Cobden: Wild Times on the Water

Cobden owes its existence to a nasty stretch of rapids in the Ottawa River, where travelers between Pembroke and Ottawa were forced to portage around the whitewater. Eventually, a wilderness road was constructed to Muskrat Lake where a steamboat could be caught to ease the journey—and tiny Cobden was the only community on the lakeshore. Today the busy Trans-Canada Highway carries visitors to the village.

Planning a visit? Stay at Logos Land Resort.

Muskrat Lake is heavily vegetated, which discourages swimming, but is a boon to fishermen pursuing lake trout and walleye. The seaweed also provides cover for the mythical local lake monster, Mussie (don’t worry—there are no recorded monster attacks). Veteran’s Memorial Park in the village has overlooked Muskrat Lake for over 110 years; it features a meticulously groomed beach area and a 100-foot flagpole courtesy of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The Ottawa Valley is still the whitewater capital of Canada and a host of rivers are open to paddling adventures. Fortunately, the waters are considered to be some of the warmest in the country. For more structured water play, try Logos Land, a water park east of town. This is also the home of the Canada’s tallest Christmas tree that attracts thousands of children to decorate each year.