Haliburton Highlands

If there’s one thing we can agree on it’s that few of us will turn down an opportunity to see a waterfall. Whether it has something to do with the mesmerizing whitewater cascade or the white-noise that comes with it, a waterfall is a universal attraction. It can be the reason for a hike or […]

Stretch your legs and fill your belly at these easy stops along three routes headed to Algonquin Park.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. Getting to know a river is almost like embarking on a wet and wild love affair. You forge a connection, learn everything you can, and then strengthen it over time. Sounds like a relationship, doesn’t it? The connection you have with a body of […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. Did someone say road trip? The mere thought of a road trip brings to mind the excitement of heading out on an adventure where you may not know where you will end up but you’re pretty sure the getting there will be half the […]

Learn how you can get the most out of your river experience, while being a responsible tourist in Ontario’s Highlands.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. This summer is the year to be on the water, to cast off on an epic paddling adventure that will take you along winding rivers, past shorelines crowded with towering trees, and where the ripples on the water draw you forward with each pull […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. The game is on to make the most of summer 2021 and the winner gets to spend the summer soaking wet and grinning from ear to ear. Are you up for the challenge? It goes without saying that the best warm-weather activities centre around […]

In the dog days of summer, when the sun is relentless and the humidity won’t cut you a break, there’s nothing more refreshing than an ice cream. Not only are our favourite frozen treats delicious, but they have the added bonus of helping regulate our temperature on a hot, sticky day. Scientifically proven or not, […]

When was the last time you discovered a local landmark or business that you didn’t know was there? In Ontario’s Highlands, we have some amazing spots and experiences that you might be surprised to hear about. For example, did you know the longest canopy boardwalk in the world is located in Haliburton Highlands? Or that […]

Sip and savour under the sun on a dreamy waterfront patio at one these spectacular restaurants.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  If you’re dreaming of having the best foodie experiences in Ontario, we’ve got your back. Where else can you visit and sample products from craft breweries, distilleries, and cideries, cheese makers, and award-winning eateries that reflect the diverse flavours of Ontario’s Highlands? […]

Tell Dad how much awesome he is this Father’s Day with a little local love from these places in Ontario’s Highlands.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out, Whether it’s a throwback to simpler days when a weekend picnic was a full day adventure or a need to connect with nature, having a picnic is something we universally enjoy. Spreading your picnic blanket on the ground and lounging while you nibble on […]

Challenge accepted: Take on the Great Potato Abundance of 2020 and put a dent in the local potato population.

From the day we burst into the world, mothers mean safety, warmth, and unconditional love. Mothers are almost superhuman, virtually able to leap tall buildings in a single bound and cure all ills with the sweep of a hand. Moms know when you need a hug, when you need to be left alone, and are […]

It’s something we dream of all winter – that magical moment when the sweet spring sun touches our skin for the first time, and the whole world feels bigger and brighter. This is when we peel back the layers we’ve piled on for the winter months and for the first time get a full glimpse […]

Before Michael Schiedel-Webb came to live full-time in Haliburton, he had never made beer. Not once. Not ever. His first batch came from a really big home-brew kit, located in the living room of his cottage, in the middle of the winter. “It was minus ten, and we had to do some of it outside,” […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. The highlight of a rural road trip is often the impromptu stop at a small town general store where you can find everything from pickled eggs to popsicles, and where penny candy begs for a sampling. General stores are a staple of the rural […]

Stepping into your local outdoor outfitter or bike shop last year to find nothing but empty shelves was a good indication that bikepacking, the activity that combines backcountry camping and off-road cycling, will be a popular option for a COVID-friendly outdoor getaway this year. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran ready to take on multi-day tours […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. These days the warm weather is telling us summer is here and we don’t need to be told twice to get out and embrace the outdoors and the freedom it offers through physical distancing. The best summer hikes not only take us into the wild […]

Haliburton artist, Wendy Wood, has lived everywhere from Kapuskasing to the shores of Lake Erie, but says nothing can compare to the creative atmosphere in Haliburton, particularly when it comes to fostering art and artists. “There’s a little bit of everything here,” Wendy explained. “The art school here draws everybody…you have top-notch teachers then people […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  If we had to pick a single month that would be awesome for playing games, it would be March (okay, and maybe February). Mother Nature can’t decide if it’s winter, spring (or sometimes summer), and there are times when it seems safer to hunker […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  Spring is in the air in Ontario’s Highlands – especially in the sugarbush – and we are ready to celebrate. This is the time of year when we typically head out to a sugarbush to see how syrup is made, to sample taffy, have […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  Valentine’s Day may be over but that doesn’t mean our chocolate indulgence has to end. Is there even such a thing as too much chocolate? We think not. For true chocolate lovers, every opportunity to sample a new artisanal chocolate is reason to rejoice. […]

Maple syrup isn’t just for pancakes. Celebrate Canada’s iconic sweetener in all its forms in Ontario’s Highlands.

*Stay home, stay safe. This article contains experiences you can have at home or that conform with current stay-at-home orders. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but unfortunately this year brings with it new challenges.  You can’t go out to dinner, you can’t go see a movie, and many of the typical Valentine’s Day […]

The ground may be covered by snow right now, but we’re dreaming of the warm weather and the camping season to come in the wild places in Ontario’s Highlands. Camping reservations have recently opened at provincial campgrounds across Ontario and if last year was any indicator spots will book up fast. You can book a […]

Have you ever had a pivotal moment in your life? One event that stands out to you and makes your path in life clear? My moment came to me in the form of a wolf as black as the night, with golden eyes that seemed to peer into my soul. Not many people can say […]

Explore wild places on cross country ski or snowshoe trails in Ontario’s Highlands.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  If you have been longing to cruise along snowy trails where the winter forest towers over you and the rush of the frosty wind fills your ears, this is the year to get out and explore the landscapes close to home. COVID-19 has made […]

Discover the story of Sarain Fox and her journey home to the Ontario’s Highlands, relieving memories of ice fishing and snowmobiling along the way.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  You slip and slide your way across the ice, your arms laden with fishing gear, excitement building at the thought of the unscripted day ahead. Tucked amidst your gear is a warm blanket, a thermos of something rich and delicious, and a carefully packed […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  The hill spills beneath the runners of your toboggan, plunging into a darkness made even deeper by the sparkle of snow beneath the moonlight. Your nose is cold but your mittened hands are warm, and your heart is pumping in anticipation of careening downhill […]

Unique winter experiences in Ontario’s Highlands that will give you something to brag about.

The holiday season is coming, and it’s the season for giving. You might be the type to start planning early, or the kind who is motivated by pressure, not even beginning your shopping until the 11th hour. Whichever you are, we’re here to help get the ideas flowing with a list of online gifts that […]

Disconnect from the everyday with a snowmobile trip through Ontario’s Highlands.

Get into the holiday spirit this month with these mixologists and craft drink producers in Ontario’s Highlands.

Snuggle down for an enchanted sleigh ride through snowy forests and pristine wilderness settings in Ontario’s Highlands.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  When the days start getting shorter and the sun becomes something you crave more than chocolate, you know you are entering into the darkest months of the year. It can be easy to feel a little down and dreary at this time […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  If you were sad to pack away your bike for the winter, are lamenting the loss of beautiful weather for an early morning run, or regretting all the days you could have been churning through whitewater this summer but weren’t, we have […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  You nestle into a soft cocoon of blankets while curled up on the couch, the fire casting its flickering glow onto the faces of friends or family as you share comradery and conversation. You clasp a warm mug in your hands, the […]

Spend the night in historic accommodations to take yourself to way-back-when, and get into the spirit of the community you’re visiting. These inns have stories to tell of the people who lived and breathed inside their walls.

‘Tis the season – for shopping. Yes, the leaves may have barely fallen from the trees but the jack-o-lanterns will shortly be switched out for ornaments and holly and the days are numbered before the holidays are here live and in person. This year when planning your shopping to-do list, we have two words for […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  You waken to the sound of new snow drifting onto the top of your tent or cabin, landing light as a feather one snowflake at a time. The world is hushed and the air snaps with cold but you are warm and […]

Friluftsliv (free-lufts-liv): Free air life *Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  If you’re worried about being stuck indoors this winter, the Scandinavians may have the solution with this hard to pronounce and consonant-filled word: friluftsliv. Loosely translated, friluftsliv means “free air life,” a concept that was coined by […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  You wander through rural communities, along rugged trails, or gravel sideroads, fixated on one thing and one thing only: your next cache. When you are geocaching, you can’t help but become fully immersed in the moment, setting your sights on an outdoor […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  Thanksgiving dinner is something we dream about all year long – the perfectly roasted turkey dishes up with cranberry sauce, potatoes and veggies, and often paired with more than one glass of wine or a cold pint of beer or cider, not […]

So you’ve seen the Instagram posts of friends or family seated around a rustic campfire, enthusing on the beauty of nature and a rugged camping experience, but you’re thinking “That’s totally not for me?” Hey, don’t sweat it, you are not alone. Camping isn’t for everyone, and who says it should be? If everyone were […]

When was the last time you bit down into something so warm and rich, cheesy and flavourful that your heart said “thank you!” and your belly said “more please!” The best comfort foods are rich and calorie-laden, and best enjoyed in a warm, cozy restaurant or at home on the couch in your comfies. These […]

There’s something lingering in the air throughout October, leading up to the culmination of all things spooky on its final day – Halloween.   October starts with the summer’s lush canopy of green bidding a final farewell through a stunning display of vibrant colours. When the leaves die off and settle as a multi-coloured blanket on the forest floor, and the fog rolls in over the lakes and […]

Celebrate the beauty of autumn in unique ways across Ontario’s Highlands

Who says art can only be found in big galleries or urban showrooms? To find fantastic local and Canadian art you need to head to the places that inspire artists to create, and Ontario’s Highlands is among the most beautiful places in Ontario (in our humble opinion). Beyond the inspiration found in the rugged hills […]

When the forest has transformed from shades of green to vivid reds, fiery oranges and brilliant yellows, the road will begin calling, sending a gentle reminder that the days where you can head out on the road with the windows down are numbered. In fall you aren’t looking for a highway experience, you want to […]

Explore Ontario’s muddiest places with these ATV trails in Ontario’s Highlands.

Could this be Ontario’s tastiest bike route? A natural backdrop of Canadian Shield, shimmering lakes and lush Crown land forests surround you as you pedal down a 50/50 mix of quiet paved roads and gravel rail trails that traverse a series of communities. These small towns and rural hamlets are now known for art and […]

In my humble opinion, there is no better time than fall to hop on my bike and hit the roads, gravel, and trails of Ontario’s Highlands. I don’t have to worry about overheating, nor will I find myself pushed to my limit while trying to outrun a swarm of deer flies for 20 kilometres (true […]

Are you the type to pull over when you see a comically large roadside attraction, or a picture-perfect spot to snap a few shots? Amateur photographers and Instagrammers alike can agree that a giant ice cream cone, a massive mural adorning the side of a building, or a full-size replica of a jet plane are […]

Find the best vantage points for all the brilliant fall colours this season.

Discover these top lakes and rivers in Ontario’s Highlands to discover the beauty of fall colours from a canoe.

It’s been a heck of a year, hasn’t it? If ever there was a year to test your capacity for resilience, it would be 2020. After such a momentous year, what we all could use right now is a little “me time” – a little pampering, and a little bit of peace and quiet to […]

We are so lucky to come from a place that has it all: phenomenal views, rugged landscapes, abundance of trails, and infinite opportunities for recreation, all enticing you to leave your comfort zone and step into the wild. Here, endless forests meet cool, clear lakes and rivers to create incredible vistas that reach out to […]

Remember when your whole summer was devoted to swimming, playing, catching frogs, and finding adventures? At one time, this was an entire season fueled by ice cream, Freezies, and hot dogs. August always felt so short, and by the time it rolled around you’d scramble to finish your summer bucket list, savouring each shortened day […]

What’s your favourite flavour of cycling? Do you prefer digging in off-road, pedaling hard for speed and distance, or just a light taste with a short meander? A bike ride can be what you want to make of it, which is part of the fun, isn’t it? Haliburton Highlands’ varied terrain calls cyclists to explore […]

This year the key to exploring is to keep it local; this is the time to explore our own backyards, and the regions close to home that have so much to offer us in the way of exhilarating outdoor experiences, fantastic food and drink, and blissful relaxation. If you’re exploring a new corner of Ontario’s […]

Have you ever wondered about the mysterious realm outside our planet? Maybe you’ve wanted to roam the galaxy, travel among the stars, and get a new perspective on the universe. For now, stargazing is as close to it as us ‘average humans’ can get! Luckily there are still places to getaway, where the view of […]

You waken slowly in the early morning, the high-pitched warble of birdsong drifting lightly through the trees overhead. The sky is faintly brightening with the coming of dawn, and the natural world is gradually blossoming to life. Around you there is no trace of human activity, no murmurs of voices, clanging of dishes, or whir […]

Barbecue season and maple season combine with this sweet and sticky recipe from Wintergreen Maple Syrup.

Break a sweat in Ontario’s Highlands with these top hiking and biking destinations.

You don’t need to leave the house for a romantic and locally inspired experience. Bring date night home with these four romantic experiences.

Follow in the footsteps of the Group of Seven and be inspired by these five experiences across Ontario’s Highlands.

A throwback to summers gone past, with inspiration for this year’s adventure.

Discover the benefits of Wandering and why the place to do it is Ontario’s Highlands.

If you’re missing your spring cocktails, the drink makers at Rhubarb Haliburton are happy to share their recipe for a delicious and fizzy cocktail.

Hit the water and take advantage of these easy kayaking and canoeing opportunities in Ontario’s Highlands.

Take a trip around Ontario’s Highlands to these micro-breweries to discover your perfect summer beer.

Feed your curiosity and explore the diverse geology of Ontario’s Highlands at these Recreational Geology locations.

Pamper yourself with a little self love with this recipe for an at-home spa day from Wind in the Willows Spa in Haliburton, Ontario.

Wake up lakeside with a steaming cup of coffee from a roastery in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover the beauty of mindfulness and allowing yourself to Just Breathe.

From Bed & Breakfasts to manors, Ontario’s Highlands is dotted with unique accommodations options for a memorable night stay.

Chow down on artisan wood-fired pizza at any of these gems across Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover businesses across Haliburton County putting sustainability first.

Expert fishing guide Sebastian Kowalczuk shares his secret fishing spots where you’re guaranteed a good catch.

Spring’s revival invites you to immerse yourself in your senses.

The sun is warm, the air smells like spring, and the birds are singing their special warm weather songs. It’s official; spring has sprung. After a long Canadian winter, spring getaways are a time-honoured tradition for families here in the great white north, and haven’t we earned a little fun in the sun? This is […]

Celebrate Pi Day with the best pie at these bakeries in Ontario’s Highlands.

Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian – dine with confidence at these 10 Ontario’s Highlands restaurants. Your belly will thank you.

Escape the city for a hearty meal with pure maple syrup at these top places for pancake breakfasts in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover sweet places to stay for maple adventures in Ontario this spring.

This Valentine’s Day, dare to do something different and visit Artech Studios.

Soak up incredible views and beneficial side effects across Ontario’s Highlands.

Add a little romance at one of these nine intimate Ontario retreats.

Discover rider-designed loops, private snowmobile trails, and places to stay along the way in Ontario’s Highlands.

Winter events across Ontario’s Highlands that will help you keep your New Year’s Resolutions.

A grown-up’s guide to falling in love with Snow Days in Ontario’s Highlands.

Meet up with friends after a day well spent on the slopes or on the trails. Discover these top places in Ontario’s Highlands to celebrate the Apres Ski!

Discover some of the best bakeries in Ontario’s Highlands and their tasty treats.

Warm up your winter in Ontario’s Highlands with a getaway to one of these snug lodges or resorts.

Challenge yourself to reach new heights with an ice climbing adventure at these places across Ontario’s Highlands.

If you can’t beat winter, join it with an epic dog sledding excursion through some of the most beautiful forests in Ontario.

Get hooked on the ultimate Canadian winter experience with an ice fishing getaway in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover these 6 cabins in Ontario and uncover the beauty of a winter staycation in Ontario’s Highlands.

Tips for a successful catch with ice fishing this winter.

Today’s craft markets are full of fresh, hip products made by creative and talented makers. This holiday season, go above and beyond by picking up handmade items with a story to tell at one of these Ontario holiday markets.

Meet Mary Barker, the Wilberforce woman who’s making Haliburton world-renowned for geocaching.  Wilberforce, Ontario, County of Haliburton The roads to Wilberforce are winding and majestic, flanked by high pine trees and birches, nestled between the hard rock and calm lakes that make up the Canadian Shield. Mary Barker knows these roads and waterways well, having […]

Unique date night ideas in Haliburton County.

Fall food festivals to warm your spirits and delight your taste buds in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover the warmth of friendly artists and artisans this fall with Studio Tours in Ontario’s Highlands.

Read these tips to help plan your hikes and time at the Hike Haliburton Festival.

Discover these places in Ontario’s Highlands that allow you to get out into nature, benefiting your mental and physical health.

Live in the moment and tune into yourself at one of these 6 nature spots in Hastings County and Haliburton County.

Places throughout Ontario’s Highlands for any type of group.

Discover the best places for summer sunsets in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover these top ice cream stops across Ontario’s Highlands to keep cool this summer on your road trip.

Camps across Ontario’s Highlands to fill your kids’ days with excitement.

Check out these top spots near Toronto to upgrade your outdoor skills and gear.

Get your muscles working with these five ways to embrace the Canadian wilderness in Ontario’s Highlands.

From rock to folk, these Ontario’s Highlands summer music festivals will keep you coming back year after year.

Discover these top ways to enjoy the strawberry season, when you let these farm-fresh berries shine on their own or in a variety of treats.

Celebrate creativity at art festivals across Ontario’s Highlands this summer.

Molding clay. Blowing glass, Painting water colours. Discover these unique art workshops in Ontario’s Highlands.

3 tips to ensure a memorable cottage escape in Ontario Highlands.

Head into the woods and onto the water this summer and discover these off-grid cabins in Ontario.

Indulge your taste buds this summer with these 5 local finds at Farmers Markets through Ontario’s Highlands.

Take a road trip this summer in Ontario’s Highlands and visit these key food festivals.

Discover ways to give a mom a Mother’s Day to remember, with gift ideas that go above and beyond.

Grab your SUP board and take in the beautiful views at these 5 places in Ontario’s Highlands.

Check out one of these live theatre performances throughout Ontario’s Highlands.

Four memorable bike adventures in Ontario’s Highlands.

Welcome the warm weather together this spring at events across Ontario’s Highlands.

Enjoy some quality family time and embrace the season during an escape to Ontario’s Highlands.

Climb to new heights at the Medeba Ice Wall and enjoy the unique view from the top.

Make fresh tracks along premium snowmobile trail, the RAP Tour Loop.

Snowshoeing to serenity in #MyHaliburtonHighlands.

Visit Winterdance in Ontario’s Highlands and discover a love of winter from some of its biggest fans.

Watch JR Alli’s video and see what he discovers when he allows himself to just wander.

Follow along with Chris from Travelling Mitch as he wanders through Haliburton Highlands and Hastings County on the Rustic Roamer Road Trip.

Stand tall and marvel at the views from the top of historical attraction, the Dorset Lookout Tower.

Discover cabins in Ontario that allow you to get a temporary break from the online world.

Summer adventure of mountain biking awaits at Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride.

Step back into nature at the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve to celebrate sustainability in this unique place.

Marvel at outdoor art dotting the streets and trails across Ontario’s Highlands.

A three-day Creative Cruiser Road Trip in Ontario’s Highlands sure to peak and feed your curiosity.

A three-day Rustic Roamer Route filled with surprising moments around each corner.

Discover Minden Hills, where you can seek both serenity and adventure with small-town charm.

Seeking thrills? Check out the adrenaline junkie’s guide to finding adventure without wasting time.

Travel ideas for Father’s Day and beyond.

This March Break, do something unexpected with the family.

Seven amazing ways to indulge your next craving with maple-inspired treats.

Fresh healthy food and local produce are summer staples in Ontario’s Highlands.

7 Locations that will relax the most stressed out traveller.

Become a pro on sustainable, local food with a visit to Abbey Gardens.

The unplanned moments that seem to go hand in hand with road trips in Ontario’s Highlands.

Two Canadians return home to rediscover their love for the Canadian winter.

Rejuvenate in the cold months with a getaway in Haliburton Highlands.

Six unique places to stay for an Ontario vacation.

5 iconic ways to experience winter like a Canuck.

Hidden trails and amazing surprises for sledders in Ontario.

Read how one Toronto adventurer finds inspiration in Haliburton.

Popular downhill skiing destinations in Ontario’s Highlands.

4 Tips for getting to welcoming Ontario’s Highlands communities.

An expert’s guide on the best fishing spots in Ontario’s Highlands.

Feast your eyes on some of the incredible flavours of the Haliburton Highlands.

Discover the ‘country’ in cottage country in Haliburton Highlands.

A beginner’s guide to everything you need for a great catch in Ontario’s Highlands.

Two bloggers uncover the outdoor beauty of Haliburton.

An Ottawa couple asks: to slow down or recharge with thrill?

Visit these 8 Ontario Parks’ campgrounds in Ontario’s Highlands and discover why they are worth the admission.

Meet Justin Beaver – one of Haliburton’s most colourful characters.

Top places to find cool stuff for Geocaching enthusiasts.

Restaurants with views as impressive as the menu.

Discover these charming Bed & Breakfasts in Ontario’s small towns.

Discover the rich canoe culture in Ontario’s Highlands.

Take the road less traveled through Ontario’s Highlands to these unique festivals that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Discover the best spots to learn about the vibrant culture and hidden gems in Ontario’s Highlands through the locals themselves.

Minden is your gateway to outdoor adventure, small-town charm and more.

Located in the Geocaching Capital of Canada, all you need is a GPS and curiosity to explore Wilberforce.