Hastings County is known for outdoor adventures, vibrant communities, and an approachable food scene that will make you want to return again and again. Luckily, it’s easy to do so: Hastings County is located exactly halfway between Toronto and Ottawa and is an easy destination for a weekend away.
This sliver of Ontario’s Highlands stretches from Highway 401 (between Brighton and Napanee) north along Route 62 toward Madoc, Bancroft, and beyond. Along the way, you’ll spot rolling hills, pristine farmland, and fun landmarks, like the ghost town of Millbridge Station or the giant toonie on the Campbellford waterfront.
Ready to plan a weekend away in Hastings County? We’ve put together a list of wonderful spots to get you started:
Where to stay
Somerset Lakeside Resort
Where: 27075 ON-28, Cardiff, ON (View map)
Located just a few minutes from the bustling village of Bancroft, Somerset Lakeside Resort is a wonderful four-season resort on the edge of Paudash Lake. This family-friendly resort has a mix of accommodations, including hotel- and motel-style rooms, suites, and standalone cabins perfect for larger groups.
In the summer and fall, guests enjoy an afternoon on the lake with one of the resort’s complimentary kayaks, canoe, or paddle boat. In the winter, the resort offers activities such as ice fishing, skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Snowmobiling is a popular activity in this area, and the resort’s friendly staff will be happy to point you in the right direction if you want to give it a try!
The Somerset team recently opened an on-site restaurant called 28 North Bar & Lounge, located on the bottom floor of the resort. Choose from an array of breakfast options before setting off on your adventure, or wind down at the end of the day with a glass of wine and a warm skillet cookie.
Huntingdon House Boutique Bed and Breakfast
Where: 10323 ON-62, Stirling, ON (View map)
Huntingdon House is a classic B&B perched on a beautiful hillside in Stirling, along Route 62. The original house dates back to 1867, and guests can spot many period details, such as vaulted ceilings, original wooden beams, and windows encased within two foot-deep sills.
The B&B portion of the house sleeps up to 6 guests in a variety of configurations, making this the perfect spot for a relaxed getaway with friends, a bridal prep suite on the eve of your big day, or families traveling together.
Owners Jennifer and Greg go above and beyond to create a guest experience that is as serene as it is seamless. In the morning, enjoy a home-cooked breakfast before heading out (included in the rate).
What to eat
The Granite
Where: 45 Bridge St W, Bancroft, ON (View map)
Located in a lovingly-restored heritage building, The Granite overlooks Bancroft and offers beautiful views from both the patio and dining room.
The restaurant serves upscale dishes and drinks in a casual atmosphere that is perfectly aligned with the region’s cottaging vibe. Don’t miss the famous Granite wings, a tasty appetizer available in over 15 flavours!
The Smokin’ Barrel and Grill
Where: 23 W Front St, Stirling, ON (View map)
The Smokin’ Barrel and Grill is a recent addition to the Stirling food scene, but owner Teresa Berriman is a long-time culinary entrepreneur and business owner who brings many years of experience to this new endeavour.
The menu is brimming with mouthwatering dishes, many featuring slow-cooked meats like brisket and pulled pork. The mac & cheese is the perfect warming side on a chilly day.
For the Halibut Fish & Chips
Where: 220 Hastings St N, Bancroft, ON (View map)
On your way to the Eagle’s Nest, stop in at For the Halibut for an unforgettably delicious experience. Between the friendly and attentive service and unbelievably crispy fish, it’s clear that owners Natasha and Val Alves love what they do.
Beyond the classic fish & chips, standouts include the halibut tacos with homemade secret sauce and the halibut poutine, a strangely compelling blend of fries, local cheese curds, brown gravy, and crispy halibut chunks.
If you have a few dollars to spare, consider contributing to their Hunger Doesn’t Live Here campaign, a pay-it-forward program that discreetly provides meals to those in need.
Tap + Tonic – Campbellford
Where: 18 Bridge St W, Campbellford, ON (View map)
Tap & Tonic is a bustling restaurant in the heart of Campbellford, just around the corner from the giant toonie (keep reading to find out what we’re talking about!). The menu includes crowd-pleasing pub classics like wings, nachos, and burgers, along with a range of sandwiches and flavourful mains.
Tap & Tonic plays host to a variety of events and live entertainment, including wine tastings, themed dinners, and live music performances. Follow them on Instagram to see what’s on!
Where to snack
Hastings County is full of great cafes where you can fuel up before, during, or after an adventure in the region. Here are just a few of the many stops that are worth your while:
Farm Girl Cafe
Where: 18 Mill St, Stirling, ON (View map)
The team behind Farm Girl Cafe were gardeners before they were baristas, which is made evident by the beautiful, garden-inspired decor and farmhouse touches in the cafe.
Behind the bar, they’re whipping up classic espresso drinks alongside a wide selection of baked goods, all made in-house or brought in daily from other local producers. For a perfect morning, grab an espresso drink to go, then pop in to some of the cute neighbouring boutiques for a spot of retail therapy.
Wattle and Daub Bancroft
Where: 26b Station St, Bancroft, ON (View map)
Wattle & Daub is operated by Bancroft Community Transit, a non-profit organization providing community members with door-to-door transportation services for health appointments, work placements, special programs, and more. The cafe is set in a beautiful location in Riverside Park.
The menu includes homemade soups, tasty sandwiches, and sweet treats. Their decadent butter tarts alone make this a must-visit spot in Bancroft!
Hidden Goldmine Bakery
Where: 59 Durham St S, Madoc, ON (View map)
Hidden Goldmine Bakery in Madoc specializes in scratch-made baked goods. They don’t make espresso drinks, but their brewed coffee is the perfect accompaniment to crowd-pleasing favourites like classic butter tarts, fresh fruit pies, cookies, cinnamon sticky knots and their classic golden fudge nugget.
The heritage building provides a beautiful backdrop for the seating area, which doubles as an antique store full of fun finds and collectibles. Open year-round from Wednesday to Sunday.
Read more about our favourite Hastings County coffee spots here: 5 Can’t-Miss Coffee Stops in Hastings County
What to explore
Shop for art and handmade goods at The Muse Gallery & Cafe
Where: 23 Bridge St W, Bancroft, ON (View map)
At The Muse Gallery & Café, you’ll find three generations working: owner Liz Raymond is the barista, gallery curator, and unstoppable force that keeps the café running; her mother Rose works in the kitchen, turning out classic Hungarian stews, breads, and baked goods; and Liz’s daughter is responsible for some of the unique creations on the menu, like the colour-changing iced tea made with butterfly pea flower.
The walls of this cozy spot are lined with local art, crafts, jewellery, candles, and lots more. The café also plays host to concerts, open mic nights, art club meetups, and other events that foster a sense of community in the heart of Bancroft.
Meet new friends at Cube Coffee’s weekly dinners
Where: 301 Victoria St N, Tweed, ON (View map)
After establishing a popular café in Budapest, Hungary several years ago, Aniko Fenyvesi, owner of Cube Coffee Bar, found herself relocating to Tweed, Ontario to open another location. Offering specialty coffees, cakes, pastries, and more, this new space is a thoughtfully-designed gathering space that is generating a strong sense of community.
Fenyvesi is particularly proud of her Sunday dinners, a collaborative endeavour with other chefs that draws tourists and Tweed locals alike. Keep an eye on Instagram for upcoming dates!
Climb up to the Eagles’ Nest Lookout in Bancroft
Where: 79 Eagles Nest Park Rd, Bancroft, ON (View map)
Perched high above Bancroft, the Eagle’s Nest Lookout offers beautiful views of the York River Valley and the rolling hills of Ontario’s Highlands. If this sounds like a daunting climb, allow us to put your mind at ease: the lookout is about 5 minutes from the parking lot along an accessible trail that is suitable for strollers, young children, and those using mobility aids. At the end of the short walk, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the valley below. Open annually between the May long weekend and Thanksgiving weekend; washrooms available on site.
Check out the giant toonie in Campbellford
Where: 55 Grand Rd #1, Campbellford, ON (View map)
Wondering why there’s a giant toonie hovering above Campbellford? The monument was built in homage to Canadian artist Brent Townsend, who lived in Campbellford when he created the iconic polar bear image on the tail side of the coin in 1996. The Royal Canadian Mint proclaimed Campbellford “The Home of the Two Dollar Coin” in 1997, and the giant toonie was built in 2001. The coin is located in Old Milk Park along the banks of the Trent-Severn Waterway, and it’s a lovely spot for a walk after lunch or dinner in town.
Take a selfie with the giant burger at Rustic Roadside Restaurant
Where: 21162 ON-62, Gilmour, ON (View map)
Rustic Roadside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, but if that’s not enough to convince you to stop in, their giant burger might just do the trick! Spend a few minutes in the parking lot hunting for the perfect photo opp with the burger, then head inside to try the real thing.
Want more Ontario’s Highlands?
Want more info about exploring Ontario’s Highlands? Check out this recent post: