Following the Colours

Every September, I start hearing the same question: “Where should I go to see the fall colours?”

The answer changes a little every year. Summer rainfall, drought conditions, cool nights, sunny days, early frosts, and even strong winds can all influence how vibrant the colours become and how long they last. While there’s never a perfect prediction for peak colour season, there are a few places I find myself recommending again and again.

Of course, Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower is often the first place many visitors think of when planning a fall colour outing. But if you’re looking to explore beyond the region’s most famous viewpoint, here are three of my favourite ways to experience autumn in the Haliburton Highlands.

Take in the View at Sir Sam’s

For a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the season, head to Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride. The Eagle View Observation Tower overlooks Eagle Lake and the surrounding hills, offering sweeping vistas of forests painted in shades of red, orange, and gold. If scenic chairlift rides are operating during your visit, they’re well worth the trip for an unforgettable perspective on the Highlands.

A Scenic Stop in Haliburton

Just off Highway 118, Skyline Park offers one of the easiest and most rewarding lookouts in the region. Recently renovated, the park provides panoramic views over Head Lake, the Village of Haliburton, and the rolling Highlands beyond. Pack a lunch, settle in at one of the picnic areas, and take some time to enjoy the scenery.

If you’re looking to extend your visit, the nearby Haliburton Sculpture Forest is well worth exploring. The outdoor gallery combines art and nature along easy forest trails, where sculptures appear among the trees and take on a different character as the autumn colours change around them.

Slow Down in Minden

While dramatic lookouts often steal the spotlight, one of my favourite fall outings combines two stops in Minden. Start with a short stop at Panorama Park, where the elevated viewpoint looks across the village and surrounding hills. 

From there, head to Snowdon Park. The trail network winds through forests and wetlands, offering a chance to experience the colours from within the canopy. The boardwalks, viewing platforms and gentle terrain make it an enjoyable walk for most visitors, and by this time of year many of the summer bugs have finally disappeared, a bonus every hiker can appreciate.

Whether you’re searching for a scenic village lookout, or a peaceful walk beneath the changing leaves, autumn is one of the most rewarding times to explore the Haliburton Highlands. My advice? Pick a destination, take your time, and enjoy the colours while they’re here.

By Eric Casper, Tourism Coordinator & Singer Songwriter

www.myhaliburtonhighlands.com