Ontario’s Highlands is a natural playground where adventure-seekers come to explore the trails, rapids, cliffs and skies. No, wait, it’s a rugged landscape that belies the refined elegance and culinary excellence found throughout the region. No, wait, it’s a countryside studded with small, picturesque towns where historic buildings perch alongside flowing rivers. No, wait …
You guessed it: the area known as Ontario’s Highlands is many things, depending on where (and who) you are. Located 2.5 hours east of Toronto and a half an hour west of Ottawa, Ontario’s Highlands encompasses the Ottawa Valley, Lanark County, Frontenac County, Hastings County, Lennox & Addington, and Haliburton Highlands. This diverse region is home to a vast array of different landscapes, adventures, and flavours.
Ready to discover a wealth of experiences in Ontario’s only 100% rural tourism destination? Read on or click below to begin your Highlands adventure!
- Haliburton Highlands: Where Rugged Landscape Meets Refined Elegance
- Lennox & Addington: Authentic Outdoor Adventures for the Whole Family
- Lanark County: Small Town Living a Short Drive from Ottawa
Haliburton Highlands: Where Rugged Landscape Meets Refined Elegance
Haliburton Highlands lies north of Peterborough and south of Algonquin Provincial Park – in fact, ten percent of the county is located within Algonquin Park! This huge area covers over 4,000 square kilometres and is one of the higher points on the Canadian Shield, hence the “highlands” in the name.
Haliburton is known for its beauty and over 500 lakes. This region is rich with heritage and locals who welcome you as family. It is home to a vibrant arts community and blossoming food scene. Here’s the perfect itinerary for a weekend away in Haliburton Highlands:
Day 1
Stock up on local goodies at the Haliburton County Farmers’ Market
The Haliburton County Farmers’ Market takes place on Tuesdays in Haliburton and Saturdays in Minden (10am-2pm both days). With over 30 vendors selling everything from local honey and maple syrup to handmade pottery, specialty dog treats and wood-fired pizza, it’s easy to lose yourself in the aisles of the market for an hour or two.
Standout vendors include Syrian Delight, a traditional Syrian food stand run by a family that immigrated from Aleppo to Haliburton in 2016. Try the fatia, a type of open-top meat pie stuffed with rich, spiced fillings. You’ll also find the Into the Blue truck whipping up wood-fired pizzas topped with seasonal ingredients alongside vendors serving tacos, plant-based dishes, and baked goods. Fill your reusable bags with produce from local and regional vendors, like sunflower or radish microgreens from NewTown or over 25 varieties of garlic cultivars produced by Garlicloves.
Slake your thirst at Haliburton Highlands Brewing
Haliburton Highlands Brewing is an award-winning microbrewery producing handcrafted, premium ales. Their team loves to incorporate local ingredients in their recipes; think local honey in the Honey Brown Ale, Haliburton Forest red spruce tips in the Spruce Kveik, or Cool Runnings, which is made entirely from maple sap,
On the snack side, HHB features some of Ontario’s best artisanal producers: delicious cheeses from Oxford and Waterloo counties, charcuterie from Il Tagliere Salumeria, West Guilford sausages, and more. The drink menu includes selections from Slabtown Cider Co. and Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, so there’s something for everyone.
Take a break at Molly’s Market Bakery
Craving a sweet pick-me-up in the afternoon? Swing by Molly’s Market Bakery, where tasty treats are on the menu! Check out the daily selection of tarts, cinnamon buns, cake pops, and cookies, all of which pair perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee. There’s plenty of seating inside and out. Enjoy your break!
Check into Haliburton Post House for a relaxing evening
Haliburton Post House is a beautiful retreat in the heart of Haliburton Highlands, and it’s the perfect place to unwind and spend the evening. Guests can either stay in the main lodge (the original building dates back to the 1940s!) or book one of the three separate, 3-bedroom cottages. Take advantage of the fitness studio, dry sauna, water activities, and more – no matter how you like to relax, you’ll find it there.
But what about the food? The Post House’s seasonal menus are carefully crafted by the husband-and-wife culinary team, Executive Chef Dan Sanders and Chef de Cuisine Amber Husband, who seek to showcase farm-fresh local ingredients and a modern classic take on Canadian cuisine. The Post House is Feast On® certified, meaning that the culinary team is committed to supporting Ontario farmers and producers by sourcing a certain amount of Ontario-grown or -produced ingredients.
The prix fixe menu changes with the growing seasons, but you can find all manner of refined ingredients: local bread with Kawartha Dairy butter, fried quails with crisp radishes and pickles, or PEI potato-fed ribeye steaks. Brunch is just as decadent as dinner, so wake up early and enjoy the breakfast charcuterie board laden with pastries, fruit, yogurt, and local jams and honey.
Day 2
Lose yourself in the aisles of Castle Antiques & Café
Start day 2 at Castle Antiques, a local gem that features over 8,000 square feet of antique and vintage finds from every era! Fuel up for a morning of shopping with coffee and homemade vegan & gluten free goods from their in-house cafe, which has lots of seating if you want to chat with friends or get a bit of work done on your laptop. Castle Antiques is also home to Poquito Loco, a Mexican restaurant serving up tacos, burritos, and more.
Discover the wonders of Abbey Gardens
Abbey Gardens is the passion project of John Patterson, a retired businessman whose travels inspired him to give a local gravel pit a new life as a garden. Today, the site is home to an impressive array of features that are open to the public, including the gardens; a farm with heritage-breed ponies, Ojibwe horses, and Chantecler chicken; an apiary; hiking trails; and lots of events. The gardens are open until Thanskgiving, but tours and events take place year-round, so don’t forget to check out their calendar prior to your visit.
The on-site Food Hub is a go-to store for healthy and delicious local food. (Abbey Gardens defines local as any product grown, made or packaged within a 200-km radius.)
The Hub sells produce from the garden alongside local artisan products, baked goods, sandwiches, and specialty coffee and drinks. Best of all, the Hub is Feast On® certified, a mark of their deep commitment to supporting Ontario farmers and producers.
Feast on mouthwatering barbecue at Boshkung Brewing & Smokehouse
With three locations across the Haliburton Highlands, Boshkung Brewing & Smokehouse is harnessing the magic of crisp beer and delicious smoked foods. Boshkung Social and Boshkung Smokehouse in Haliburton both serve a traditional array of smokehouse classics, including brisket, pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, and even pulled BBQ jackfruit. On weekends, you can also find a pop-up called Smoke on the Water at the Kennisis Lake Marina.
Whether you opt for fall-off-the-bone ribs or perfectly juicy brisket, Boshkung has a perfect, icy-cold beer pairing for you. Little Canoe is a crisp, low-ABV light lager that pairs perfectly with barbecue.
Those with adventurous palates should keep an eye out for their seasonal beers, like this past summer’s mango & ancho chili sour ale, which offered the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavours.
Relax with Dinner at The Heather Lodge
To round off your weekend in Haliburton Highlands, head for a lovely dinner at Heather Lodge, an adult-only resort located midway between Minden and Carnarvon. Heather Lodge is part of the Resorts of Ontario network, which represents many fine Ontario resorts that are focused on creating wonderful vacation experiences.
Heather Lodge’s Feast On® certified restaurant is open year-round Thursday-Saturday (reservations needed) or daily during the high season and offers three- or four-course prix fixe menus. The dining room offers beautiful views of Twelve Mile Lake; if it’s warm enough to sit outside, don’t miss the patio, which is surrounded by bird feeders to attract the local wildlife.
Lennox & Addington: Authentic Outdoor Adventures for the Whole Family
Lennox & Addington stretches north from Napanee and Highway 401 to Bon Echo Provincial Park and the town of Denbigh to the north. This region is perched on the granite outcroppings of the Canadian Shield and includes Bon Echo Provincial Park, a rugged and scenic spot for canoe or car camping. A number of rustic cabins are also available for rent.
Ready to experience an authentic outdoor adventure in Lennox & Addington? Whether you’re looking to hike in a breathtaking forest, wander along pristine shorelines, tour the roads by car, or view a night sky full of stars, it’s all here for you to explore. We’ve planned the perfect Bon Echo road trip for you:
Day 1
Grab lunch at Addison’s Restaurant
Addison’s Restaurant is a casual dine-in spot along route 41 in Lennox & Addington County. This family-owned restaurant is an easy stop for a cup of coffee or meal on your way to the park, with ample parking and an outdoor seating area to enjoy on a nice day.
Stop for essentials at Finnegan’s General Store
As you make your way north towards Bon Echo, you may realize that you’ve forgotten to pack a few essentials. Not to worry – Finnegan’s General Store carries firewood, basic groceries, and other bits and bobs that you may need to make your camping trip a success. They also carry art by several local makers. The store is also home to Stephanie’s Good Pizza Shoppe and ice cream for those with a sweet tooth.
Stock up on goodies at Milligan’s Meats
Milligan’s Meats is a family-owned butcher shop doing things the old school way – think freshly-cut meats wrapped in butcher paper and twine (no plastic or tape here!). The butcher counter carries a great selection of meat, including the famous Bon Echo broil, a roulade of tender spiced beef, bacon and seasoned ground pork that’s ready to hit the grill as soon as your campsite is set up.
On the prepared foods side, you’ll find cold sandwiches and salads, while the market carries produce, cold drinks, and treats for every taste bud: flavoured pepperettes, fudge, and all manner of picnic essentials. Grab some ice for your cooler and you’re ready to proceed to your last stop of the day!
Camp under the stars at Bon Echo Provincial Park
Bon Echo Provincial Park is a provincial park that opens seasonally from May to October. There are a number of walk-in, car, or canoe-in campsites, as well as a dozen or so rustic cabins available for rent.
Bon Echo is a wonderful place to see the geology of the southern Canadian Shield in action. The standout feature in the park is Mazinaw Rock, a 100-meter (330 foot) high cliff face adorned with over 260 Indigenous pictographs painted in red ochre along the base of the cliff. Mazinaw comes from an Algonquin word meaning “picture” or “writing.”
After arriving in the park and pitching your tent (or settling into your cabin), you can head out on a number of adventures. Bird-watchers can try to spot Peregrine Falcons nesting on Mazinaw Rock, while canoers can take a closer look at the Mazinaw pictograms on a day paddle along the Kishkebus canoe route.
There are several great fishing spots and hiking loops for all difficulty levels, and on a warm fall day, you can also take a dip at one of three natural sand beaches.
Check the Bon Echo website ahead of your visit to confirm the seasonal closing date as well as any advisories relating to weather and trail availability.
Or spend the night at Lakeside Inn
If sleeping outdoors isn’t your thing, the Lakeside Inn offers simple and casual accommodations in a building that used to house the Cloyne Public School. The Inn has a bar and family-friendly restaurant on the premises.
Day 2
Head north on Highway 41 for breakfast at Rosie’s Cafe & General Store. This family-owned gas station, cafe & convenience store is nestled in the hills of Denbigh. The two-story building houses a cafe with a solid brunch and lunch menu along with a convenience store stocked with chips, cold drinks, and other road trip essentials. The second floor is a shop with everything cottagers and campers could ever need, from batteries and toothbrushes to towels and beach toys.
Or head south on Highway 41 for coffee or an ice cream cone at Spill the Beanz. This unique business is part cafe, part musical instrument store, and it’s quite common to be treated with a musical performance from one of the talented regulars who stop in to play and take advantage of the music store’s selection.
Lanark County: Small Town Living a Short Drive from Ottawa
Want to leave the hustle and bustle of our nation’s capital behind? Lanark County lies just southwest of Ottawa, and it is home to some of the oldest and prettiest small towns in Canada, including Almonte in Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place, Perth, and Smith Falls.
Ready to lose yourself in the beautiful villages of Lanark County? Save this road trip itinerary and make sure there’s room on your phone for a bunch of #lanarkcounty goodness:
Day 1
Sample sweet treats at the Hummingbird Chocolate Factory, Store & Café
Start off the day at Hummingbird Chocolate Factory in Almonte. This artisan, bean-to-bar production facility has a beautiful shop and tasting room where you can sample the goods while watching the chocolatiers at work behind large glass windows.
The friendly staff is on hand to answer any questions you may have about the process. Sample some of their chocolate in bar form, such as the award-winning Hispaniola 70% single-origin chocolate from the Dominican Republic, or try it as a drinking chocolate in the cafe.
Stroll by Grand Falls on Mississippi
Next, walk down Ottawa Street to see the Grand Falls on Mississippi. This beautiful spot consists of a series of waterfalls and is located around the corner from the heritage building that houses the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy the scenery before dinner.
Enjoy a refined dinner at The Sterling
Just over the Almonte Street bridge, you’ll find The Sterling, a casual fine dining restaurant also located in a beautiful heritage building. They offer a seasonally changing menus sourced from local vendors, curated cocktails designed in-house, and small craft beers and wine from independent vineyards. On the menu, you’ll find decadent favourites, such as East Coast oysters, pork belly, leg of lamb, fish of the day, fresh pasta, and more.
Have sweet dreams at the Monte Inn Lounge Retreat
After dinner, head back to the Monte Inn Lounge Retreat for a good night’s sleep! The lounge is open until 9pm for nightcaps after dinner. Each room in this boutique micro-hotel overlooks the waterfront, and guests can enjoy amenities such as a hot tub, cold plunge, and sauna.
Day 2
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Black Tartan Kitchen
On the second day, hop back in the car and set off for Carleton Place, a small town with beautiful streetscapes, scenic trails and a picturesque waterfront. Stroll to your heart’s content, then pop by Black Tartan Kitchen for a leisurely lunch.
Their menu is inspired by the bounty of Lanark County: think house-made pasta, local cheese and charcuterie, seasonal soups and salads, house-baked sourdough bread, and lots more. On the beverage side, you’ll find local beer and wine along with inventive cocktails, like the black tartan cocktail or even a cheesecake martini.
Sip coffee in a historical setting at C’est Tout Bakery
C’est Tout Bakery, a breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot inside the Hotel Rideau in nearby Smiths Falls. The drink menu features a bevy of inventive mocktails and coffee drinks, while the classic brunch menu has sweet and savoury options, including a bacon, egg & cheese on a cheddar scone.
There are lots of great seating options for groups or travelers who need to catch up on a bit of laptop work. Don’t forget to check out the building, which first opened its doors in 1902!
Finish the day with flights in Perth
Perth is a beautiful town in Lanark County, and it’s home to some great beverages! Beer lovers should head to Bridge Masters Brewing, a craft brewery located at the foot of Canada’s oldest metal swing bridge. The brewery is located inside an old factory, which also houses a Micro Art Gallery with works by over 30 artists.
Enjoy a flight paired with classic bar snacks, like soft pretzels, nachos, and smoked meat sandwiches, then try your luck at the Pac-Man machine.
Perth is also home to Top Shelf Distillers, a craft distillery known for its innovative use of local and seasonal flavours (think Butter Tart Cream Liquor or Reunion Apple Pie Moonshine).
Top Shelf is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the communities where their products are found; for every Top Shelf and Reunion Moonshine product with a #moretrees badge, the distillery plants a tree within 100 kilometres of the point of purchase. They have planted over 550,000 trees to date – no small feat! Sign up for their whisky-making tour and cocktail tasting to learn more about the process and sample the goods.
Ontario is a Road Trip Wonderland
Fall is such a beautiful time to travel through Ontario – the leaves turn red and gold, the air is crisp and fresh and every farm stand is overflowing with corn, squash, and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes! Want to discover more flavourful fall escapes around Ontario? Keep reading!
