Rise Above: Four Days, Three Nights of Elevated Adventure in Ontario's Highlands
Step out of the forest and onto the edge of a rocky outcrop, and everything changes. The ground falls away, the sky opens up, and suddenly the weight you’ve been carrying feels a little lighter.
This four-day journey invites you to trade the everyday for something higher, in altitude and awareness, with panoramic lookouts, treetop walks, starlit skies, and stays perched above it all.
Follow this itinerary to climb higher, breathe deeper, and reconnect with what really matters.
Day One
This is a day for awe — for standing on the edge of something vast and remembering your place in the world.
Start of Day One
Start Here: Dorset
Dorset, Ontario is one of Ontario’s historic treasures. Founded around 1859, this small community is surrounded by lakes, rivers and unbroken forest, and a sleepy and close knit waterside community.
What to do here
- Climb Dorset’s iconic 100-foot Lookout Tower, offering unparalleled 360-degree views over the Lake of Bays, Kawagama Lake, and Algonquin Provincial Park.
- Explore the trails around the base of the tower.
- Enjoy an ice cream cone from Robinson’s General Store after your climb. This is another historic treasure, and a popular stop for cottagers for coffee and gelato.
About the area
Dorset is truly the village with a view. To get the most out of that view, visit the Dorset Lookout Tower, an old fire lookout tower, now popular for its' 360 degree views above the Lake of Bays.
Time Spent Here: You could spend all day here, but you will want to be on your way early enough to arrive at your next stop around noon, so plan accordingly.
65 km • 56 mins
Next Stop: Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve
Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve is one of the most beautiful spots in Haliburton Highlands. With 100,000 acres, 100 lakes and millions of trees, this reserve is paradise for nature and outdoor lovers.
What to do here
- The world’s longest canopy walkway is calling, inviting you to experience the forest from a bird’s eye view, high among the treetops. Note: Tours must be booked in advance.
- Listen to the sounds of the forest from your new vantage point, high among the treetops on the canopy tour. Spot new species of birds, insects, and other wildlife.
- With 400 kilometres of trails to explore here, you won’t run out of options for adventure. Hike, mountain bike, or just set off on an explore. Every step will bring a new view of the world around you.
- Stop for lunch or dinner at Boshkung Smokehouse, located right on the reserve. All the smoking is done on site, and served with housemade sauces. You might want to pick up something extra to take with you to your accommodation for a late night snack.
Time Spent Here: The canopy tour itself is between three and four hours, so plan on at least five hours here. Be sure you leave early enough to arrive at your accommodation before the sun sets.
39 km • 35 mins
End Your Day: Fort Treehouse
Perched high in the trees near Haliburton, Fort Treehouse offers a one-of-a-kind escape that blends childhood wonder with grown-up minimalism. This off-grid retreat features a Zen-like interior, wraparound deck, and stunning forest views that invite you to unplug and reconnect. It’s the perfect spot to slow down and let nature take the lead.
What to do here
- Check into your treehouse and feel the stress of the world fall away with each step that takes you closer to the treetops.
- Soak in a private outdoor hot tub under the trees and stars.
- Shower in the great outdoors, surrounded by bird life and nature.
- Let the sounds of the forest lull you to sleep. It’s the ultimate in forest bathing, 24-hour immersion.
Time Spent Here: Aim to arrive at the treehouse early enough to get settled before the sun sets. Don’t rush, this is your chance to unwind and savour each moment.
End of Day One
Day Two
Bookings at Fort Treehouse are for a minimum of two nights, which means you will have the whole day to savour every moment of your stay here.
Start of Day Two
Start Here: Fort Treehouse
Dawn will come in quietly to the treehouse, where you will waken to the sounds of bird calls and rustling leaves from right outside your window. Bask in the moment.
What to do here
- Make breakfast in the minimalist kitchen, then sit with a cup of coffee on the elevated deck and contemplate this new perspective on the forest.
- Curl up with a good book in the open-concept living space complete with a Norwegian propane fireplace that will take off the morning chill.
Time Spent Here: The day is yours to plan as you will. You can stay at the Fort or make the short drive to Haliburton to stock up and see an epic lookout. Your call!
34 km • 31 mins
Next Stop: Haliburton
Just a 30-minute drive from the treehouse, Haliburton has everything you need in the way of groceries or take-out for meals back at the treehouse.
What to do here
- Worth a stop is Skyline Park, a beautiful lookout over the town of Haliburton and Head Lake, just a 10-minute walk from the trailhead. Get a sky-high view of the world spread out below, and marvel at how tiny we are in the grand scheme of things.
- Feeling peckish? Dine in at local favourites like Juna Italian Food, McKeck’s Tap & Grill or Maple Avenue Tap & Grill.
- Take out will taste just as sweet back at The Fort Treehouse from Hook Line & Sinker, specializing in fish and chips, made with a gluten free batter. Their clam chowder is also amazing.
- Be inspired by the juxtaposition of art found in a forest setting at the Haliburton Sculpture Forest.
About the area
In addition to its' stunning scenery, Haliburton is home to a thriving arts community. With plenty of galleries dotting the countryside, a must-visit is the renowned Haliburton Sculpture Forest, a unique outdoor collection of sculptures by Canadian and international artists.
34 km • 31 mins
End Your Day: Fort Treehouse
Back at the treehouse it’s time to unwind again, bask in the forest spread out below you, and take advantage of all of the Fort’s amenities like their outdoor shower, hot tub, and the outdoor firepit, perfect for cooking or savouring your evening meal.
End of Day Two
Day Three
On this second last day of your journey, this is a time to reflect on four days of living higher, breathing deeper, and seeing nature — and yourself — in a whole new light.
Start of Day Three
Start Here: Fort Treehouse
Take your time getting up and on the road this morning, you won’t want to cut your stay here short.
95 km • 1 hour 13 mins
Next Stop: Bancroft
The terrain in northern Hastings County reflects the region’s reputation as the Mineral Capital of Canada – complete with rocky outcroppings, and amazing lookouts. This is the place to be to feel the air on your face.
What to do here
- Hike to one of Ontario’s most iconic lookouts at Eagle’s Nest Park. Here you’ll find panoramic views that will remind you how small we are against the breadth of the land below.
- Pick up take-out from Wattle & Daub Café or Eagle’s Nest Restaurant to savour with a picnic at the lookout.
- Visit the Bancroft Mineral Museum to learn more about the geology of the region and what led to being named the Mineral Capital of Canada.
About the area
Bancroft, the Mineral Capital of Canada, is a rockhounders' dream. Must stop locations for all rock-lovers includes the Bancroft Mineral Museum and the Princess Sodalite Mine. Or take a trip down The Miner's Loop and walk in the shoes of miners long ago.
134 km • 93 mins
Next Stop: Calabogie
Calabogie is a community made for outdoor lovers, home to the highest vertical peak in Ontario at Calabogie Peaks, and where you will feel like you can almost touch the clouds. If you are yearning to reach new heights, you’ll find ample opportunities here.
What to do here
- Hike the Manitou Mountain Trail, a moderately challenging nine-kilometre hiking trail that takes you past three breathtaking lookouts over the Ottawa Valley.
- After working up an appetite you can refuel at the Redneck Bistro or On the Rocks, both great options to relax and savour a hearty meal after a long day on the trails or water.
- Plan to come back here in fall, when Calabogie Peaks Resort offers chairlift rides up the mountain on weekends. The view of the forests blazing in full autumn glory is simply stunning.
- The air will feel a little fresher when out on the water – consider renting a kayak, or paddleboard from Mad River Paddle Co. and exploring Calabogie Lake at your leisure.
About the area
Referred to as 'the funnest small town in Canada' by CBC's comedy series, Still Standing, Calabogie more than lives up to the name. From indoor activities like restaurant hopping, to outdoor adventure in watersports, backwoods play, and skiing Ontario's vertical drop at Calabogie Peaks, there's plenty of fun to be had at this outdoor paradise.
Time Spent Here: Plan for a minimum of three hours here.
Option: Ready for a true rush? Add an extra day to your trip and rise even higher with a skydiving adventure at Airborne Petawawa and see Ontario's Highlands from a view usually reserved for the birds.
90 km • 63 mins
Next Stop: Rockhill Bed and Breakfast
Although you are checking into the bed and breakfast, your journey doesn’t end today. There is one more stop to forge a connection with what really matters.
What to do here
- Check in at the bed and breakfast and get yourself settled because while your trip ends tomorrow, there is still one more experience to have after the sun sets.
- Grab a hot drink to go from Cardinal Café + Shop to enjoy when the weather cools once the sun sets.
- When the sun has dipped below the horizon make the short drive to the North Frontenac Astronomy Park to watch the night sky ignite with thousands of stars, a view few ever get to see. Park a lawn chair or spread a blanket, then tip your gaze up to the heavens and feel small beneath the starry skies.
About the area
Time Spent Here: Plan to be at the bed and breakfast around suppertime (we suggest grabbing dinner at the Sharbot Lake Country Inn and the Crossing Pub) so you have time to get settled before setting out for the astronomy park.
End of Day Three
Day Four
You have had ample opportunities to stand at the edge of the sky and feel both small and infinite. Have you felt a shift in your perception? We hope so.
Start of Day Four
Start Here: Rockhill Bed and Breakfast
If you arrived back at the bed and breakfast in the wee hours of the morning, your head filled with stardust and magic, you may want to sleep in today.
What to do here
- Enjoy a hot, gourmet breakfast while gazing at beautiful Sharbot Lake from the bed and breakfast.
- Before leaving Sharbot Lake, stop at Seed to Sausage and experience what sustainable and ethically raised meat tastes like.
- Explore Sharbot Lake Provincial Park’s trails – the Sharbot Lake Ridge Trail is only a half-kilometre out-and-back trail but is so steep you will be glad for the rest at the top (and the phenomenal view of Sharbot Lake).
