About Haliburton and Things To Do
Barbeques on the lakeshore. Skimming the placid water on a kayak. Autumn afternoons gathered around the fire pit under a canopy of bright leaves. Traipsing through the treetops suspended on a platform 10 to 20 meters above the forest floor. Whooshing down Ski Hill on a mound of glittering white snow. To visit Haliburton is to rediscover the simple blessings of nature and good company—the key ingredients of cottage life in Ontario.
While you’re here, take time to enjoy some of these activities in and around Haliburton!
Sir Sam’s Ski and Bike
Haliburton shines in wintertime—literally and figuratively. Take on a variety of winter sports on top of luminous white powder at local legend Sir Sam’s. At this family-owned winter sports and adventure park, you can snowmobile, snowshoe, or try your hand at a family-friendly ski or snowboard session. In the summer and early autumn months, you can also take to the mountain biking paths winding through lovely terrain.
Snowshoeing on the Cooperage Property
Strapping on some snowshoes and traversing the gentle wintery landscape is one of our favorite winter activities in Haliburton. If you stay with us at The Cooperage, we even provide the snowshoes and 7 acres of ground to explore. While you’re out, you can observe the remnants of the property’s former life, such as the Century-year-old stone walls of the old Cooperage Mill.
Algonquin Park
Bask in fall color, observe diverse wildlife on a forest hike, kayak or canoe one of 2,400 lakes (yes, 2,400!). Algonquin Park is Canada’s oldest provincial park, and one of its largest at 7,653 sq. km. (2,955 sq. mi.).
Haliburton Forest Canopy Tour
This very popular guided tour within the Haliburton Forest ends with a truly special “Walk in The Clouds”—a walking tour on an elevated canopy boardwalk 10 to 20 meters (30 to 65 feet) above ground. With a walking distance of half a kilometer, this boardwalk among the treetops is the longest of its kind in the world. Cost is $95 for adults and $70 for kids between the ages of 10 and 17 (children under 10 not permitted). The exhilarating and fun experience is well worth it!
Wildlife Watching & The Wolfe Centre
Wildlife is plentiful in Haliburton, with many visitors spotting bears and bear cubs, deer, water birds and wolves. After your Canopy Tour, visit the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre, a 15-acre enclosure that houses the Haliburton Forest wolf pack. While wolf sightings are common but not guaranteed, you can visit the centre for wolf-related displays, including art, interactive, and educational exhibits.
Sadly, in January 2013, vandals cut into the enclosure fence and three wolves escaped into the surrounding forest. One of the wolves was shot and killed by an unknown person and two male wolves never returned. On the bright side, a new male was introduced to the pack in August 2013 and four new wolf pups were born in May 2014.
Haliburton RPM
All-terrain adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts love this recreation and powersports outfitter in Haliburton. ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, UTVs (a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle that seats 2 to 6 people), and more are available to rent and purchase here. More info at Haliburton RPM.
Boating & Other Water Adventures
Spending the day out on the water is a storied pastime in Haliburton, and your options are many. Fishing, speed-boating, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing and more, take advantage of all that fresh water in the best ways. Haliburton RPM rents many types of motored boats, and if you stay at The Cooperage, we provide a kayak, a canoe and (SUP’s) standup paddle boards for your group to use…and 300 feet of gently sloped lakefront for easy water entry and exit!
Haliburton Sculpture Forest
Don’t miss the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, where you can take a magical trail walk through Glebe Park and check out the unique sculpture work of Canadian and international artists. Take a free, guided tour of the sculptures on Tuesday at 10a.m. in July and August, or schedule a group tour throughout all months of year (the park is equally beautiful in all four seasons!).
Eat & Drink in Haliburton – A Few Of Our Favorites
Of course, cooking at home is an experience many people look forward to when they cottage in Haliburton—nothing beats the sweet, smoky smell of barbeque floating on the lake breeze. But if you want a break from the grill or kitchen, check out these restaurants in Haliburton and the surrounding area.
Rhubarb
Owned by our friend Chris and his wife Terry, Rhubarb serves a contemporary fine dining menu in a casual atmosphere on beautiful Mirror Lake, about 20 minutes away in Carnavon. This is a nice treat or date night destination that won’t break your budget. Try the Duck Confit Poutine with Aged Cheddar!
Boshkung Brewing Co. Inc.
Then wash down your poutine with a locally brewed craft beer from Boshkung Brewing Co., located on the lower level of Rhubuarb. Recommended pint: the 35th & 118 Cream Ale, Boshkung’s year-round, easy-to-drink brew.
Suwan’s Thai Cuisine
This casual, celebrated Thai restaurant in Minden is perfect for an inexpensive night out. Located inside of an antique store, Suwan’s is intimate, delicious, and well worth the 30-minute drive into Minden. We promise you won’t forget the experience. Reservations recommended—this place is quite popular.
Fine Dining Sir Sam’s Inn
Not to be confused with Sir Sam’s Ski and Bike, Sir Sam’s Inn is a fine dining restaurant serving a seasonal, prix fixe menu of gourmet cuisine with new dishes each night. Though Sir Sam’s is found at a higher price point than Rhubarb, they too welcome casual dress. Complement your meal with a bottle of wine from their extensive cellar. Reservations required, so call ahead at (800) 361-2188.