The fort guide

Few places invite you into the water quite like the Highlands. Swim in crystal-clear lakes, cool off beneath hidden waterfalls, paddle quiet shorelines, or spend an afternoon stretched out on a warm granite rock beside the river. Some of our favourite moments here don't require a destination—just a towel and a little extra time.

From quiet paved roads and rolling gravel concessions to purpose-built mountain bike trails, Haliburton has quietly become one of Ontario's most rewarding places to ride. Bring your own bike or rent one locally—we're happy to point you toward routes that match your pace and sense of adventure.

The Haliburton Highlands are best explored at walking pace. Wander directly into the Dahl Forest Nature Reserve from Hårtwood, or venture farther afield to quiet trails winding through mixed forests, wetlands, and rugged Canadian Shield. Whether you're after a gentle morning walk or a full-day hike, you'll find space to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the landscape.

Winter arrives quietly here. Glide through snow-covered forests on cross-country skis, skate across frozen lakes, experience the rhythm of a dogsled team, or spend the day snowmobiling, downhill skiing, or fat biking. It's a season that rewards those willing to step outside.An unforgettable way to move through winter — wild, guided, and deeply Canadian.

Some of the best conversations happen around the table. From thoughtfully prepared dinners and neighbourhood cafés to local breweries, farm markets, and artisan producers, the Highlands offers an unexpectedly rich culinary scene. These are the places we return to ourselves—and the ones we're always happiest to recommend.

Take the scenic route. Wander weekend markets, discover local galleries and studios, explore Abbey Gardens, and meet the makers, growers, and craftspeople who give this region its character. It's often these quieter discoveries that become the most memorable part of a stay.