Guide To Eagles Nest Lookout From Ottawa

Eagles Nest Lookout is one of the best views around and one of my personal favourites 🙂 From the top you’ll get an incredible panoramic view of the Madawaska Highlands. This stunning view is just over an hour from Ottawa. Here’s all the information you need to get to and enjoy Eagles Nest Lookout.

How Do You Get To Eagles Nest Lookout?

Eagles Nest Lookout is about an hour and 20 minutes drive from Ottawa so you’ll need a car to get there. You’ll start on the 417 past Arnprior, eventually switching to highway 508 west. The entrance is 2.2km past Calabogie Peaks Resort. Usually, you’ll see people parked on the side of the road at the entrance. Here’s a map with directions from City Hall.

What’s The Best Time To Go To Eagles Nest Lookout?

I recommend going in the morning. During the day can be quite busy. Going on a weekday you’ll have a better chance of it being quieter.

What’s the history of Eagles Nest Lookout? 

You’ll find signs on your way up to the top. The Algonquin Anishinabe community consider it a sacred site. It’s believed that you can find spiritual guidance where the eagle is. 

Make It A Picnic

Stay awhile at the top of Eagles Nest Lookout and pack your own picnic to bring. The view is so incredible you’ll want to stay longer, trust me! 

Where Does The Eagles Nest Lookout Trail Start?

Here’s the easiest way to get to the top. On the road, you’ll notice an Eagles Sign indicating the start of the trail. It will take you to an old logging road that gradually climbs uphill through the woods. 

• Distance: 1.5 km
• Level: Easy
• Coordinates: N 45 ° 16.231 W 076° 48.673 UTM 18T E 357921 N 5014597

Choose The Challenging Version

Looking for a more challenging hike? Manitou Mountain Trail connects with Eagles Nest Lookout. It has 3 lookouts, including Eagles Nest Lookout (the best one). The eastern trailhead is found on Barrett Chute Rd, 1.6km past Calabogie Peaks Resort. The western trailhead is found on Calabogie Rd/#508 only 2.7 km west of Calabogie Peaks Resort.

• Distance: 9 km
• Level: Medium

Make It A Staycation:

Stay a few nights at Calabogie Peaks Resort. Located on the shore of Calabogie Lake, they have a range of activities you can enjoy all year round from skiing, swimming, hiking and more. In the summer enjoy swimming, cycling, campfires and more. 

Book your stay here.

Looking For More Things To Do In Calabogie? 

Make a stop at Calabogie Brewery Co. Across the street from the brewery, you’ll find Rednecks Bistro for a bite. Nearby is Calabogie Motorsports Park where you can drive race cars on a track.

Drive an hour further and you’ll hit Barry’s Bay.

Check out this guide for renting kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards in Ottawa. Already own one? Even better. You can still use this guide to get out on the water.

Here’s a guide to swimming in Ottawa.