Barry's Bay is a quaint town in the heart of Madawaska Valley and part of Renfrew County. It is just outside of stunning Alongonquin Park, well known for it's popular summer camping scene and for seeing the leaves change for the Fall season. Year-round, you can't find a better spot to appreciate nature and cottage country than Barry's Bay.
Barry's Bay is a community in the township of Madawaska Valley, Ontario in Canada. The small town hosts a bustling population of 1,300 people today. This area of Renfrew County was first settled over one hundred years ago. The post office of Barry's Bay was established in 1876 but the town itself was officially incorporated in 1933.
Barry's Bay was originally named Kuaenash Ne-ishing, which is Algonquin for beautiful bay. Later, the town was named for McLaughlin's Lumber foreman James Barry. His original home was built where St. Hedwig's Church currently stands.
During World War II, Barry's Bay served as a standby base for the Canadian Military. The community dedicated a park and monument to honour the construction of the Canadian Avro CF-105 Arrow and its chief test pilot, a local resident Janusz Żurakowski. The CF-105 was an advanced Canadian-made interceptor that was instrumental to the advancement of aviation technology during the 1950s and 1960s. You can see the Canadian Avro CF-105 Arrow monument at Żurakowski Park.
Another historic site, the train station, is home of the South of 60 Arts Centre. You can find arts and craft shows, musical events, festivals and more hosted there.
Nearby Barry's Bay you'll find neighbouring Wilno, which is acknowledged as the oldest Polish settlement in Canada. Polish immigrants first came to Canada in 1858 from the Kashub region of northern Poland and settled in Renfrew County. The surrounding area celebrates many Polish festivals including Kashub Day and Polish Day in May.
Everything from fine dining to casual restaurants to takeout and ice cream exists in Barry's Bay and the surrounding communities.
If you're looking for outdoor adventure, you're in the right place! Rent or buy outdoor sporting equipment or go on guided tours of the local area.
From the Railway Station museum and gallery to Żurakowski Park Avro Arrow, there's plenty of history to experience.
∙Algonquin Park East Gate Logger's Museum Day – July
∙Barry's Bay Farmers Market - Friday & Saturday mid-May to mid-October
∙Barry's Bay arts and crafts shops
∙Barry's Bay Santa Clause Parade - December
∙Barry's Bay Triathlon and Duathlon - June
∙Bay Day (Barry's Bay) - May 16
∙Canadian Kashub Festival (Wilno) - May 5
∙Taste of the Valley (Barry's Bay) – August
∙Madawaska Valley Artisan Festival - July
∙Madawaska Valley Studio Tour – July and October
Looking for adventure? Barry's Bay Cottages is the destination for summer on the lake - and winter!
Find activities that are included in your stay and are sure to please the whole family.
Activities
Learn about year-round adventures you can have off-site across Barry's Bay and neighbouring towns.
Excursions
