Haliburton Highlands

I kept thinking the rain would pass. I was sure the sun would break through the clouds at any minute. Day 7 of my 14 day stay in Haliburton was the only rainy day, and it also marks a day I was completely and utterly wrong:  The rain did not subside, not even for a minute.

I came back down to reality around noon and succumbed to the fact  that I wasn't going to see blue skies in my near future. Some rainy day ideas were thrown around: Go for ice cream, go to a movie, go bowling in Minden, shop in Haliburton or climb a scenic lookout tower in Dorset. As I recall the items on this list, I feel the need to share my personal contribution. I thought it would be great to go to the dump and bear watch. This idea was not only rejected; it was laughed out of the voting circle. In the end, we (they) decided to climb Dorset Tower. I'm still not sure how climbing a giant metal rod in the middle of a torrential thunderstorm with toddlers and infants beat bear watching, but that's what we did...

Luckily, the event makes my list of things to do and I'm glad I'm still here to tell you about it.

1. Climb Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower This 100 foot tall tower is located at 1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Road, just off of HWY 35. The cost to enter is $6 per car (+ $2 extra per person if, like us, you need to buy rain ponchos). Pictured below is the poncho selling store, the lightning rod itself and the beautiful (but rainy) views from the top.

2. Boshkung Brewing Co and Rhubarb Restaurant This brewery and restaurant are located in the same building and can be found at 9210 HWY 118. The brewery offers samples of their very tasty beer (Poured by their incredibly friendly staff) and, aside from aforementioned beer, sells barware, t-shirts and tanks. My favourite tastes were 35 & 118 and the North Country Ale.

Rhubarb Restaurant is located upstairs and offers guests a beautiful view of Mirror Lake. They serve delicious appetizers and mains, which range in price from $15-$30. They have an excellent wine menu and also serve Boshkung brews. Go figure.    

3. Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve  Home to trails, lakes, restaurants, pigs, wolves and a giant moose, this center should not be missed. The reserve can be found at 1095 Redkenn Road and is on 80 000 acres of forests, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. They offer 4 season outdoor activities (hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, snowmobiling and a variety of tours). An adult day pass costs $16 in the spring, summer and fall and $65 in the winter. 

​4. Wolf Center Also located at the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve is the Wolf Center. Here, a pack of wolves that were once in danger, roam freely in a 15 acre enclosure. Admission costs $7 (Ages 7-17) and $16 (Ages 18+). Guest can watch a movie about the history of the wolves, visit a museum, probably the best wolf art gallery in the world and, a view of the wolves. 

5. Kawartha Dairy Need I say more? Get yourself to 12750 HWY 35 and order some scoops. My go to is straight up chocolate, unless I need something refreshing. Then it's Mint Chocolate Chip. I also enjoy Pralines and Cream, Rocky Road and the whole damn store.

6. Just Relax Spend some time havin' a summah!

7. Bear Watch at the Dump If you, like me, think this would be a fantastic outing, I would love to hear about your experience. In the meantime, I unfortunately have to leave this item on my list as a future Haliburton Highlands goal.