Combermere
A historic river village on the Madawaska, a short drive from Barry's Bay.
Quick answer: Combermere is a Madawaska River village in the Township of Madawaska Valley, near Barry's Bay. Home to the Madonna House Apostolate, a summer farmer's market, and the Mayflower steamship lookout, it offers boating, fishing, and trails in a close-knit setting. Wade Kovacic, Sales Representative with CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc., Brokerage, helps buyers and sellers in Combermere and area.
About Combermere
Combermere is a village on the Madawaska River in southeastern Ontario, part of the Township of Madawaska Valley alongside Barry's Bay and Wilno. Named for Viscount Combermere, the village grew as a stop on the Peterson colonization road. It is widely known as the home of the Madonna House Apostolate, founded by Catherine Doherty, and for the Mayflower lookout, which overlooks the lake where the steamship Mayflower sank in 1912.
Why Buyers Choose Combermere
River life defines the appeal. The Madawaska offers boating, fishing, swimming, and canoe routes, with whitewater stretches nearby; ATV and snowmobile trails run through the valley in season. The Saturday summer farmer's market and a tourism-to-retirement mix give the village steady, year-round character.
Property Types
Village homes, riverfront cottages with docks, and rural acreages. The area suits year-round residents, retirees, and cottagers alike.
Nearby
Barry's Bay — the valley's service centre with groceries, hospital, and schools — is about 15 minutes away, Algonquin Park lies to the south and west, and Bancroft is under an hour's drive.
Combermere FAQs
Where is Combermere, Ontario?
Combermere is a village on the Madawaska River in the Township of Madawaska Valley, Renfrew County — a short drive from Barry's Bay.
What is Madonna House?
The Madonna House Apostolate is a Catholic lay community founded by Catherine Doherty and based in Combermere, known for its hospitality and craft work.
What is the Mayflower lookout?
A lookout over the lake where the steamship Mayflower sank on the night of November 12, 1912.
What is there to do on the Madawaska River?
Boating, fishing, swimming, canoeing, and nearby whitewater stretches, plus ATV and snowmobile trails through the valley.
Is Combermere a year-round community?
Yes — it has grown from a summer destination into a year-round tourism and retirement community, with Barry's Bay close by for daily services.
Thinking of Buying or Selling in Combermere?
Get a free, no-obligation home valuation from Wade Kovacic, Sales Representative with CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc., Brokerage — based on recent comparable sales in the area, not an automated guess. Or sign up for free listing alerts and be first to know when new Combermere properties hit the market.