Haliburton Highlands Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Haliburton Highlands, located in Central Ontario, Canada, with our comprehensive travel guide including top attractions, activities, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more!


Haliburton Highlands, located in Central Ontario, Canada, offers visitors a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. With endless forests, pristine lakes, and charming small towns, Haliburton Highlands is the perfect place for anyone looking to unwind, relax, and reconnect with nature. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll highlight the top attractions, activities, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more to help you plan your trip to Haliburton Highlands.

Introduction to Haliburton Highlands

Haliburton Highlands is a natural playground, located just two and a half hours north of Toronto. It is a region of stunning landscapes, with over 600 pristine lakes and countless trails to explore. From the quaint towns to the rolling hills, there is something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Haliburton Highlands is the perfect destination.

List of Places to Visit in Haliburton Highlands

Haliburton Highlands offers visitors a variety of attractions, ranging from history and culture to natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top places to visit in Haliburton Highlands:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Haliburton Sculpture Forest
  2. Haliburton Highlands Museum
  3. Dorset Heritage Museum

Natural Attractions of Haliburton Highlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve
  2. Minden Wild Water Preserve
  3. Algonquin Provincial Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Haliburton Highlands

Haliburton Highlands is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with over 1000 km of trails to explore. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Haliburton Highlands:

  1. The Haliburton Highlands Water Trails
  2. The Highlands Nordic Centre
  3. The Eastern Haliburton Highlands Trails

Best Things to Do in Haliburton Highlands: Activities and Tours

Haliburton Highlands is full of activities and tours to enjoy, here are some of the best things to do in Haliburton Highlands:

  1. Sir Sam’s Ski and Bike Resort
  2. Haliburton Highlands Brewing
  3. The Haliburton Highland Games

Week-Long Itinerary for Haliburton Highlands

Day 1: Arrival in Haliburton Highlands and check into your cozy cabin or resort. Day 2: Visit the Dorset Heritage Museum and enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of Kawagama Lake. Day 3: Explore the Haliburton Sculpture Forest and Haliburton Highlands Museum. Day 4: Head to Algonquin Provincial Park for a scenic hike. Day 5: Take a day trip to the Minden Wild Water Preserve and enjoy a day of kayaking or canoeing. Day 6: Go on a brewery tour and tasting at Haliburton Highlands Brewing. Day 7: Relax and unwind at your accommodation or visit the Highlands Nordic Centre for some outdoor activities.

Food and Drink Scene of Haliburton Highlands

Haliburton Highlands offers a variety of culinary experiences. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Baked Brie with Cranberry Chutney at Rhubarb Restaurant
  2. Smoked Trout Dip at Abbey Gardens
  3. Maple Syrup Taffy at McKecks Tap and Grill

Local Beverages

  1. Boshkung Brewing beer
  2. Haliburton Highlands Brewing beer
  3. Cranberry wine from Moon Shadows Estate Winery

Where to Stay in Haliburton Highlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Haliburton Highlands offers a variety of accommodations for all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  1. Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre
  2. Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Resort
  3. Bonnie View Inn

What to Buy in Haliburton Highlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Haliburton Highlands is known for its arts and crafts, here are some souvenirs and local products to bring back home:

  1. Pottery and Ceramic Art from The Pottery
  2. Local Honey from Bee by the Sea
  3. Artisanal Cheese from Back Forty Artisan Cheese

Local Culture and Customs of Haliburton Highlands

Haliburton Highlands is known for its friendly people and stunning landscapes. When visiting, make sure to take the time to enjoy the outdoors, learn about local history, and sample the local cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Haliburton Highlands

The best time to visit Haliburton Highlands is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and the lakes are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. Fall (September-November) is also a beautiful time to visit when the leaves change color.

Do’s and Don’ts of Haliburton Highlands

Do:

  1. Respect the environment and leave it as you found it.
  2. Take the time to learn about local history and culture.
  3. Enjoy the outdoors and all the nature has to offer.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage the environment.
  2. Disrespect local customs or traditions.
  3. Ignore posted signs or warnings.

Safety and Health

Safety in Haliburton Highlands

Haliburton Highlands is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions.

Health in Haliburton Highlands

Haliburton Highlands has excellent medical facilities and emergency services. Visitors should also take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against sunburn, bug bites, and other outdoor hazards.

Getting to Haliburton Highlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Haliburton Highlands is located approximately 200 km north of Toronto. Here are the best ways to get to Haliburton Highlands:

Airports Near Haliburton Highlands

  1. Toronto Pearson International Airport
  2. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Bus Stations Near Haliburton Highlands

  1. Peterborough Bus Terminal
  2. Bracebridge Bus Terminal

Other Options

  1. Rental Car
  2. Private Shuttle Service

How to Get Around in Haliburton Highlands

Haliburton Highlands is best explored by car or bike. Visitors can also arrange for private shuttle services or take advantage of local taxi services.

Where to Go Next from Haliburton Highlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Haliburton Highlands is surrounded by many other great destinations, here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  1. Bracebridge
  2. Muskoka
  3. Huntsville

Conclusion

Haliburton Highlands is a magical destination that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, hidden treasures, and thrilling adventures. Whether you come for a weekend or a week, this region will leave you wanting more. We hope this comprehensive tour guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Haliburton Highlands.

Haliburton village Haliburton village A marble outcrop along Highway 35. Driving along the county's highways offers a glimpse of what lies below the thin forest floor, where parts of the Canadian Shield were carved out to provide a flat path for the highway. You'll also see some spruce forest, and many small bogs along the way. A marble outcrop along Highway 35. Driving along the county's highways offers a glimpse of what lies below the thin forest floor, where parts of the Canadian Shield were carved out to provide a flat path for the highway. You'll also see some spruce forest, and many small bogs along the way. "Sleep of the Huntress" by Doug Stephens Walk in the clouds Walk in the clouds Silent Lake Provincial Park Silent Lake Provincial Park Dorset's Main Street, on the eastern edge of the Lake of Bays. Dorset's Main Street, on the eastern edge of the Lake of Bays. Haliburton's historic locomotive was a gift from the Canadian National Railway, commemorating the ''Victoria Railway'' which linked passengers and freight from Haliburton to Lindsay, and beyond to Peterborough, Midland or Toronto. The line was abandoned by 1983. Today, the locomotive marks the end of the county's rail trail. Haliburton's historic locomotive was a gift from the Canadian National Railway, commemorating the ''Victoria Railway'' which linked passengers and freight from Haliburton to Lindsay, and beyond to Peterborough, Midland or Toronto. The line was abandoned by 1983. Today, the locomotive marks the end of the county's rail trail.