When navigating through small towns, you never know what you will find. Surprisingly, Bancroft has been off the radar for most, and after wandering over to the small town, I asked myself why I hadn’t done it sooner.
What Do We Know?
For starters, Bancroft and the northern region of Hastings are the most unique areas geologically in the entire world! Making almost 90% of all types of minerals found on earth located within this region, obtaining its title of the “Mineral Capital of Canada.“
Nature Talk & What to Expect
Since precious gemstones are not everyone’s forte, let’s talk nature. Entering the small town, we city folk will notice fewer chain storefronts here and only ONE (that I know of) Tim Horton’s coffee shop. However, the abundance of trees, lakes and the York River passing through town will leave those minor factors at bay.
Here’s where I went and HIGHLY recommend checking out for yourself
Eagles Nest Park
One of the touristy attractions would include Eagles Nest lookout and easy for all hiker levels. This destination has two parking lots, and we can separate them into upper and lower lots. The lower lot has a trailhead that will take you to an elevated view of the forested township. After the loop trail, make your way to the top of the hill or the upper lot to explore other parts of the park. In my opinion, the upper portion of the park is the memorable side. I sat here and watched planes land at Bancroft’s Community Airport for almost an hour, mesmerized by the club’s aircraft.
Free to use
Egan Chutes Provincial Park
Of course, when I roam anywhere new, one of the first things I research is where the nearest waterfall is. Just outside Bancroft in L’Amable, the Egan Chutes trail can be found and here you will hike along the York River. Depending, if you enter the trail system from the West or Eastside, it can be a 2-km or 8km hike. Be sure to look down as there will be precious gemstones underneath your feet. To clarify, this trail leads to ponds, a beaver dam, and three impressive chutes or channels. Hence, why this would be a great spot to pause especially when the water levels are high.
…continuation
Furthermore, Egan Chutes Provincial Park is a non-operating provincial park (free to use & no bathrooms) that should be a hundred percent on your hiker’s list! Because I missed the other two chutes, Egan Chutes is still on my list, and I am content with returning to this little slice of heaven.
Millennium Park
Last but not least is Millennium Park, an immaculate park to discover in the heart of Bancroft, just off the York River. Grab some take-out, pack a picnic, or simply take a break in nature here. Free parking, picnic benches, washrooms, a public water tap, and a bandshell on site. Ironically enough, this was used as a pitstop while exploring the small town. Additionally, in the summer guests can listen to live music put on by Mineral Capital Concerts.
BONUS
Barron Canyon Trail – East Gate, Algonquin Provincial Park
Now I understand this isn’t exactly in the Bancroft area and is within Pembroke, Ontario. Approximately two and a half-hour drive away, but you could spend the entire day just in this section of Algonquin. Starting the day off on this short, 1.5km trail to Barron Canyon will have your jaw on the ground the whole duration you decide to spend at the elevated peak.
Until Next Time
Do you have any favourite spots you want to share? Comment below and thanks for stopping by. See you soon, wanderers!