Do you remember when you stumbled upon a hidden gem on your daytrip or holiday, something totally unexpected and awe worthy that made the whole trip worthwhile? Something that reminded you of the awe-inspiring wonder of Mother Nature and just how amazing the world can be?  

This summer, we invite you to rediscover those moments when you were awe-struck by the wonder of the world around you in a region renowned for its majestic natural spaces, and create new ‘remember whens’ to share and reshare for years to come. 

Encounter the Wild and Wonderful

You won’t forget coming across the stunningly beautiful turquoise Blue Seas Lake at Land’escapes, a conservation forest that is home to 27,000 acres of virtually untouched wilderness and now offered as a resource for visitors to connect with nature. 

Land’escapes offers curated itineraries to introduce novice campers to backcountry camping (while providing all gear and tutorials), or self-sufficient campers who want to go it alone. With canoes strategically situated on each of the lakes you won’t even need to worry about portaging your canoe to reach remote and beautiful spots.

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Even the food tastes better when you're out in the wild. Swing past The Barn Chefs before heading to the park to pick up authentic Italian meats and cheeses for a meal you'll remember. 

Encounter the Wild Life

In Haliburton Highlands, Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve is set on 100,000 acres and home to 100 lakes, millions of trees and abundant wildlife. Visit the on-site Wolf Centre to observe wolves in their natural habitat, or book an outdoor experience with Yours Outdoors, like clay target shooting, a medicinal mushrooms workshop, or their “Canoe Like a Canadian” experience. 

Spend the night in one of the forest’s cabins or cottages or one of Cabinscape’s tiny cabins. 

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While in the Haliburton region, stop by the Haliburton Sculpture Forest to experience outdoor art in a forest setting, something you don’t see every day. 

Encounter Ancient Forests

Old growth forests are so fun to explore, and a wonderful reminder of how small we are in the scope of the natural world. In Arnprior, Gillie’s Grove is a National Historic Site, with 56-acres of old growth forest, including a 150-foot white pine (that’s taller than a 13-story building) that’s estimated to be between 150 and 200 years old and one of the tallest trees in Ontario. 

An hour west of Arnprior, Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre is home to another 50-hectares of old growth forest and 160-hectares of wetlands and mixed forest. 

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Build memories with a well timed ice cream treat from the Flavour Container in Arnprior, a fun shipping container ice cream shop in the downtown core. 

Encounter the Historic (and prehistoric)

Taking a step back in time is a true memory builder, without the hum of technology to distract you. Two fun finds in Ontario’s Highlands are the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, one of Ontario’s only railway museums, and one kids (and adults) love to explore, and Petawawa Heritage Village, a collection of historic buildings staffed by volunteers in period costume. 

For pre-historic finds, Bon Echo Provincial Park is home to over 260 pictographs spread along a two-and-a-half kilometre cliff face overlooking Mazinaw Lake. This location is the only major pictograph site in southern Ontario and a good example of Indigenous rock art. 

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Purchase tickets for the 45-minute Wanderer boat tour to view the pictographs and learn more about Indigenous history.

Encounter the Deep, Dark, and Mysterious

It’s not every day you get to trek deep into the earth to explore ancient caves and geological formations. In the Ottawa Valley, Bonnechere Caves is a network of limestone dating back to the Ordovician time period, between 400 and 500 million years ago. Take their 20-30 minute tour and explore the caves to learn more about the pressures that formed them.

Silver Queen Mine in Lanark County is a very cool mica mine that dates back to the early 1900s. The cave can be experienced with a tour that runs from the end of June to Labour Day. Park fees may apply.

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While in Lanark County visit one or all of the Seven Wonders of Lanark County, including the Five-Span Stone Bridge, Blueberry Mountain, and the crown jewel or Perth, Stewart Park (among others). 

Encounter the Highest Heights

The Canopy Tour at Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve is the longest canopy walkway in the world (wow!). This is one for the memory banks, for sure. Book ahead to take the three-and-a-half to-four-hour tour along the tree canopy, up to 20 metres above the ground. The tour includes a canoe paddle, a guided walk, and the tour itself. 

Also in Haliburton Highlands, you can take a chair lift to the top of Sir Sam's SKI/Ride and see the splendour of Eagle Lake spread out before you. Chairlift rides are offered Saturdays and Sundays in July and August 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

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Maximize your experience in Haliburton Highlands with a visit to the 150-year-old historic Hawk Log Chute, the only remaining log chute of its kind in Ontario. The chute is located at the point where Big Hawk Lake meets the Kennisis River, at 1584 Big Hawk Lake Rd.

Encounter Starry Skies

Ontario’s Highlands is home to two locations with some of the darkest skies in Ontario – the North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve and the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area. These spots offer the perfect place to bundle up with a thermos and settle back to drink in the millions of stars overhead, gazing up at the infinite wonder of space.

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Looking for tips for capturing your memories in film? Read this article by renowned photographer, Rob Stimpson, and brush up on your skills before heading out. 

Summer