Wander to Ontario’s Highlands

Ontario’s Highlands is showing its pride this summer! Our communities are bringing out the rainbow flags and getting ready to celebrate Pride Month (and longer) with all the rainbow-coloured bells and whistles. Celebrating pride in Ontario’s Highlands means smaller, more intimate events that give you a totally different Pride experience. Celebrate diversity and inclusivity at […]

This content is part of the broader Our Connections campaign, and is intended to broaden the understanding of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their histories in Ontario’s Highlands. The next time you are outdoors, take a moment to stand and truly feel of the land beneath your feet. If you concentrate really hard you may be […]

This content is part of the broader Our Connections campaign, and is intended to broaden the understanding of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their histories in Ontario’s Highlands. On my mother’s side, I am Algonquin Anishinabek, an original inhabitant of Turtle Island, known today as North America. The traditional homelands of the Algonquin people are the […]

This content is part of the broader Our Connections campaign, and is intended to broaden the understanding of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their histories in Ontario’s Highlands. – Amber Hein is Algonquin Anishinabek, an original inhabitant of Turtle Island, known today as North America. Read her perspective on how to give back to the land […]

This content is part of the broader Our Connections campaign, and is intended to broaden the understanding of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their histories in Ontario’s Highlands. Canadians are becoming more aware of the injustices perpetrated against Indigenous Peoples since settlers arrived on the shores of Turtle Island (North America). Still, many of us aren’t […]

This content is part of the broader Our Connections campaign, and is intended to broaden the understanding of Indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their histories in Ontario’s Highlands. Canada is home to more than 630 First Nations, representing over 50 sovereign nations with their own lands, culture, language, creation stories, language or dialect. With such a […]

We’re all looking for something specific from our staycation– whether it’s a chance to unwind and recharge from our hectic lives, connect with family or loved ones, or really let loose and celebrate the joy of living. This year is your year to really have it all, no matter your vacation style. The good news […]

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 […]

In today’s world we must consciously strive to reduce and eliminate the biases that colour the world and our interactions within it. Here in Ontario’s Highlands, we imagine a gender equal world, free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, where women are free to celebrate their successes and find support for their struggles. On International Women’s […]

Is there anything more thrilling and rejuvenating then venturing out into our wild places to connect with ourselves and nature? As photographer and conservationist Art Wolfe said; “It is in the wild places, where the edge of the earth meets the corners of the sky, the human spirit is fed.” And lucky us, we have […]

So you’ve heard about the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit and are wondering how you can save 20 per cent in accommodation expenses on your next Ontario getaway? Join the club! This year will surely go down in history as the year of the staycation for Ontario residents, and here in Ontario’s Highlands we couldn’t be […]

You don’t need to get on a plane to relax on a sandy beach, be pampered at a spa, or experience a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure in all four seasons. From luxury accommodations to rustic retreats, and minimalist getaways, Ontario’s Highlands has your dream staycation spot waiting for you. If you heard about the new Ontario […]

Believe it or not, winter is my absolute favourite season to get outdoors and hike! The trails are little more quiet, there are no bugs, and you don’t have to get up as early to catch an incredible sunrise.  If that’s not winning, I don’t know what is. The caveat of course, is that you […]

“Winter’s so special because you have incredibly fresh air, you get that cold oxygen into your lungs. It just feels good to be outside.” – Andrew Twigg, Cruising Canoes When the snow blankets the ground for the first time each year it’s immediately clear there are two kinds of people in the world: those who […]

When the holiday decorations go up in December the whole world begins to shimmer with magic. Every car ride or stroll is filled with wonder as we drink in the night filled with sparkling holiday lights of all colours. For the next month or longer, villages, hamlets, and towns in Ontario’s Highlands will be lit […]

*When wandering in Ontario’s Highlands, please be aware of any local travel restrictions and guidelines. Vaccine passports accompanied by photo identification are currently required to enter some businesses.  Is there any better feeling of aliveness than the way we feel when we connect to ourselves and others? Connections give us a grounded, joyful sensation of awareness and interaction that […]

*When wandering in Ontario’s Highlands, please be aware of any local travel restrictions and guidelines. Vaccine passports accompanied by photo identification are currently required to enter some businesses.  Let’s face it, we live in a pretty disconnected world. Especially over the last year and a half, we’ve begun to connect primarily through digital media like social media, cell phones, […]

“My calling is to help people, to help them see the way they move is so unique to who they are.” – Ro Nwosu What do you get when you take the rich Nigerian and maritime cultures, pepper in a dash of Valley, a twist of determination, and combine? You get a people loving, community […]

*When wandering in Ontario’s Highlands, please be aware of any local travel restrictions and guidelines. Vaccine passports accompanied by photo identification are currently required to enter some businesses. The holidays just don’t seem like the holidays without taking part in some fun community events. We miss seeing friends and neighbours during these once-a-year community gatherings […]

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 […]

Raise your hand if you’re all about snacks while hiking, camp meals on the fire, or cabin feasts with friends? (we’re going to go ahead and assume that your hand is up because all these things are awesome). Plant life contributes to the ecosystem, meals are the cornerstone of communities, and packing the right food […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. The summer may be over but that doesn’t mean the party has to stop. Events that take place in fall are in many ways even more amazing than summer events – there are no bugs, the weather is more reasonable, and we’re all eager […]

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

When you hike, is it to experience nature? Perhaps catch up with friends? Whether if it’s one or the other – or maybe both! – nothing trumps taking a pause to listen to nature’s ‘music’. There is beauty is listening to bird songs, frogs’ choruses, and the wind through the trees. In fact, it’s an […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. A creative spirit craves uninterrupted time to dream, wander, and replenish. It longs to absorb the creative vibes from others and bask in beautiful art and artistry. If your creative well has run dry or you are looking for an inspirational retreat to relax […]

“In every season, Haliburton is inspiring – the pace, vibe and cottage feel creates the perfect setting for creativity.” ~ Nick Russell & Benton Brown, Haliburton musicians Picture this: You are at the cottage seated with friends and/or family around a roaring bonfire, the low murmur of voices competing against a chorus of crickets and […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. We all want to be able to make beautiful music, paint stunning works of art or write beautiful prose, but if it were easy, everyone would be doing it, wouldn’t they? It’s fair to say that fostering creativity is difficult to achieve in a […]

*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 […]

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

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 […]

The community of Almonte has a habit of creating and fostering artists, a trend that’s perpetuated in the work and life of Almonte artist, Rosemary Leach. Rosemary and her husband, Jake, originally hail from Toronto and Peterborough, respectively, and intentionally went looking for a community with an unhurried pace in which to settle down when […]

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 […]

‘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 […]

Having a guide can turn an everyday hike into the most amazing adventure. Although I’d hiked on my own in the past, making the hike with Tim Yearington of Bird Mountain Journeys wove together a story that allowed a deeper connection and different outlook on nature and history. It gave me a greater outlook on […]

Have you ever wandered through an older building and felt the hair raise on the back of your neck, and not been sure why? It may be you are sensing something that others aren’t, some spooky aftereffect from a historical wrongdoing or the ghostly pinings of a disgruntled spirit. Many small communities in 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 […]

Discover how four craft drink makers harness Mother Nature’s flavours to elevate their beverages in Ontario’s Highlands.

From the rushing waters of the Petawawa, Madawaska and Ottawa rivers to the unspoiled woodlands of Algonquin Park, the Ottawa Valley is a sultry enchantress, enticing us with adventure. Renowned as a world-class whitewater destination and for the challenges found in its rugged hills and lush dales, the Valley pushes us to do more, live […]

Known for its pristine wilderness, incredible views and rugged natural spaces, the majestic beauty of Lennox & Addington speaks to the wanderer inside us all. From the craggy peak of Mazinaw Rock at Bon Echo Provincial Park to the starry skies overhead, there is wonder waiting to be discovered here, a vivid reminder of how our […]

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 […]

April Verch, fiddler, singer-songwriter and step dancer extraordinaire teaches the basics of stepdancing.

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

Get a virtual peek into these museums in Ontario’s Highlands.

Experience a slice of farm life at Dwyer’s Farmhouse in the Ottawa Valley.

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

Discover the 7 Wonders of Lanark County in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover businesses across Haliburton County putting sustainability first.

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

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

Broaden your horizons and learn something new at a unique museum in Ontario’s Highlands’.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Get a behind the scenes look into the world of baseball at Sam Bat.

Follow the flow of maple with a creative twist with the Maple Run Studio Tour.

Find out where to appease your creative side on this Creative Cruiser road trip.

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.

I’m a Creative Cruiser. I wander with a desire to feed my curiosity, to follow my passions, and to grow from my discoveries.

Explore the sweet moments and ageless beauty of Perth, Ontario.

Seven charming museums in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover a rich history and an even richer geology at the Beryl Pit in the Ottawa Valley.

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

No clouds were allowed to darken this girls’ getaway in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover breathtaking beauty blasted from the Earth at Marmora Mine in Ontario’s Highlands.

Rockhounding in Bancroft, Ontario, the Mineral Capital of Canada.

From hidden gems to ancient caves, these recreational geology trips are full of surprises.