Northern Hastings County
Hastings Highlands Real Estate & Community Guide
A large rural township around Maynooth — lakes, cottages and country properties north of Bancroft.
Quick answer: Hastings Highlands is a large rural township in northern Hastings County, Ontario, formed on January 1, 2001 from five former townships — Bangor, Wicklow and McClure, Herschel and Monteagle. Its municipal office is in Maynooth, about 23 km north of Bancroft on Highway 62. The township is lake country: Baptiste, Papineau, Kamaniskeg and Diamond lakes, plus Lake St. Peter Provincial Park. Wade Kovacic, Sales Representative with CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc., Brokerage, helps buyers and sellers across Hastings Highlands.
About Hastings Highlands
Hastings Highlands is the largest municipality in Hastings County, stretching from just north of Bancroft to the Nipissing and Renfrew county lines. It was incorporated on January 1, 2001, when the former townships of Bangor, Wicklow and McClure, Herschel and Monteagle were amalgamated. The municipal office is at 33011 Highway 62 in Maynooth, the township's administrative and commercial centre, at the junction of Highway 62 and Highway 127 about 23 km north of Bancroft. Maynooth has a general store, cafe, gas, library, community centre and farmers market, and is known for its antique shops and art galleries. Other communities in the township include Lake St. Peter, Maple Leaf, Baptiste, Monteagle Valley, Musclow, Purdy and York River.
Why Buyers Choose Hastings Highlands
Lakes define the appeal. Baptiste, Papineau, Kamaniskeg and Diamond are established cottage lakes, and Lake St. Peter Provincial Park brings camping, swimming and paddling. Much of the township is Crown land and quiet back-lake country, so buyers find room to breathe — large lots and off-grid properties — while Maynooth and Bancroft cover daily needs.
Property Types
Lakefront cottages on Baptiste, Papineau, Kamaniskeg and Diamond lakes; village homes in Maynooth; rural acreages and country properties; and off-grid or back-lake properties around Lake St. Peter, Maple Leaf and Monteagle Valley. The area suits year-round residents, retirees and cottagers alike.
Lakes in Hastings Highlands
Four of Wade's lake guides sit in the township:
- Baptiste Lake — about 2,226 ha and up to 32 m deep, anchor of a three-lake boating chain with Benoir and Elephant lakes. About 50% Crown land; lake trout, muskie, bass and walleye.
- Papineau Lake — about 831 ha and more than 60 m at its deepest; a deep, clear spring-fed lake near Maple Leaf, with trout fishing, Davis Island and a sandy public beach.
- Kamaniskeg Lake — about 13 km long and 6 km wide, up to 40 m deep, on the Madawaska River between Barry's Bay and Combermere. Lake trout, walleye, bass and pike.
- Diamond Lake — about 166 ha, maximum depth about 25 m, about 60% Crown land. Lake trout and bass; a public beach and boat launch about 20 minutes west of Bancroft.
Other lakes in the township include Lake St. Peter — home to Lake St. Peter Provincial Park — Big Mink Lake, Echo Lake, Little Papineau Lake and Salmon Trout Lake.
Nearby
Bancroft, the region's service hub, is about 23 km south of Maynooth on Highway 62. Barry's Bay and Combermere lie to the northeast in the Madawaska Valley. The township runs north to the Nipissing and Renfrew county lines.
Hastings Highlands FAQs
Where is Hastings Highlands, Ontario?
Hastings Highlands is a rural township municipality in the northern part of Hastings County, Ontario, north of Bancroft. Its municipal office is in Maynooth, at the junction of Highway 62 and Highway 127.
When was Hastings Highlands formed?
The municipality was incorporated on January 1, 2001, when five former townships — Bangor, Wicklow and McClure, Herschel and Monteagle — were amalgamated.
What communities are in Hastings Highlands?
Maynooth is the administrative and commercial centre. The township also includes Lake St. Peter, Maple Leaf, Baptiste, Monteagle Valley, Musclow, Purdy, York River and other small communities.
What lakes are in Hastings Highlands?
Baptiste, Papineau, Kamaniskeg and Diamond lakes are the best-known cottage lakes, and Lake St. Peter Provincial Park sits on the shore of Lake St. Peter. The township also holds Big Mink, Echo, Little Papineau and Salmon Trout lakes.
Is Hastings Highlands a year-round community?
Yes. Maynooth has a general store, library, community centre and school, and many properties are four-season. The township is also cottage country, with seasonal properties on its lakes.
Selling Your Cottage in Hastings Highlands
Thinking about selling your cottage, home or land in Hastings Highlands? Here's what sellers ask most.
How do I sell my cottage in Hastings Highlands?
Call or text Wade at 905-809-3608. He'll walk the property, give you a straight, no-obligation opinion of value, and handle the photos, MLS listing and marketing.
What is my cottage in Hastings Highlands worth?
It depends on the property, access, condition and season. Wade will give you a free opinion of value based on what's actually sold around Hastings Highlands — not a guess.
When is the best time to sell a cottage in Hastings Highlands?
Spring brings the most buyers. But four-season properties sell all winter, with less competition — and winter buyers tend to be serious buyers.
Can I sell my cottage in Hastings Highlands in the winter?
Yes, if it's four-season. Wade doesn't hibernate or close either. Water-access properties are the exception — those sell best once the water's open.
What does it cost to sell my cottage in Hastings Highlands?
Nothing upfront. Commission and services are agreed when you list.
Thinking of Buying or Selling in Hastings Highlands?
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 Hastings Highlands properties hit the market.
Office 905-809-3608 · Mobile 905-809-3608 · Bancroft: 2 Hastings Street North