Cottage country boasts some of the best fall scenery in all of Ontario. Haliburton & Kawartha Lakes are equally stunning providing residents and visitors spectacular scenery and fragrant, crisp autumn air. While many think to visit during summer both regions are perfect for a fall getaway, offering a mix of outdoor activities, cozy accommodations, and charming small towns to explore.
Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve
What better way to witness the changing of the colours this fall than from within the forest itself. Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve offers visitors a fully immersive fall colours experience during a 3.5 to 4 hour long guided tour. Follow a park guide along a scenic drive through the private forest before paddling a canoe across a wilderness lake. From there take a guided walk along the Pelaw River Rapids before arriving at the canopy tour. Walk among the treetops, 10-20 metres above the ground to experience the beautiful views of Haliburton Forest.
Touting the longest canopy boardwalk of its kind in the world, The Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve canopy tour is a bucket list worthy adventure. Visitors from near and far can plan a weekend or overnight in the forest with onsite accommodation, comfortable kitchens, restaurant dining and plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Haliburton Skyline Park
Just a short drive from the village of Haliburton lies the Haliburton Skyline Park. less time consuming than the Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserves tour, the winding route up Skyline Drive takes sightseers to the viewing area. From here the view goes on for miles and miles overlooking the village itself, the valley, Head Lake and the Haliburton Highlands beyond.
Each Autumn, Haliburton transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors, with its dense forests showcasing brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. The crisp air and the scent of woodsmoke add to the charm, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The elevated area of Skyline Park is forested providing a parklike setting. Although parking is limited, the vantage point is free to access and offers breathtaking fall colour views for all ages.
Haliburton Sculpture Forest
The Haliburton Sculpture Forest, located within Glebe Park near the village of Haliburton in the Haliburton Highlands, is one of Ontario’s most unique destinations. Intriguing any time of the year, autumn provides a stunning backdrop for the forest’s artwork. Take a walk through the forest to immerse yourself in the beauty of fall.
The Haliburton Sculpture Forest features 40 sculptures, along with 3 art huts and 6 unique benches created by Canadian and international artists. Truly a delightful destination for nature and art lovers alike. Admission to the sculpture forest has been free since its inception in 2001 thanks to government funding, corporate sponsorship, individual donors, community partners and land use agreements with Fleming College and the Municipality of Dysart et al.
Kawartha Lakes Craft Breweries
Visiting craft breweries are among the top activities for locals and tourists alike. Kawartha Lakes is home to many breweries offering tours and tastings of seasonal creations. Many of the breweries located in this region are situated in historical buildings in the villages of Kawartha Lakes.
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. is a craft brewery housed in a 200-year old building on the Trent Severn Waterway in the quaint village of Fenlon Falls, Ontario. Offering up award-winning beer and some of the areas most stunning scenery this local and independent brewery is located in the heart of Fenelon Falls.
The Lindsay Brewing Company
Located in a beautifully restored historic building built in 1868 in the small town of Lindsay, Ontario, The Lindsay Brewing Company bases its creations on the historic past of the town itself. In an effort to showcase the richness and beauty of Kawartha Lakes, each of their unique brews represents a historic landmark that is handcrafted on site.
Schedule a tour or stop by for lunch or dinner at the Pie Eyed Monk. Sit on the patio and try one of their seasonal brews or visit during Halloweek. Anyone who loves Halloween will want to visit the restaurant and brewery in the week leading up to Halloween and attend the lineup of events not meant for the faint of heart.
Hollowbrook Highlands
No fall calendar of events would be complete without a visit to a local farm. Hollowbrook Highlands is a 70-acre farmstead nestled amongst the picturesque hills of Kawartha Lakes within the Oak Ridges Moraine in the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Mississauga. Visitors feel right at home here as these lands provided the scenic backdrop to the popular Netflix series “Taste of the Country”.
Hollowbrook Highlands offers scenic hiking through spectacular trails along with immersive experience with the friendly goats and majestic Highland Cattle that live at the farm. Once the fall colours have faded the farm hosts a holiday market with over 50 talented vendors showcasing their unique handcrafted products. The event also includes live music where attendees can sit fireside with a beverage at their licensed bar and sample local cuisine from the variety of food vendors.
Fall in Love with Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes
Absolutely stunning in the fall, Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and seasonal charm. Once you visit you may feel the urge to relocate to one of these stunning rural locales. Whether it’s Kawartha Lakes with its is mesmerizing rolling hills and scenic routes or Haliburton with its dense forests, colorful landscape and serene lakes, The Janssen Group can help you buy your next dream home in the heart of Ontario.
Let the local experts provide you with knowledgeable advice on the best areas in the region. Learn more about the communities including popular lakes such as Drag Lake, Redstone Lake, Kennisis Lake, Haliburton Lake, Kashagawigamog Lake, Balsam Lake, and Sturgeon Lake or contact The Janssen Group’s trusted Realtors Drew & Kristin Bishop to buy or sell a home in Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes.
