Must-See Attractions in Haliburton – Best Places to Visit Year-Round
Discover the Best of Haliburton Highlands
Haliburton Highlands is one of Ontario’s most captivating destinations, offering an incredible mix of breathtaking landscapes, cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and unique experiences. Looking for things to do in Haliburton Canada? Whether you’re exploring scenic nature trails, visiting local breweries, immersing yourself in the arts, or experiencing up-close wildlife encounters, Haliburton has something for every traveler.
For guests staying at H2H Cottage Co., these must-visit attractions are just a short drive away. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure-filled retreat, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Haliburton.
Outdoor Attractions & Natural Wonders
Haliburton Sculpture Forest (20 minutes away)
📍 Location: Haliburton Sculpture Forest
One of Haliburton’s most unique attractions, the Haliburton Sculpture Forest is an outdoor gallery featuring large-scale sculptures by Canadian and international artists. Nestled along a scenic forested trail, it offers a peaceful and artistic way to explore the region’s natural beauty.
Why visit:
A blend of art, culture, and nature
Easy walking trails, suitable for all ages
Stunning year-round scenery
Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve (10 minutes away)
📍 Location: Haliburton Forest
One of Ontario’s top outdoor destinations, Haliburton Forest is a four-season adventure hub offering:
400 km of private hiking and snowmobile trails
The famous Wolf Centre for wildlife observation
Canopy tours, ice fishing, and guided nature walks
This is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure or nature lovers wanting a peaceful retreat.
Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre (10 minutes away)
📍 Location: Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre
A world-class wildlife facility, the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre allows visitors to observe a pack of wolves in their natural habitat through a one-way glass observatory. Learn about wolf behavior, conservation efforts, and the importance of preserving Ontario’s wildlife.
Why visit:
Unique chance to see wolves up close
Interactive educational exhibits
Great for families and wildlife enthusiasts
Yours Outdoors – Guided Outdoor Adventures (Various locations)
📍 Location: Yours Outdoors
For those looking for expert-guided outdoor experiences, Yours Outdoors offers activities such as:
Guided canoe and kayak trips on Haliburton’s scenic lakes
Winter adventures like ice climbing, igloo building, and snowshoeing
Foraging and artisan workshops
Perfect for visitors looking for hands-on experiences with local guides who know the area inside and out.
Royal Canadian Falconry (20 minutes away)
📍 Location: Royal Canadian Falconry
For a truly unique wildlife experience, Royal Canadian Falconry offers hands-on encounters with birds of prey. Visitors can learn about falconry, handle trained raptors, and watch impressive flight demonstrations in a stunning outdoor setting.
Why visit:
Interact with hawks, falcons, and owls
Learn about the ancient art of falconry
Participate in an immersive bird-handling experience
A must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind Haliburton experience.
Abbey Gardens (15 minutes away)
📍 Location: Abbey Gardens
A sustainable community garden and local food hub, Abbey Gardens features walking trails, a farm market, a craft brewery, and seasonal events. It’s a great place to enjoy a farm-to-table lunch, explore the gardens, and shop for local artisanal goods.
Why visit:
Farm-fresh local produce
Seasonal activities and workshops
Haliburton Highlands Brewing on-site
Adventure & Outdoor Sports
Ski-Mazing Watersports School & Haliburton Hydroflight (25 minutes away or will come to the cottage)
📍 Location: Ski-Mazing Watersports & Hydroflight
For those looking to add some excitement to their summer getaway, Ski-Mazing Watersports School & Haliburton Hydroflight offers a wide range of thrilling water activities on Haliburton’s lakes. From waterskiing and wakeboarding lessons to jet-powered hydroflight experiences, this is the perfect place for water lovers of all skill levels.
Activities offered:
Waterskiing and wakeboarding lessons
Tubing and banana boat rides
Flyboarding and jet-powered hydroflight experiences
Barefoot skiing and boat charters
Perfect for families, adventure seekers, and couples looking for an exhilarating water experience on Haliburton’s pristine lakes.
Mountain Biking at Haliburton Forest (10 Minutes away)
📍 Location: Haliburton Forest Mountain Biking
Haliburton Forest offers Ontario’s premier private mountain biking trails, featuring over 300 km of rugged single-track and double-track trails. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, the varied terrain, lakeside paths, and challenging forest trails provide an incredible outdoor experience.
Why visit:
Well-maintained trails with stunning views
Suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to expert
Bike rentals available on-site
Perfect for adventure seekers looking to explore Haliburton’s backcountry on two wheels.
Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride – Year-Round Adventure
📍 Location: Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride
Sir Sam’s is best known for its picturesque ski slopes, but it’s also a four-season adventure destination offering exciting outdoor experiences all year long. Whether you visit in winter for skiing and snowboarding, or in the warmer months for mountain biking and hiking, Sir Sam’s provides an excellent mix of outdoor recreation with stunning lake and forest views.
Winter Activities:
14 scenic ski and snowboard runs for all skill levels
A cozy chalet with après-ski dining and lounge
Equipment rentals and lessons for beginners
Scenic snowshoe trails winding through the property
Spring, Summer & Fall Activities:
Lift-accessed mountain biking with a variety of trails for different skill levels
Hiking trails offering breathtaking views of Eagle Lake and surrounding forests
Fat biking on designated trails in the fall and winter
Scenic chairlift rides for incredible fall foliage views
Why Visit Sir Sam’s Year-Round?
A family-friendly alternative to larger ski resorts
Less crowded slopes in winter, with a welcoming atmosphere
Stunning fall colors make it one of the best spots for leaf-peeping in Haliburton
Exciting summer mountain biking trails for beginners and experts alike
Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride is a must-visit destination no matter the season, providing the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery in Haliburton Highlands.
Snowmobiling in Haliburton Forest (10 minutes away)
📍 Location: Haliburton Forest Snowmobiling
Ranked as one of North America’s top snowmobiling destinations, Haliburton Forest boasts 400 km of groomed private trails, making it a must-visit for snowmobilers.
Why visit:
Pristine, well-maintained trails
Stunning winter scenery
Day passes available for visitors
Kennisis Lake Marina (5 minutes away)
📍 Location: Kennisis Lake Marina
Kennisis Lake Marina is more than just a place to fuel up your boat—it’s a vibrant lakeside hub offering a range of activities, amenities, and events for visitors of all ages.
What you’ll find at Kennisis Lake Marina:
Coffee Shop & Ice Cream Counter – Enjoy locally roasted coffee, baked treats, and premium ice cream.
Convenience Store – Stock up on cottage essentials, snacks, and beverages.
Local Souvenirs & Apparel – Browse a selection of unique Haliburton-themed gifts and marina merchandise.
Boat Rentals & Docking – Rent a pontoon, fishing boat, or paddlecraft for a day on the lake.
Tennis & Pickleball Courts – Play a round on the marina’s well-maintained courts.
Live Summer Concerts & Special Events – Enjoy live music, yoga under the event tent, and kids’ summer camp and swim lessons.
A fantastic place for families, boaters, and cottage guests looking for both relaxation and entertainment on Kennisis Lake.
Arts, Culture & History
Haliburton School of Art + Design (20 minutes away)
📍 Location: Haliburton School of Art + Design
One of Canada’s leading art schools, offering year-round exhibitions, art workshops, and courses. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just exploring, it’s a great cultural stop while in the area.
Castle Antiques & Café (20 minutes away)
📍 Location: Castle Antiques & Café
This unique antique store and café offers a beautifully curated collection of vintage treasures, paired with a cozy café serving locally sourced treats.
Local Breweries & Distilleries
Haliburton Highlands Brewing (15 minutes away)
📍 Location: Haliburton Highlands Brewing
A must-visit for craft beer lovers, featuring small-batch, handcrafted brews made with locally sourced ingredients. The brewery also offers a scenic patio with views of Abbey Gardens.
Boshkung Brewing Co. (25 minutes away)
📍 Location: Boshkung Brewing Co.
Known for its award-winning craft beers, Boshkung Brewing is a great place to sample a variety of Ontario-made lagers, ales, and IPAs.
Plan Your Haliburton Adventure Today
From scenic outdoor wonders to exciting adventure sports, cultural landmarks, and local food & drink experiences, Haliburton Highlands has something for everyone. Guests at H2H Cottage Co. Kennisis Lake and Bitter Lake cottages are perfectly positioned to explore these incredible attractions, ensuring an unforgettable stay in Ontario’s most scenic cottage country. Read what our guests are saying about their experience!
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Your Haliburton adventure doesn’t stop here!
From scenic hikes and lakeside dining to seasonal events and wellness escapes, we’ve curated the best things to do near H2H Cottage Co. Explore More Local Experiences and start planning your perfect getaway.