The 10 Best Things To Do in Haliburton 2023

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Looking for fun things to do in Haliburton Ontario? Contributor Chris Occhiuzzi shares his list of favorites… whether you live there, or are passing through, we know you’ll enjoy the Haliburton Highlands!

Updated July 26, 2023 / Commissions may be earned from Riley ‘s affiliate partner links

Wildlife excursions, festivals, art galleries, museums, restaurants and craft breweries, and many more unique experiences give visitors and residents alike a plethora of fun things to do in Haliburton Ontario .

Pick and choose what you fancy best with a themed outing – food and beverage, wildlife adventures, art, and history – or try to see it all with an extended stay, keeping in mind it may require multiple visits.

Here’s our list of the best things to do in Haliburton to make it easy for you to plan out your trip (or trips) to one of Ontario ’s most beautiful areas.

The Top Things To Do in Haliburton Ontario

Stay in the haliburton highlands.

A stay at Sir Sams INn is one of the top things to do in Haliburton, with its elegant indoor pool shown here at dusk

Whether traveling from far away or deciding on a staycation nearby, there are plenty of quality accommodations to choose from. Many Haliburton hotels are nestled in the heart of the Highlands and a short drive away from all the amazing attractions.

One of the most iconic locations in Haliburton and beyond is Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa . The century-old luxury adult retreat located on Eagle Lake is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic weekend away from life’s stresses with your special someone. Featuring spa packages, villas, chalets, lovely hotel rooms, and more, Sir Sam’s is a year-round couples destination that will not disappoint.

Whether doing a golf trip with friends, a team-building trip with the office, or a family getaway, Pinestone Resort has all the amenities you need to make the most of your vacation. The full-service hotel sits on 160 acres of scenic landscape and features its own 18-hole, championship-level golf course, 102 combined accommodation spaces (rooms, suites, villas, and chalets), meeting rooms, and the Stone 21 Restaurant .

Since 1924, the Bonnie View Inn has been a favorite place for families to gather. The 28-room, family-operated property features a brilliant waterfront on Lake Kashagawigamog and plenty of resort amenities for the young and young-at-heart. The Bonnie View offers both hotel rooms and chalet rentals, while year-round activities – from beach volleyball to hiking to skating on the frozen lake – mean the fun doesn’t stop when the weather starts to cool.

But, if a hotel doesn’t suit your needs, there are also plenty of cottage rental options available throughout the year. Three cottage rental businesses stand out for their options: Cottage Care Rentals is the easiest website to navigate, while All Season Cottage Rentals and WRD Cottage Rental Agency have listings based on seasonal availability.

For more cottage rental inspiration, be sure to read our story on the best luxury cottage rentals in Haliburton .

Enjoy Great Food

Rhubarb Restaurant Haliburton interior with set tables

What is a visit to a community without trying out some of the local food fare? Well, Haliburton has its share of restaurants to whet the appetite and have you returning for seconds.

Rhubarb Restaurant Haliburton has been getting rave reviews from foodies far and wide. A charming cottage atmosphere is only surpassed by the eclectic menu of freshly made delicacies. Also home to the Boshkung Brewing Co , Rhubarb’s menu offers both dine-in and takeout options.

Twin Fires fine dining restaurant at Sir Sam’s is the place to go for a lovely meal, but be sure to make reservations at this popular establishment. The extensive wine cellar allows guests to choose their own bottle, while locals and cottagers often dock their boats at the property for an enhanced evening experience.

Great food isn’t fully great without baked goods, specifically one of Canada ’s favorite treats: the butter tart. Haliburton has its own “best butter tart around” courtesy of The Little Tart . The small but mighty bakery makes all its offerings on-site from scratch.

Enjoy Fun Upcoming Events and Concerts

Steven Page performs with acoustic guitar on stage at Forest Festival

The first two weekends in October feature the Studio Tour for art lovers and those looking to do something a little different. With 12 local artists showing their studios and works, it’s certainly an event worth looking into.

Live theatre done well is a fantastic experience that tantalizes the senses. In this vein, the Highlands Summer Festival fits the bill.  

The annual Frost Festival in the municipality of Dysart is a free, family-fun winter event occurring in February featuring wagon rides, snowshoeing, a Polar Bear Dip, and much more.

Pay a Visit to Minden Ontario

Visiting Minden Boardwalk with park bench fun things to do in Haliburton

Minden Ontario may be a village within the Haliburton Highlands, but it definitely has many things to do.

It’s also the location of the aforementioned Rhubarb Restaurant and many signature annual events, such as the Bluegrass Festival in the summer and WinterFest . Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy public beaches and parks, the lookout point, kayaking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more.

Other fun things to do in Minden include paying a visit to the Minden Hills Cultural Centre for history, art, and education: the four-acre site is home to the Agnes Jamieson Gallery , the Minden Hills Museum and Heritage Village , Nature’s Place and the Minden Hills Branch of the Haliburton Country Public Library. A boardwalk traveling over natural wetlands connects the Cultural Centre to Minden’s downtown Riverwalk .

Explore the Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve

Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve aerial walkway

Boasting 100,000 acres, 100 lakes, and millions of trees – as well as countless creatures both big and small – the Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve has long been a must-visit for nature enthusiasts the world over.

Canopy tours allowing guests to glimpse the forest with a bird’s eye view are a big draw as Haliburton Forest has the longest canopy walkway in the world. Camping, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, mountain biking, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are among the amazing experiences you can have on the property.

But, perhaps the most popular thing to do is enjoy time at the Wolf Centre , where guests can learn all about the amazing animal in a large indoor facility. There is also an observatory that allows visitors the chance to see some of the forest’s native wolves in their natural environment.

Learn About Haliburton’s History

Fun things to do in Haliburton Highlands Museum pioneer era log home

History buffs and those who crave knowledge will delight at the nearly 20,000 artifacts housed by the Haliburton Highlands Museum . Escape into the life of the area’s pioneers, many of whom were farmers and others who lived off the land. Learn about life in the late 1800s and the people who forged a community from vacant land.

The Stanhope Museum is home to the Hawk Lake Log Chute , which has been on the site since 1861. The man-made trough was previously used to carry logs over rough water to a sawmill. Once home to thousands of log chutes, the Hawk Lake Log Chute is the only one of its kind left in Ontario.

The Minden Hills Museum and Heritage Village is another great place to see and learn about the area’s history.

Take a Hike or Grab a Bike

Biking downhill at Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride

One of the most picturesque parts of the Trans Canada Trail is the one which links the Haliburton Highlands to Ottawa . The 35-km multi-use trail was made on a former railway and travels east-west through Sharbot Lake . Hike or bike this trail as you see fit.

There are plenty of other Haliburton hiking trails to enjoy, including the Dorset Scenic Tower Trail, the Frost Centre hiking trails through the forest near St. Nora Lake, the Haliburton Forest hiking trails, and Sir Sam’s hiking trail.

Meanwhile, Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride features 23 kilometres of trails that mountain bikers adore. They offer both downhill and cross-country options overlooking beautiful Eagle Lake.

Enjoy A Great Brew

Flight of beer from Boshkung Brewing resting on a paddle

Haliburton is also home to two breweries: the Boshkung Brewing Company , the craft brewery which shares a home with Rhubarb, and Haliburton Highlands Brewing , a microbrewery featuring eight year-round specialty brews.

Make it a point to visit the breweries, and learn a bit more about them by reading Haliburton Breweries – Great Cottage Country Beer .

Should your taste buds still desire the flavor from more craft and microbreweries products, take the short trip to Muskoka where Canvas Brewing, Lake of Bays Brewing, Sawdust City Brewing, Muskoka Brewing, and others await your visit.

Take in Some Culture

Top things to do in Haliburton Sculpture Forest includes trails and bird sculptures like these

Artists are the essence of any community and Haliburton is no different. The Rails End Gallery , located in the landmark rail station, is full of locally created arts, crafts, and music. It’s the perfect space to learn more about the artists and see one-of-a-kind, original artwork.

But, the artistic expression doesn’t stop at one spot. The Haliburton Sculpture Forest in Glebe Park is an outdoor collection featuring sculpted creations by both Canadian and international artists. The ever-changing seasons also provide different backdrops and perspectives to visitors enjoying the sculptures. Visit in the spring and a particular piece may look quite different to you than it does in the fall.

The Ethel Curry Gallery , newartstudio52 , and Agnes Jamieson Gallery are among others that showcase local artwork.

Come Back in Winter

Snowmobiling across the frozen lakes is one of the best things to do in Haliburton

Haliburton is a winter paradise known for its snowmobile trails, Nordic trails, dog sledding, as well as ice fishing, and outdoor skating opportunities.

One of many people’s favorite winter past times is hitting the trails on a snowmobile. Well, the Haliburton Snowmobile Association (or snowmobile club as some would call it) has plenty of groomed trail maps, recommendations, and information to make your ride the best it can be.

But, not everyone wants to be riding a vehicle for fun. There are many who enjoy the traditional ways of traveling through the snow-covered forests. In this case, you’ll find an amazing Haliburton Nordic trail system awaiting your skis. The Haliburton Highlands Nordic Trail & Ski Club Association has all the trail maps you need.

There are also Haliburton dog sledding enthusiasts who know the best spots for both mushing and skijoring. However, if you’re new to the sport, it’s probably a good idea to start out on a guided tour at the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve or with Winterdance Dogsled Tours on Eagle Lake .

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Contributor Occhiuzzi is a staff writer at Dockside Publishing and founder of  Muskoka Unlimited . 

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Haliburton

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Jenn R

  • Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve
  • Haliburton Sculpture Forest
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  • Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre
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Haliburton Attractions Information

The World As I See It

One Ontario lady with a passion for travel and inspiring others to get outdoors and explore more

  • Canada / Ontario / Travel

20 Amazing Things to do in Haliburton Ontario and the Highlands

by Stephanie · Published January 12, 2022 · Updated December 23, 2023

Haliburton holds a special place in my heart! I’ve visited nearly every year since I was a baby. Spending summers at my grandparent’s cottage turned home then visiting them as an adult when they moved into town. It’s one of the best small towns in Ontario and a hidden gem! While you may not have the history I do with the area, I promise you that you’ll fall in love with it too! So, come explore the Haliburton Highlands and discover the best things to do in Haliburton Ontario!

Top 16 Things to do in Haliburton

Throughout Ontario, we have some of the best areas for cottage country in Canada! If you’re looking for an awesome alternative to popular destinations like Muskoka and the Kawartha Lakes then travel to the Haliburton Highlands! You’ll find a ton of fun things to do in Haliburton, especially for outdoor enthusiasts! However, there’s something for everyone’s interests including museums, galleries, and charming small towns nearby!

Haliburton Sculpture Forest

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. In clicking through and purchasing from these links you will not be charged anything extra but I will receive a small commission.

Sculpture Forest

It’s one of my favourite places in Haliburton and one of Ontario’s hidden gems ! The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is located just outside the village of Haliburton in Glebe Park. The park is home to a network of trails that are ideal for summer and fall hikes or cross-country skiing in the winter. It’s also home to the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, an open-air art museum!

Along the winding trails are over 40 unique sculptures. These incredible works of art were created by both Canadian and international artists. The best part? Each piece has a name and a story! You can pick up a brochure at the entrance gate to Glebe Park. With the brochure, you’ll find a self-guided tour of the sculptures and learn about each piece and the artist behind it.

Local Tip: Many flock to Algonquin Park to see the fall colours. Instead, avoid the crowds and add the Haliburton Sculpture Forest to your list of things to do in the fall !

Address: 297 College Drive in Haliburton

Fee: Free or donation

downtown Haliburton

Wander Downtown

You’ll find plenty to do and things to see in downtown Haliburton. Set in the scenic shores of Head Lake, Haliburton’s main street is Highland Street. Its main street crosses Highway 118 which is known as Maple Avenue through downtown.

The Village of Haliburton as the downtown is called was founded in 1864. Downtown you’ll find over 100 businesses selling everything from outdoor gear to antiques. There’s also a range of restaurants and cafes. If you’re looking to go shopping in Haliburton a few great shops to check out include Algonquin Outfitters, Up River Trading Company, and Mixtape Vintage. One of my favourites is Castle Antiques! This antique shop meets quirky café is the perfect spot for a coffee and pick up a cool find.

Haliburton is known for its thriving art community! Along with various arts festivals that are held in the park downtown you’ll also find a few great art galleries. One of which, Rails End Gallery, is even located in the old rail station.

Downtown is also where you’ll find a few of Haliburton’s festivals! Like Frost Festival that’s held the Saturday of the Family Day long weekend in February. As well as Colourfest that runs the first Saturday of October.

Skyline Park in Haliburton

Skyline Park

Perched high above the village sits Skyline Park. Just off of Highway 118, east of town you’ll find Skyline Park road. This winding road leads to Skyline Park. This lovely little park is home to picnic benches, a small paved parking lot, and one of the best views in Ontario!

If you’re looking for things to do in Haliburton in the fall be sure to visit Skyline Park. The views over the town and the surrounding area are absolutely breathtaking during the fall. I’d say it’s one of the best places to take in the fall colours in Ontario !

Address: End of Skyline Park Road

Price: Free

Abbey Gardens

Abbey Gardens

Another incredible place to visit in the Haliburton Highlands is Abbey Gardens ! John Patterson was inspired by places he visited like Butchart Gardens in B.C. and the Eden Project in the UK. Both of these places are world-renowned gardens that were once open-air mines. So, after he retired he sought to find a plot of land in the Haliburton Highlands where he hoped to create his own Ontario version. Abbey Gardens is just that!

He transformed an old gravel pit into an incredible destination that promotes sustainability, outdoor exploration, and is community-minded. Abbey Gardens is over 380 acres of awesomeness to explore year-round! It’s home to hiking trails, gardens, The Food Hub, and rare Ojibwe horses! They also run workshops and various events throughout the year. Plus, on site you’ll also find Haliburton Highlands Brewing, Into the Blue Bakery, and Haliburton County Coffee Roasters.

Travel Tip : Pack a cooler so you can pick up a bunch of great local goodies from the shop!

Address: 1012 Garden Gate Drive in Algonquin Highlands

Get Out on the Water

One of the top things to do in Haliburton in the summer is to get out on the water! Actually, even in the winter, it’s a popular place to be for ice fishing and snowmobilers. There are over 600 lakes in the area, many of which are beyond beautiful, which lends to a wealth of Halliburton outdoor activities!

With so many great lakes to explore, you’ll find many that are ideal for swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating. A couple of lovely beaches in the area to check out the summer for a dip are Rotary Head Lake Beach, Slipper Beach, and Bissett Beach. The cleanest lake in Haliburton is Lipsy Lake which is located just south of Kennisis Lake. Fun fact: the largest lake in the county is Kawagama Lake!

Another great spot to enjoy the water is Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve. It’s home to 100 lakes and many are ideal for swimming or paddling in the summer and ice fishing in the winter.

Haliburton Highlands Museum

Haliburton Highlands Museum

The Highlands are home to a wealth of history and plenty of great museums. If you’re looking for things to do in Haliburton when it rains, or any time for that matter, head to the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Found in 1967, the museum was set in the old Reid House that dates to 1882. After it grew too big for the old home it found a new location in Glebe Park.

A new museum was built within the park and houses a diverse range of pieces and exhibits connected to the Aboriginal peoples who called this land home as well as the first settlers and the lumbermen. Across two floors you’ll find some of the almost 20,000 artifacts that the museum houses.

The Reid House was also moved to Glebe Park and now showcases what a period home would look like in the late 19th century. You’ll also find a log barn, a small building housing a forge, and an 1870’s farmstead located on the property. For more information about the museum, hours of operation, and events you can visit their website here .

Address: 66 Museum Road, Haliburton

Price: Admission by Donation

Rails End Gallery

I’m no art aficionado but I do adore checking out local art galleries when I travel. While I’m not sure there are any Group of Seven locations in Haliburton, I can see similarities in art from the area. And whether you are looking for more things to do in town or love art then be sure to pop into the Rails End Gallery.

The Rails End Gallery is located in Head Lake Park in Haliburton’s old rail station. It’s both an art gallery and shop that showcases the works of over 50 local artists. Even if you aren’t interested in the art it’s worth a visit just to see the 1878 station with many of its original features.

During the summer you’ll find artists doing demonstrations out front on their patio. They also run family arts programs too! Plus, the gallery hosts a variety of annual events like the Haliburton Art and Craft Festival during the fourth weekend in July and the Haliburton DrumFest on Labour Day weekend.

Another lovely gallery in downtown Haliburton is the Ethel Curry Gallery. Here you’ll find art and handmade goods by both local and Canadian artists. The gallery showcases a wide array of pieces like paintings, pottery, textiles, and more.

Address: 23 York St, Haliburton

Head Lake Park

Smack dab in the middle of town, Head Lake Park is a must addition to your Haliburton Highlands itinerary. Head Lake Park is a scenic spot to enjoy all year round. Throughout the year you’ll even find various events taking place here. It’s home to the Farmer’s Market, Art in the Park that runs the third weekend in July, and Music in the Park, which is every Tuesday evening in July and August.

There are plenty of things to do in the park. The park is home to paved pathways to stroll, tennis courts, a playground, a beach volleyball court, and an outdoor skating rink in the winter. You’ll also find the visitors centre, Rails End Gallery, a water bottle refill station, washrooms, and free parking.

Local Tip: Don’t forget to visit the southern end of Head Lake! Here’s you’ll find the iconic Haliburton Village sign, a cute little stone bridge, as well as a jet and historic locomotive!

Address: 13 York Street, Haliburton

Circuit of 5 Viewpoints

Circuit of 5 Viewpoints

One of the best hiking trails in Haliburton is Circuit of 5 Viewpoints. This roughly 5 km loop trail is close to other Haliburton Highlands attractions like Hawk Lake Log Chute and Buttermilk Falls.

Circuit of 5 Viewpoints is one of the best Ontario fall hikes! Because, as you guessed, it offers multiple lookouts over expanses of forests. Plus, you can even see lakes and rivers in the distance!

The trail quickly ascends to take you up along one of the many ridges in the Highlands. You’re essentially hiking along the spine of the Canadian Shield. Along the trail you’ll hike under a canopy of various trees that include maple, cherry, and white pine. Be sure to mind your footing as you traverse rock and roots.

At each of the five unique viewpoints you’ll get a new glimpse of the area. One thing to note is that the first one is nearly hidden. It’s shortly after the trail evens out and offers a bench to take in the scenic view. But of all the views, I like the fourth one the best!

There’s a large parking lot at the trailhead, where you’ll also find a portable washroom.

Travel Tip : If you want to make a day of hiking, the trail also connects to Crests of Kennisis Trail that leads to the Historic Log Chute.

Address: 2029 Little Hawk Lake Rd, Algonquin Highlands, ON K0M 1J2

Haliburton County Rail Trail

As mentioned there is a ton of outdoor things to do in Haliburton and the area! If you’re looking for hiking trails you’ll find plenty of great ones. While many go to Algonquin Provincial Park, you don’t have to! Avoid the crowds and go hiking in the Haliburton Highlands.

My favourite hiking trail in Haliburton is the County Rail Trail. The trail runs 35 kilometres from Haliburton to Kinmount. You don’t have to hike it all in one go, though it can easily be done by bike in one day. Consider breaking it up into sections and you can even start right downtown along Head Lake as the trail runs right into town. If you’re in search of trails with beautiful scenery along the way, this is one! You’ll find winding rivers, heritage bridges, and even waterfalls! You can find a map of the trail and access points here .

If you’re looking for a different kind of trail, one that say gets you out on the water, then try the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails. These run along the historic Frost Centre and Poker Lakes canoe routes. So, grab your paddles or head to the Algonquin Highlands Trails Office where you can rent gear and test out the trails on the water! You can find more information on the water trails, access, and more here .

Hawk Lake Log Chute

Hawk Lake Log Chute

A must-visit attraction in Haliburton, that’s also a hidden gem in Ontario, is Hawk Lake Log Chute! Back in the late 1800s, you could find thousands of wooden chutes across Ontario. Sadly, there’s all gone. Except for Hawk Lake Log Chute!

On the site where the current Hawk Lake Log Chute is there’s been a log chute since 1861! These log chutes were instrumental in transporting logs in the old days. Thankfully, this one has been restored and is now also home to an interpretive pavilion and park.

The Log Chute Trail is a short 500 metre trail that leads to the Kennisis River. At the end you’ll find the historic log chute as well as pieces of the original. So, pack a lunch or grab take out from town and enjoy a visit back in time.

Address: 1584 Big Hawk Lake Road, Algonquin Highlands

trail at Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve

Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve

One of the top things to do in Haliburton is to visit the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve. Covering 100,000 acres, the reserve is home to 100 lakes, 400 kilometres of trails, and a host of adventures to be had. The wildlife reserve is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts all year long!

The area has seen many changes since the days when it was home to an enormous sawmill. After the Schleifenbaum family purchased the property in the 1940s things started to evolve. The Schleifenbaum family was instrumental in building the foundations for the sustainably managed forest it is today. Fun fact: the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve was the first sustainable forest in Canada.

The Haliburton Forest is filled with things to do! There are countless hiking and biking trails which many convert to snowshoeing and snowmobile trails in the winter. You’ll also find a range of accommodation; campsites, cabins, and more. They also run a variety of tours and have a logging museum as well as a large restaurant on site. Another fun activity on the reserve is the Canopy Tour! This tour is similar to treetop trekking tours throughout the province except it has the longest canopy boardwalk of its kind in the world!

The most popular attraction in the Haliburton Forest is the Wolf Centre!

For more information on things to do in the Forest as well as book tours and accommodation, you can visit their website here .

Address: 1095 Redkenn Road, Dysart et al

Price: Dependent on activity

Haliburton Wolf Centre - Uriel

Wolf Centre

A must Haliburton attraction is the Wolf Centre at the Haliburton Forest! This 5,000 square foot facility is home to a museum, theatre, gift shop, and an incredible wolf pack! There are two observation areas, both indoors, where you can view the wolf pack. And the best part is that the one-way glass provides little disturbance to the wolves. You can see them but they can’t see you.

There is something to note. You are not guaranteed to see the wolves. They have seven acres to call home and roam at their will. The wolves are not managed like typical zoo animals where they are brought indoors every night. They live and breathe outdoors and act much like a typical wolf pack. But another thing to know is that they are not wild in the true fashion. While they have a large area, just over seven acres, to roam, it is fenced.

There has been a wolf pack at the Haliburton Forest’s Wolf Centre since 1993. The eldest of the current pack, Luna is the alpha female and boy does she have a story. Be sure to ask the guides about her when you visit! The museum itself is small but showcases the history of wolves in cultures around the world. You’ll also learn about the evolution of wolf conservation as well as the other animals that share its forests.

For more information about the Wolf Centre, book tickets, and find out about special events like Evening Howls, check out their website here .

Address: 1305 Redkenn Rd, Dysart et al

Price: $13.28 per adult

Sir Sam’s Resort

One of the top places to go in Haliburton is also one of the best places to stay in the area! Sir Sam’s was the summer estate of Sir Sam Hughes, the WWI Canadian Minister of the Militia. Located on the scenic shores of Eagle Lake, Sir Sam’s is now an incredible destination for outdoor recreation in Ontario. It’s also home to the second-oldest family-owned ski hill in Ontario! The Bishop family has owned Sir Sam’s Ski and Ride for over 55 years!

Covering over 100 acres, the resort is home to an adult’s only inn, spa, restaurant, and a wealth of outdoor things to do. During the summer you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, and more. There are both indoor and outdoor swimming pools on-site as well as an incredible WaterSpa! You can also hike on-site, it’s only $5 per hiker if you’re not staying at the resort. If you’re interested in hiking be sure to check out their Sir Sam’s Historical Interpretive Hiking Trail. The trail is just over 4 kilometres in length and offers panoramic views over both Moose and Eagle Lakes.

If you’re looking for great Ontario winter getaways , the Sir Sam resort is one of the best places! The ski hill has 14 runs that cover 40 acres of awesome Canadian Shield. They also run a range of lessons, including kid’s camps and multi-week adult programs. It’s also on the Algonquin Park snowmobile tour route!

Address: 1491 Sir Sams’s Rd, Haliburton

Price: Dependent on activities

Haliburton Highlands Brewing

For those looking for fun things to do in Haliburton or a great brew then pop into Haliburton Highlands Brewing! The brewery is located on the grounds of Abbey Gardens and was founded in 2014. This award-winning micro-brewery produces handcrafted ales, like their celebrated Honey Brown Ale.

Much like Abbey Gardens, the Haliburton Highlands Brewery is dedicated to sustainable practices as well as using local ingredients. For instance, their Honey Brown Ale is made with locally sourced honey, and their Spruce Kveik is flavoured using spruce tips that are foraged locally! If you’re craving a light snack with your flight of beer you can indulge in a range of goodies! Their food options include Ontario’s finest cheeses, meats, and spreads as well as salad bowls and even Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream!

Fun times are bountiful at the brewery! They host a variety of fun events like bingo and trivia nights. However, if you’re looking for some good tunes then this is the place to be in Haliburton! Through July, August, and September, every Friday night and Sunday afternoon they have live music.

Looking for more breweries in the area? If you’re looking for things to do in Minden then pop into their brewery, Boshkung Social!

Address: 1067 Garden Gate Drive, Haliburton

Barnum Creek Nature Reserve

Barnum Creek Nature Reserve

A wonderful place to add to your list of Haliburton things to do is Barnum Creek Nature Reserve ! The reserve is located less than a ten-minute drive south of downtown. Covering over 500 acres, the Barnum Creek Reserve is home to a host of habitats. The area is home to a mature maple forest, grassland, marsh, and Barnum Creek.

The reserve is a great place to hike in the Haliburton Highlands. There are three main trails at Barnum Creek Nature Reserve. Heritage Hike is 5 kilometres and is relatively flat. The trail winds its way through fields, forests, and past wetlands. Plus, it is the one trail at the reserve that can be used by bicycles. The Waterfall Way trail is just under a kilometre. For a short but more challenging hike try the Ridge Trail. While only a kilometre long, the trail climbs to the top of the ridge with a steep incline.

If you’re planning to hike in Barnum Creek Nature Reserve I highly recommend booking a guided hike with Yours Outdoors ! They offer a ton of great outdoor adventures throughout the region, including guided hikes. Your knowledgeable guide will share all about the history and ecology of the area. You’ll notice and learn things you wouldn’t without a guide. It honestly makes for a better hiking experience!

Local Tips: The parking lot is not plowed in the winter. Plus, the area throughout the year can be very wet, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

Address: 118 Gould Crossing Road, Dysart et al

Price: Free to visit on your own but there is a charge for the guided hike

More Haliburton Things to do

You can spend days, weeks even, and still find so many incredible things to do in Haliburton! However, if you don’t get to everything on your first trip, don’t fret, plan another adventure to the Haliburton Highlands. If you’re’ looking for more Haliburton attractions add a few of the following to your itinerary.

dog sledding

Farmers Market – Every great small town has an equally great farmers’ market! The Haliburton Farmers Market is held every Tuesday during the hours of noon to 4:00 pm in Head Lake Park. You can stroll the lovely outdoor market from the middle of May through the beginning of October. The market is filled with stalls selling a range of goodies from local bakers, cheese makers, crafters, farmers, and more.

Winterdance Dogsled Tour – One of the most popular things to do in Haliburton in winter is taking a dog sled tour with Winterdance . Tours run on their over 2000 acres of incredible wilderness. They have 150 purebred Siberian Huskies to help guide you on a variety of tours. You can choose from a two-hour, half day, full day, moonlight, or multi-day dog sledding trip.

Golf – A popular activity in Haliburton in the summer months is golf! There are scores of golf courses in the Haliburton area. So, whether you’re already an avid golfer or looking for something new, consider adding a round of golf to your Haliburton things to do list! Some courses even offer clubs you can rent for the round! Here are a few of the top courses; Haliburton Highlands Golf Club, Pinestone Resort Golf Course, and Blairhampton Golf Club.

Stanhope Heritage Museum – If you’re looking to learn more about the Haliburton Highlands then head to the Stanhope Heritage Museum . The museum showcases the history of local pioneers and is home to artifacts, gardens, and over 140 years of records. Be sure to take a wander through their gardens that pay homage to pioneer life here during the late 1800s and early 1900s. There’s an herb garden, vegetable garden, and perennial garden. It’s also located on the grounds of the historic Hawk Lake Log Chute.

Castle Antiques Cafe

Where to Eat in Haliburton

Haliburton and the area is filled with great places to eat! If you’re looking for places to eat in Haliburton Village you’ll find an assortment, including traditional pub fare and Chinese food. For traditional pub fare and delicious meals head to McKeck’s Tap & Grill and Maple Avenue Tap & Grill. One of the best places for any meal is Kosy Corner. They’ve been serving home-cooked meals for over 80 years! If you’re craving tacos then try Poquito Loco, their patio has awesome views of Head Lake!

To satisfy your sweet tooth head to Cool Licks Ice Cream and The Little Tart! Considered to be home to the best butter tarts around, you’ll want to make sure you add The Little Tart to your Haliburton road trip! Or pop into Castle Café for one of their tasty treats!

There are a ton of other great restaurants in the Haliburton Highlands! One is Twin Fires at Sir Sam’s. This fine-dining restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus as well as an extensive wine cellar. Another popular spot is the Rhubarb Restaurant! Set on the shores of Mirror Lake, the Rhubarb Restaurant feature a menu of local seasonal food and Ontario wines. Plus, it’s home to an on-site microbrewery, Boshkung Brewing Co.

Where to Stay in Haliburton

Depending on where you want to base yourself, there is an assortment of places to stay in Haliburton and throughout the area. You’ll find everything from luxury resorts to charming inns.

Sir Sams Inn and Spa

Sir Sam’s Inn and Spa – As mentioned, Sir Sam’s is one of the top attractions in Haliburton. Plus, Sir Sam’s Inn and Spa is one of the top accommodations too! This adults-only luxury resort offers a wealth of things to do on-site as well as stunning rooms. There’s a range of accommodation options to choose from including cozy rooms with views over Eagle Lake and private cottages. Rooms are spacious and modern with all the best amenities like balconies, spa tubs, and a wood-burning fireplace.

Pinestone Resort – Whether you’re looking to add golfing to your visit or not, Pinestone Resort is a solid option. The resort is a ten-minute drive into downtown Haliburton. The resort is set on 160 acres and features a championship-level golf course, a restaurant, and a spa. You can choose from rooms or chalets. Rooms are cozy and have pillow-top mattresses, as well as either a balcony or patio. The chalets have living rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and some even have views of the lake.

Bonnie View Inn – A popular inn, since 1924, is the Bonnie View Inn . This family-run inn has 28 rooms, lakeside dining, and a 300 foot stretch of beach on the shores of Lake Kashagawigamog. The inn is a ten-minute drive to downtown Haliburton is great for couples and families alike. There are both hotel rooms as well as chalets available.

Lakeview Motel – Another lovely place to stay in Haliburton is the Lakeview Motel . The motel is only a five-minute drive from downtown and is also connected to the Haliburton Nordic Trail System. There’s also an outdoor pool. Rooms range from king to deluxe family suites and are spacious.

Frequently Asked Questions about Haliburton

If you’re planning a road trip you may have a few questions about visiting Haliburton. Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions about visiting including when to visit, what it’s known for, and where it is.

Haliburton Highlands road trip

What is it Known For? – Haliburton is a top outdoor adventure destination in Ontario. The Haliburton Highlands are known for the over 500 lakes in the area as well as being home to one of the highest points on the Canadian Shield. Another interesting fact is that Haliburton Highlands is home to Canada’s largest hiking festival, Hike Haliburton, which takes place every September!

Where is Haliburton? – Haliburton is located roughly 2.5 hours north of Toronto and 3.5 hours west of Ottawa. Algonquin Provincial Park runs along the county border to the north and Kawartha Lakes to the south. You can take Highway 118 east of Highway 11 as runs right through the middle of downtown Haliburton.

When is the Best Time to Visit? – Every season is a good time to visit Haliburton. There’s something to do throughout the year, it all depends on your interests. The most popular time of year to visit Haliburton is during the summer. However, I think the best time to plan a trip is in the fall when the leaves are at the peak colour change.

What to do in Haliburton? – There is a ton of things to do in Haliburton. A few of the top attractions include the Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve, the Wolf Centre, Sir Sam’s, Hawk Lake Log Chute, Head Lake Park, Rails End Gallery, Sculpture Forest, the Village of Haliburton, and Abbey Gardens.

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Things to do in Haliburton

Tags: Haliburton Ontario travel

I'm a Canadian gal with a passion for travel, the great outdoors as well as coffee and books. I hope to inspire others to feel the same way! Traveling mostly solo, I love to explore my own backyard of Ontario as well as exotic cities around the world.

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4 Responses

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Haliburton looks like an amazing place to visit. I think I’d love to do the dog sled tour and see the Wolf Center.

Haliburton is an amazing place to visit and return to again and again! Great choices for things to do!

I would love to see the open air sculpture garden. It sounds amazing.

It really is one of my ALL Time favourite places, especially in the fall!

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haliburton highlands tourism

OWL Rafting | Destination Ontario

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley, also called “Ontario's Highlands”, encompasses six unique counties, each with surprising adventures and hidden gems to ignite your wanderlust.

This region was made for exploring. Embrace the open road by motorcycle or car, embark on an RV adventure or navigate pristine waterways by houseboat, kayak or canoe.

Experience the natural beauty and artistic spirit in Haliburton, the geological marvels in Hastings, dark sky viewing in Lennox and Addington, vast wilderness in Frontenac, sweet maple syrup treats in Lanark and whitewater adventure in the Ottawa Valley.

Map of Haliburton Highlands to Ottawa Valley

Where is Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley?

This predominantly rural region stretches from Haliburton across the south edge of Algonquin Provincial Park, east to the Ottawa Valley, and down to just below Highway 7, otherwise known as “The King’s Highway”. Key cities in the area include Haliburton, Bancroft, Pembroke and Almonte. 

While this region is best explored by car, many of the waterways can be toured by boat , and some regional bus tours are also available.

Things to do in Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Paddle the rapids.

Travel through Canada’s “Whitewater capital” on an Ottawa River rafting excursion or paddle down the many river routes in the area. Lessons, rentals and stays are available.

Go for a cruise

Slow down and discover the natural beauty of the region’s waterways. Rent a houseboat and explore the Rideau Heritage Route ’s 1,091 kilometres of shoreline.

Explore ancient wonders

Hike into Bon Echo Provincial Park and discover over 260 ancient Indigenous pictographs on the side of Mazinaw Rock or explore the 500-million year old Bonnechere Caves in Eganville.

Spend a night stargazing

From the Dark Sky Viewing Area of Lennox and Addington to the Haliburton Forest Observatory , stargazers will find numerous spots to view the night skies.

Hit the slopes and trails

Embrace winter by hitting the slopes at an Ottawa Valley resort, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on the Haliburton Highlands Nordic trails or renting a snowmobile in Bancroft.

Explore Ontario’s Maple Capital

Follow the Maple Trail and satisfy your sweet tooth with some Lanark County maple syrup. Plus, find all sorts of maple-infused products like maple beer, moonshine and beauty items. 

Social Media links

For more trip ideas, visit the region’s tourism website and social media channels.

Cities and towns in Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Discover cities, towns and other destinations within this region.

Two kayakers paddling on a calm waterway.

Lennox and Addington North

Aerial view of a car on a country road surrounded by trees in full fall colours

Frontenac County North

Big white clouds above a colourful forest

Lanark County

Spring Lake

Hastings County

Points of interest in haliburton highlands to the ottawa valley.

Add these highlights to your next visit to the region.

Wilderness Tours

people in a raft navigating whitewater in a raging river

Pine Brae Wilderness Escape

An aerial view of a building beside a river

North Lanark Highland Games

a group of men playing bagpipes in a parade

Silver Springs Cottages Inc.

A small house near the shores of a lake

Anupaya Cabin Co.

Two cabins on a sandy beach

River Run Campground and RV Park

A tent and a picnic table on a campsite

Perth Brewery

A woman presents a row of unique small batch craft beer cans

Spectacle Lake Lodge at Barry's Bay

A row of snowmobiles parked in front of buildings

Lennox and Addington forest trails

A mountain biker on a forest path surrounded by tall trees.

Whitewater Brewing Co.

A glass of beer with foam, beside a can of beer

Square Timber Brewing Co.

Six different beers cans standing all in a row sitting on a small table

Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve

The haunting gaze of a wolf in the wild

Calabogie Brewing Co.

A sweating glass of pale ale on a ledge with autumn colours in the background

McDougall Mill Museum

Angle view of old gray brick building with portico at front entrance and tulip garden along front wall

Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area

Public telescope facing background woods overwhelmed by dark sky with hundreds of brilliant parallel circular star paths

Sharbot Lake Country Inn

The front of a yellow kayak paddling in a picturesque lake

North Frontenac Astronomy Park

A dramatic show of stars illuminates the dark sky over a rural farm scene

Perth Heritage Buildings

A canal lined with black metal fencing that runs through Perth, in the distance is stone arched bridge. There are two stone buildings to the right hand side, one of which has a patio that hangs over the side of the canal.

Winterdance Dogsled Tours

A team of dogs hauls a sled through the snow

OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River

A group navigates their raft through whitewater rapids

Madawaska Kanu Centre

A solo canoeist navigates whitewater rapids

Bonnechere Caves

Person exploring a dark lamplit-cave at Bonnechere

Bon Echo Provincial Park

A couple canoes under a rock cliff on the lake at Bon Echo

Highland Wilderness Tours

Explorer's eco emporium 41, rose hill nature reserve, the cloyne pioneer museum and archives, valley back forty artisan cheese, pembroke heritage murals, nha/nhl birthplace museum, the canadian clock museum, garrison petawawa military museum, pine point beach deep river, whitetail golf club, renfrew golf club, mountain creek golf course, sand point lighthouse, madawaska valley studio tour, mill of kintail conservation area, mount pakenham, mapleside sugar bush, maclaren orchards, calabogie rustic farm, calabogie peaks resort, fulton’s pancake house, sir sam’s inn & spa, ogopogo resort, yours outdoors, black river retreat, stirling festival theatre, grail springs retreat.

Last updated:  January 2, 2024

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Haliburton Highlands

haliburton highlands tourism

  • 1.1 Visitor information
  • 2.2 By plane
  • 3 Get around

Haliburton Highlands , also known as Haliburton County, is a municipality of about 21,000 people (2021) in Central Ontario . It offers more than 600 pristine lakes, and thousands of hectares of virgin forest and wilderness on one of the highest parts of the Canadian Shield. The county includes Algonquin Provincial Park's "panhandle" in its north east corner.

Understand [ edit ]

haliburton highlands tourism

The Highlands are only a few hours from centres such as Ottawa , Toronto , and Barrie , yet the area has preserved its natural and wild setting. Nestled between the increasingly developed and expensive Muskoka Region and the unspoilt and vast Algonquin Provincial Park , the Haliburton Highlands are a great place for a relaxed, cultured, and beautiful vacation amongst the peaks and lakes.

As a large rural county, Haliburton is made up of a number of smaller towns and communities. Place names, directions, and everyday conversations with locals may refer to the old townships, villages, lakes or rivers:

  • The village of 45.047 -78.509 1 Haliburton is the primary community in the United Townships of Dysart et al , on Head Lake and the Drag River. Note that Haliburton Lake is some distance away, near the tiny community of Fort Irwin. The town is roughly in the center of the county, on Highway 118.
  • The town of 44.925444 -78.72493 2 Minden is in the township of Minden Hills , on the Gull River and Highway 35. It is also known for being the county seat for the entire Haliburton County. Visitors will pass Minden arriving from the Kawarthas .
  • At the County's far north west corner 45.367826 -78.921146 4 Oxtongue Lake is cut off from the provincial highways in the rest of the county. Instead, it's on Highway 60 which connects Huntsville with Algonquin Park. It's the last settlement on the highway before entering Algonquin Park, but it's mostly known as a hub for cottage rentals.

Its economy is dominated by tourism. The ratio of properties occupied in the summer months to properties occupied year-round is about 3 to 1. Employment primarily caters to the needs of this seasonal cottage country population, including residential construction, resorts, services and retail.

It was named after Thomas Chandler Haliburton, author, statesman, and the first chairman of the Canadian Land and Emigration Company.

Visitor information [ edit ]

  • Haliburton Highlands Tourism
  • Destination Ontario: Haliburton Highlands
  • 45.04635 -78.51123 1 Haliburton Welcome Centre , 7 York St ( Haliburton Village ), ☏ +1 705-457-2871 . Jun-Sep 10AM-5PM, Oct-May 10AM-4PM . ( updated Mar 2023 )

Get in [ edit ]

Map

By car [ edit ]

Most people enter Haliburton by car. While Haliburton residents have refined countless personal routes into the County, most visitors stick to the main highways. However, traffic congestion on weekends from May to August can try anyone's patience, and visitors should "be inventive" when planning their trip.

  • From the south: Provincial Highways 35 from Toronto and 28 from Peterborough are the two main arteries from Southern Ontario
  • From the west: Provincial Highway 118 from Bracebridge
  • From the north: Algonquin Park's southern boundary obstructs direct road access from the north, and most visitors entering the County from this direction take the eastern or western routes.
  • From the east: Provincial Highway 28 is the most common route from Ottawa and Eastern Ontario

By plane [ edit ]

  • The Haliburton Highlands have more than 600 freshwater lakes, many of which are suitable for pontoon plane landings and take-offs
  • There is also the centrally located Haliburton/Stanhope Municipal Airport for general aviation; there are no scheduled services.

Get around [ edit ]

haliburton highlands tourism

At its widest and tallest, Haliburton County is about 70 km (43 mi) by 70 km, and the distance from Cardiff in the south east to Oxtongue Lake in the north west is about 130 km (81 mi). Having access to a car lets you experience the variety of wilderness that the county is known for.

Although the highways are only two-lanes wide (one in each direction) and twisty due to the rocky, swampy landscape, navigating the county is fairly simple if you know the few key routes. Highway 35 runs generally north-south, entering the county in the south near Kinmount, passing through Minden Village, Carnarvon, St. Nora Lake, and Dorset, before leaving the county in the north, toward Dwight and Highway 60. Highway 118 runs generally east-west, entering the county in the east at Paudash, near Bancroft. It passes through Cardiff, Haliburton, Stanhope, Carnarvon, and Big East Lake, continuing west out of the county to Bracebridge.

Highway 60 passes through the county from Dwight to the west gate of Algonquin Park, serving Oxtongue Lake along the way. County Road 21 links the villages of Minden and Haliburton.

If you've arrived without a car, taxi services are available in Minden and Haliburton Villages. Car rental is available only in Haliburton.

By ATV or snowmobile (with the appropriate permit, as conditions allow), the Haliburton Rail Trail can take you about 35 km (22 mi) from Kinmount to Haliburton. Sturdy bicycles can also use the rail trail, as well as a network of other roadways, gravel pathways or service roads, but riders should be aware of rough surfaces, steep hills, and highway traffic.

See [ edit ]

  • 44.92966 -78.7276 1 Agnes Jamieson Gallery , 176 Bobcaygeon Rd ( Minden Village ). Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM . Minden's public art gallery, featuring works by local artists. By donation . ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.05477 -78.522 2 Haliburton Highlands Museum , 66 Museum Rd ( Haliburton Village ). Summer: Tu-Su & holiday Mondays 10AM-5PM; spring & fall: Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM; winter Sa Su 10AM-5PM . The main museum and its galleries are wheelchair accessible. Accessible washrooms are available on the second floor. by donation . ( updated Aug 2018 )

haliburton highlands tourism

  • 45.01828 -78.53672 3 Haliburton Highlands Outdoor Association Fish Hatchery , 6712 Country Rd 1 (Gelert Rd) ( Near Haliburton Village ), ☏ +1 705-457-9664 . Tu Th 10AM-2PM . Haliburton Gold Lake Trout is a genetically unique species of fish only found in some of the lakes of the Haliburton Highlands, descending from a trout population that became isolated from other trout when glaciers retreated thousands of years ago. Volunteers at the hatchery raise tens of thousands of fish for 18 months before releasing them into local lakes in support of the local fishing industry. The hatchery runs tours on some Saturdays, and holds other events throughout the year. ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 44.93009 -78.72686 5 Minden Hills Museum and Heritage Village , 176 Bobcaygeon Rd ( Minden Village ). May-Oct Tu-Sa, 10AM-4PM . 6 historic buildings preserved from throughout the region demonstrate what life was like in the late 1800s, including a school house, log cabin, and bank. By donation . ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.1317 -78.7231 6 Circuit of Five View Points ( Algonquin Highlands ). A 5 km (3.1 mi) look over mixed terrain, providing several (but fewer than 5) different viewpoints. ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.14257 -78.74256 7 Crests of Kennisis ( Algonquin Highlands ). A 6 km (3.7 mi) hiking trail with cliff-top views ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.0783 -78.7064 8 James Cooper Lookout , 1242 North Shore Rd ( Near Carnarvon ). Accessed by a gentle slope, or a quick, steep hike. ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 44.92721 -78.71387 9 Panorama Park , 1090 Panorama Park Rd ( Minden Village ). Picnic site and lookout above the town of Minden, accessible by car. ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.0434 -78.5028 10 Skyline Park ( Haliburton Village ). A small park overlooking Haliburton and Head Lake. Accessible by car. ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.07569 -78.71196 11 Stanhope Heritage Museum, Log Chute and Lookout , 1123 North Shore Rd, Carnarvon ( Hwy 35 (Algonquin Highlands) ). Mid-Jun to Sep: W-Sa 11AM-2PM; Sep to Jun, Sa 11AM-2PM . Specializes in local pioneer history and is home to the historic Hawk Lake Log Chute. Hawk Lake Log Chute is the only remaining log chute of its kind in Ontario. The log chute has been painstakingly repaired and reconstructed. There is an expansive view of Maple, Beech, Boshkung, and 12 Mile Lake from the Stanhope Lookout, beside the Stanhope museum. By donation . ( updated Aug 2018 )
  • 45.09471 -78.74499 12 Buttermilk Falls ( North of Carnarvon, Algonquin Highlands ). ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 44.92855 -78.5947 13 Ritchie Falls . ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • The mysterious Harburn Wells , deep shafts in the Canadian shield developed during the last ice age.

Do [ edit ]

haliburton highlands tourism

  • 45.252987 -78.893852 1 Dorset Lookout Tower , 1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Rd ( located off Hwy. 35, just north of the village of Dorset ). Late May to mid-Oct: daily 9AM-6PM, and F-Su through to mid-Nov depending on the weather for fall colours viewing . Viewing platform 142 m (466 ft)) above Lake of Bays. Facilities include picnic sites, restrooms, a tourist information kiosk, a gift shop and a hiking trail. Car $7-9, camper/RV $20-25 . ( updated Aug 2018 )
  • Yours Outdoors . Provides guided wilderness tours to see wildlife, plants, or to demonstrate other activities in the forest, such as climbing, stargazing, or fire building. Also operates the canopy tour in the forest, 500 m (1,600 ft) long tree-top boardwalk, up to 20 m (66 ft) off the ground. ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.15874 -78.84495 3 Frost Centre Area . The larger area, with 171 campsites accessed from the water, and 11 choices of access point. A small number of sites are accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles. ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.0378 -78.9306 4 Poker Lake Area . Offers fewer campsites, but a quieter and more private experience one you've paddled away from the access point- some lakes and bays have only one campsite. Base camping is popular on Big East Lake. ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.0551 -78.5236 5 Glebe Park : 13 km of classic & skate trails. 1.5-km lit loop for night skiing. intermediate to difficult. In the Village of Haliburton on Fleming College Drive.
  • 45.0979 -78.5504 6 Moosewoods : 13 km of classic & skate trails – easy to intermediate through picturesque forest terrain – large warming hut – on County Road #14 on the way to Eagle Lake.
  • 45.00269 -78.70733 7 Twin Lakes : 5 km of classic & skate trails – easy to intermediate – dog friendly. 4.25 km of snowshoe trails. 12 Mile Lake Road at Taylor Lake Rd off of Hwy #35, 5 km south of Carnarvon, 5 km north of Minden.
  • YMCA Camp Wanakita: 16 km of intermediate, classic-only skiing.
  • Haliburton Rail Trail . 36 km multi-use trail for bicycling, walking, snowmobiling between Kinmount and Haliburton. Trail surface: Gravel and cinders. Washrooms at 44.9809 -78.53124 8 Donald and 44.7833 -78.6528 9 Kinmount . Ritchie Falls is midway along the trail, along with a long trestle bridge appreciated by railway heritage enthusiasts. Only snowmobiling is allowed Dec-Mar (with a permit). ( updated Aug 2018 )

haliburton highlands tourism

Buy [ edit ]

  • 45.24542 -78.89416 1 Robinson's General Store ( Dorset General Store ), 1061 Main St, Dorset ( by the bridge on Main St ), ☏ +1 705-766-2415 . Open daily. Hours vary by season . Includes a Home Hardware, Foodland Supermarket, the Drygoods gift shop, and the Red Onion boutique. The footwear section specializes in moccasins.  

Eat [ edit ]

haliburton highlands tourism

  • 45.04558 -78.51093 1 Kozy Korner Restaurant ( Kozy's ), 166 Highland St ( Haliburton ), ☏ +1 705 457-2810 . M-Sa 8AM-3PM, Su 7AM-3PM . Since 1935. Good food at good prices. Sandwiches $13.50-15.50, mains $13-34 . ( updated Aug 2018 )
  • 45.04867 -78.6983 2 Mill Pond Restaurant , 15526 Hwy 35 ( Carnarvon, Hwy 35, just north of Hwy 118 ), ☏ +1 705-489-3353 . W Th 8AM-3PM, F Sa Su 8AM-7PM . Known for their Mill burger and prime rib, homemade pies and tarts and breakfasts served late. Sandwiches from $5, Lunch from $12, Dinner from $18 . ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.243 -78.8916 3 Pizza on Earth , 1009 Clan McKay Dr ( south of Dorset, about 40 km east of Huntsville ), ☏ +1 705-349-8827 . Summer: 11AM-8PM daily, May to September . An authentic thin crust Italian pizza baked in a traditional wood-fired brick oven while you watch. One can eat in a small, but beautiful garden. Seasonal. $15-19 (14", 8 slice takeaway pizza) .  
  • 45.04687 -78.69688 4 Rhubarb , 9201 Highway 118, ( Carnarvon ), ☏ +1 705-489-4449 . W-Su noon-8PM (dine-in after 5PM) . Upscale casual dining in cottage country on the shores of Mirror Lake. Boshkung Brewing onsite. Mains from $22 . ( updated Aug 2018 )
  • 44.98163 -78.53194 5 The Little Tart , 1035 Koshlong Lake Rd ( Donald, 8 km south of Haliburton ). Apr-May Sep-Oct: F Sa Su 10AM-4PM, Jun-Aug: W-Su 10AM-4PM (or until sold out) . A tiny pastry shop in the town of Donald offering baked goods from "Ooey Gooey Butter Tarts" to Thanksgiving pumpkin pies. All of the baking is by hand, from scratch, on site. ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 44.91257 -78.63329 6 Wintergreen Maple Syrup and Pancake Barn , 3325 Gelert Rd ( Minden Hills ), ☏ +1-705-286-3202 . March and April: Sa Su 9AM-4PM; M-F by phone appointment . A timber-framed barn selling foods and preserves produced on site. View the maple syrup operation through the glass wall of the La Sucrerie Restaurant which has a French Canadian menu inside a restored timber-framed barn. Offers tours of the sugar bush, and taffy-on-snow. Opens for various other weekends throughout the year for seasonal products and BBQs. ( updated Mar 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

haliburton highlands tourism

  • 44.9269 -78.72339 2 Boshkung Social , 20 Water St ( Downtown Minden ), ☏ +1 705-286-2711 . Tu-Th noon-7PM, F Sa noon-8PM, Su noon-5PM . They also operate a pub with a large patio. ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.04634 -78.50926 3 McKeck's Tap & Grill , 207 Highlands St ( Haliburton ), ☏ +1 705-457-3443 . Su 11:30AM-3PM, M-Th 11:30AM- 7:30PM, F Sa 11:30AM- 9PM . Nine draught taps, featuring local craft beer, an ample selection of wines and spirits, plus fresh-ingredient cocktails. Sandwiches and burgers $16-19, mains $22-26 . ( updated Aug 2018 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Many cottages , cabins, and small resorts are found throughout the county; some are right along the Highway 35 and 118 corridors, others are tucked further away from the beaten path on quiet old roads, closer to a lake or river. Oxtongue Lake is a popular spot for cottages, close to Highway 35, Algonquin Park, and towns in Muskoka. There are also a few small hotels/motels in the towns of Minden and Haliburton, for visitors who prefer having a few 'main street' amenities in walking distance.

  • 44.92518 -78.72491 1 Dominion Hotel , 113 Main St ( Minden ), ☏ +1 705-286-6954 . Small hotel with a few rooms above a bar and restaurant. Free Wi-Fi. ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.2596 -78.8871 2 Firehouse Lodge , 1019 Nordic Inn Rd ( Dorset ), ☏ +1 416-871-0758 , [email protected] . Lodge with 10 rooms on a large property with recreation and BBQ areas. ( updated Mar 2023 )
  • 45.0441 -78.545 3 Lakeview Motel , 4951 County Rd 21 ( Haliburton ), toll-free: +1-866-385-9347 . 14 guest rooms. Licensed dining room. Free wireless internet. Direct access to trails. Heated outdoor pool & hot tubs. Outdoor patio space & BBQs. Horseshoe pits. From $180 . ( updated Aug 2018 )
  • 45.0194 -78.57 4 Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre , 4252 County Rd 21 , ☏ +1 705-457-1800 . 101 rooms, suites, villas and chalets; the Wind in the Willows Spa, and 18 holes of championship-level golf at Pinestone Golf Course. From $125 . ( updated Aug 2018 )
  • 45.0469 -78.5108 5 Silver Maple Motel , 48 Highland St ( Dysart et al ), ☏ +1 705-457-2607 . Air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, some rooms with lake views. ( updated Mar 2023 )

Connect [ edit ]

The Haliburton County Public Library provides free public Wi-Fi and computer access at 7 branches, including in Cardiff, Haliburton village, Minden, and Stanhope. Wi-Fi signal is typically available outside the buildings after hours.

Go next [ edit ]

  • Kawarthas - A cottage country region that includes several towns along the Trent-Severn Waterway , including Peterborough , Bobcaygeon , and Fenelon Falls .
  • Muskoka - Known as a somewhat busier cottage destination. Huntsville is in the north part of the region, west of Oxtongue Lake. Bracebridge is at the end Highway 118 further south, with waterfalls and a unique popular theme park. Lake of Bays is a community centered around one of Muskoka's larger lakes, near Dorset.
  • Bancroft - the "mineral capital of Canada", east of Cardiff in the Ottawa Valley

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Things to do in Haliburton – A Four Seasons Ontario Escape

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 19, 2024

Haliburton, Ontario is an outdoor lover’s dream. It’s Ontario’s cottage country and city dwellers flock to the many lakes and rivers for their weekend escapes. But Ontario cottage country is huge and it can be confusing to know where to plan a trip. But never fear, The Planet D is here!

Haliburton is located in the Muskoka region of Ontario which also consists of Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough County. With an area of 4072 square km, Haliburton County (aka Haliburton Highlands) is bordered by Alquonquin Park , Kawartha Lakes, Huntsville, and Peterborough.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Haliburton Ontario

The Haliburton Highlands are a little slice of paradise 2.5 hours from Toronto and 3.5 hours from Ottawa. Haliburton is the perfect getaway for families, couples and friends looking for a city escape in any season. So, are you ready to see all the things to do in Haliburton? Let’s go!

After years of regularly traveling to Northern Ontario we have spent many a season enjoy all the things to do in the Haliburton Highlands. Ontario getaway ! This four-season destination has something for everyone! Be it the mirror lakes of summer, fall colors of winter, or adventures to suit any type of traveler, there is always a good time to go to Haliburton.

Winterdance Dogsledding

Winterdance has turned into a four-season business with new backcountry cottages opening soon! Known for their dog sledding experience in Haliburton, Winterdance has now branched into backcountry horseback riding.

Tanya McCready & Hank DeBruin are legends in the dogsledding world. Hank and his all-Siberian husky team have competed in both the Yukon Quest and Iditarod. Check out their website for details.

Read more about our time at Winterdance

  • The Misconceptions of Dogsledding
  • Dogsledding Ontario – Your Ticket to Adventure in Canada

Off the Grid with Winterdance Log Cabins

Dogsledding with the happy huskies of Winterdance is an experience you’ll never forget and you can now visit year round! Winterdance has added four log cabins onto their 2000-acre property in the Haliburton Highlands where visitors are able to completely unplug, go horseback riding (coming soon) and hiking into the Canadian wilderness .

They have canoes on a private lake and will be offering guided hiking and riding tours. Check out their website for details.

Hank, Tanya, and their family love the outdoors, the forest, and their dogs. When we visited them during winter, you could see how much the dogs love their lives. Plus, I was thrilled to hear that their 2000 acres are a sanctuary for wildlife.

They allow no hunting on the property and bears, moose and even porcupines roam through the property. It is their very own wildlife reserve in the middle of the forest.

To celebrate their grand opening, Winterdance is offering a $100 discount/couple for their Grand Opening Special to the first 10 reservations of  from now through Labour Day weekend. Click the here to find out more:  

Wolf Centre at Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve

One of our favorite things to do in Haliburton is to visit the Haliburton Wolf Centre in Haliburton Forest. This Grey Wolf Sanctuary sits within 100,000 acres of protected hardwood forest at The Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve. When you visit, you’ll be able to witness wolves in their natural habitat.

A pack of grey wolves lives in a huge enclosure where they roam the land. Visitors can watch the wolves bask in the sun or play in their pack from behind a glass enclosure. There is no interaction with the wolves, you are simply there to observe. Read more: The Grey Wolf Sanctuary of Haliburton Forest

Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve

While you are visiting the Haliburton Wolf Centre and Wildlife Reserve, you really must explore Haliburton Forest as well. With 100 lakes to explore, it is a paddler’s paradise.

It is a year-round retreat that is perfect for Dogsledding, and Snowmobiling, in the winter and Canopy Tours, Camping, hiking, and paddling in the summer. Haliburton Forest has 400 km of hiking trails, so you can explore an entire summer!

Exploring your own backyard? Check out more Ontario destinations

  • The Best Things to do in Tobermory, Ontario
  • The Best Things to do in Hamilton, Ontario
  • 27 Things to do in Paris Ontario – A Local’s Guide
  • Things to do in Blue Mountain and Collingwood

Other Galleries in Haliburton to Check out are:

  • Ethel Curry Gallery: Original Canadian art produced by Ontario artists who have been inspired by the Haliburton Highlands of Ontario.
  • Rails End Gallery and Art Center : contemporary Canadian art, craft and music by regional Artists

Sir Sams Inn Water spa

Sir Sams is located on Eagle Lake and is the perfect retreat for couples. This historic piece of property offers plenty of outdoor activities in summer and winter. We are including this as our “pampering moment” in Haliburton. Start off with a massage followed by time going through the water cycle in their magnificent water spa .

Sir Sams has a beautiful spa but it is located directly on Eagle Lake. After enjoying time being pampered, is then time to head out to the Muskoka Chairs on Eagle Lake to watch the glorious sunset or to go for a walk.

Then finish off the evening at their elegant Twin Fires dining area. Make sure to take the spiral staircase down to the wine cellar to choose the perfect bottle of wine to accompany your dinner. Check out Rates and Availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com

Sir Sams Ski, Ride and Outdoor Recreation

As we said, Sir Sams is a four-season retreat and even though it is a romantic getaway for couples there is plenty of outdoor adventures to be had. In the winter we went snowshoeing on Eagle Lake and Snowmobiling on the trails all around Haliburton.

Sir Sams has a ski hill for winter and you can also go mountain biking in the summertime. Being situated on Eagle Lake, they also have kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and motorboats to make the most of your stay. Read more: Romantic Getaways in Ontario, Canada

Snow Shoeing

As we said, Haliburton is a four season vacation destination and when you visit in the winter, it has incredible trails to go snowshoeing. When it is grey and damp in Toronto, you can count on sunshine and snow in Haliburton. You can book guided snowshoe hikes or bring your own. Check out Deep Roots Adventure for more details.

Photography Workshop with Rob Stimpson

The Haliburton Highlands is one of the best places in Ontario for photography. Rob Stimpson offers photography workshops in the area and you can book one with him to explore the diverse landscape of Haliburton County.

We took a photography tour with him through Algonquin Park and he is a fun person to search for wildlife with! Check out his workshops all around Huntsville, Algonquin Park, and the Haliburton Highlands here.

Snowmobiling is as Canadian as maple syrup and hitting the trails is one of our favorite pastimes in the winter. We’ve rented snowmobiles to explore Haliburton Forest. This area connects 1600 kms of OFSC trails with loops that you can explore including the Muskoka Magic Loop, Lake of Bays Watch, and the Round Algonquin Park Tour.

Haliburton Highlands and Muskoka really do have some of the best snowmobiling trails with easy rental options.  You can rent snowmobiles from Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve LTD here

Haliburton Highlands Museum

Ontario has a rich history starting with the First Nations . The museum itself is located on Mississauga Anishinaabe traditional lands who have always used the Haliburton Highlands as a gathering place. It has been their land for thousands of years that is rich and fertile for growing food, hunting, and fishing.

When traveling anywhere in Canada, we honor the indigenous communities. This museum has exhibits relating to indigenous people who were followed by lumbermen and other early settlers. See more information here.

Haliburton Sculpture Forest

We do love how Ontario embraces art in both the indoors and outdoors. One of the more unique things to do in Haliburton is to visit the Haliburton Sculpture Forest. Located not too far from the Haliburton Highlands Museum, the Sculpture Forest houses 36 sculptures in Gleb Park.

There are free walks every Tuesday and Wednesday in July and August and visitors can walk, take their dogs along the hiking trails or bike through the forest in the summertime plus snowshoe or cross country ski in the winter. This park also houses the Haliburton Highlands Museum and the Haliburton School of Art and Design. See more information here.

Hawks Log Chute

The logging industry was huge back in the day in the Haliburton Highlands and Haliburton Forest. Even while hiking on the Winterdance property we saw remnants from the logging day s. The only remaining log chute in Ontario from this time is Hawks Log Chute.

Dating back to 1861 The Hawk Lake Log Chute is a Historic Site that pays tribute to the men who worked hard to help build this land. It is a designated historical site and was fully restored in 2005. See the Stanhope Museum for details here.

Stanhope Museum

The Stanhope museum houses artifacts from the early pioneering days. This museum runs the historic Hawk Lake Log Chute as well. It depicts the hardships and struggles early settlers faced working on this heavily forested land.

As Hank of Winterdance told us, “when loggers worked in the wintertime if they weren’t stripped down to their shirts at 30 below, they were fired because they clearly weren’t working hard enough.” Life was tough in the 1800s. See details here.

Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls is another place to see heritage and logging history. Its river was used by the logging industry in the 1800s where a wooden chute (which is now a concrete chute) was constructed to connect parts of the falls and river together to move logs from the forest to the mill from Halls Lake to Boshkung Lake.

There are hiking trails along the river with a wheelchair-accessible trail to see it from above. Check out Ontario Hiking Trails for more information.

Paddling the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, Haliburton was made for paddling. We are spoiled and have done a lot of paddling with friends and tourism boards around Haliburton, but if you are heading up on your own and don’t have gear, never fear, there are outfitters that can set you up with what you need.

Algonquin Outfitters offers canoe trips and rentals of canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and even camping and snowshoe gear. Head into the shop located in several locations from Algonquin to Haliburton Highlands, Bracebridge, Huntsville, and more. You can book guided tours ranging from day trips to overnight adventures. With hundreds of lakes to explore, Haliburton is a place that you must get out on the water.

There are places to rent paddleboards in Haliburton but if you have your own, it is easy to get on the gentle lakes in the region. The lakes here are perfect for paddle boarding as they are not too large that you’ll be swept to sea (as we sometimes felt on Lake Ontario in Toronto). We have our own blow-up paddleboards that are perfect for getting out on the lake of the Haliburton Highlands. If you don’t have your own paddle board, you can easily from Algonquin Outfitters.

Visit Haliburton Tips

Haliburton is located in Ontario’s near north and unfortunately, bugs come with the territory. We hadn’t been up to Haliburton in a couple of years and forgot just how ferocious mosquitoes and black flies are. Make sure to pack bug spray and a bug jacket . You’ll have a much better time, trust me.

The best way to get around the Haliburton Highlands is by car. If you don’t have your own, check out rental prices at RentalCars.com

Bring your own Bicycle

With less traffic than the urban centre of Toronto, Haliburton is a great place to pack your bike and hit the road. There are plenty of mountain biking trails for all skill levels in Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Preserve. We used to mountain bike here a lot and in nearby Bracebridge. Check out all the trails here.

If you want to bring your road bike but aren’t sure where to go, you can book overnight cycling tours around Haliburton with Humdinger Cycling tours.

Going to the Movies? Check out Highlands Cinemas

I know what you’re thinking, why would I go to a movie theatre in cottage country? Well, this isn’t your average movie theatre. Located in Kinmount on the border of Haliburton Highlands and the Kawarthas, the Highlands Cinemas is a 550-seat complex with five theatres set in an unassuming-looking house. It has become a tradition for cottage goers to catch a showing of first-run films in a unique setting. Currently this cinema is closed due to pandemic struggles, but hopefully it will be able to open again soon. Updates are available here.

And these are some of the things to do in Haliburton to make the most of your summer. Do you have a cottage in Haliburton? Do you head up north once the sun shines? Let us know what else we should do on our next trip!

For more travels in Ontario read:

  • 25 Best Places to Camp in Ontario, Canada
  • 35 Iconic Places to Visit in Ontario
  • The Ultimate Guide to the Best Weekend Getaways from Toronto
  • Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Ontario

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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Embrace Winter Here

Warm up with wild winter adventures.

Winter in Canada is one of the best times to embrace the wonder and magic of snow's brilliance from the first snowfall to the last. Here in Ontario's Highlands we're known for our pristine winter trails, snow-covered hills, and deep, dark lakes covered by thick swathes of ice, where winter adventures lie around every turn in the snow-covered road. For those of you who have been dreaming of the first snowfall since spring, Ontario's Highlands is here for you.

haliburton highlands tourism

Discover the beauty of a winter wonderland

Illustrated map of Ontario's Highlands region

Your Next Ontario's Highlands Adventure is Closer Than You Think

Ontario's Highlands is 2.5 hours east of Toronto and a half an hour west of Ottawa, encompassing the Ottawa Valley, Lanark County, Frontenac County, Hastings County, Lennox & Addington and Haliburton Highlands.

Get to know our 6 Regions

haliburton highlands tourism

'Tis the Season: 5 Festive Small Town Shopping Escapes

Combine a festive getaway with small town holiday shopping.

Meet the locals of Ontario’s Highlands

It is the people of Ontario's Highlands - their faces, stories and experiences - that create the backbone of this region and make us stand apart from the rest. We invite you to meet the interesting, friendly, and colourful people who live and wander here, and get an insider's perspective on the hidden gems in Ontario's Highlands.

"The best journeys take you home."

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Local's Take: A Winter Escape Somewhere in Calabogie

It's all outdoors, all the time, in Calabogie.

Wander Sustainably

Wander Sustainably means supporting our natural environment and local communities. It means supporting diversity and inclusivity, giving back to the land and people, reducing our impact and making the region sustainable for years to come.

Learn more about Wandering Sustainably

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Get Inspired by Other Wanderers

haliburton highlands tourism

The tourism region called “Ontario’s Highlands” is on traditional Algonquin territory and is acknowledged by Indigenous Peoples as unceded. To the southeast, Ontario’s Highlands is also on Mohawk territory. To the west/southwest, Ontario’s Highlands is on Ojibwe territory. We are grateful that Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of this land and beyond from time immemorial. We are called to treat this land, its waterways, plants, animals, stories and its Peoples, with honour and respect. All my relations.

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Click on any linked Operator mentioned in our stories and add them here to start building your personal list of things to see and do in Ontario’s Highlands.

  • My Backpack
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  • Experiences
  • Itineraries
  • Wander Like A Local

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  • About Haliburton Highlands

Websites to Browse

  • www.haliburtoncounty.ca
  • www.myhaliburtonhighlands.com/halidoc/
  • www.haliburtonforest.com
  • www.highlandssummerfestival.on.ca
  • www.haliburtonstudiotour.on.ca
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Spring Guide To Planning Things To Do in Haliburton Highlands

The top things to do to enjoy the best of the season.

H2H Cottage Co. Lake Kennisis

Did you know that Kawagama Lake is the largest lake in Haliburton County ? And you’ll find it right in the heart of Haliburton Highlands. However, exploring the county’s lakes, large and small, isn’t the only thing to do when spring rolls around.  

If you plan to take a trip to this rustic Canadian destination, you’ll find plenty of activities and things to do during the warm spring months. From outdoor hikes along sparkling lakes to shopping for unique handmade items in vibrant downtown markets, there are many things to do in Haliburton Highlands this time of year.

In this guide, we’ll share tips for planning an unforgettable spring day trip or getaway in the Haliburton Highlands, including exciting adventures and more low-key moments with nature. Get ready to explore.

Things To Do in Haliburton Highlands

Castle Antiques & Cafe

Looking for a destination with activities that cater to both nature lovers and adventure seekers? Haliburton Highlands is the perfect spot to visit this spring! This quaint region of small towns and hamlets, located in Ontario, Canada, offers a wide range of activities that are perfect for families, solo travelers, and couples.

So, whether you’re searching for outdoor activities or cultural experiences, there is no shortage of options. Check out the following things to do in Haliburton when visiting this spring (or pretty much any other time of year).

Plan a Hiking Trip

Barnum Creek Trail bridge

Planning a hiking trip in the County of Haliburton, Ontario, is a perfect activity to enjoy the springtime. The area has several beautiful trails, including the County Rail Trail, a 35km stretch of hiking trails connecting Haliburton to Kinmount.

For a more challenging hike, head over to the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails in the beautiful Algonquin Highlands region. The trails offer breathtaking views of the region’s natural beauty, including crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests. It also runs through the iconic Frost Centre.

Go on a Waterfall Adventure

Barnum Creek trail signs

Looking for a way to restore balance during the spring season? Waterfall chasing is easy in Haliburton Highlands, with plenty of fresh cascades available to explore. You can plan a rejuvenating waterfall adventure around some of the area’s hiking trails, including around Head Lake and near the Waterfall Way trail at Barnum Creek.

However, My Haliburton Highlands also recommends visiting waterfalls that include Buttermilk Falls, Furnace Falls, High Falls, Ragged Falls, Ritchie Falls and others nearby. The Gull River is particularly great for canoeing and kayaking, but you can find lots of waterfalls along many popular routes for the area’s best hiking trips.

My Haliburton Highlands has created a Google map to help you find the waterfalls in Ontario in their region.

Wander Through the Sculpture Forest

Haliburton Sculpture Forest

Looking for a fun, family-friendly activity for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day? Pack up the family and go on a road trip to explore the Sculpture Forest. It’s a large outdoor “park meets art exhibit” featuring over 40 unique sculptures. They make for a great backdrop for family photos or as a place to enjoy a picnic to celebrate Mom and Dad.

Traverse through the forest trails and take in the breathtaking views of the sculptures, which are made from a variety of materials like wood, metal, and stone. Be sure to grab a free brochure at the entrance to Glebe Park.

You can visit the Haliburton Sculpture Forest on your own, it is a self guided gravel trail through the woods. Or you can sign up for a small fee to have a guide tour from Yours Outdoor travel experience leaders.

Visit the Haliburton Wolf Centre

If you’re going to plan an outdoor adventure to the Haliburton Forest, be sure not to miss the chance to visit the Haliburton Wolf Centre; it’s one of the most popular attractions in the area.

The Haliburton Wolf Centre offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about wolf behavior. Centered around a 5,000 sq ft facility, the center houses a museum, theatre, and gift shop. From two observation areas, you can glimpse the pack in its natural environment through one-way glass.

It’s a true wildlife experience!

Explore the Highlands With Geocaching

We’re not telling where this is!!

At a loss for what to do during the Victoria Day long weekend in May? Plan a vacation around the ability to indulge in some local Haliburton Highlands geocaching. Geocaching in Haliburton Highlands is a thrilling way to explore the local area and get outside with the whole family.

Deep in the Haliburton Highlands in the Municipality of Highlands East and at the South Gate of Algonquin Park a string of seven hamlets make up the Geocaching Capital of Canada: Irondale, Gooderham, Tory Hill, Wilberforce, Harcourt, Highland Grove and Cardiff.

Use your GPS device to locate hidden containers, or “caches”, that contain a logbook and sometimes even small prizes. With hundreds of caches hidden in the Haliburton Highlands, you can find them anywhere — from forests to urban parks. Caches are rated on difficulty levels, so there’s something for everyone.

Hint: There’s a reason why Gooderham, Ontario, is called the Geocaching Capital of Canada.

Yours Outdoors, a travel and experience company has a geocaching experience perfect for learning more about Haliburton Highlands cottage country. 

Where to Dine – Food and Drink in Haliburton Highlands

Hook, Line & Sinker

As you explore the Haliburton Highlands this spring, don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine at some of the area’s best restaurants. Haliburton Highlands boasts many cozy cafes and family-friendly eateries, making it a foodie destination you won’t want to miss. Here are some top picks for where to eat in the Haliburton Highlands.

Hook Line & Sinker

Hook Line & Sinker is the new eatery in downtown Haliburton. It has an amazing cottage meets modern city vibe with canoe chandeliers and bright gold accents. It’s the perfect place for a family meal or to meet up with friends. You’ll love the fun atmosphere with a great view of the water, from both inside and the patio. 

Molly’s Bistro Bakery

Fuel up for the day in Minden at Molly’s Bistro. Molly’s Bistro Bakery’s tasty dishes with clever names are created in house using local ingredients.  Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast to start the day, a quick pit stop for lunch, or a last minute dinner solution, Molly’s Bistro Bakery offers delicious homemade food for all your dining needs. There are lots of great prepared meals to make cooking a quick dinner at the cottage really easy.

Rhubarb Restaurant

Enjoy upscale casual dining at Rhubarb in Haliburton County. Delight in Chef Christoph Carl’s creations made from the freshest local ingredients. Sip on Ontario wines and savor house-made beer from Boshkung Brewing Co. The best part? You can experience a unique culinary journey and marvel at beautiful Mirror Lake while you’re eating.

Kosy Corner

Interested in lake views but want something slightly more scaled-back? Try Kosy Corner. For over eight decades, they’ve been serving up delicious home-cooked meals on their charming patio overlooking beautiful Head Lake. Enjoy exquisite dishes, like bacon sandwiches and corned beef, to hearty burgers.

Haliburton Highlands Brewing

Ready to really relax? No spring vacation is complete without a visit to the award-winning Haliburton Highlands Brewing. Enjoy handcrafted ales inspired by the beauty and nature of the Highlands. Experience a unique brewery environment and sample their premium, quality ales that are as natural and fresh as the region they come from.

Where to Shop in Haliburton & Minden

Up River Trading Co, Minden

Haliburton Highlands is home to a variety of unique shopping experiences, perfect for finding souvenirs or gifts to take home. You can check out Up River Trading in Minden or Haliburton for unique art and gifts for family members. Or browse through Wind in the Willow’s offerings for jewelry and accessories.

For unique experiences, we suggest visiting the Log Cabin Trading Company, where you can find everything you need for decorating an inside space or outside space at the cottage. You’ll also find all kinds of “Lake” wear to commemorate your visit to the lakes of Haliburton Highlands. 

Places to Stay in Haliburton Highlands

H2H Cottage Co. dining room

Haliburton Highlands, Ontario, has some of the best places to stay. Ogopogo Resort, Heather Lodge and Bonnie View Inn are popular options with great amenities. If you would like a private cottage rental for a couples getaway, we recommend staying at the charming properties owned by H2H Cottage Co.

The Bitter Lake property is flanked on either side by Bitter Lake and Burdock Lake, with stunning views of Bitter Lake, ideal for a long Victoria Day weekend family getaway or a romantic stay for two. 

You can use the following Haliburton Highlands Links to help plan your next adventure.

Website: https://myhaliburtonhighlands.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhaliburtonhighlands/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Haliburton.Highlands/

Explore More of Ontario

With so many things to do in Haliburton, fun outdoor and local activities are always at your fingertips. To stay up to date on local events, activities, and experiences, be sure you check out our regional offerings, packages, and articles for the Haliburton Highlands (and all the way over to the Ottawa Valley).

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HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS TOURISM INFORMATION

The Haliburton Highlands is a rich region full of arts, culture, food & outdoor adventure. Whether you�re an active family looking to be busy all day or newlyweds looking for a quiet getaway � this is the place for you. With some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, you�ll want to keep coming back for more. 

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www.myhaliburtonhighlands.com

Visit us on social media at:

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HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS TOURISM INFORMATION

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haliburton highlands tourism

Looking for Adventures in Outdoor Art?

haliburton highlands tourism

In the Haliburton Highlands , there is adventure in art. With the highest number of working artists per capita in Ontario, Canada – landscape painters, potters, weavers, jewellery makers, dancers, actors, songwriters and musicians - there are memorable experiences to be had.

The establishment of the Highlands' large and vibrant arts community began in the late 1800s, alongside the arrival of farmers, loggers, railway workers, and grist and sawmill owners who settled in this wild, tree covered land with their families. A private pavilion was built at Head Lake where pioneer families gathered for evenings of plays and music. Today, that location is now the site of the state of the art Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion, home to the Highlands Summer Festival and dozens of other musical and performance events throughout the year. With the arrival of the Haliburton School of the Arts in 1968 and the formation of an Arts Council in 2003, the arts became firmly established in the community.

The adventure in art starts with the artist. Their work, inspired by wildness, water and landscapes, sets the stage for exploration and discovery. Art adventures take many forms. It can involve walking, biking and or skiing through the Haliburton Sculpture Forest to discover over twenty unique outdoor sculptures.

Haliburton-Sculpture-Forest-1

Visitors and locals alike can see, hear, taste and touch the artist's world during the annual Haliburton County Studio Tour. The prospect of driving the scenic back roads of the Highlands in the blazing colours of autumn to discover studios where amazing artists present and demonstrate their craft prompts an early entry on the calendar. On that same calendar is Winter Folk Camp where you can spend the weekend in a camp setting learning and playing music with award winning artists-in-residence while experiencing a Canadian winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing on wilderness trails.

Barrie Martin, owner of Haliburton's Yours Outdoors , a company that specializes in experiential tourism, believes that art combined with recreation, heritage, and nature offers truly distinctive adventures that result in lifelong memories and expressions of art. As a self proclaimed experience broker, he works with artists and other community partners to create packages for independent and small group travellers that provide opportunities to appreciate and create art, engage with local folks and connect with the faces, spaces and places that inspire works of art. Many of the packages take you behind the scenes and into places not normally accessible to regular travellers.

During the Pedal Your Arts tour, you will cycle the area's picturesque back roads and villages to visit studios and galleries and spend some quality time with amazing artists.

haliburton highlands tourism

Gone to Pot: Adventures in Clay involves visits to at least three pottery studios to create flatware, throw pots on a wheel, and even meet Hairy Potter (aka Grahame Wales). The pots that you make will find a special place in your home. And if you can stand the heat, Some Like It Hot, an introduction to glassblowing and blacksmithing, is an adventure with a lot of sizzle.

Glass-Blowing---Yours-Outdoors

Haliburton Rocks!, a geology adventure that involves hiking and mineral collecting, reveals the art of nature in minerals and crystals and a "rock" artist who finds inspiration in earth formations that he expresses in oil and acrylics. Path of the Paddle , a daylong canoe trip, ends with a visit to a local artist and craftsman who is using traditional methods and technologies to build a 36 foot birch bark canoe that is destined for the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, Canada's national capital.

"There are many art experiences that we can draw upon to create these adventure packages. Our community is filled with colourful characters doing remarkable things," says Barrie. "Art is our culture; it seems to be infused into everything we do."

Even the Hike Haliburton Festival featuring over 45 guided themed hikes and special events has integrated art into its offerings including concerts, ghost walks, an art walk, the Taste Trail, and a hike called Trail Troubadours lead by a singer/songwriter. Organizers recently introduced the concept of celebrity hikers — musicians, authors, poets, comedians — who randomly join a guided hike and somewhere along the route deliver a spontaneous performance to the delight of fellow trekkers.

Other events such as the Haliburton Art & Craft Festival, Haliburton Highlands Opera Studio, Minden Hills Bluegrass Festival, and blues and folk concerts series provide year round entertainment for art lovers.

Where there is art, there is adventure — just ask anybody in the Haliburton Highlands.

Note:This article was featured in the Issue No. 44 of the International Lifestyle magazine. 

haliburton highlands tourism

Find Your Great Outdoor Adventure

Edited body text.

In the Haliburton Highlands , there is adventure in art. With the highest number of working artists per capita in Ontario, Canada – landscape painters, potters, weavers, jewellery makers, dancers, actors, songwriters and musicians - there are memorable experiences to be had.

Haliburton-Sculpture-Forest-1

Even the Hike Haliburton Festival featuring over 45 guided themed hikes and special events has integrated art into its offerings including concerts, ghost walks, an art walk, the Taste Trail, and a hike called Trail Troubadours lead by a singer/songwriter. Organizers recently introduced the concept of celebrity hikers — musicians, authors, poets, comedians — who randomly join a guided hike and somewhere along the route deliver a spontaneous performance to the delight of fellow trekkers.

Where there is art, there is adventure — just ask anybody in the Haliburton Highlands.

Note:This article was featured in the Issue No. 44 of the International Lifestyle magazine. 

Barrie Martin, owner of Yours Outdoors, has a passion and vision for all things Haliburton.  Yours Outdoors provides creative experiential programming that celebrates art, nature, history, recreation and reflects the principles of sustainable tourism.

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haliburton highlands tourism

Ontario's top adventure experiences await!

Known for some of the best day-trip experiences in Ontario, Adventure Haliburton partners provide a wide range of memorable activities for all ages, interests, and abilities.

Whether you are a welcomed visitor travelling here from an hour or two away, or a local resident, cottager, or a guest staying at one of the area’s excellent vacation venues, a leisurely drive through exquisite scenery to each adventure experience adds to the experience!

Start checking off your bucket list! There are so many choices to keep you busy & exhilarated year round! Or ease the pace. Select adventures that enhance without overloading your holidays or consuming your whole weekend.

haliburton highlands tourism

Algonquin Highlands Trails

haliburton highlands tourism

Algonquin Outfitters

haliburton highlands tourism

Buttermilk Falls Ice Fishing Adventures

haliburton highlands tourism

Haliburton County Snowmobile Association

haliburton highlands tourism

My Haliburton Highlands

haliburton highlands tourism

Sir Sam's Ski & Ride

haliburton highlands tourism

Ski-Mazing Watersports School & Parasailing

haliburton highlands tourism

South Algonquin Trails

What's next.

Find the perfect stay to complement your play, or round out your adventures with more Haliburton Highlands attractions.

See what we're sharing!

Beyond adventure, discover what else awaits you in....

haliburton highlands tourism

County of Haliburton

The second annual resident sentiment survey is now available .

Visit our Wade In site to take the survey.

Visit our new GIS Homepage

Explore our interactive and non-interactive maps to discover resources in your community .

Harmful Algae Blooms

Know the Facts - Reduce Your Risk

Shoreline Protection Bylaw

Wade-in on the County of Haliburton's proposed Shoreline Protection Bylaw.

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The Second Annual Resident Sentiment Survey is Now Available! 

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Explore our interactive and non-interactive maps to discover resources in your community.

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News and Notices

View All News and Notices

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What's Happening

There's so much to see and do in the County of Haliburton!

Visit the Library

Visit the Haliburton County Public Library to find branch locations, hours of operation, events  and more.

Interactive Visitor Map

Designed for visitors to the Haliburton Highlands, the Visitor Information map  will help you find information on, and the location of, fun and alluring features throughout the County. 

Affordable Housing

Developers, community housing providers, non profits, landlords and homeowners are invited to learn about various incentives available to create affordable housing in the County.

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Visit the Haliburton County Public Library to find branch locations, hours of operation, events and more.

location marks on a curvy street platform

Designed for visitors to the Haliburton Highlands, the Visitor Information map will help you find information on, and the location of, fun and alluring features throughout the County. 

Picture of wooden houses

Emergency and Health Services

Here you will find information about the Haliburton County Paramedic Services. This includes information on our Public Access Defribrillation and Community Paramedicine  programs. 

There is so much to see and do in the Haliburton Highlands! Each Township offers a variety of recreation programs and services (community centres, trails, beaches etc.) for their communities.

Ambulance parked by a lake

Here you will find information about the Haliburton County Paramedic Services. This includes information on our Public Access Defribrillation and Community Paramedicine programs. 

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My Haliburton Highlands

Hit the Open Road

Adventure at your own pace.

The Haliburton Highlands is the perfect place for your next driving adventure. Our pre-planned routes take you through many charming rural communities, with each offering plenty of places to stop and take a break. 

All you have to do is jump in the car and enjoy! Whether you’re a member of a car club, organize outings with friends, or a ‘lone wolf’ that just loves hitting the open road, our route itineraries make your visit nice n’ easy.

Driving Routes – Itineraries

Round Algonquin Loop – 272 km Approx 3.75 hours (with no stops). From wildlife, scenic rock cuts and plentiful shorelines, there will be lots of Instagram-worthy photo ops.

This loop will take you through Algonquin Park and will be highlighted by some great lookouts where you will be able to view the picturesque & natural beauty of the Haliburton Highlands.

Minden Hills Nature Ride – apx. 72 km Approx 1.2 hours (with no stops). If you love to hike and explore nature, this ride has 9 possible stops where you can get out and stretch your legs.

Start in Village of Minden and travel Deep Bay Road where you will see lakes and rock cuts along the curvey road.  Along this ride you will pass lots of walking and hiking trails…

Motorcycle Friendly Rides…

Ride the Highlands – Welcome to Ontario’s best motorcycle destination.

Located in Ontario’s Highlands, two hours northeast of Toronto and bordering Quebec, this motorcycle destination has been handcrafted for you and your bike, with twisty roads, excellent food and panoramic vistas

haliburton highlands tourism

This road took some time to perfect. It’s a little wider, the curves a little longer. Threaded along this scenic corridor are some incredible lookouts, roadside attractions and of course good eats. Learn More & Map

haliburton highlands tourism

Highway 118 & 28 (Carnarvon – Denbigh)

haliburton highlands tourism

Elephant Lake, Peterson & Loop Road

Other self guided tours….

haliburton highlands tourism

A self-guided tour of the nooks & crannies of Stanhope Township… within the treed walls of Stanhope’s backwoods, and sown its many winding roads, is a bounty of historic treasures. Learn More

haliburton highlands tourism

Local Landmarks

haliburton highlands tourism

Bird Watching

Looking for a guided tour….

Yours Outdoors   For a home-grown down home taste tour of the Haliburton Highlands… or explore the hidden gems of Haliburton County in a driving tour…

Look on their website to find list of road trip experiences that will take you around the Haliburton Highlands with entertaining & knowledgeable guides.

Try the Sip, Swill & Savour Brewery Tour or the Tastes of Haliburton or The Art and Syrup of Maple…

haliburton highlands tourism

Below are some more great pictures of the #myhaliburtonhighlands that might inspire you.

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Haliburton Highlands

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Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve. Photo credit: Thom Lambert.

Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Haliburton Highlands through a network of on and off-road cycling routes. With over 600 lakes, numerous rivers, and the rolling hills of the Canadian Shield, there is ample topography and scenery to enjoy. Cyclists can also explore the area’s flourishing artist studios and charming villages.

Bordered at the north by Algonquin Park, the Highlands features extensive mountain biking trails and a network of quiet roads. Lucky bikers may catch a glimpse of the Highland Wheeler, a phantom cyclist who roams the roads of the Haliburton Highlands.

Established On-Road Routes

Haliburton Roads 100

Easier Routes:  Minden Village Loop – 2.5 km; Haliburton Head Lake Trail – 6 km loop; Stanhope Heritage Cycling Tour – 10km loop; Stanhope Green Lake West Guilford Eagle Lake – 44 km.

More Difficult Routes:  West Guilford Eagle Lake Loop – 23km; Haliburton Donald Lochlin Ingoldsby Haliburton – 39km; Minden Norland Kinmount Minden – 65km.

Most Difficult Routes:  Haliburton Tory Hill Wilberforce Haliburton – 65km loop; Haliburton Tory Hill Gooderham Irondale Kinmount Gelert Lochlin Haliburton – 109km loop; The Loop Road: Tory Hill Wilberforce Harcourt Highland Grove Tory Hill – 53km; Haliburton West Guilford Carnarvon Minden Haliburton – 66km loop; Minden-Bobcaygeon Rd* to 118 Carnarvon Minden – 35km loop; Haliburton Harburn Rd Fort Irwin Eagle Lake Haliburton – 50km loop.

Regional Road Itinerary

Haliburton Highlands – Two Day Itinerary  – Known for its rolling hills, highland views, plus endless lakes and rivers, Haliburton Highlands is a top spot for several days of riding. Enjoy over 200km of smoothly paved roads and easy to navigate loops along with a variety of accommodations suited for smaller or larger groups make the Highlands a cottage country ride destination. Not to be missed.

Road & Trail Loops

Haliburton Highlands Gravel & Adventure Routes – A series of 14 covering more than 700km, making the most of a variety of unpaved forest roads and pathways that lead the way to more remote and scenic parts of the county.

The following two looped routes in Highlands East are on a mix of quiet side roads and off road trails. They are multi-use routes so users may encounter motorized recreational vehicles and horses. The area is well know for geocaching, which could make a fun addition a bike ride.

  • Prospector Trail Loop  – This 16km loop that travels between Wilberforce and Harcourt is a trail with a tale of prospectors and miners that came to the area in the early to mid 1900’s. Primarily on side roads, there are some off road portions and also options to shorten the ride.
  • Homesteader Trail Loop  – All but 6km of this 25 km loop are on side roads, following a route from Tory Hill recognizing pioneers and early homesteaders who tried to farm the tough and wild Canadian Shield in this area.

Regional Mountain Biking Information

Haliburton Forest Map

  • Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve  – Mountain biking trails and many other outdoor adventure experiences are available on 70,000 acres of privately owned and sustainably managed forest. There are over 300 km of forest access roads and multi-use trails with detailed trail maps to assist with route selection. Trail passes are required and available at Kennisis Lake Base Camp.
  • Glebe Park  – The Haliburton Highlands Mountain Bike Club has developed a network of single track trails that, combined with existing double track trails, offer over 10 km of riding. Trails start at Glebe Park Haliburton Sculpture Forest and are open for members or day users with purchase of trail pass.
  • Silent Lake Provincial Park – Located in the southeastern corner of Haliburton County, this provincial park has a cross-country trail network with two loops; 13 and 19 km in length. The 13 km loop is moderately difficult, while the 19 km loop is considered difficult.
  • Byers Lake  – Located in the south end of Algonquin Park, this 7 km mountain biking trail is easy for the first 4 km with hills and some wet areas for the rest. The journey takes about an hour to cycle and is open from June to Thanksgiving. The side trail to the Gut Rapids Canyon on the York River is a must see.
  • Wilberforce Harcourt Loop  – This 20 km mountain biking loop is appropriate for beginners and intermediate riders with a mix of trail riding and unpaved roads.

Major Off-Road Trails

RailTrailCover Haliburton

  • IB & O Rail Trail   – This flat and easy rail trail near Tory Hill travels 14 km through forest with rocky outcrops in the north and lakes and wetlands to the south. This multi-use trail, shared with hikers and motorized vehicles, is suitable for mountain bikes.

Cross-Regional Routes & Trails Information

  • Victoria Rail Trail  – This 85 km links Bethany and Haliburton. The mixed surface path requires a mountain or hybrid bike and is shared with other non-motorized and ATV users. The South Corridor connects Bethany to Lindsay along a surface of railway ballast materials consisting of large stones. The North Corridor runs from Lindsay to Haliburton on various surfaces including stone dust, gravel, and potholes filled with sand. The trail connects to the Haliburton County Rail Trail.

Information Sources & Published Maps

Haliburton Map Cover

  • Haliburton Highlands Gravel & Adventure Routes . Online. Find 14 mapped routes on RidewithGPS.
  • Haliburton County Rail Trail Maps .  Friends of the Rail Trail Map , with landmarks and services, including washrooms, marked.
  • Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve.  Map. Interctive Mobile Map & App. Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve Ltd. The summer trails map details mountain biking trails by difficulty. Print copies available free at Base Camp or try the app.

SirSamsMap

  • The Homesteader Trail Loop & The Prospector Trail Loop . Map Brochures. Municipality of Highlands East. Detailed maps of each route and useful information.
  • Cycle Haliburton . Website. Haliburton Highlands Cycling Coalition’s website is the local resource for the latest information on cycling in Haliburton County, maps, and more.
  • Haliburton Real Easy Ryders Cycling Club . Website/Online Maps. Cycling club has mapped routes in Haliburton County and made accessible for pdf download.

* Please note there may be additional map guides for the region that cyclists may find interesting or useful. New maps and guides are produced yearly, and the information listed here may change.

Haliburton Highlands – Related Blogs:

haliburton highlands tourism

Travellers’ Tales – Ontario Cycling Stories from the Road and Trail

Ontario By Bike 2024-02-15T14:47:25+00:00 January 29, 2024 |

Travellers' Tales is a new section on our website and in our annual magazine the Cycling in Ontario / Le vélo en Ontario guide where we share cycling stories from readers.

haliburton highlands tourism

Easy Rider – Relaxed Cycling in Ontario’s Highlands

Guest 2023-08-31T17:49:36+00:00 September 1, 2023 |

Not every bike ride needs to involve grueling hours spent on the road or trail. Sometimes the best rides are the ones where you take it easy, slow it down and see new communities, and maybe even stop for a bite to eat. If you’re not into wearing padded bike shorts and setting a challenging pace, plan your next ride in Ontario’s Highlands where your cycling adventure can match your mood, abilities, and bike.

Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve - photo by Thom Lambert

Gravel Riding in the Haliburton Highlands

Guest 2022-07-29T16:02:28+00:00 August 1, 2022 |

If you, like thousands of cyclists all over the world, have discovered the joys of gravel riding, you owe it to yourself to consider a trip to the Haliburton Highlands. From smooth, rolling gravel roads to full-on adventure riding in iconic Algonquin Park, you can find a gravel route here to challenge you and re-ignite your love of cycling.

haliburton highlands tourism

Bikepacking in Ontario? Get Started Here

Guest 2024-01-11T21:47:05+00:00 June 1, 2022 |

Bikepacking is a natural next step for those who love both cycling and camping, it truly is human power for the win. Over the past few years, Ontario’s Highlands has emerged as a bikepacker’s paradise. Before you head out, here are some tips for planning your first trip.

For more information on accommodation, attractions and activities within Haliburton Highlands visit  Haliburton Tourism .

Destination & Regional Partner:

haliburton highlands tourism

IMAGES

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  2. Exploring the Haliburton Highlands: Waterfalls in Ontario

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  3. 25 of the Best Things to Do in Haliburton Highlands During Summer

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  4. Haliburton Highlands: The Destination of Choice, Haliburton Cottage

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  5. Complete Summer Guide to the Haliburton Highlands

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  6. Haliburton Highlands Scenic Drive Road Trip

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COMMENTS

  1. Home

    4.5 Hours Drive from Buffalo. 8 Hours Drive from Quebec City. We respectfully acknowledge that the region currently know as the Haliburton Highlands is located on Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory, and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which are ...

  2. Explore the Haliburton Highlands

    There is so much to experience, explore and try in the Haliburton Highlands. For all your needs to plan a trip, visit the #MyHaliburtonHighlands Tourism Website. You'll be able to see all of the activities happening each day in the area, as well as find out where to eat, stay and play. Connect with us on: Facebook Twitter Instagram

  3. Haliburton Highlands

    Located just south of Algonquin Park, Haliburton Highlands is located approximately 280 kilometres west of the city of Ottawa and 220 kilometres northeast of the Greater Toronto Area. The area is best explored by car or motorcycle. ... For more trip ideas in Haliburton Highlands, visit the region's tourism ...

  4. The 10 Best Things To Do in Haliburton Highlands, Ontario

    Canopy tours allowing guests to glimpse the forest with a bird's eye view are a big draw as Haliburton Forest has the longest canopy walkway in the world. Camping, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, mountain biking, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are among the amazing experiences you can have on the property.

  5. Haliburton Highlands

    Haliburton Highlands. Nestled among the rugged landscape of the Canadian Shield, the Haliburton Highlands is a region rich with heritage, abundant with lakes, trails, and locals who welcome you as family. Haliburton Highlands truly has it all: phenomenal views, rugged landscapes, abundance of trails, and infinite opportunities for recreation ...

  6. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Haliburton

    Ontario's hidden outdoor recreation, education and entertainment gem. Haliburton Forest, is a unique, privately owned forest located on over 100,000 acres of rolling hardwood forests, beautiful lakes, meandering rivers and extensive wetlands in the Haliburton Highlands of central Ontario, 3 hours north of Toronto.

  7. 20 Amazing Things to do in Haliburton Ontario and the Highlands

    One of the top things to do in Haliburton is to visit the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve. Covering 100,000 acres, the reserve is home to 100 lakes, 400 kilometres of trails, and a host of adventures to be had. The wildlife reserve is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts all year long!

  8. Haliburton Highlands

    Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley, also called "Ontario's Highlands", encompasses six unique counties, each with surprising adventures and hidden gems to ignite your wanderlust. This region was made for exploring. Embrace the open road by motorcycle or car, embark on an RV adventure or navigate pristine waterways by houseboat, kayak ...

  9. Haliburton Highlands

    Haliburton Highlands, also known as Haliburton County, is a municipality of about 21,000 people (2021) in Central Ontario. It offers more than 600 pristine lakes, and thousands of hectares of virgin forest and wilderness on one of the highest parts of the Canadian Shield. ... Haliburton Highlands Tourism; Destination Ontario: Haliburton ...

  10. Things to do in Haliburton Highlands

    The Haliburton Highlands is one of the best places in Ontario for photography. Rob Stimpson offers photography workshops in the area and you can book one with him to explore the diverse landscape of Haliburton County. ... We are spoiled and have done a lot of paddling with friends and tourism boards around Haliburton, but if you are heading up ...

  11. Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley Regional Tourism

    Ontario's Highlands is only 2.5 hours east of Toronto and a half an hour west of Ottawa, but a world away from it all. It's a world filled with natural beauty, friendly locals, sparkling waterways, and countless hidden gems. Whether it's enjoying the quaint rural charm of our towns and villages; exploring the rugged landscape rich with ...

  12. Come Wander Ontario's Highlands

    It is the people of Ontario's Highlands - their faces, stories and experiences - that create the backbone of this region and make us stand apart from the rest. We invite you to meet the interesting, friendly, and colourful people who live and wander here, and get an insider's perspective on the hidden gems in Ontario's Highlands.

  13. About Haliburton Highlands

    The Haliburton Highlands lie invitingly 2½ hours north-east of Toronto, The area is breath-taking, offering endless lakes, trees, craggy rock faces, hills, valleys, rivers and a myriad of year round activities and sports. ... The major industry is tourism and recreation, which reflects in a significant seasonal influx of visitors, seasonal ...

  14. Spring Guide To Planning Things To Do in Haliburton Highlands

    Barnum Creek Trail bridge. Planning a hiking trip in the County of Haliburton, Ontario, is a perfect activity to enjoy the springtime. The area has several beautiful trails, including the County Rail Trail, a 35km stretch of hiking trails connecting Haliburton to Kinmount. For a more challenging hike, head over to the Haliburton Highlands Water ...

  15. Haliburton Highlands Tourism Information

    HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS TOURISM INFORMATION. The Haliburton Highlands is a rich region full of arts, culture, food & outdoor adventure. Whether you re an active family looking to be busy all day or newlyweds looking for a quiet getaway this is the place for you. With some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, you ll want to keep coming ...

  16. Adventures in Outdoor Art: The Haliburton Highlands

    Art adventures take many forms. It can involve walking, biking and or skiing through the Haliburton Sculpture Forest to discover over twenty unique outdoor sculptures. The Sleep of the Huntress, Haliburton Sculpture Forest Visitors and locals alike can see, hear, taste and touch the artist's world during the annual Haliburton County Studio Tour.

  17. Our Experiences

    We groom for tourism Learn More! My Haliburton Highlands. Every corner of the Haliburton Highlands is an adventure! It is the perfect place to wander, disconnect to reconnect. Whether you seek exhilarating adventure or a meandering and relaxing stay, #myHaliburtonHighlands has it all. We'll give you the tools, like maps, events and ideas, all ...

  18. Haliburton Highlands

    The Haliburton Highlands is known for its breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and hundreds of lakes, rivers and streams. But those who call it home or visit often know just how much it has to offer. Escape the everyday hustle and bustle and discover the vibrant arts, culture and heritage scene. Artists, studios and galleries are spread all across ...

  19. County of Haliburton

    Visit the Haliburton County Public Library to find branch locations, hours of operation, events and more. Photo Credit. Interactive Visitor Map. Designed for visitors to the Haliburton Highlands, the Visitor Information map will help you find information on, and the location of, fun and alluring features throughout the County. ...

  20. Driving Routes

    This loop will take you through Algonquin Park and will be highlighted by some great lookouts where you will be able to view the picturesque & natural beauty of the Haliburton Highlands. Details & Itinerary. Minden Hills Nature Ride - apx. 72 km Approx 1.2 hours (with no stops). If you love to hike and explore nature, this ride has 9 possible ...

  21. Haliburton Highlands

    Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Haliburton Highlands through a network of on and off-road cycling routes. With over 600 lakes, numerous rivers, and the rolling hills of the Canadian Shield, there is ample topography and scenery to enjoy. ... Minden Tourist Information Centre, Rails End Gallery in Haliburton Village and bed & breakfasts ...