The Ultimate Haliburton Weekend Guide: Hikes, Food & Local Finds
Haliburton is known as a classic Ontario cottage-country destination. Picture endless lakes, forests, rocky Canadian Shield landscapes and cabins tucked along the water. Haliburton had been on my Ontario travel list for a LONG time. After finally spending a weekend exploring the Highlands, I quickly realized one thing: you’ll need more than a weekend here.
Of course my original plan was to come for the hiking, and trust me, the trails alone are worth the road trip. But between hikes, I found myself hopping between coffee shops, local restaurants, breweries, vintage stores and all those little stops that usually end up being my favourite part of exploring somewhere new.
So if you’re like me and plan your weekends around hiking and coffee shops, I’ve researched for you. From hikes and viewpoints to where to grab coffee, eat, shop and stay, here are the places I’d add to your list.
Hikes + Outdoor Stops
Crest of Kennisis | 4.8km
You begin the hike at the iconic Log Chute before climbing (fairly moderately) to an incredible view of the tree canopy and exposed rock cliffs.
Circuit of Five Viewpoints | 5.5km
True to its name, it does reward hikers with five viewpoints along the trail. The hike winds through maple, oak, beech and ash trees, which will be incredible fall foliage.
James Cooper Lookout | 1.8km
Maybe shorter in distance, but this hike offers a good climb through red and white pine trees to the top for the view. This loop is a part of the Algonquin Highlands trail network, and this specific area was donated by Jim Cooper back in the 1970s.
Skyline Lookout
Not a hike, but rather drive up to an amazing view of the town of Haliburton.
Haliburton Sculpture Forest | 4km
This is a unique outdoor collection of sculptures by Canadian and international artists. Walk along the trail to admire the different sculptures.
Haliburton Forest Canopy Tour
Okay, THIS was easily one of the coolest things I did in Haliburton. The Canopy Tour is a guided nature hike that takes you right up into the treetops, where you make your way across suspended boardwalks above the forest floor. It’s part hike, part adventure, and a completely different way to experience Haliburton Forest. Put this one on the Ontario bucket list, trust me!
Where to Grab Coffee
Castle Antiques & Café: A massive space that offers an amazing cup of coffee, food options (including ice cream!), while also showcasing local artisans, music space, roastery, kombucha brewery and antiques from around the world. Honestly, you need to stop, grab a coffee and enjoy looking around.
SIRCH Bistro & Bakery: Let me start by saying I had the best cheddar scone here. They offer delicious homemade food while providing food programs to the area. Great baked goods + supporting a good cause? Win, win!
Abbey Gardens: A 300-acre sustainable hub in Haliburton. When visiting, you can enjoy the hiking trails, guided nature walks, garden tours, and more. Stop in the shop for a bite to eat and cup of coffee before exploring what this place has to offer.
Where I'd Eat + Drink in Haliburton
TOAST : If you’re starting your day in Minden and want a big portion of food, TOAST is an easy pick for breakfast or brunch before heading out to explore. The menu offers classic breakfast options such as pancakes and eggs Benedict. I highly recommend the chicken and waffles! They use locally made maple syrup, which feels very appropriate for an Ontario weekend.
Juna: Great option for lunch, happy hour or dinner when you’re in downtown Haliburton. Juna is an Italian-inspired restaurant with an elevated-but-cozy feel. They offer artisan pizza, house-made pasta, salads and cocktails. Definitely a good choice when you want to end an outdoorsy day with a really good pizza!
Rhubarb: An upscale dining option that overlooks Mirror Lake. The menu focuses on contemporary Canadian options with seasonal and local ingredients. It also provides an extensive wine and cocktail menu. Everything here is incredible!
Haliburton Post House: Set on Kashagawigamog Lake, the restaurant focuses on chef-curated seasonal menus using local ingredients. Known for their multi-course dining, they also offer bistro nights offered on select evenings throughout the season. The Haliburton Post House is also an option to stay at the hotel, and could easily become the splurge night of a Haliburton weekend
Where to Stay for a Haliburton Weekend
The Baltic Treehouse: If you want to make the accommodation part of the adventure, The Baltic is a dreamy option. This off-grid treehouse is tucked into the forest, surrounded by mature maples, with big windows that make you feel like you’re staying right in the trees.
Lakeview Motel: For something close to Haliburton, Lakeview Motel has a Geo-dome tucked into the property’s natural setting with your own private hot tub. You also have access to the motel’s outdoor amenities, including trails, a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, making this a fun home base when you plan to spend most of your weekend out exploring.
Camp Haliburton: For a classic waterfront cottage-country weekend, Camp Haliburton is an A-frame cabin surrounded by nature. The cabin sleeps four and comes with a full kitchen, sauna, dock and fire pit, so you can spend your days exploring the Highlands and still have somewhere pretty special to come back to at night.
Haliburton Post House: Although I did not stay here, I’d recommend checking it out if you want to stay at a beautiful lakeside hotel. You can stay in one of the renovated rooms in the historic lodge or book one of the private cottages, with access to the waterfront, sauna, fitness studio and non-motorized watercraft. Plus the Post House Restaurant is right on the property.
Where to Shop and Support Local
Boshkung Brewing Co.: Located in Minden, stop in for a locally brewed beer and an easy post-hike hangout. They offer live music, lawn games, and a chip truck menu. The perfect afternoon hangout spot.
Haliburton Highlands Brewing: Another local brewery worth adding to your weekend if trying locally made beer is part of how you explore a new place.
Mixtape Vintage: A fun shop located in downtown Haliburton to browse vintage clothing and see what one-of-a-kind finds you can uncover.
Redman’s Records: Dig through the records and maybe come home with a new addition to your collection. Plus they offer an espresso bar!
Master’s Book Store: If you love looking through hundreds of books, take a break from exploring outside to browse the shelves at this local independent bookstore.
Lily Ann Thrift Store: For my fellow thrifters, leave yourself some time to hunt for a hidden gem or two.
Algonquin Outfitters: Of course, a classic and essential stop for outdoor lovers to browse gear, clothing and everything you might need for your next adventure.
Haliburton County Farmers’ Market: If your trip lines up with a Tuesday, make time for the Haliburton County Farmers’ Market at Head Lake Park. It’s a great way to shop local while you’re in town, with seasonal produce, baked goods, prepared foods and handmade goods from local growers, producers and artisans.
Safe to say, Haliburton is a year round Ontario destination that everyone needs to visit at least once. I came home with more places saved on my Google Maps than I started with (which, if you know me, is usually the sign of a very good road trip). There are so many trails left to hike, local businesses to check out and little corners of the Highlands I still want to explore.
So my advice is to give yourself the extra day, leave some room in your itinerary for the stops you didn’t plan, and make a full weekend out of it. Come for the hiking, but stay long enough to discover everything else that makes Haliburton worth the drive.
