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Our Guide to Summer in Haliburton

Our Guide to Summer in Haliburton


If you have adventure on your summer to-do list, look no further than a Cabinscape stay in Haliburton! Our cabins all reside in Haliburton Forest –  a nature lover’s paradise which encompasses 100,000 acres, 100 lakes, millions of trees, and countless animals. Start here for your summer adventure escape! 


HIKE/BIKE

By booking one of Cabinscape’s Haliburton Forest cabins, you have access to over 400km of endless all-season hiking and cycling trails. Your included Day Pass gives you access to all the trails, lakes, roads and public swimming areas on site. Choose your own adventure or explore them all during your stay. The trails are well marked and maintained varying from easy, flat walks to more adventurous routes. Feel free to pop into Base Camp on your way in for a hardcopy trail map and further trail suggestions.

GET ON THE WATER

Untouched and wild freshwater lakes are one of the best features of our waterfront cabins in Haliburton Forest. Bring your bathers and enjoy a cool, clean, refreshing swim. A complimentary canoe with paddle boards and PFDs are available at all of our lake access cabins (Big Rock, WIllow, Kaya, Quasi, Cove, Baylight, Bone and Penner) – take it out for a spin to explore the area and its abundant wildlife. We recommend taking a slow, relaxing paddle across the lakes. It’s especially pretty around sunset and sunrise.

Be sure to bring your fishing rods and bait as fishing is permitted in Haliburton Forest. Many of our lakes are teeming with bass (and the fish aren’t used to being caught!). Keep in mind that although Haliburton Forest is privately owned, provincial Fish and Game Laws do apply and will be enforced.

EXPLORE HALIBURTON FOREST

The Wolf Centre at Haliburton Forest is one of its most popular attractions. Witness and learn about the pack of wolves that live and roam freely on a 15 acre reserve set aside for them. This Grey Wolf Sanctuary sits within 70,000 acres of protected hardwood forest. General admission includes two indoor observation areas. On Thursdays during July and August, join in on the Public Wolf Howls where participants attempt to get the resident pack to howl back at them. 

Entry to the Wolf Centre is by advanced reservation only. No walk-ins are permitted.

Enjoy breathtaking views on a 3.5 to 4 hour Canopy Tour at Haliburton Forest. Walk through the treetops and see beautiful views of Haliburton Forest from 10-20 meters above the ground. At over half a kilometre long this is the longest canopy boardwalk of its kind in the world!

Tours are available to book online and are available from late May to mid-October

There is lots going on at Haliburton Forest throughout the season including forest concerts, a logging museum, trail run marathons and more! Check out their website for the latest events and best activities: https://www.haliburtonforest.com/

DISCOVER LOCAL EVENTS

While you are in the Haliburton area, be sure to check out the local events. The Haliburton Art and Craft Festival 2022 is a thoughtfully curated art fair that’s a highlight of summer in the Haliburton Highlands for over 55 years.  Visit the festival between July 22nd to 24th at Head Lake Park. 

Enjoy the Kinmount Farmers Market every Saturday, 9 am to 2 pm, rain or shine from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving for locally grown farm fresh produce, gourmet fare, flowers/plants and handcrafted sewing and artistic wooden crafts. Located off Main Street on Station Road in Kinmount along the Burnt River. 

Towards the end of the season, be sure to stop over at the Kinmount Fair. Lots of fun to be had at this event including the Great Zucchini Growing Contest, horse shows, a tractor pull, and more! Happening from September 2nd to 4th.


ADD SOME ADVENTURE

For an extra sprinkle of adventure during your Cabinscape Haliburton stay, try one of our experiences with partnering trip guides from Yours Outdoors. Take on a Canoe Excursion and spend half the day improving your paddling skills under the guidance of an expert certified instructor.

Enjoy a guided hike through a Sugarbush with local experts from Esson Creek Maple as you explore the Haliburton Highlands’ rich biodiversity (maple syrup sample included!).

Reach new heights with a Rock Climbing adventure where experienced instructors will teach the basics (equipment included).

You can also learn the ins & outs of wild edibles with a knowledgeable guide, who will explore the property around your cabin and provide in-depth knowledge and information about medicinal plants and trees. 

Our Haliburton Cabins

Photo Credits:
Header – IG @vanhallawild  
Hiking/Wolf Centre/Canpoy images – Haliburton Forest
Local Events Header -IG @kinmountfair
Adventure image – Yours Outdoors

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Haliburton Adventures

Haliburton Adventures

Available exclusively at our Haliburton Forest cabins

Whether you are burning to learn something new or want to explore every corner of the Haliburton Highlands, the team at Haliburton Forest has got you covered. Browse below to learn more about our guests’ favourite seasonal offerings, or explore a full list of available activities here: https://www.haliburtonforest.com/things-to-do/.

Winter 2024/2025

Available for December, January & February reservations
Ice Climbing (mid-January to early-March only)

Take advantage of the winter weather on this icy half day adventure! No experience necessary, as this is an experience geared towards beginners looking to get a taste of what this sport has to offer. Learn the basics and how to safely take a swing at ice climbing. This experience is very physical and requires good level of fitness. All equipment is provided (boots, crampons, helmets, harnesses, ice tools) along with transportation from Base Camp to the ice wall.

Please keep in mind, this activity is weather and condition dependent, so tours may be rescheduled or cancelled if major storms are predicted or if the ice wall conditions deteriorate.

Dinner with Wolves

Experience the magic of Haliburton Forest’s resident wolf pack in an intimate and personal way. This experience includes 2 hours of private access to the Wolf Centre during which a 3-course dinner catered by Truss Foodworks will be served.

Guests will enjoy their dinner in the main observation room, where the wolves are visible just outside the windows.

This meal includes a salad starter, steak dinner and dessert. Alternate protein options are
available based on dietary restrictions. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Guided Snowmobile Tour (January to early-March)

Known as “Ontario’s snowmobiling wonderland” with over 400 km of well developed and carefully maintained snowmobile and winter ATV trails, Haliburton Forest is considered to be one of the Top 10 snowmobiling destinations in North America. Take advantage of the wooded trails and winter escape by joining an experienced sledder for a 4 or 6 hour long trek along the trails. Rental sled included (note: one sled is shared for two guests from the same party) & lunch provided.

Guests need to bring their own winter clothing, mitts, and boots. Helmets provided.

Spring 2024

Available for March, April & May reservations
Haliburton Maple Tasting (March & April only)

Make your way to Haliburton Forest Base Camp for a sap and tap experience like no other! This tour takes place steps away from your cabin, and gives you a true taste of maple magic. Hike through the Forest’s sugar bush, peek inside the rustic sugar shake and take away interesting insights from the impressive journey from sap to syrup, all while tasting various local maple products.

This experience is designed specifically for adults, as you will be tasting various maple grades, types, and varieties in true terroir fashion. Bring your sweet tooth, because after the tour you’ll head over to the Haliburton Forest Cookhouse for a fresh stack of fluffy pancakes made onsite, with freshly tapped maple syrup drizzled on top. And a maple flavoured alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverage.

Each adult guest will receive 50% off same day purchases of Haliburton Forest maple syrup.  This experience is approximately 2 hours.  

Make Your Own Paddle

In this unique and artistic adventure, you’ll get a chance to witness the plan of the paddle, from start to finish. Join skilled woodworker Corey Pietryszyn for a detailed tour of the Haliburton Forest Paddleshop, learning about the art, science, and beauty of paddle craftsmanship. After workshop tour, you’ll get a chance to add your unique laser engraving to a paddle of your own; a usable piece of art that will hold the memories of the day!

If you have a design in mind, please bring it along and you can try to get it laser engraved.

This memorable experience includes guidance, direction, laser engraving, and two unique and usable paddles for you to bring on your next adventure!

Summer 2024

Available for June, July, August & September reservations
Clay Target Shooting

This guided experience allows a wide range of participants (ages 16+) – including those without their Canadian firearms license – to participate in the shooting of moving clay targets under the direct supervision of a trained guide (i.e. Range Safety Officer).

The course consists of one open practice station and a ten-station forested course.  

Whether you have always wanted to try clay target shooting, a.k.a. trapshooting, hone your skills or are a championship shooter this course promises to delight. No experience required!

We provide everything you will need to enjoy the activity. 

Includes 4 hours of instruction and gear. No experience required.

Canopy Tour

Explore the incredible foliage of the Haliburton Highlands on this exclusive trek through the treetops of Haliburton Forest. On this guided tour, you’ll have the privilege of wandering in the canopy 10-20 metres above the ground, exploring the wilderness with a trained naturalist, who will identify birds, trees, plants, and animals along your journey. At over half a kilometre long (the longest canopy boardwalk of its kind in the world), you’ll be sure to see some wildlife and a spectacular view of the changing foliage.

Trips include: A scenic drive through the private forest, paddling a canoe across a wilderness lake, a guided stroll along the Pelaw River Rapids & the canopy tour itself, high among the treetops.

Autumn 2024

Available for September October & November reservations
Fall Colors Canopy Tour

Explore the incredible fall colors of the Haliburton Highlands on this exclusive trek through the treetops of Haliburton Forest. On this guided tour, you’ll have the privilege of wandering in the canopy 10-20 metres above the ground, exploring the wilderness with a trained naturalist, who will identify birds, trees, plants, and animals along your journey. At over half a kilometre long (the longest canopy boardwalk of its kind in the world), you’ll be sure to see some wildlife and a spectacular view of the changing foliage. Available until October 14th, 2024.

Clay Target Shooting

This guided experience allows a wide range of participants (ages 16+) – including those without their Canadian firearms license – to participate in the shooting of moving clay targets under the direct supervision of a trained guide (i.e. Range Safety Officer).

The course consists of one open practice station and a ten-station forested course.  

Whether you have always wanted to try clay target shooting, a.k.a. trapshooting, hone your skills or are a championship shooter this course promises to delight. No experience required!

We provide everything you will need to enjoy the activity. Includes 4 hours of instruction and gear. No experience required.

Dinner with Wolves

Experience the magic of Haliburton Forest’s resident wolf pack in an intimate and personal way. This experience includes 2 hours of private access to the Wolf Centre during which a 3-course dinner catered by Truss Foodworks will be served.

Guests will enjoy their dinner in the main observation room, where the wolves are visible just outside the windows.

This meal includes a salad starter, steak dinner and dessert. Alternate protein options are
available based on dietary restrictions. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.