Haliburton Highlands: Difference between revisions

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

Haliburton village

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 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 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.
• The community of 3 Cardiff is on the eastern edge of the county, in Highlands East. A group of towns and hamlets around Cardiff call themselves the Geocaching Capital of Canada. Visitors will pass through Cardiff on Highway 118, arriving from Bancroft.
• At the County's far north west corner 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.

Get in

By car

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 bus

• TOK Coach services run daily from Toronto to the villages of Minden and Haliburton.

By plane

• 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

• Having, or renting, a car is key, due to the size of the county.
• Several taxi services.
• Many well groomed snowmobile and ATV trails.
• Many bicycle trails and paved road shoulders for cyclists.
• Boat routes integrated into the Trent-Severn Waterway.
• Snowmobile, ATV, boat, car, and horse rental available.

See

• 1 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)
• 2 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)

"Sleep of the Huntress" by Doug Stephens

• 3 Haliburton Sculpture Forest (in Glebe Park near the village of Haliburton). Dawn to dusk. A unique outdoor collection of sculptures by Canadian and international artists. Free tour every Tuesday at 10AM and Wednesday at 12:10PM in July and August. By donation. In the winter, you must have a valid ski trail pass. (updated Aug 2018)
• 4 Haliburton Highlands Outdoor Association Fish Hatchery, 6712 Country Rd 1 (Gelert Rd) (Near village of Haliburton), ☏ +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)
• Scenic look-outs and vistas on top of rocky cliffs and hills provides views of surrounding peaks and lakes. The views are especially spectacular in fall, as leaves turn to bright red and orange.
  • 5 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)
  • 6 Crests of Kennisis (Algonquin Highlands). A 6 km (3.7 mi) hiking trail with cliff-top views (updated Mar 2023)
  • 7 James Cooper Lookout, 1242 North Shore Rd (Near Carnarvon). Accessed by a gentle slope, or a quick, steep hike. (updated Mar 2023)
  • 8 Panorama Park, 1090 Panorama Park Rd (Minden). Picnic site and lookout above the town of Minden, accessible by car. (updated Mar 2023)
  • 9 Skyline Park (Haliburton). A small park overlooking Haliburton and Head Lake. Accessible by car. (updated Mar 2023)
• Several waterfalls are easy to access:
  • 10 Buttermilk Falls (North of Carnarvon, Algonquin Highlands). (updated Mar 2023)
  • 11 Ritchie Falls. (updated Mar 2023)
• The mysterious Harburn Wells, deep shafts in the Canadian shield developed during the last ice age.

Do

Walk in the clouds

• 1 Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve, 1095 Redkenn Rd (Haliburton), ☏ +1 705-754-2198. It is a research facility, an education centre, and a sustainably managed forest. It is operated by a private company with two businesses: tourism & recreation, and forest products. Activities year-round: hiking, canopy tours, lake trout fishing, ice-fishing and dog-sledding in winter, camping. There is a resident wolf pack and a wolf education centre. (updated Aug 2018)
• 2 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 metres (465 feet) 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)
• 3 Minden Wild Water Preserve, 1870 Horseshoe Lake Rd, Minden Hills (7 km northeast of Minden on the Gull River via Horseshoe Lake Rd.). A natural canoeing and kayaking slalom facility in Minden that was used for the 2015 Pan American Games canoe slalom events. A 100-acre park with trails adjacent to whitewater rapids for kayaking and canoeing. 30 campsites with picnic tables and fire pits. (updated Aug 2018)
• Haliburton Highlands Water Trails, 20130 Highway # 35 North, Haliburton, ☏ +1 705-766-9033. Backcountry camping, canoeing and portaging through 28,000 hectares (69,000 acres) of provincial and municipal public lands comprised of countless lakes, rivers, trails, conservation areas and continuous forest. Canoe rentals are available. A wide range of itineraries can be planned, from 1-2 night weekend trips for beginners or families, to longer adventures that require more skill. Routes are organized into two areas: Frost Centre and Poker Lakes. Reservations are required. Although most trips will only take you a few days from the highway, all campsites are back country; there are no facilities or services inside the park. Adults $12, seniors (age 60+) $9, youth (age 6-17) $5, disabled 50% of rate, children (age 5 and younger) free. (updated Aug 2018)
  • 4 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)
  • 5 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)

• Haliburton Nordic Trails, ☏ +1 705-457-1640. 3 ski areas with 36 km of ski trails, and another 16 km of trails at YMCA Wanakita. Permits are required. Adults $13, students (under 22, w/ID) $8, youth (7-18) $8, children (6 and under) free, family day pass $40. (updated Aug 2018)
  • 6 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.
  • 7 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.
  • 8 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 Donald and Kinmount. Ritchie Falls is midway along the trail. Only snowmobiling is allowed Dec-Mar (with a permit). (updated Aug 2018)

9 Silent Lake Provincial Park, 1589 Silent Lake Park Rd (Cardiff), ☏ +1 613-339-2807, toll-free: +1-888-668-7275. In the southeast corner of the county, Silent Lake focuses on outdoor sports and recreation in addition to car camping. The park is open year-round, with some headed cabin-style lodging, or winter tent camping for the seasoned adventurer. In summer, mountain biking trails are available (a moderately difficult 11 km (6.8 mi) loop, and a difficult 17 km (11 mi) loop), hiking trails range from short leisurely strolls, to a 15 km (9.3 mi) rugged trek through meadows, swamps and forest up to a scenic lookout. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from the park office, and launched from several points along the lake. Two sandy beaches provide swimming and picnic areas. In winter, several trails are groomed for cross-country skiing; the longest trail is 16.5 km (10.3 mi), and rated difficult. Snowshoes are permitted on some of the shorter trails and can be rented on-site. Warming huts and washrooms are available.  

• Take a guided wilderness tour to see animals such as bears, wolves, deer, moose, lynx, bobcat, eagles, with one of the several local tour operators [1]
• Go on a guided fishing or hunting trip
• The walk in the clouds: Canoe across one of the lakes and walk in the treetops on narrow boards hanging in thin ropes. For safety you are also attached to steel wires.

Buy

• 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

• 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)
• 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)
• 3 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)
• 4 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)
• Wintergreen Maple Syrup and Pancake Barn,, 3325 Gelert Rd, Minden Hills, ☏ +1-705-286-3202. March and April only: Sa Su 9AM-4PM. 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. (updated Aug 2018)

Drink

• Boshkung Brewing Co, Brewery 9201 Hwy 118, Carnarvon. Boshkung Social pub: 20 Water Street, Minden, ☏ +1 705-489-4554 (Brewery), +1 705-286-2711 (Pub). Summer hours: brewery M 11AM-5PM, Tu-Th 11AM-8PM, F 10AM-10PM, Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 10AM-8PM. Pub: Tu-Su noon-8PM. Beside Rhubarb restaurant in Carnarvon, has a tasting room, growlers, and mini-kegs. Pizza and sharing plates. (updated Aug 2018)
• McKeck's Place, 207 Highlands Street, 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

• Haliburton Forest. 300 km of hiking, mountain biking, running and snowmobile trails mapped out. Two-bedroom cabins $125, 3-bedroom cabins, $200, open loft log cabins 6-bed $200/10-bed $250; non-electroc campsites with 2 adults $49. (updated Aug 2018)
• Lakeview Motel, 4951 County Rd 21, 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)
• 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)
• 23Maple B&B, 23 Maple Ave., ☏ +1 705-455-2004, toll-free: +1 855-457-2323. Coffee and continental self-serve breakfast. Queen, double or twin rooms. Large main floor suite available with full kitchen, living room, deck, separate bath. Comfortably sleeps 4 with two Queen beds in separate rooms. High speed WiFi. Large porch, deck, and yard. One block to park and sand beach. Two blocks to 'village downtown'. From $110. (updated Aug 2018)

Go next

• Algonquin Provincial Park
• Kawarthas
• Bobcaygeon
• Lindsay
• Fenelon Falls