Plan a unique getaway at Haliburton Forest

Bespoke experiences with Yours Outdoors

Celebrating over fifty years delivering meaningful outdoor experiences, the Forest has recently partnered with an innovative and like-minded Haliburton company, Yours Outdoors. 

By connecting guests with local guides, artists and foodies, Yours Outdoors curates authentic, immersive and seasonal art, cultural, culinary and nature-based activities.

Guided winter activities

Winter activities offered by Yours Outdoors include guided brewery tours, snowshoeing, ice-climbing, cross-country skiing and snowga, a combination of showshoeing and yoga. 

If you’re new to winter activities, sign up for the Snowshoe Like a Canadian, Snowshoe into Canada's Past, Fur and Flintlock, Ski Like a Canadian or Introduction to Ice Climbing to learn a new skill.

Guided spring, summer and fall activities

In the warmer months, look for canoeing, rockhounding and foraging outings or try your hand at fly-fishing or pottery. 

Art and craft aficionados will love the glass-blowing sessions hosted by talented designers and glassblowers Terry Craig and Jennifer Wanless-Craig of Artech Studios in Tory Hill. 

Held in the eclectic Hot Shop on their property, the sessions offer an overview of this ancient artistry (including safety measures) and are followed by an incredible hands-on experience.

Under Terry’s vigilant supervision and direction, you’ll have the opportunity to gather mesmerizing molten lava-like glass from the searing hot furnace and form your own masterpiece using traditional tools like water-soaked wooden blocks for rounding, jacks to shape and separate and a blow-pipe to inflate the glass. It’s every bit as awesome as it sounds. 

Terry and Jennifer have converted a gorgeous heritage church next to the glass-blowing studio into a main-floor showroom where you can purchase exquisite glass pieces.

Note: book guided experiences with Yours Outdoors directly through their website.

Outdoor adventure at Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Centre

After your guided adventure with Yours Outdoors, explore Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Centre.

Canopy tours

Among the most popular activities at the Forest are the Canopy Tours, which follow a magnificent winding walk through the treetops of the Halibuton Forest up to 20 metres above the forest floor. 

At over half a kilometre, its the longest boardwalk of its kind in the world with views that will blow your mind.

Wildlife viewing

Visit the Wolf Centre to experience all the thrills without the terror of an up-close encounter with a wolf’s penetrating gaze or primal howl.

The spacious facility features informative exhibits on wolves and other Ontario wildlife as well as a viewing room with floor to ceiling one-way glass windows overlooking a three hectare enclosure that’s home to a family of wild wolves. There’s also a hallway observation area. 

Outdoor sport and adventure

Seasonal and year round activities available at Haliburton Forest include hiking, cycling and snowshoeing throughout the trail system, great canoeing and kayaking opportunities, a tennis and pickleball court, as well as fishing and snowmobiling.

Where to stay

Accommodations range from lakeside cabins (one of which is year-round) to base camp lodging (great for groups) and tiny, adorable Cabinscape cabins in the forest, accessible by snowshoe or snowmobile in winter. Camping and RVing sites are also available seasonally.

Note: book Cabinscape tiny cabins directly through their website.

Shopping

Browse beautifully crafted forest products at Living Woodwork, including customized statement pieces of furniture and ingenious wooden household goods, puzzles and toys. And have a one-of-a-kind paddle made just for you at The Paddle Shop.

Where to eat

When you’ve worked up an appetite, the Haliburton Forest Cookhouse at base camp offers a rustic, stick-to-your-ribs menu. Fuel your next adventure with southern style barbecue smoked meats or choose from vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Beyond the beauty of the place and the memorable activities, what will make your experience with Yours Outdoors and Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve unforgettable are the creative, passionate and welcoming people you’ll meet. 

Learn more about Haliburton Highlands and the unique adventures and experiences the area has to offer.