See 30+ artists on the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour

This post has been sponsored by the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association.

Killaloe wildlife and wilderness artist Linda Sorensen is one of the participants in this year’s Madawaska Valley Studio Tour (MVST). Photo by Tanya Lyons.

The Madawaska and Bonnechere valleys are popular destinations for leaf peepers every autumn, and for good reason: the heavily wooded rolling hills surrounding Barry’s Bay and Eganville usually put on a fabulous display of fall colours. But on one particular weekend, there’s even more incentive to point your car west from Ottawa: the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour. The fall edition of this self-guided driving tour—happening this year from October 4 to 6—features 20 studios and more than 30 artists. It will take you across a broad swath of Eastern Ontario stretching as far south as Purdy and Quadeville.

Don’t know where Purdy and Quadeville are? The studio tour weekend is a great excuse to find out.

What sort of art will I see?

Artist Carl Wall in his Carriage House Toys studio in Wilno. Photo by Maureen MacMillan.

The dozens of artists on the tour work in a huge variety of media, so whether your taste runs to metal sculptures, wooden toys, pottery, weaving, or oil, acrylic or watercolour paintings, you’ll find lots of works to enjoy  (and maybe buy!). Here are some of the artists you could meet.

Genevieve Townsend

Photo of Genevieve Townsend courtesy of the MVST.

From pen-and-ink drawings to watercolours, acrylics, jewellery and clothing, Eganville artist Genevieve Townsend expresses her creativity in myriad ways.

Jamie Turnbull

Photo of Jamie Turnbull by Linda Sorenson.

In his studio in Combermere, Jamie Turnbull makes both pottery for everyday use and one-of-a-kind decorative items.

Tanya Lyons

Photo of Tanya Lyons by Maureen MacMillan.

Works in glittering glass—including dresses, kimono and mandalas—are the hallmark of Killaloe artist and teacher Tanya Lyons.

Joseph Illupalik Palluq

Photo of Joseph Illupalik Palluq by Linda Sorenson.

Inuk carver/sculptor Joseph Illupalik Palluq was just nine years old when he began carving in Igloolik, Nunavut. His works in serpentine, marble, walrus tusk and other materials often feature Inuit motifs.

How can I get from studio to studio?

Driving is the most common choice, but if you’re feeling energetic, you can also cycle. The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association has a wide range of cycling maps covering the whole region, including the Madawaska Valley and the Bonnechere Valley.

What else can I do while I’m there?

Fall is a great time to visit Bonnechere Provincial Park. The crowds are smaller, so it’s easier to snag a picnic table right by Round Lake!

Once you’ve had your fill of art, you could explore a cave, hike, paddle or eat pierogies!

• Bonnechere Caves near Eganville will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 4pm, and one-hour guided tours leave every 20 to 30 minutes. The caves are open every weekend up to and including Thanksgiving (when they’re also open on Monday).
• You can hike, paddle, picnic, stay in a cabin or camp in Bonnechere Provincial Park, north of Killaloe, which is open for the season until October 15.
• Hiking is also a highlight at Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre, northeast of Eganville (open year-round).
• Feeling hungry? Drop into the Wilno Tavern for great pub fare any night or, on Saturday and Sunday nights until the end of October, a traditional Polish buffet. In Eganville, the RIO Tap & Grill serves hearty burgers and oven-baked pizza. And at the Heartwood Restaurant in Combermere, you can enjoy a range of made-from-scratch specialties.

Where can I stay overnight?

I love this sign at the entrance to Spectacle Lake Lodge in Barry’s Bay, Ontario.

With so much to see and do, why not stay for the weekend? Here are a few of the many inns and resorts in the Bonnechere and Madawaska regions of the Ottawa Valley.

• Sands on Golden Lake (Deacon): This beachfront property offers rooms, chalets and a cottage, as well as a restaurant overlooking the lake, and a spa.
• Opeongo Mountain Resort (Eganville): You can camp or book a cottage at this lakeside resort, known for its fishing, boating and family activities.
• Ash Grove Inn (Barry’s Bay): Right across the road from Kamaniskeg Lake, this motel has double rooms, suites, a kitchen suite and a restaurant.
• Spectacle Lake Lodge (Barry’s Bay): This four-season lodge has both rooms and cottages, along with a light-filled restaurant overlooking the water.
• Hush Lodge & Cottages (Barry’s Bay/Combermere): This four-season property on Leve Lake offers cottages, hotel rooms and camping.

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