.

Calabogie offers a lot of us outdoorsy types, let’s dig in…

The Low Down

  • Located in Calabogie, Ontario (1 hr drive from downtown Ottawa).

  • Multiuse trails, hiking trails, downhill and cross-country skiing.

  • Original motel renovated into a paradise with scandanvian styled rooms.

  • Outdoor firepit, hammocks, sauna, cold plunge, and lounge area.

  • Dogs are welcome.

  • Complementary wi-fi, no tv (I promise, you don’t need it).

  • Mini fridge, coffee bar, and treats for purchase in rooms.

  • Centrally located and driving distance to cafes, restaurants, and trails.

  • Incredible hosts and staff.

  • Book and more info: somewhereinn.ca/calabogie

To get a full sense of the vibe; “I want to stay at a revived boutique hotel in Calabogie, Ontario. I want to leave the city behind. Windows down, smells like nature. Feel all my stresses roll off my back. I want to arrive with the sunset and then unpack slowly. No rush. The campfire is crackling outside and will be there when I’m ready. I want to drink organic wine and feel part of something. I want to take a bath before going to bed. I’m not setting an alarm. Tomorrow I’ll head out Somewhere. Baked goods for breakfast, I’m the boss of me. Go to see the trees and the green. Climb that rock. Float in the lake. Later, I’ll nap in a hammock because I’m on vacation. I want to visit again, and maybe in a different season. I want to go to Somewhere Inn.” - Somewhere Inn™

Scandinavian Inspired Rooms

Somewhere Inn™ Calabogie is modern simplicity meets connected community. It’s beautiful done.

I’ve enjoyed my stays here since they opened. The rooms have an open feel to them, plenty of space, with larger windows in the front and a look out into trees in the back.  Whether it’s a romantic stay in their king bed and soaker tub by the gas fireplace, a friends getaway, or a family stay in the suite that sleeps six, (king, queen, and two bunk beds!), you’re sure to be comfortable and have the chance to unwind in these Scandinavian style rooms.

During my last stay, I had a king room with lounging area and gas fireplace, plus a desk by the front windows that was perfect to spend the early morning writing.

Each room has a kitchenette area with coffee maker and coffee (Nespresso), kettle, mini fridge and glassware. There’s also a selection of drinks and snacks available for purchase.

Something I really enjoy is that they include malin + goetz shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion for guests to use while there. If you love the line as much as I do, the products are also available for purchase at the front desk.

Recommendation: Bring a warm sweater/cardigan and comfortable footwear to enjoy the fire pit and s’mores outdoors in the evenings.

Your Gateway to Wellness

Speaking about great product lines, fire pits, and all things wellness. Somewhere Inn Calabogie is keen to help us disconnect from the hustle and bustle, and reconnect with ourselves and nature with the following:

  • Cold plunge

  • Sauna

  • Soaker tub and lounge chairs gas (select rooms)

  • Gas fireplace (all rooms)

  • Boardgames

  • Hammocks (summer)

  • Outdoor fire pit (all seasons) and lawn games

  • SUP rentals

Both nights of my stay I was the first person out at the fire pit and the last one to leave. It’s a nice set up, perfect to bring out smores, hot drinks, and conversation. If you look up on a clear night, you’ll see the stars through the trees.

Recommendation: Bring a bathing suit and shower sandals to enjoy the spas and beaches when warm enough. Bathrobes are provided in room!

Cafes, Bars, Restaurants

Fun fact, you won’t go hungry in Calabogie, they have a little something for everyone.

And of course there snacks and drinks (including a wine selection) available at Somewhere Inn for guests.

Catching Sunset/Sunrise

Favourite sunset location: Right across the street at Barnet Park.

Before the sun sets, walk across the street to Barnet Park. There’s a small beach with nearby play structures, fairy forest, and fitness park. If it’s a clear or partially cloudy day, it’s at the beach where you’ll enjoy a fantastic view as the sun goes over the lake and sets behind Manitou Mountain.

Favourite sunrise location: The top of Manitou Mountain.

Before anyone else is aake, grab your headlamps, and hike up Manitou Mountain to Skywalk Loop for an incredible sun rise over Calabogie Lake (which looks like a bear from this view point). To get there, park at Calabogie Peaks Resort, hike up Bear Claw, then the steep Skywalk Trail all the way up to Skywalk Loop. Make sure you aim to be at the top about 30-40 mins before the official sunrise time showing on your weather app. You’ll have the chance to catch all the colours this way. Grab your trail maps and information before you go, along with my best sunrise/sunset hiking tips.

Diverse Trails With Incredible Views

Here’s important information you need to know about these spots and trails:

  • Manitou Mountain (incl Eagles Nest) While Eagles Nest is the highlight for many, a greater challenge and less trafficked hike is to park at the Barrett Chute Rd lot and hike Manitou Mountain trail to enjoy five different lookouts.

  • Blueberry Mountain is a 5km trail that it clearly marked, easy to hike, with the last 100m offering steep elevation gain to the lookout. The view over the valley is spectacular and you can even spot Manitou Mountain in the distance.

  • K&P Trail is a multi-use, shared trail that runs from Kingston to Pembroke.

  • Madawaska Nordic Trail is an 18km trail. You can access the trailhead from behind peaks village, across from the ski hill.

  • Dacre Heights is an old ski hill that is now private land that’s open to the public. A fun options to hike up and ski down in the winter months.

  • Limestone/Wabun Lake: Choose from either an under 4km out and back to the lookout or 18km full loop of Limestone and Wabun Lake. Access from Hydro Dam Rd then Wabun Lake Rd. This is a shared use trail (mountain bikers, motorsports, hunting), is mostly unmarked, but relatively easy to follow. Recommend using AllTrails or GPS to navigate. Actual lookout is not under the hydro lines but 20m east. Not recommended during hunting season (visit ontario.ca for exact dates in Ontario). Carry bear spray when hiking trails like this one. You can get bear spray at outdoor shops like @cabelascanada Remember that it’s a registered item, it’s the hiker’s responsibility to learn how and when to use it.

  • Griffin Uplands is a 10kms trail with multiple peaks and view points. It’s loosely mark and just like Wabun Lake, this trail requires extra precautions. Navigation skills and equipment are highly recommended. Do not hike this trail during hunting season and always carry bear spray.

Other activities in the area? Geocaching, fishing, cycling, skiing, motorsports, etc. Mlore information available through the Township of Greater Madawaska.

Recommendation: Follow Leave No Trace Principles, pack the 10 essentials, and practice responsible recreation. Remember, if there is no room left in the parking area for me, then there’s no room on the trail - pick another hike to enjoy and come back another day.

Enjoy And Stay Connected!

Are you going to check out Somewhere Inn™ Calabogie? If so, tag @somewhere.inn and @girlgonegood with your adventures! I’d love to see what trails you enjoyed, which cafes, the sunsets, your stay with Somewhere Inn™ - all of it.

 

Vickie Lanthier https://vickiemlanthier.com
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