DAYTRIPPINGFEATUREDLifestyleOutdoors

Plan Your Next Adventure in the Haliburton Highlands

Looking for an escape that is nearby but feels like it’s worlds away? Want to explore your own backyard this summer? Discover the picturesque Haliburton Highlands, a destination that is wildly Canadian and yet wonderfully close.

 The Haliburton Highlands embody the very essence of Canada’s natural beauty and creative spirit. Each day offers new opportunities to discover the region—stroll through charming boutiques and cafés, explore vibrant farmers’ markets, enjoy a meal crafted from locally sourced ingredients, or take part in events and outdoor adventures that reflect the character and energy of this unique part of Canada.

This region boasts more than 500 lakes, providing a stunning backdrop for recreational activities such as swimming, paddling, boating, and peaceful floating. Whether you seek tranquil solitude or lively waterfront gatherings, the Haliburton Highlands deliver an experience that supports local businesses and strengthens the tourism economy across Ontario and beyond.

With over 2,000 kilometres of recreational trails—motorized and non-motorized, on both land and water—there is no shortage of space to explore. These trails range from routes near bustling villages to more remote wilderness paths, offering visitors a genuine connection to Canada’s rich natural environment.

Complementing its outdoor splendour, the Highlands are also home to a thriving arts and culture scene. Music, live entertainment, and fine arts flourish here. From the internationally recognized Highlands Opera Studio to the celebrated Highlands Summer Festival, you will find world-class performances and a wealth of musical and theatrical talent across the county. Many venues support local performers and cultural entrepreneurs, contributing meaningfully to Canada’s creative economy.

The area also features the esteemed Haliburton School of Art + Design, a cornerstone of arts education in the country. Throughout the summer, the school offers a wide range of learning experiences—from comprehensive certificate programs to short creative workshops—in disciplines as diverse as vocal improvisation and timber frame construction. Many local artists also open their studios to offer hands-on sessions in pottery, painting, music, and more, helping to nurture Canada’s next generation of creators and artisans.

We encourage you to fully immerse yourself—whether enjoying the lakes, exploring trails, relaxing at a café, or attending a local concert or festival. Every experience here helps support Canadian businesses, artists, and tourism operators, contributing to a resilient and diverse national economy.

For more information and inspiration, please visit MyHaliburtonHighlands.com, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, call us at 1-800-461-7677, or email info@myhaliburtonhighlands.com.