The Haliburton Highlands stretch from Minden in the west to Bancroft in the east and north to Algonquin Park. This area of outstanding natural beauty is home to hundreds of lakes, and many kilometres of meandering rivers. It’s an outdoor activity lovers paradise with hiking and biking trails, cross country and downhill ski areas, superb fishing and as much water fun as you can stand!
This great video from Haliburton Highlands Tourism should be enough to convince you this is a location to explore!
Towns of Haliburton
You won’t find shopping malls or parades of fast food joints in the Haliburton Highlands. Instead, there’s interesting small towns and villages where yummy bakeries sit alongside adventure outfitters, and unique craft stores provide plenty of local artisan products from jewelry and pottery to landscape paintings and abstract art.
Water features in every location – the Gull River runs through Minden; Haliburton sits beside a lake and Dorset’s fine position on Lake of Bays makes this a perfect location for a picnic after a drop in to Robinson’s General Store.
If you are a geocaching enthusiast, Haliburton lays claim to the Geocaching Capitals of Canada (yes there are two ), Gooderham and Wilberforce.
Minden
The small town of Minden is located in the southwestern section of Haliburton county spreading along the banks of the Gull River. During the summer months the town is alive with a host of events and festivals including fireworks, local craftsmen exhibitions, sporting events and carnivals. The Minden Wild Water Preserve as well as being a very scenic site on the Gull River is also a host for many water sports, mainly kayaking.
Haliburton
Haliburton is a village for outdoor lovers with activities for year round visitors. Glebe Park on Bayshore Acres Road boasts glorious hiking trails and a super site for a picnic. In winter the Park is open to cross country skiers. There’s a large supermarket and plenty of smaller stores.
Bancroft
To the eastern edge of the Haliburton Highlands is this lovely town, known as the Mineral Capital of Canada. The Rockhound Gemboree is an annual event taking place in August that draws thousands of collectors, rock hounds and geologists from around the world. Add to that craft shops, a riverside park, cafes and restaurants and you have a delightful village to explore.
Dorset
On the border of Halburton and Muskoka, picturesque Dorset is home to Robinson’s General Store in Dorset: Voted “Canada’s Best Country Store”, this famous 14,000 sq ft general store is a “must-see” for anyone visiting the Muskoka or Haliburton area. There are plenty of hiking and cross country ski trails in the area
