Art & Culture

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 […]

Do you hear that? Concentrate really hard and you may be able to hear the faint sound of holiday music tinkling in the background, the squeak of boots on new fallen snow, and the rustle of wrapping paper accompanied by the muted screech of Scotch tape. It’s happening: The season of giving is inching closer, […]

*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 […]

*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 […]

*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. Live music and patios go together like yin and yang, salt and pepper, peanut butter and jelly, or….well, you get the picture. When you’re dining on a patio with a band playing beside you, your food tastes better, the night stars are brighter, 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 […]

It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to gather in person, and the moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. If you have been missing gathering with friends and family to watch a live performance, dance under the stars, watch a play, try a new watersport, or just hang out together, […]

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 […]

*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.  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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

“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 […]

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.

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

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.

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

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

Three reasons to see Hastings: The Musical with Tweed and Company.

Seven charming museums in Ontario’s Highlands.