Bancroft is the economic hub of the North Hastings area serving a radius of 45 miles. Visitors will find a variety of pleasant shops, arts and craft outlets and galleries and many other attractions unique to Bancroft all located in our downtown core.
Bancroft Mineral Museum: The Mineral Museum in "The Old Station" houses a large mineral display of 300 different local minerals which reflects the unique geology of the region. A replica mining scene is also on display in the museum.
Art Gallery of Bancroft: The Art Gallery of Bancroft is located in the beautifully restored "Old Station" in the Town of Bancroft. The gallery has retained its original wainscoting and stamped tin ceiling. The gallery mounts twelve shows/exhibits per year. There is a juried show in May each year. August is dedicated to the "Heart and Hand" exhibit and sale which features fine craft as art.
Hastings County Museum of Agricultural Heritage: The museum houses replicas of a dairy barn, cheese factory, creamery, butter and milk storage room, and farm kitchen and parlour; all from the 1940s.
Scenic Sights
Bancroft is nestled along side of the York River and offers several magnificent viewing areas. One such area is the legendary Eagles Nest Park with the newly built Hawk Watch viewing station. You can take in the breathtaking 260 degree view of the horizon located only 2 minutes from the motel. Enjoy a fine panoramic view of the famous Canadian Shield - especially beautiful during the Fall (autumn) colour season.
Egan Chute along the York River;
Eagle's Nest Lookout and High Falls dam - panoramic view of the York River Valley below;
the Gut Conservation Area, near Coe Hill;
Silent Lake Park, 20 minutes south and Petroglyphs Park, 1 hour south of Bancroft;
Kamaniskeg Lake lookout, off Hwy 62, just west of Combermere;
and the Rockingham ghost town.
Picnic in the family friendly park located beside the Chamber of Commerce and walk to the gemstone trail to the new millenium bridge where you can connect to the outdoor bandshell and park area that hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Places to Go
The world renowned Algonquin Provincial Park is within a short drive that can provide you with opportunity to spot wildlife. Bancroft has a large variety of natural inhabitants such as moose, deer, hawks, and even elk that have been re-introduced to the area. While in Algonquin Park be sure to visit the Logging Museum and the brand new multi-million dollar Visitor's Center.
Woodland Discovery Tours: Explore Bancroft by taking a tour (half day excursion) into the forest where you can learn about forestry, forest ecosystems, wildlife, and other natural resource "gems" in the Bancroft Area.
Whether your winter activity is cross country skiing, dog sledding, luge, downhill skiing or snowmobiling, Bancroft is the place to be.
Snowmobiling: Bancroft and North Hastings are fast becoming Central Ontario's preferred snowmobiling destination and boasts over 2000 km of groomed trails in all directions. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) maintains trail grooming throughout the winter. A valid Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs permit is required to travel on these trails. Permits are available from the Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce office or from many businesses throughout the area.
- Maple Leaf Snow Skimmers,
- Ontario Snowmobiling
Cross Country Skiing: Silent Lake Provincial Park off Highway 28, just south of Paudash, offers over 40 kilometres of groomed and track-set cross-country ski trails through picturesque woodlands. Ski rentals and instruction are available at the Park.
Algonquin Park and the Whitney area also has excellent groomed trails.
Down Hill Skiing and Snowboarding: Sir Sam's Ski Area (Haliburton) has 12 downhill Ski Runs and a Snowboard Hill. Lesson's and rental equipment available.
Dog Sledding: A number of local businesses offer expeditions lasting an hour, a day, or a weekend. Experience the fun for yourself or simply come out and cheer on the mushers at the Bancroft Sled Dog Races, held each year on the third Saturday of February.
Summer Fun
Bancroft Golf Course - Bancroft Motor Inn overlooks Bancroft Golf Course, public 9 hole golf course with 35 par and 3112 yardage. Tel: 613-332-2426.
Highland Wilderness Tours: Guided tours of Algonquin Park & area! Explore the wilderness with us - by horseback, dogteam, ATV or snowmobile - four seasons of fun for the whole family!
Madawaska Kanu Centre: Madawaska Kanu Centre offers whitewater canoeing instruction and canoe trip vacation packages in Ontario, Canada.
Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs The OFATV - Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs is the Provincial voice for Ontario ATV enthusiasts. Quad riders can become members of an OFATV club and support trail building in their area.
Haliburton ATV Association : HATVA located in the Haliburton Highlands of Ontario features outstanding deep woods ATV trails on Crown Land. Our ATV club members come from across Ontario and four wheel a variety of quad bikes.
Bancroft is Canada's Mineral Capital
Bancroft is a mecca for North America's "Rockhounds". An estimated 90% of Canada's mineral types are naturally found here and provide easy picking in the numerous rock cuts on our road sides. Each year in early August (the Civic Holiday Weekend) Bancroft hosts Canada's largest mineral show, the Rockhound Gemboree. Mineral collectors and enthusiasts from near and far gather to buy, swap and search for minerals.
Bancroft also has a variety of fine eating establishments, have a hearty home cooked meal at Cafe B.C. Bancroft's downtown offers a variety of food choices that include italian found at Vito's Pizza a casual and fine dining restaurant or chinese food and buffet from Chan's Garden Restaurant. Bancroft Motor Inn is centrally located to them all.
If Chinese hits the spot
Chan's Garden Restaurant - 613-332-8040 , 101 Hastings N, Bancroft
Craving a pizza?
Pizza Delight - 613-332-8064, 141 Hastings St. N., Bancroft
Vito's Pizzeria - 613-332-4044, 143 Hastings St. N., Bancroft
Need a pharmacy?
Bancroft I D A Drug Stores - 613-332-4045, 90 Hastings St. N., Bancroft
Bancroft Pharmacy Ltd. - 613-332-3130, 65 Hastings St. N., Bancroft
To get photos developed...
Foto Shack One Hour - 613-332-1050, 5 Hastings St. N., Bancroft
Boaters, need a propeller fixed?
J.K. Prop Repair - 613-332-5085, Hwy 62, Bancroft
Hardware Stores
Bancroft Home Hardware - 613-332-2060, 59 Hastings St. N., Bancroft
Rona Cashway Building Centre - 613-332-3320, Hwy 62 S., Bancroft
Fishing in Bancroft
The Bancroft District is in Central Ontario on the southern edge of the Pre-Cambrian Shield which has a long established reputation for its rugged, hilly scenery and fine fishing. There are over 800 lakes varying in size from large bodies such as Baptiste and Paudash to peaceful ponds. Hundreds of miles of streams and rivers also exist. The lakes, rivers and streams support a wide variety of game fish, including trout, bass, musky and walleye.
Ontario Fishing Fish in the area
Area lakes
Albion: located in Faraday, this lake is 66.6 hectares in size. Maximum depth of about 11 meters. It has Splake and Smallmouth Bass.
Allen: located in Harcourt, this lake is 97.8 hectares in size. Maximum depth of about 30 meters. It has Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Lake Trout and Smallmouth Bass
Baptiste: located in Herschel, this lake is 2226 hectares and part of a three lake chain with Benoir and Elephant Lakes. It offers some 36 miles of boating. The maximum depth is about 32 meters. Fish species include Lake Trout, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass and Walleye.
Bark
Batelle or Rock: located in Faraday, this NO MOTOR lake is about 10 hectares with a maximum depth of about 11 meters. It is a bass lake.
Bay: located in Faraday, this lake is about 85 hectares. Maximum depth of about 22 meters. Fish species include Lake Trout and bass.
Benoir: located in Harcourt, this lake is about 96 hectares and part of the 36 mile, 3 lake chain with Baptiste and Elephant lakes. A maximum depth of about 20 meters, this lake is known for it’s superior fishing. Species of fish include, Muskellunge, Bass and Walleye.
Bentley: located in Faraday, this smaller lake has a thriving trout population. There is a lot of open land surrounding.
Big Harding
Big Mink: located in McClure, this lake is about 196 hectares and has a maximum depth of about 24 meters. 60% crown land surrounds the lake which is known for Lake Trout and Bass fishing.
Brooks: located in Wollaston this lake is 24 hectares in size with a maximum depth of about 7 meters. It is a good bass fishing lake.
Cardiff: (upper) located in Cardiff, this lake is about 27 hectares in size with a maximum depth of about 18 meters. Fish species include Rainbow Trout and bass.
Cardwell: located in Wicklow, this lake is about 26 hectares and has a maximum depth of about 18 meters. Fish species include Rainbow Trout and bass.
Cashel: Located in Cashel this lake is about 170 hectares in size with a maximum depth of about 29 meters. There is 60% crown land surrounding here. The species of fish include bass and Lake Trout.
Chandos: Located in Chandos, this lake is about 1387 hectares with a maximum depth of about 48 meters. 5% crown land surrounds the lake which is known for Lake Trout, Northern Pike and bass.
Clark Lake
Coe Island: This sparkling lake is known for it’s trout and bass fishing.
Deer: located in Cardiff, this lake is about 190 hectares in size and about 20 meters in depth. There is about 46% crown land surrounding. Fish species include Lake Trout and bass.
Diamond: located in Herschel, this lake is about 166 hectares in size with a maximum depth of about 8 meters. Fish include Lake Trout and bass.
Dickey
Echo: located in Bangor, this lake is about 58 hectares in size with a maximum depth of 18 meters. 80% crown land surround the lake, which teems with Brook Trout.
Eels: located in Anstruther, this lake is about 946 hectares in size with a maximum depth of 30 meteres. 40% crown land surrounds. Species of fish include Lake Trout, bass and Walleye.
Egan
Elephant: located in Harcourt, this lake of approximately 1096 hectares in size and part of the 36 mile 3 lake chain of Benoir and Baptiste Lakes. The maximum depth is about 8 meters. Fish species include Muskellunge, bass and Walleye.
Faraday: located in Faraday, this lake is approximately 114 hectares in size and about 24 meters maximum depth. There is 25% crown land surrounding. Fish species include bass and Lake Trout.
Farqhuar: Located in Harcourt, this lake is about 336 hectares in size and a maximum depth of about 24 meters. Fish species include Lake Trout and bass.
Fraser
Glanmire
Graphite: located in Monteagle, this lake is approximately 39 hectares in size and a maximum depth of about 15 meteres. Fish species include Northern Pike.
Gunter
Holland: located in Dungannon, this lake is approximately 30 hectares and has a maximum depth of about 12 meters. Fish species include Lake Trout and bass.
Jeffrey: located in Faraday, this lake is about 42 hectares in size with a maximum depth of about 13 meters. Fish species include Lake Trout and bass.
Kamaniskeg
Kennaway
L’Amable: located in Faraday, this lake is approximately 178 hectares in size and has a maximum depth of about 23 meters. Fish species include Lake Trout and bass.
Lake St. Peter: located in McClure, this lake is approximately 231 hectares in size with a maximum depth near 8 meters. There is 10% crown land surrounding. Fish species include Lake Trout and bass.
Lake of Islands
Little Glamour
Little Redstone
Limerick: located in Limerick, this lake is about 829 hectares in size with a maximum depth of about 30 meters. Fish species include Lake Trout and bass.
Little Papineau: located in Wicklow this lake is about 83 hectares in size with a maximum depth of about 17 meters. There is 80% crown land surrounding. Species of fish include Northern Pike and bass.
Lower Cardiff: located in Cardiff has a surface area of about 28 meters. The maximum depth is about 21 meters. Fish species include Rainbow Trout and bass.
Lower Paudash: located in Cardiff has a surface area of about 461 hectares and a maximum depth of about 21 meteres. Fish species include Bass and Walleye.
Lower Monmouth
Marble
Mayo: located in Mayo township, this lake has about 197 hectares of surface area with a maximum depth of about 8 meters. 83% crown land surrounding. Fish species include Lake Trout and bass.
Mephisto: located in Cashel, this lake is about 167 hectares in surface area with a maximum depth of near 42 meteres. It is a crown land lake, with Lake Trout and bass.
Mink: (see Big Mink)
Monck: located in Cardiff, this lake is 143 hectares in surface with a maximum depth of near 12 meters. There is 10% crown land surrounding. Fish include Splake and bass.
Papineau: located in Wicklow, this lake is about 831 hectares in size with a maximum depth of about 19 meters. There is about 25% crown land surrounding. Fish species include Lake Trout, Northern Pike and bass.
Paudash: located in Cardiff, this lake is about 755 hectares in surface area with a maximum depth of about 46 meters. There is 15% crown land surrounding the lake and fish species include Lake Trout, bass and Walleye.
Pusey: located in Cardiff, this lake is about 57 hectares in surface area with a maximum depth of about 11 meters. Fish species include Lake Trout and Bass.
Riddell: Located in Faraday this lake is about 28 hectares in size and has a maximum depth of about 35 meters. Fish species include Rainbow trout.
Robinson: located in Limerick, this lake is about 29 hectares in size with a maximum depth of about 35 meters. There is about 17% crown land surrounding. Fish species include Lake Trout and Bass.
Salmon Trout: located in Monteagle, this lake is about 100 hectares with a maximum depth of about 12 meters. Fish species include Bass, Walleye and Trout.
Siddon: located in Faraday, this smaller, spring fed lake has speckled trout and bass.
Spurr
Steenburg: located in Limerick, this lake is about 281 hectares in size and has a maximum depth near 20meters. It is a superior bass lake.
Stimears
Located in Faraday township.
Straggle: located in Harcourt, this lake is about 97 hectares and has a maximum depth of about 20 acres. Fish species include Rainbow Trout and bass.
Tait: located in Dungannon, this lake is about 21 hectares in size with a maximum depth of about 7 meters. Fish species include Bass and Northern Pike.
Thanet
Vanderbeck: located in Bangor, this lake is about 17 hectares in size with a maximum depth of about 7 meters. There is about 80% crown land surrounding this lake, known for Northern Pike and bass.
Wadsworth
Waterhouse: located in Faraday, this lake is about 16 hectares and has a maximum depth of about 17 meters. Fish species include Northern Pike and bass.
West Mullet: Located in Faraday, this lake is about 11 hectares in size and has a maximum depth of about 17 meters. It is a good bass fishing lake.
White Duck: located in Bangor, this lake is about 16 hectares in size and has a maximum depth of about 7 meters. Fish include Rainbow Trout and bass.
Wollaston: located in Wollaston, this lake is about 363 hectares in size with a maximum depth of about 31 meters. There is 10% crown land surrounding. Fish species include Lake Trout, bass and Northern Pike.
Bancroft is nestled along side of the York River and offers several magnificent viewing areas. One such area is the legendary Eagles Nest Park with the newly built Hawk Watch viewing station. You can take in the breathtaking 260 degree view of the horizon located only 2 minutes from the motel. Enjoy a fine panoramic view of the famous Canadian Shield - especially beautiful during the Fall (autumn) colour season.
The world renowned Algonquin Provincial Park is within a short drive that can provide you with opportunity to spot wildlife. Bancroft has a large variety of natural inhabitants such as moose, deer, hawks, and even elk that have been re-introduced to the area. While in Algonquin Park be sure to visit the Logging Museum and the brand new multi-million dollar Visitor's Center.
