Outdoor & Adventure

Whether you’re an avid ATVer or wanting to try it out for the first time, the backroads and trails in the Ottawa Valley are calling.

North Frontenac Parklands have all the best outdoor experiences to offer – from camping to hiking or cycling the Schooner or Crotch Lake trails, to paddling the many lakes, the parklands in fall have it all.

Fall is a special time in general, but paddling in Haliburton Highlands in fall…that’s a whole new realm of awesome.

In Lennox & Addington, fall invites you for endless outdoor adventures. Hit the trails for a cycling adventure, drink in the brilliance of the night sky in autumn, and hike some of the most beautiful trails in Ontario.

In my humble opinion, there is no better time than fall to hop on my bike and hit the roads, gravel, and trails of Ontario’s Highlands. I don’t have to worry about overheating, nor will I find myself pushed to my limit while trying to outrun a swarm of deer flies for 20 kilometres (true […]

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. – 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 […]

Discover these top lakes and rivers in Ontario’s Highlands to discover the beauty of fall colours from a canoe.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. The beauty of Algonquin Park doesn’t end at the South Gate. Close to the southern border of Algonquin Park, the area around Harcourt and Kennebec is a beautiful untamed region that attracts hundreds of visitors each year on their way through to Algonquin Park […]

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

Local’s Take is a series highlighting the staycation experiences available close to home this summer. The experiences featured in this series were hand curated to highlight fun insider spots in our region. Use these stories as your launchpad to create your own staycation in Ontario’s Highlands. Local: Rob Plumley From: Lennox & Addington Travelling: Lennox & Addington I’m pretty fortunate […]

As we head into the last few weeks of summer this is the time to break out the daytrips and make the most of the nice weather. As a short, doable experience within a few hours drive from home, daytrips are like little mini holidays, without the airfare. Whether you live in Ottawa or Toronto, […]

In 2020, my friend Tanner and I set off on an epic bike trip travelling from Sharbot Lake to Calabogie on the K&P and Ottawa Valley Rail Trail (OVRT). This was a 330-kilometre counter-clockwise loop that we planned to tackle in three days. We called this loop the Choo Choo Loop and you can read […]

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 […]

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 […]

Local’s Take is a series highlighting the staycation experiences available close to home this summer. The experiences featured in this series were hand curated to highlight fun insider spots in our region. Use these stories as your launchpad to create your own staycation in Ontario’s Highlands. Local: Jenifer Brown From: Smiths Falls Travelling: Lanark County This summer my husband and I […]

I love setting goals on the bike; It seems like this happens on a micro and macro level constantly. The first 50-kilometres, then the first century, the first overnight. On the ride, you have these little checkpoints. Energy bars, swims, coffees, calories, hours in the saddle, kilometres in a day. It’s a constant. This became […]

Local’s Take is a series highlighting the staycation experiences available close to home this summer. The experiences featured in this series were hand curated to highlight fun insider spots in our region. Use these stories as your launchpad to create your own staycation in Ontario’s Highlands. Local: Amy Hogue From: Lanark Highlands Travelling: Frontenac County […]

Local’s Take is a series highlighting the staycation experiences available close to home this summer. The experiences featured in this series were hand curated to highlight fun insider spots in our region. Use these stories as your launchpad to create your own staycations in Ontario’s Highlands.  Local: Gabriel Rivett-Carnac From: Ottawa and the Valley Travelling: Ottawa […]

If there’s one thing we can agree on it’s that few of us will turn down an opportunity to see a waterfall. Whether it has something to do with the mesmerizing whitewater cascade or the white-noise that comes with it, a waterfall is a universal attraction. It can be the reason for a hike or […]

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

*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 […]

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

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

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. This summer is the year to be on the water, to cast off on an epic paddling adventure that will take you along winding rivers, past shorelines crowded with towering trees, and where the ripples on the water draw you forward with each pull […]

“The river is where I’m my best self. It doesn’t care who I’m pretending to be.”- Stefi  Van Wijk, avid paddler. It’s no exaggeration to say that water is in the blood for whitewater paddler, instructor, and paddle school manager, Stefi Van Wijk. Most days Stefi looks like she’s coming straight off a paddling trip […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. The game is on to make the most of summer 2021 and the winner gets to spend the summer soaking wet and grinning from ear to ear. Are you up for the challenge? It goes without saying that the best warm-weather activities centre around […]

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 […]

At the beginning of cycling season, my friend Tanner and I made a plan to bike a long loop of the old railbed. The plan was to follow the old train tracks for three days and to try avoiding the road as much as possible. We were looking forward to feeling the sun on our […]

Imagine entering a body of water and taking it in with all your senses; the feel of your feet touching the rocky, sandy or muddy bottom, the sensation of cool water on your skin, the smell of pine trees in the air, the taste of lake water on your lips – this is what swimming […]

*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 […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. Spending time on the water gives the world an almost magical feel. The minutes drift past at the pace of the current around you, and the sun slows the passage of time to a trickle. You are hyper-aware; you are present. When you’re on […]

Stepping into your local outdoor outfitter or bike shop last year to find nothing but empty shelves was a good indication that bikepacking, the activity that combines backcountry camping and off-road cycling, will be a popular option for a COVID-friendly outdoor getaway this year. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran ready to take on multi-day tours […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out. These days the warm weather is telling us summer is here and we don’t need to be told twice to get out and embrace the outdoors and the freedom it offers through physical distancing. The best summer hikes not only take us into the wild […]

At the beginning of this season, I got the idea to cycle one large loop of old railroad bed before the leaves turned in the fall and the snow closed in. I love setting goals on the bike; It seems like this happens on a micro and macro level constantly. This became my goal for […]

Glide over fresh snow on these cross-country ski trails near you.

The ground may be covered by snow right now, but we’re dreaming of the warm weather and the camping season to come in the wild places in Ontario’s Highlands. Camping reservations have recently opened at provincial campgrounds across Ontario and if last year was any indicator spots will book up fast. You can book a […]

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 […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  While many of us are tucked up in cozy comfort in the night hours, the intrepid astronomers among us head outdoors to drink in the starry night skies. Stargazing in winter may be a wee bit nippier but it definitely brings the best rewards, […]

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 […]

Discover the story of Sarain Fox and her journey home to the Ontario’s Highlands, relieving memories of ice fishing and snowmobiling along the way.

*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 […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  The hill spills beneath the runners of your toboggan, plunging into a darkness made even deeper by the sparkle of snow beneath the moonlight. Your nose is cold but your mittened hands are warm, and your heart is pumping in anticipation of careening downhill […]

Unique winter experiences in Ontario’s Highlands that will give you something to brag about.

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 […]

Disconnect from the everyday with a snowmobile trip through 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.  If you were sad to pack away your bike for the winter, are lamenting the loss of beautiful weather for an early morning run, or regretting all the days you could have been churning through whitewater this summer but weren’t, we have […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  You waken to the sound of new snow drifting onto the top of your tent or cabin, landing light as a feather one snowflake at a time. The world is hushed and the air snaps with cold but you are warm and […]

Friluftsliv (free-lufts-liv): Free air life *Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  If you’re worried about being stuck indoors this winter, the Scandinavians may have the solution with this hard to pronounce and consonant-filled word: friluftsliv. Loosely translated, friluftsliv means “free air life,” a concept that was coined by […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  You wander through rural communities, along rugged trails, or gravel sideroads, fixated on one thing and one thing only: your next cache. When you are geocaching, you can’t help but become fully immersed in the moment, setting your sights on an outdoor […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  Thanksgiving dinner is something we dream about all year long – the perfectly roasted turkey dishes up with cranberry sauce, potatoes and veggies, and often paired with more than one glass of wine or a cold pint of beer or cider, not […]

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 […]

Celebrate the beauty of autumn in unique ways across Ontario’s Highlands

Explore Ontario’s muddiest places with these ATV trails in Ontario’s Highlands.

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 […]

So you’re not ready for camping season to end? Here’s a tip: It doesn’t! Just because the summer is over doesn’t mean we need to head indoors, when it comes to camping experiences, fall is where it’s at. Fall camping is an entirely different (and some would say better) experience from summer camping. Sure it’s […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Remember when your whole summer was devoted to swimming, playing, catching frogs, and finding adventures? At one time, this was an entire season fueled by ice cream, Freezies, and hot dogs. August always felt so short, and by the time it rolled around you’d scramble to finish your summer bucket list, savouring each shortened day […]

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 […]

Have you ever wondered about the mysterious realm outside our planet? Maybe you’ve wanted to roam the galaxy, travel among the stars, and get a new perspective on the universe. For now, stargazing is as close to it as us ‘average humans’ can get! Luckily there are still places to getaway, where the view of […]

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.

Break a sweat in Ontario’s Highlands with these top hiking and biking destinations.

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.

A throwback to summers gone past, with inspiration for this year’s adventure.

Hit the water and take advantage of these easy kayaking and canoeing opportunities in Ontario’s Highlands.

Stretch your legs by exploring these nature hiking trails along Highway 7.

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

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

Rediscovering a love for cycling with these key destinations in Ontario’s Highlands.

Expert fishing guide Sebastian Kowalczuk shares his secret fishing spots where you’re guaranteed a good catch.

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 […]

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.

A grown-up’s guide to falling in love with Snow Days in Ontario’s Highlands.

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!

Challenge yourself to reach new heights with an ice climbing adventure at these places across Ontario’s Highlands.

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.

Tips for a successful catch with ice fishing this winter.

Meet Mary Barker, the Wilberforce woman who’s making Haliburton world-renowned for geocaching.  Wilberforce, Ontario, County of Haliburton The roads to Wilberforce are winding and majestic, flanked by high pine trees and birches, nestled between the hard rock and calm lakes that make up the Canadian Shield. Mary Barker knows these roads and waterways well, having […]

As an angler who is passionate about exploring new waters, I’m grateful to live in a region that has endless options! Whether you’re shore fishing, venturing out by boat, kayak, or canoe, there are bass fishing opportunities for everyone here in the Ontario’s Highlands region. I’ve put together a list of my five favourite bass […]

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

Discover the best places for summer sunsets in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover these 5 golf courses in Ontario’s Highlands, perfect spots for your next golf escape.

Camps across Ontario’s Highlands to fill your kids’ days with excitement.

Grab a lifejacket and discover whitewater rafting in the Ottawa Valley for any type of traveler.

Wander the waterways of Hastings County with Cruising Canoes.

Check out these top spots near Toronto to upgrade your outdoor skills and gear.

Get your muscles working with these five ways to embrace the Canadian wilderness in Ontario’s Highlands.

Check out these cycling races, plus where to stay, eat, and rest at the towns nearby.

Breathe the fresh air at outdoor yoga workshops and events near Ottawa, Ontario.

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

Grab your SUP board and take in the beautiful views at these 5 places in Ontario’s Highlands.

Four memorable bike adventures in Ontario’s Highlands.

Advice for planning an epic canoe trip adventure in the Ottawa Valley this summer.

Take a break to recharge your spirit and relax your mind while cross country skiing in the snow-covered woods of Silent Lake Provincial Park.

Sometimes what we need is a little technology detox to spend a little less time with the screens in our lives and a little more time with the people who matter most.

Learn the five ways to embrace the deep cold in Lanark County this winter.

Enjoy some quality family time and embrace the season during an escape to Ontario’s Highlands.

Climb to new heights at the Medeba Ice Wall and enjoy the unique view from the top.

Make fresh tracks along premium snowmobile trail, the RAP Tour Loop.

Snowshoeing to serenity in #MyHaliburtonHighlands.

Discover your love for the season with a classic Ottawa Valley winter.

Visit Winterdance in Ontario’s Highlands and discover a love of winter from some of its biggest fans.

Discover Calabogie Peaks Resort, a well-known gem, through new eyes.

Watch JR Alli’s video and see what he discovers when he allows himself to just wander.

Stargazing done right at the Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area.

Stand tall and marvel at the views from the top of historical attraction, the Dorset Lookout Tower.

Read how Will Tang from Going Awesome Places raced muscle cars and experienced thrills on the rapids with whitewater raftering in the Ottawa Valley.

Read about how one family took on whitewater rafting on the Madawaska River and why they can’t wait to do it again.

Summer adventure of mountain biking awaits at Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride.

Step back into nature at the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve to celebrate sustainability in this unique place.

Seeking thrills? Check out the adrenaline junkie’s guide to finding adventure without wasting time.

Fast-paced adventures to push your adrenaline on your next visit to Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover the small towns, good food, and incredible trails as you explore Renfrew County on ATV.

Popular downhill skiing destinations in Ontario’s Highlands.

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

An expert’s guide on the best fishing spots in Ontario’s Highlands.

Pack your saddle bags and press the throttle for an ATV adventure like no other in Ontario’s Highlands.

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

A beginner’s guide to everything you need for a great catch in Ontario’s Highlands.

Two bloggers uncover the outdoor beauty of Haliburton.

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

Mazinaw Rock, a hidden gem in Ontario that’s ironically, hard to miss.

Visit these 8 Ontario Parks’ campgrounds in Ontario’s Highlands and discover why they are worth the admission.

Top places to find cool stuff for Geocaching enthusiasts.

SUP Instructor Courtney Sinclair takes her passion for paddle boarding to the whitewater.

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

Meet Joe Gilker, astrophotographer and host of dark sky viewing events at the Dark Sky Viewing Area.