My family and I discovered this little slice of Heaven and history known as Logos Land purely by accident.
My wife, two daughters and I have always enjoyed camping trips within the glorious confines of our 19-foot home away from home. In the summer of 2007, we booked a weekend trip on a larch; ‘up the Ottawa Valley’ to Logos Land Resort and Campground. I had seen the big Noah’s Ark restaurant along Highway 17 many times and, after doing some research, knew the resort’s waterslides and facilities would be a hit with my daughters, so we booked a campsite for the weekend!
What a glorious time we had on that first trip to God’s Country, a voyage which led to a return trip the following summer, however this time we did things in style and spent an entire week in the campground!
The Cobden-area attraction turned out to be much more than just top notch camping and water slides. Not only was Logos Land originally a Christian campground and still boasts an outdoor chapel today, the area is also of great importance historically. In 1613 explorer Samuel de Champlain passed through Cobden after traversing the Ottawa River. Due to the Chenaux Rapids, Samuel and his cohorts were forced to portage. In 1953, a large rock was discovered in this area bearing a chiseled inscription which read “Champlain Juin 2, 1613”. It is known, according to several 17th century authors, that Champlain lost his navigation tool known as an Astrolabe on the shore of Buttermilk creek; a small stream that exits the lake which now bears the name of that very instrument.
The astrolabe remained where Champlain dropped it for 254 years, until it was found by a young farm boy clearing trees alongside the lake. The boy’s family gave the strange instrument to Captain Cowley, a Steamboat Captain on Muskrat Lake who, in turn, sold the Astrolabe to his employer. The world’s most famous navigation tool eventually made its way to the New York Historical Society in 1942, where it remained for another 47 years, until it was ultimately acquired by the Canadian Museum of Civilization in 1989.
Logos Land Resort was later constructed on the historical site Champlain’s astrolabe was discovered, and today includes such summertime family activities as zip lines, waterslides, par 71 golf course, petting farm and hiking trails. A new zip line installed two years ago, allows for 2 riders at a time on a course spanning a triangle of 3 separate runs over top of Astrolabe Lake. The zip lines are open from May to October and offer riders an exhilarating resort experience. The waterpark at Logos Land features 5 large water slides and a splash pad for the kids. There are also two large water trampolines, paddleboats and mini-golf.
Accommodations range from a variety of different campsites (i.e. wooden, open & mixed vegetation) to RV rentals, cabins and even 1 & 2 bedroom villa units. A representation of Noah’s ark at the resort entrance contains the reservations desk and gift shop. The Ark, motel and villa accommodations are open year-round. The RV Park and campground are open May long weekend to October long weekend. The Oaks of Cobden Golf Club is located adjacent to the property and can be seen from the lake.
One of main focal points of this campground in my opinion is magnificent Astrolabe Lake itself! The crystal clear, spring fed waters of this small lake play host to a plethora of natural plants and animals. All sorts of waterfowl including an annual pair of nesting loons, muskrats, beavers, mink and the occasional otter call Astrolabe their home. Perhaps the most famous lake residents are the various turtle species. Snapping turtles, painting turtles and even the occasional Blanding’s turtle can be found in the lake.
Throughout the summer, my family and I go in search of such piscivorous prizes as the elusive largemouth bass and northern pike. We always practise catch & release and encourage others to do the same. I must point out that, although the land here is privately owned, a valid Ontario fishing license is required and anglers MUST abide by the province’s catch and possession limits.
Logos Land Resort truly is a slice of family Heaven and offers a nice balance between tent camping sites and larger RV sites; providing campers with an excellent view of the lake and full hook-up with 30 AMP entrance. There is also a limited space ‘seasonal’ camping area where my trailer is now located. We were fortunate to acquire a seasonal camping spot for our 5th Wheel back in 2009, and have basked in the park’s beauty and splendor ever since. Do yourself a favour next time you’re touring the Ottawa Valley, stop-by Logos Land for a great family resort experience and a little slice of heaven and history!
Happy trails one and all, be courteous to other campers and remember to practise conservation. Spending time in Ontario campground can be the most enjoyable way to spend the summer months!
I couldn’t agree more! We love it there too! We have been going for 6 years now. I cannot say enough about LOGOSLAND! If you have a young family start going now for years and years of tradition! It is our kick off to summer and we already have the countdown chart up on the wall! 🙂