Travel Blog
Tips, stories and local adventures around Hartley Bay Cottages.
Local History
The Municipality of Killarney
A small harbour town on Georgian Bay's North Channel, with white quartzite peaks, pink granite shoreline, and a history all its own.
August 24, 2026 · 4 views
Local Adventures
Hiking The Crack in Killarney Provincial Park
The Crack is one of Ontario's most rewarding day hikes — a steep quartzite scramble in Killarney Provincial Park that rewards fit, prepared hikers with panoramic views of the La Cloche Mountains.
August 24, 2026 · 10 views
Local Adventures
The Big Nickel: Sudbury's Giant Roadside Landmark
The Big Nickel is the world's largest coin and one of Northern Ontario's most famous roadside attractions — a 9-metre stainless steel monument towering over Sudbury since 1964.
August 24, 2026 · 10 views
Travel Tips
Grocery, Beer & Liquor Stops Near Hartley Bay Cottages
A full guide to grocery, beer and liquor stops near Hartley Bay Cottages — from the closest local spots to Parry Sound and Sudbury supermarkets for a bigger haul, each with a tap-to-navigate address.
August 24, 2026 · 9 views
Travel Tips
The Ultimate Toronto to Hartley Bay Cottages Road Trip Itinerary
The full Hwy 400/69 route from Toronto to Hartley Bay Cottages — must-stop spots in Barrie, Parry Sound and at the French River Trading Post, plus what to know about cottage-country traffic before you go.
August 24, 2026 · 7 views
Local Adventures
Top 5 Easy to Moderate Hiking Trails Near French River & Killarney
Five easy-to-moderate hikes near Hartley Bay Cottages, French River and Killarney — distance, difficulty, and drive times for Recollet Falls, Mashkinonje's trails, Restoule's Fire Tower Trail, and The Crack.
August 24, 2026 · 8 views
Local Adventures
Stargazing in the North: Dark Sky Watching on Badger Lake
Badger Lake sits close enough to Killarney's Dark Sky Preserve that the Milky Way, meteor showers, and even the occasional aurora are genuinely visible from the dock — no telescope required.
August 24, 2026 · 8 views
Cottage Life
Private Compound vs. Resort: Why Booking Multiple Cottages Works for Group Travel
When a family reunion or group trip needs real privacy at the end of the day, booking a private multi-cottage compound gives everyone their own space in a way a shared resort building never quite can.
August 24, 2026 · 5 views
Fishing
A Guide to Fishing the French River
What to expect when fishing the French River near Hartley Bay Cottages — species, seasons, and where to launch a boat.
August 22, 2026 · 9 views
Travel Tips
Pet-Friendly Travel Tips for Your Northern Ontario Cottage Trip
Well-behaved pets are always welcome at Hartley Bay Cottages — here's how to plan a smooth stay for your dog in cottage country.
August 22, 2026 · 7 views
Local Adventures
Canoeing and Kayaking Near Hartley Bay Cottages
From a quiet paddle on Badger Lake to the historic French River and Killarney's canoe routes — the best ways to get on the water near Hartley Bay Cottages.
August 22, 2026 · 3 views
Local History
The History of the French River & Hartley Bay
Long before cottage country, the French River was one of the most important travel corridors in what's now Ontario — a look at the region's Indigenous, fur-trade and logging history.
August 22, 2026 · 9 views
Travel Tips
What to Pack for a Northern Ontario Cottage Weekend
A practical packing list for Hartley Bay Cottages, from grocery planning to bug spray to fire pit essentials.
August 22, 2026 · 7 views
Fishing spots
Best fishing spots near Hartley Bay Cottages
A guide to the best water around Hartley Bay for smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie and pike.
July 28, 2026 · 71 views
Local Adventures
Day Trips from Hartley Bay Cottages
The best day trips within reach of Hartley Bay, from provincial parks to charming river towns.
July 28, 2026 · 62 views
Trip Planning
What to Pack for a Hartley Bay Cottages Stay
A practical packing checklist so you don't forget anything for your Hartley Bay Cottages getaway.
July 28, 2026 · 70 views
French River
Exploring the French River Visitor Centre
Discover Canada's first Heritage Waterway — the French River marks the transition to the Canadian Shield and inspired generations of explorers and artists.
June 16, 2026 · 121 views
Local Adventures
Hiking to Recollet Falls
The well-worn trail to Recollet Falls in French River Provincial Park is one of the most scenic day trips near Hartley Bay.
June 11, 2026 · 410 views
Local Adventures
A Visit to the French River Trading Post
For over 50 years, the French River Trading Post has been a beloved stop on Highway 69 — famous for fudge, moccasins, and hospitality.
June 06, 2026 · 174 views
Local Adventures
Killarney Provincial Park: A Must-See Day Trip
From La Cloche Mountains to pink granite cliffs on Georgian Bay — Killarney Provincial Park is an unforgettable excursion from Hartley Bay.
June 01, 2026 · 407 views
Cottage Life
Choosing Between The Aspen, Birch & Cedar
Each of our three lakefront cottages offers something unique — from hot tubs and gazebos to bunkies and the best lake views.
May 27, 2026 · 185 views
Travel Tips
Planning Your Trip to Hartley Bay Cottages
Tips for getting here, what to pack, and making the most of your week in the Killarney / French River area.
May 22, 2026 · 199 views