Guidebook to the Highlands
Sightseeing
Head Lake Park is the location for lots of goings on in Haliburton especially in the summer time (markets, festivals, fairs, craft sales, live music, playground) and also a lovely place for a picnic. Summertime Tuesdays are market days and Tuesday nights - live music in the park. This is the lake right in the village of Haliburton.
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Head Lake Rotary Park
13 York StHead Lake Park is the location for lots of goings on in Haliburton especially in the summer time (markets, festivals, fairs, craft sales, live music, playground) and also a lovely place for a picnic. Summertime Tuesdays are market days and Tuesday nights - live music in the park. This is the lake right in the village of Haliburton.
A unique and intriguing walk through the woods where you will take in one-of-a-kind original works of art created by students of Fleming Art College. Visit the museum first to pick-up a guide book of the masterpieces you will see along your walk.
Address: 66 Museum Rd, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
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Haliburton Sculpture Forest
297 College DrA unique and intriguing walk through the woods where you will take in one-of-a-kind original works of art created by students of Fleming Art College. Visit the museum first to pick-up a guide book of the masterpieces you will see along your walk.
Address: 66 Museum Rd, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Learn all about the history of Haliburton! Visit the pioneer village home and black-smith shop (in season) and pick-up your guide-book to the Sculpture Forest walk that starts right there. Less than 10 minutes away. FREE SNOWSHOE RENTALS!
Address: 66 Museum Rd, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
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Haliburton Highlands Museum
66 Museum RdLearn all about the history of Haliburton! Visit the pioneer village home and black-smith shop (in season) and pick-up your guide-book to the Sculpture Forest walk that starts right there. Less than 10 minutes away. FREE SNOWSHOE RENTALS!
Address: 66 Museum Rd, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
The photograph is beautiful but doesn't do it justice. A magnificant waterfall that keeps going and going. We love to pick-up a sub or pack a lunch and picnic beside the falls. In the summer there are small pools of water you can cool off in. Drive right there and then cross the bridge to get nice and close on the big rocks. 30 minute drive from here.
GPS coordinates for the Ritchie Falls Road are: 44.92668,-78.60942.
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Ritchie Falls
Ritchie Falls RoadThe photograph is beautiful but doesn't do it justice. A magnificant waterfall that keeps going and going. We love to pick-up a sub or pack a lunch and picnic beside the falls. In the summer there are small pools of water you can cool off in. Drive right there and then cross the bridge to get nice and close on the big rocks. 30 minute drive from here.
GPS coordinates for the Ritchie Falls Road are: 44.92668,-78.60942.
Watch a sunset from Skyline Park overlooking downtown Haliburton and the surrounding forrested highlands. You may find a group of artists with their easels and paints trying to capture the scene. 15 min.drive. Harburn to #118. Turn left and go through town. You'll go through a stop light and flashing light around two big bends and then up a steep hill. On your right you'll see the road for Skyline Park. Follow this to the end.
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Skyline Park
Skyline Park RoadWatch a sunset from Skyline Park overlooking downtown Haliburton and the surrounding forrested highlands. You may find a group of artists with their easels and paints trying to capture the scene. 15 min.drive. Harburn to #118. Turn left and go through town. You'll go through a stop light and flashing light around two big bends and then up a steep hill. On your right you'll see the road for Skyline Park. Follow this to the end.
A great place to start! (And a FREE Bike Share location!) They can tell you everything about everyting that the Haliburton Highlands has to offer. Located near the boat launch on Head Lake in Haliburton. Also they have washrooms and are friendly and helpful. Pick-up brochures and pamphlets. Ask questions and find your adventure. Free bicycle rentals in-season.
Address: 7 York Street, Haliburton
Haliburton Welcome Centre
7 York StreetA great place to start! (And a FREE Bike Share location!) They can tell you everything about everyting that the Haliburton Highlands has to offer. Located near the boat launch on Head Lake in Haliburton. Also they have washrooms and are friendly and helpful. Pick-up brochures and pamphlets. Ask questions and find your adventure. Free bicycle rentals in-season.
Address: 7 York Street, Haliburton
Definitely worth seeing the rush of water through this historic log chute. Also the start of the Kennisis Crest hiking trail (not recommended in the winter due to steep, icy climb). Approx. 30 minute drive. 1584 Big Hawk Lake Rd, Algonquin Highlands.
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Hawk Lake Log Chute
1584 Big Hawk Lake RdDefinitely worth seeing the rush of water through this historic log chute. Also the start of the Kennisis Crest hiking trail (not recommended in the winter due to steep, icy climb). Approx. 30 minute drive. 1584 Big Hawk Lake Rd, Algonquin Highlands.
A world class whitewater preserve, home to Panam games. Go and watch experienced kayakers paddle the course. Take a picnic and find a rock to watch. Even if no one is there kayaking it's a spectacular place to take in. 30 minute drive.
The preserve is located on a section of the Gull River just outside the Town of Minden, approximately 7 kilometers north east of Minden on Horseshoe Lake Rd
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Whitewater Ontario / Minden Whitewater Preserve
1020 Bethel RdA world class whitewater preserve, home to Panam games. Go and watch experienced kayakers paddle the course. Take a picnic and find a rock to watch. Even if no one is there kayaking it's a spectacular place to take in. 30 minute drive.
The preserve is located on a section of the Gull River just outside the Town of Minden, approximately 7 kilometers north east of Minden on Horseshoe Lake Rd
35 minute drive;
1305 Redkenn Rd, Dysart et al. The Wolf Centre is a 5,000 square foot, all indoor facility that houses self-guided, museum-style exhibits, a cinema and classroom, a souvenir shop, a large indoor observatory, and it is wheelchair accessible! Our staff are onsite to answer any questions you may have, so don’t be shy! The wolves are viewed through one-way glass from inside the building. Visit the observatory and maybe catch a glimpse of Haliburton Forest’s wolf pack: permanent residents of Haliburton Forest since 1993.
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Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre
1305 Redkenn Rd35 minute drive;
1305 Redkenn Rd, Dysart et al. The Wolf Centre is a 5,000 square foot, all indoor facility that houses self-guided, museum-style exhibits, a cinema and classroom, a souvenir shop, a large indoor observatory, and it is wheelchair accessible! Our staff are onsite to answer any questions you may have, so don’t be shy! The wolves are viewed through one-way glass from inside the building. Visit the observatory and maybe catch a glimpse of Haliburton Forest’s wolf pack: permanent residents of Haliburton Forest since 1993.
You'll drive or bicycle past the locomotive train at the end of Head Lake just outside of town. It connects the waterfront trail to the rail trail for hiking, biking, ATV'ing or snowmobiling in the winter.
Haliburton Rotary Locomotive
5358 Haliburton County Rd 21You'll drive or bicycle past the locomotive train at the end of Head Lake just outside of town. It connects the waterfront trail to the rail trail for hiking, biking, ATV'ing or snowmobiling in the winter.
Hikes / Skiing
Only 15 minutes away you can do a 6km loop hike on a beautiful and unique property. Afterwards, follow-up by visiting Ritchie Falls. Address: 1118 Gould Crossing Rd, Haliburton (This is off of Gelert Rd. Go past the Hospital and travel approx. 3-4 minutes and Gould Crossing Road is on your left (just opposite the driving range).
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Barnum Creek Nature Reserve
1118 Gould Crossing RoadOnly 15 minutes away you can do a 6km loop hike on a beautiful and unique property. Afterwards, follow-up by visiting Ritchie Falls. Address: 1118 Gould Crossing Rd, Haliburton (This is off of Gelert Rd. Go past the Hospital and travel approx. 3-4 minutes and Gould Crossing Road is on your left (just opposite the driving range).
Approx.30 minute drive. There is a map at the start of the hike and for $2 you can pick-up a printed copy of the map at the trail-head.
Brilliant all year round but especially in the fall. This hike offers a bit of challenge terrain and amazing scenic views.
2029 Little Hawk Lake Rd, Algonquin Highlands
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Circuit of Five Viewpoints Trailhead
1981 Little Hawk Lake RdApprox.30 minute drive. There is a map at the start of the hike and for $2 you can pick-up a printed copy of the map at the trail-head.
Brilliant all year round but especially in the fall. This hike offers a bit of challenge terrain and amazing scenic views.
2029 Little Hawk Lake Rd, Algonquin Highlands
This is a short but very satisfying hike to a lookout over Maple, Beech, Boshkung and Twelve Mile Lakes. Access is located at #1065 North Shore Road – From Highway 35 just north of the Town of Carnarvon, head east onto North Shore Road and proceed to the trailhead
This also connects you with the Circuits of Five hiking trail via the Ridge Trail.
This access is located across from #1242 North Shore Road – From Highway 35 just north of the Town of Carnarvon, head east onto North Shore Road and proceed to the trailhead.
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Coopers Lookout
Mifflin RoadThis is a short but very satisfying hike to a lookout over Maple, Beech, Boshkung and Twelve Mile Lakes. Access is located at #1065 North Shore Road – From Highway 35 just north of the Town of Carnarvon, head east onto North Shore Road and proceed to the trailhead
This also connects you with the Circuits of Five hiking trail via the Ridge Trail.
This access is located across from #1242 North Shore Road – From Highway 35 just north of the Town of Carnarvon, head east onto North Shore Road and proceed to the trailhead.
30 minute drive. 1307 Geeza Rd, Minden Hills. This amazing property was reforested by the Dahl family from hundreds of acres of cleared farm land. Thousands of pine trees and land that has been allowed to reclaim its place in the world. In winter you will usually find moose tracks in the snow. A gem of a property to explore. Wide well marked trails. Approx. 30 min drive.
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Dahl Forest
1307 Geeza Rd30 minute drive. 1307 Geeza Rd, Minden Hills. This amazing property was reforested by the Dahl family from hundreds of acres of cleared farm land. Thousands of pine trees and land that has been allowed to reclaim its place in the world. In winter you will usually find moose tracks in the snow. A gem of a property to explore. Wide well marked trails. Approx. 30 min drive.
10 minute drive.
66 Museum Rd, Haliburton
Attached to the Haliburton Museum and Sculpure Forest you'll find snow shoe trails and cross country ski trails. Only 10 min. from The Rusty Tractor. Ski trails have lots of climbs/hills. FREE SNOWSHOE RENTAL AT THE MUSEUM LOCATED BY THE PARKING AREA.
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Glebe Park
289 College Dr10 minute drive.
66 Museum Rd, Haliburton
Attached to the Haliburton Museum and Sculpure Forest you'll find snow shoe trails and cross country ski trails. Only 10 min. from The Rusty Tractor. Ski trails have lots of climbs/hills. FREE SNOWSHOE RENTAL AT THE MUSEUM LOCATED BY THE PARKING AREA.
Here you can rent a canoe and head out on St. Nora Lake, rent ski equipment and head out on the x-country trails or hike or snow-shoe on a myriad of looped trails that take you up high for beautiful lake views and alongside St. Nora Lake. A lovely place with so much to offer. One of my favourites. The main office is located on HIghway #35 just below Dorset however you can visit their website 'algonquin highlands' for information.
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Algonquin Highlands Trails
1123 North Shore RoadHere you can rent a canoe and head out on St. Nora Lake, rent ski equipment and head out on the x-country trails or hike or snow-shoe on a myriad of looped trails that take you up high for beautiful lake views and alongside St. Nora Lake. A lovely place with so much to offer. One of my favourites. The main office is located on HIghway #35 just below Dorset however you can visit their website 'algonquin highlands' for information.
Adventure
So many adventures to be had in the Haliburton Forest. Visit their web-site to see everything they offer (snowmobiling, hiking, fishing, rock-climbing to name a few) and visit the Wolf Centre.
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Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve
1095 Redkenn RdSo many adventures to be had in the Haliburton Forest. Visit their web-site to see everything they offer (snowmobiling, hiking, fishing, rock-climbing to name a few) and visit the Wolf Centre.
Downhill ski, snowboard or mountain bike. They have it all and it's close by (30 min.drive). Check-out their restaurant for apres-ski. Scenic look-out tower being built for viewing the area from the heights of the ski hill.
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Sir Sam's Ski / Ride
1054 Liswood RdDownhill ski, snowboard or mountain bike. They have it all and it's close by (30 min.drive). Check-out their restaurant for apres-ski. Scenic look-out tower being built for viewing the area from the heights of the ski hill.
Trails galore through amazing snowy woods, along rocky ridges and past frozen lakes. Incredible riding. When Drag Lake is good and frozen you have a 1km ride down the road to access the trail system. Otherwise approx. 5km of road travel (shoulders usually snow covered). *** YOU NEED A TRAIL PASS IN ORDER TO RIDE THE TRAILS - GO TO HCSA TO PURCHASE PASSES ***
Haliburton County Snowmobile Association
171 Mallard RdTrails galore through amazing snowy woods, along rocky ridges and past frozen lakes. Incredible riding. When Drag Lake is good and frozen you have a 1km ride down the road to access the trail system. Otherwise approx. 5km of road travel (shoulders usually snow covered). *** YOU NEED A TRAIL PASS IN ORDER TO RIDE THE TRAILS - GO TO HCSA TO PURCHASE PASSES ***
Fly above the myriad of lakes in the area!
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Ski-Mazing Watersports / Haliburton Hydroflight - Flyboard & Jetovator
1075 Red Umbrella RoadFly above the myriad of lakes in the area!
Food scene
A favourite, comfortable and unique place to visit for specialty coffee, unique sandwiches with vegan options while taking in the beautiful antiques. Couches and rustic tables make a nice gathering spot for a visit.
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Castle Antiques Cafe
223 Highland StA favourite, comfortable and unique place to visit for specialty coffee, unique sandwiches with vegan options while taking in the beautiful antiques. Couches and rustic tables make a nice gathering spot for a visit.
If you like Thai food - DO NOT MISS SUWAN'S THAI CUISINE! Authentic Thai food served in a one-of-a-kind space overlooking the Gull River in the heart of Minden. (Not licensed). Amazing food and service. (Not open in winter)
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Suwans Thai
3 Invergordon AveIf you like Thai food - DO NOT MISS SUWAN'S THAI CUISINE! Authentic Thai food served in a one-of-a-kind space overlooking the Gull River in the heart of Minden. (Not licensed). Amazing food and service. (Not open in winter)
They have an amazing spicy black-bean burger (vegan).
A legendary place known far and wide for the musical talent they bring in. Check their website for upcoming shows. Some are ticketed events, others are open-mic nights. They're known for their sweet potato fries but really...everything they serve is great. Large outdoor patio. Live free music all summer on Tuesdays (Tiki Tuesdays). My go-to place when I'm in Minden. (30 min.drive)
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Dominion Hotel Pub
113 Main StThey have an amazing spicy black-bean burger (vegan).
A legendary place known far and wide for the musical talent they bring in. Check their website for upcoming shows. Some are ticketed events, others are open-mic nights. They're known for their sweet potato fries but really...everything they serve is great. Large outdoor patio. Live free music all summer on Tuesdays (Tiki Tuesdays). My go-to place when I'm in Minden. (30 min.drive)
If you've ever been to Haliburton before, then you'll know about McKecks. A favourite for motorcylce enthusiasts, snow-mobilers, families, couples and everyone in between. Great food, cozy atmosphere right on the main drag.
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McKeck's-Tap and Grill
207 Highland StIf you've ever been to Haliburton before, then you'll know about McKecks. A favourite for motorcylce enthusiasts, snow-mobilers, families, couples and everyone in between. Great food, cozy atmosphere right on the main drag.
Specialty coffees, baked goodies, fudge and a unique array of gifts. Make sure you have some time to look around. It's a little place with so much to see.
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Up River Trading Co
213 Highland StSpecialty coffees, baked goodies, fudge and a unique array of gifts. Make sure you have some time to look around. It's a little place with so much to see.
Kosy Korner
166 Highland StEveryone's favourite breakfast restaurant.
Now located on the main street beside Shoppers Drug Mart. Don't forget to ask about their Korean dishes (in small print on the menu).
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Maple Avenue Tap & Grill
172 Highland StNow located on the main street beside Shoppers Drug Mart. Don't forget to ask about their Korean dishes (in small print on the menu).
Hard to get a table because it's so popular. A small family friendly environment with tasty comfort food. Small patio out back overlooks a pond. On the way to the Frost Centre.
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The Mill Pond
15526 ON-35Hard to get a table because it's so popular. A small family friendly environment with tasty comfort food. Small patio out back overlooks a pond. On the way to the Frost Centre.
Don't let the outside of Pepper Mill fool you. The food is amazing! They offer take-out also.
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Pepper Mill Steak & Pasta House
15141 ON-35Don't let the outside of Pepper Mill fool you. The food is amazing! They offer take-out also.
An icecream stand that looks like an icecream cone. In downtown Minden.
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The Minden River Cone
119 Bobcaygeon RdAn icecream stand that looks like an icecream cone. In downtown Minden.
There's a reason that there's a line-up. It's great ice-cream!
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Kawartha Dairy Minden
12750 ON-35There's a reason that there's a line-up. It's great ice-cream!
A brand new place in town! With a view of the lake and a great menu and sizeable bar this is the place to be. Located on the edge of the village of Haliburton across from Head Lake.
126 Highland St, Haliburton
Hook Line & Sinker
A brand new place in town! With a view of the lake and a great menu and sizeable bar this is the place to be. Located on the edge of the village of Haliburton across from Head Lake.
126 Highland St, Haliburton
Often offering live music, also bingo, meat-draws, darts, pool table, 719 Mountain St, Haliburton. Call ahead as hours are limited.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 129-Haliburton
Often offering live music, also bingo, meat-draws, darts, pool table, 719 Mountain St, Haliburton. Call ahead as hours are limited.
Shopping
If you forgot something - I'll bet Glecoff's has it. A family friendly department store with good prices (used to be a V&S)
Glecoff's Family Store
187 Highland StIf you forgot something - I'll bet Glecoff's has it. A family friendly department store with good prices (used to be a V&S)
Your outdoor store right in Haliburton. Canoe and Kayak rentals. Maps. Outdoor gear.
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Algonquin Outfitters - Haliburton
206 Highland StYour outdoor store right in Haliburton. Canoe and Kayak rentals. Maps. Outdoor gear.
A favourite shopping destination where you'll find a bit of everthing. Cottage decor, nature gifts, toys, christmas decorations (bears, moose, you get it), souvenir shirts, calendars, signs, one-of-a-kind gifts, fudge, candles, and more.
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Cottage Country Log Cabin Trading Company
1141 Kennisis Lake RdA favourite shopping destination where you'll find a bit of everthing. Cottage decor, nature gifts, toys, christmas decorations (bears, moose, you get it), souvenir shirts, calendars, signs, one-of-a-kind gifts, fudge, candles, and more.
Cottage decor galore! Great gifts. So much to see. Less than 10 minutes away. (pretty much at the end of Harburn Road)
Northern Expressions
13588 ON-118Cottage decor galore! Great gifts. So much to see. Less than 10 minutes away. (pretty much at the end of Harburn Road)
A great place to grab a cofee and wander about looking at beautiful antiquest. The seating area is unique and comfortable.
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Castle Antiques Cafe
223 Highland StA great place to grab a cofee and wander about looking at beautiful antiquest. The seating area is unique and comfortable.
The Arts
Theatre, Opera, Movies (the schedule is always being updated). Theatre located at the high school in Haliburton (10 min drive).
Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion
5358 Haliburton County Rd 21Theatre, Opera, Movies (the schedule is always being updated). Theatre located at the high school in Haliburton (10 min drive).
One of my favourite artists in the area. Wendy has her own studio where she has art work on display, hand-woven scarfs, place-mats and dish towels as well as homemade Maple Syrup!
Wendy Wood Artist
1255 Peterson RdOne of my favourite artists in the area. Wendy has her own studio where she has art work on display, hand-woven scarfs, place-mats and dish towels as well as homemade Maple Syrup!
Local artists have contributed to display their wares at this historic rail station. A beautiful place to step into with so many interesting items to see and purchase. Amazing gifts for yourself or others.
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Rails End Gallery & Arts Centre
23 York StLocal artists have contributed to display their wares at this historic rail station. A beautiful place to step into with so many interesting items to see and purchase. Amazing gifts for yourself or others.
10 minutes away. In the village of Haliburton (beside the post office). 123 Maple Ave. in Haliburton.
Check the hours before going. Exhibits always changing.
Corner Gallery
10 minutes away. In the village of Haliburton (beside the post office). 123 Maple Ave. in Haliburton.
Check the hours before going. Exhibits always changing.
The Ethel Curry Gallery
94 Maple Ave94 Maple Ave, Haliburton
Featuring local artists.
Izeluleko zedolobha
Ungaphuthelwa
Tuesday Night RADIO BINGO on 100.9 CanoeFM. Get your sheets!
You can purchase bingo sheets at Foodland in town or visit the radio station (100.9 CanoeFM). Sheets are $6 each (6 games per sheet). Tune in from 6-7pm to hear numbers called and see if you can get a Bingo for CASH PRIZES. So fun and popular here!
Bhukha ngaphambi kokuthi uhambe
Things close early/closed on weird days
Places close really early around here. Not much is open after 7pm. Many places are closed on Sundays and/or Mondays and restaurants have unusual hours and days that they are closed. Before heading out, check on the hours.