Ontario’s Highlands is the place to be if you’re craving delicious local dishes and time outdoors! The Haliburton region is a hidden treasure trove of culinary delights, picturesque landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. From farm-fresh feasts to local brews and sweet treats, this multi-day adventure promises to satisfy your taste buds while immersing you in the natural beauty of the area.
A Delicious Mid-Week Escape
Ready to explore? We recommend beating the crowds and making this a mid-week escape but regardless of when you come, you’re sure to have a great time and leave with a full belly. Let’s dive into some of the region’s most delicious stops, perfect for any food lover’s itinerary!
Stop #1: Dinner at Heather Lodge – A Feast On® Certified Culinary Delight
Where: 14483 ON-35, Minden, ON (View Map)
Kick off your Haliburton Highlands adventure with a delectable four-course dinner at the Heather Lodge, just outside of Minden. This charming, Feast On® certified lodge takes pride in supporting Ontario farmers by using locally sourced ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Heather Lodge’s dining room, overlooking the serene waters of 12 Mile Lake, sets the backdrop for a relaxing meal. Our culinary journey began with a selection of mouthwatering appetizers, including smoked duck and shrimp.
Moving onto the entrees, you can’t go wrong with the Pan-Seared Ontario Chicken Supreme, the crispy Panko-Crusted Ontario Pork Schnitzel, or the tender and flavorful Canadian AAA Beef Tenderloin Steak.
Each dish was artfully presented and bursting with fresh, local flavours.
To complement the meal, we indulged in refreshing beverages like the house-made Strawberry Lemonade, the aromatic Gin Basil Smash, and the zingy Hibiscus Lime Sparkler. Every sip was as delightful as the courses, rounding out the evening.
Pro Tip: Heather Lodge offers wonderful package deals that include cozy accommodations, a hearty breakfast, and a four-course dinner. It’s the best way to start your Haliburton adventure!
Stop #2: Check into Haliburton Post House
Where: 1297 Kashagawigamog Lake Rd, Minden, ON (View Map)
After a delightful dinner, it’s time to settle in for the night at the Haliburton Post House, a Feast On® certified retreat that blends rustic charm with modern amenities. This peaceful oasis is the ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
Whether you choose a room in the lodge or a private three-bedroom cottage, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding nature.
Haliburton Post House offers plenty of ways to relax. Whether you prefer lounging by the bonfire, enjoying a drink from the boathouse while watching the sunset, or working up a sweat in the gym before a refreshing session in the sauna, the Post House has something for everyone.
Pro Tip: End your evening by the fire pit, while enjoying the sounds of the lake—pure relaxation!
Day 2
Stop #1: Breakfast at Castle Antiques & Café
Where: 223 Highland St, Haliburton, ON (View Map)
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Castle Antiques & Café the next morning. This charming café, set within a treasure trove of antiques, serves fresh-baked goodies that will surely hit the spot. We savoured their fluffy muffins, rich Nanaimo Bars, and indulgent Peanut Butter Bars, all baked fresh daily.
For a heartier option, try the Roasted Vegetable Wrap, packed with flavour and great for a healthy start to the day. Pair it with a Caramel Latte or a refreshing iced Cold Brew to fuel up before the day’s adventures.
Pro Tip: After breakfast, we recommend you stroll through the antique shop for unique finds and vintage treasures.
Stop #2: The Incredible Haliburton County Farmers’ Market – A Taste of the Highlands
Where: Head Lake Park, 13 York St, Haliburton, ON (View Map)
Next, head to the Haliburton County Farmers’ Market! Open Tuesdays from May to October, this market is a vibrant hub where local farmers and artisans gather to showcase their freshest produce, meats, cheeses, and more. From seasonal fruits and veggies to handcrafted goods, there’s plenty to explore.
One of our favourite stops was the Into the Blue Wood Fired Pizza stand, where we enjoyed a slice of deliciously charred pizza fresh from the oven. We also stocked up on local brews from Haliburton Highlands Brewing and grabbed some flavorful garlic pesto and powder from Garlic Loves —both perfect for bringing a taste of Haliburton home.
Stop #3: Lunch at Boshkung (Social) Brewing & Smokehouse
Where: 20 Water St, Minden, ON (View Map)
For lunch, we made our way to Boshkung Brewing & Smokehouse. This rustic smokehouse is known for its traditional BBQ fare, offering smoky, savoury dishes paired with locally crafted beers.
We couldn’t resist trying a flight of their house brews, featuring favourites like the smooth Cream Ale, the refreshing Two Putt Pilsner, the hoppy Kungaroo IPA, and the earthy Haliburton Forest.
For food, the BBQ menu did not disappoint—juicy smoked meats, rich in flavour, paired best with the cold brew.
Stop #4: Sweet Treats at Molly’s Market + Bakery
Where: 170 Bobcaygeon Rd, Minden, ON (View Map)
After lunch, a sweet pick-me-up is in order, so we stopped by Molly’s Market + Bakery. Molly’s is the place to go to pick up fresh-baked treats, from gooey cinnamon buns to decadent cake pops and classic cookies.
We highly recommend you get your hands on their cheesecake cake pops – Delicious!
Stop #5: Explore Abbey Gardens Food Hub
Where: 1012 Garden Gate Dr, Algonquin Highlands, ON (View Map)
To round out the day, we visited the beautiful world of Abbey Gardens Food Hub. This scenic location offers much more than just a garden. It’s a thriving community space with hiking trails, heritage breed displays, and a vibrant food hub where you can shop for local produce, meats, and baked goods.
We grabbed a seasonal sandwich made on fresh-baked bread and enjoyed it on their new screened-in porch. After lunch, we sipped on iced coffee while exploring the grounds and visiting the adorable heritage ponies and chickens. It’s the best spot to connect with nature and learn about sustainable farming practices.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to book a tour of the garden or participate in one of the on-site educational programs—there’s always something new to learn!
Stop #6: Final Dinner at Haliburton Post House
Where: 1297 Kashagawigamog Lake Rd, Minden, ON (View Map)
After a day filled with exploration and adventure, we returned to Haliburton Post House for a culinary experience that truly dazzled our taste buds. Known for its Feast On® certified menus, the Post House focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the flavours of Ontario.
Our meal began with an elegant amuse-bouche: a delicate potato crisp topped with fresh ricotta cheese, a light and creamy bite that set the stage for the courses to follow. From there, we moved into a stunning lineup of appetizers that showcased the talent of the husband-and-wife culinary team, Executive Chef Dan Sanders and Chef de Cuisine Amber Husband.
The first appetizer was a rich and flavorful beef tartare, served with pickled water leeks, local shiitake mushrooms, and a deliciously tangy truffle aioli, all wrapped in crisp lettuce.
This dish was paired with a second starter: a smoked PEI oyster, topped with fresh dill cream, balancing the smokiness of the oyster with the bright, herbal notes of dill.
Next came the locally sourced iceberg lettuce salad, drizzled with a garden herb ranch dressing that made each bite feel fresh and vibrant. It was a delightful palate cleanser before moving into the heart of the meal.
The main course featured a showstopping dish: stracciatella-stuffed scarpinocc. These delicate pasta parcels were filled with creamy stracciatella and bathed in a black truffle and garlic scape-infused butter sauce.
Every bite was rich, decadent, and utterly delicious. We were also treated to a Newfoundland scallop, seared and paired with lovage (a plant used as an herb, veggie and a spice) and topped with the luxurious Northern Divine sturgeon caviar—a combination that brought elegance and complexity to the plate.
To wrap up the savoury portion of the meal, we savoured a dish featuring duck and foie gras, complemented by cherry and sake kasu, a flavour combination that was both indulgent and beautifully balanced.
For dessert, we were treated to the ultimate finale: a strawberry-baked Alaska, an old-fashioned dessert with a modern twist. As if that wasn’t enough, the evening concluded with a delightful sweet board featuring an assortment of handmade treats.
This included spruce tip honey crullers, tangy sea buckthorn pâte de fruit, and the indulgent s’mores macarons—a terrific ending to a meal that showcased the best of what Ontario’s Highlands has to offer.
The Perfect Morning at Haliburton Post House
After such a spectacular dinner, we woke up to the sounds of nature and took a peaceful stroll along the dock, soaking in the tranquil beauty of the lake. Breakfast at Haliburton Post House was a continuation of the culinary excellence we experienced the night before.
The morning spread was filled with fresh fruit, house-made granola, creamy yogurt, and flaky, freshly baked sourdough croissants. The star of breakfast, however, was the shakshuka skillet—a savoury dish of spiced tomato and red peppers, topped with poached eggs, yogurt, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It was the ideal hearty breakfast to bid farewell to this serene and delicious accommodation.
For those with a sweet tooth, the homestyle waffles, drizzled with local maple syrup, were the best indulgence. Light and fluffy, they were the ultimate comfort food, with a touch of Haliburton’s signature sweetness.
Plan Your Haliburton Culinary Escape Today!
From cozy lakeside accommodations to unforgettable dining experiences, Haliburton offers the awesome blend of relaxation and indulgence. Whether it’s the artisanal creations at Heather Lodge or the exquisite, farm-to-table cuisine at Haliburton Post House, this multi-day adventure promises to delight foodies and nature lovers alike. Start planning your escape today, and experience the true flavours of Ontario’s Highlands!
