The Rustic Roamer

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? […]

Pull off the gravel road that leads to Jeff and Jenna Fenwick’s small Frontenac County farm and you are greeted with a quintessential small farm scene: a cozy farmhouse, rustic barn, small orchard and garden. The setting on the shores of the Mississippi River is pastoral and idyllic. At first glance it may appear that […]

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.

Lounging on your balcony, patio, or deck sipping a yummy cocktail while the sun warms our face tells us we have finally arrived at the pinnacle of all summer experiences – cocktail season. We have to admit, we really do love a good cocktail, and we know the best drinks are made with care using […]

If you travel through Burnstown during the warm summer months, you will probably take note of a line-up of cars parked outside what has become one of the most sought-after ice cream shops in the region: Café Laurent. Here, Laurent Coulibaly makes his delicious ice creams from scratch, and is dedicated to revolutionizing the ice […]

Meet Marc Bru, owner of Square Timber Brewing Company who is taking beer to the next level in Pembroke, Ontario.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

*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 […]

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 […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  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 […]

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.  You’ve heard the word and maybe you’ve even seen Instagram pics of colourful charcuterie boards, and if you’re lucky you’ve sampled this meaty treat yourself (in case you wondered, it’s pronounced shahr-ku-tuh-ree). Charcuterie is originally a French word that literally translates to […]

*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.

Discover quaint towns with inviting restaurants and local shops at these top destinations for day trips.

‘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 […]

Wilno is a land with stories to tell – many stories, in fact. If the hamlet could talk, it would tell you tales of first settlers, church fires, bustling railway lines, and hockey games played on the outdoor rink. Known as Canada’s first Polish/Kashub settlement, Wilno is the place where settlers from Poland/Kashubia first laid […]

Oktoberfest brings to mind a crowded beer hall filled with large Germans shouting ‘Prost!’ and knocking thick beer steins together with gusto. But is this an event or a cultural celebration? We would argue the latter, and not just because we are looking for an excuse to drink beer and eat schnitzel. This year will […]

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 […]

Discover the best of fall with these 14 scenic driving routes in North Hastings.

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 […]

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 […]

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

Find these cideries on your next road trip through Ontario’s Highlands to discover a refreshing way to toast the apple harvest with a cold cider.

So, you’re ready to hit the road. The King’s Highway 60 is calling your name – and who could blame you? The vistas on this route are stunning, from the Ottawa Valley to the Madawaska Valley. Every kilometre is a captivating experience. It may seem like you could cruise forever on this roadway, but everyone […]

Now more than ever we are drawn to our community, and the places that help us to unwind and get outdoors. To get away from the crowds and reconnect with our roots. Frontenac County tempts us to sit back, unwind and check into vacation mode, to rediscover a world of countless lakes and a region […]

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 […]

Lanark County is a land of sweet contrasts, where dense forests of sugar maple border lush, green fields and you’re as likely to come across a cyclist as a farmer on one of the region’s winding roads. Urban and rural unite here to create a region that’s as colourful and varied as the patchwork quilt […]

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 […]

The deep lakes and meandering rivers here are ripe with life, both on land and in the water. This land is known as a region rich with minerals, and we haven’t forgotten how our communities were settled by the gold rush, where miners flocked, eager to delve into the earth to unearth its riches. Thick […]

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 […]

Ribbons of water and steel sear the land through Smiths Falls. The railroads and rushing Rideau River provide a physical reminder of the industrial heritage that helped shape this small, bold town in the heart of the Rideau Canal, a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Smiths Falls is a place of contrasts and character, where […]

Imagine a weekend of backcountry camping in a quiet forest just a few hours from Ottawa or Toronto. As you settle down at camp, you think back to the fresh moose tracks you saw earlier that day and the amazing swim you had when you stopped for lunch. The scenery feels familiar but something’s different. […]

For one of the best views of Bancroft, turn off Highway 62 onto Eagles Nest Crescent; turn right onto Eagles Nest Park Road and go up, up and then up some more. From the parking lot, take the Hawkwatch Trail; it won’t take long. You’ll find the lookout deck where you can see for yourself […]

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 fun. When you head out for the day the options are […]

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 […]

Shhh…we’re not supposed to tell you about these swimming holes…some of them don’t even have names and you may never find them without a map, but we understand that when it’s 40 degrees out with the humidity and the public beach is packed the hunt is on for the perfect swim spot. Those in the […]

If you never thought that a simple road could spark your curiosity, initiate historical debates AND bring out your inner geologist, then you have obviously never been introduced to Letterkenny Road. Connecting the hamlets of Brudenell and Quadeville, this fully paved settlement road winds around pristine lakes, and leads you to a prized rose-quartz quarry. […]

“Stranded at the drive-in, branded a fool What will they say Monday at school?” – Danny Zuko, Grease We could think of worse things than being stranded at the drive-in with Danny Zuko this summer! Maybe it’s because of the 1950s movie Grease, or maybe it’s just because it’s an awesome experience, but there’s something […]

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 […]

Live the lifestyle of the rich and famous – for a week, anyway – with a Le Boat cruising staycation.

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

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

Mazinaw Rock at Bon Echo Provincial Park made an impression on this Local Wanderer. Read her story here.

Discover these chip trucks and their classic dishes, located throughout 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.

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

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

Make a high tea that’s fit for a queen using Tea & Cake’s secret scone recipe and how-to.

Meet Chris Hinsperger, wandering caveman and owner of the Bonnechere Caves in Eganville, Ontario

Rich, velvety chocolate, whipped ganache, creamy frosting…chocolate cake is the ultimate in old-time comfort foods. Ignite a passion for chocolate with this recipe from Hummingbird Chocolate Maker.

Meet the Locals: Rob and Nancy Moore, owners of Cardinal Cafe and Shop in Sharbot Lake Ontario.

Laurel Cook reflects on life in Lanark County, Ontario’s Maple Syrup Capital.

A frosty glass of crisp cider may be the perfect accompaniment for patio sipping, television watching, dock sitting, or just hanging out in the warm, lemony spring sunshine, but did you know it also happens to be a fantastic and versatile ingredient for cooking? For Margaret Van Helvoort and Kees Morsink there is no bad […]

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

Great beer makes great food. Check out some great recipes to bake with beer with Chris Thompson from Whitewater Brewery Co.

Easter is just a bunny hop around the corner and dreams of chocolate are filling the minds of children – and adults, too. A chocolate treat is the perfect way to sweeten your spring, and when it comes to this dark delicacy, the folks at Perth Chocolate Works are the experts. Since opening their doors […]

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

With maple season in full swing, try these Sugar Bush-Approved maple recipes.

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

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

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

Discover the charm and heritage of Wilno, Ontario.

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

Hanging around the city when the scents of spring are tantalizingly tickling your nose is tough. This is when you yearn to get away from the slush, pack the car and head out for an almost-spring getaway to the countryside, where baby animals, maple syrup, G-rated fun, and fresh air are calling. Get out of […]

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.

This winter trek uncovers hidden treasures in Madoc, Ontario.

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

Black Tartan Kitchen’s Ian Carswell prepares for national competition.

Discover four delicious artisan chocolate destinations in Lanark County.

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

Learn to climb or brush up on your skills with an epic ice climbing adventure at SOIceFest 2020 in Maynooth, ON.

Tour craft drink producers for a chance to meet the makers, and get the inside story on what inspires them to make and sell their product. Oh, and sample delicious brews, too!

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!

Only a few minutes from Highway 7 in Frontenac County sits the small waterfront community of Sharbot Lake, one of those cute-as-a-button small towns that are a pleasant surprise for visitors, and a well-loved home for residents.

Perfect brunch spots a daytrip away from Canada’s Capital.

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

Top 6 places to warm up with cozy Lanark County drinks.

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

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.

Warm up your winter with good music and good food, together, at the Sharbot Inn & Crossing Pub, in Sharbot Lake, Ontario.

An adventure junkie shares her love for the active Ottawa Valley town of Calabogie.

From riverside trails and historical tales, come discover all the charms of Carleton Place.

Meet Sarah Woods and Luca Molteni, owners of The Barn Chefs who are bringing a little slick of Italy to Coe Hill, Ontario.

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.

Freshen your fall wardrobe with these top places go shopping in Lanark County.

Bring a friend to visit these 6 rumoured ghost towns in Ontario.

Discover these six ways to experience brilliant fall colours in Lanark County, the land of maples.

Sip & Savour your way through the best food and drink spots in Lanark County.

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

Discover 10 craft breweries along with 10 delectable burger joints to indulge your taste buds near Ottawa.

Discover these spots for delicious summer eats in Hastings County.

Read about these 10 stops to visit on the way to your Bancroft area cottage.

Check out all the Farmers’ Markets across the Ottawa Valley.

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

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.

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

Check out these spots for afternoon tea at these tea rooms across Ontario’s Highlands.

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

Schedule your next doughnut date to one of these stand-out shops in Ontario’s Highlands.

Four memorable bike adventures in Ontario’s Highlands.

Treat that special someone this Valentine’s Day to a gift of sweets at one of these top places.

Discover Vodkow, the new beverage from the Dairy Distillery causing a stir in Almonte, Ontario.

Discover Almonte Ontario, a charming town that will delight and surprise any traveller.

Discover why Ormsby Ontario is worth exploring on your next road trip.

Experiencing Pembroke, Ontario’s adventure and charm.

Meeting cider kings and discovering great things in Hastings County.

In September each year, the spirit of community comes alive all across Ontario’s Highlands when the Festival of Small Halls rolls in.

Read one blogger’s guide to exploring Almonte, a 19th century mill town.

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

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

Visit Sigrid Naturals, a unique gift shop in Wilno, Ontario.

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

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.

Devour an Ottawa Valley tradition and feel your taste buds rejoice with Wes’ Chips in Arnprior.

Discover the history of Canada’s quintessential pastry, the Beavertail.

Discover the big things happening in the small towns along the Rideau Canal.

Top 4 summer treats that are worth the stop on your next Ontario’s Highlands road trip.

I’m a Rustic Roamer. I wander to discover authentic moments, to embrace the spirit of locals, and to understand the stories of the communities and countryside that I visit.

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

Discover unique finds and decor on a shopping trip through Ontario’s Highlands.

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.

Discover one writer’s quest to discover what makes Lanark County so sweet with Maple Mania.

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

Six unique places to stay for an Ontario vacation.

Two foodies uncover the best eats in Hastings County.

Places to enjoy a meat-free meal in Lanark County.

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

Two wanderers explore 135 kilometres of hidden gems in Hastings County.

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

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

Three nostalgic places in Small Town Ontario.

Three ways this unique village of Tweed, Ontario stands out.

Follow your own path or just wander, allowing time to discover Ontario’s Highlands hidden gems.

Don’t wait until spring to satisfy your biggest cravings.

Restaurants with views as impressive as the menu.

Read how one writer found unforgettable beauty in Barry’s Bay, a town that still appreciates the simple things.

Booking your annual trip close to Ottawa? Make memories with a vacation in Lanark County.

Explore these three ways to escape the city, slow down, and absorb rural life in Ontario’s Highlands.

Explore Wilno’s Kashub Polish history at the Wilno Tavern.

After years of travel, read the story of why Emily returned to Haliburton to officially call it her home.

Take a journey through Ontario’s Highlands on a road trip that will satisfy your inner foodie.

Discover a unique shopping adventure in Lanark County.

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

The Good Food Tour, a delectable walking tour in Almonte the showcases a story and the local flavours.

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

From limestone to theatre, Eganville is made for wandering.