Looking for suggestions to help plan your stay in Ontario’s Highlands? We have plenty of day trip ideas for all sorts of activities and interests. Pick from the list of ideas below – and feel free to modify and combine our recommendations into a day trip that’s perfect for you!
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Day Trip Ideas
A Reel Adventure at Limerick Lake
Get an early start on your fishing day at Limerick Lake Lodge & Marina, located only 30 kilometres from Bancroft. The marina has a launch ramp and boat rentals available by the hour (or by the week). You… Read More
A Treasured Event: The Rockhound Gemboree
Join rock collectors, gem enthusiasts, geologists, and mineral experts from far and wide at the next annual Rockhound Gemboree in Bancroft. This summer event brings together rock and mineral dealers that… Read More
Be Blown Away: Glass Blowing in Haliburton
Awaken the artist in you and take home a souvenir of your own creation by signing up for a glassblowing workshop. Brought to you by Yours Outdoors, this six hour class will introduce you to the glassblowing… Read More
Bike the Bonnechere
Whether you’re camping at Bonnechere Provincial Park or coming from nearby Eganville, the Bonnechere Tour is an easy 18-kilometre trail and a great way to spend a couple hours in the outdoors. You’ll… Read More
Biking Adventures at Sir Sam’s
Get ready for the ride of your life in the Haliburton Highlands. This day trip to Sir Sam’s Ski & Bike provides thrills, excitement, nature, great views, and more. A must on any adventurer’s checklist,… Read More
Catch a Classic Play in Perth
Plan a trip to Perth during the months of July and August and you can catch The Classic Theatre Festival. This annual theatre festival showcases plays from the Golden Age of Broadway and the London Stage,… Read More
Family Ski Getaway at Mount Pakenham
Families with downhill enthusiasts of all levels will love Mount Pakenham for its programs catering to parent, tot and teen. Escape the busy craze of your usual ski hill and head to the Ottawa Valley for… Read More
Find Fossils in the Bonnechere Caves
Journey deep into the Bonnechere Caves, a geological wonder that was millions of years in the making! Over 500 million years ago, the Caves were at the bottom of a tropical sea. That sea is long gone,… Read More
Fish the Land O’ Lakes’ 5,000 Frozen Waterways
Over 5,000 frozen lakes, rivers and streams sit waiting to be discovered by you and a gang of family or friends in the untouched landscapes of the Land O’ Lakes . A variety of accommodations and service… Read More
Fully Equipped Ice Fishing Getaway
A rushing waterfall, 5-chain lake and over 11 acres of treed landscape, all located in the winter adventure headquarters of the Haliburton Highlands, makes Buttermilk Falls Resort the perfect place to… Read More
Get Down to Earth in Haliburton
Rock out on this day trip in the Haliburton Highlands, where you can learn about the geological features of the region, explore mineral deposits, and spend time in the beautiful outdoors. Yours Outdoors… Read More
Get Golfing in Madoc
While in Madoc, why not grab some clubs and head over to the West Highland Golf Course. This 12-hole course takes you over rolling terrain nestled between lush tree areas. Keep your eye open for the ninth… Read More
Head Out on a Heritage Tour
Driving through the countryside can often be the best way to experience a region. Now with ComfortCountry’s self-guided Heritage Tour, you can enhance your trip and ensure you see and take part in Madoc,… Read More
Head to Calabogie for Scenic Winter Lookouts
Get acquainted with the Ottawa Valley this winter with a visit to Calabogie Peaks Resort, south eastern Ontario’s supreme mountain, lake and wilderness destination. A winter getaway experience at Calabogie… Read More
Live it Up on Limerick Lake
Spend the morning or afternoon voyaging the waters of Limerick Lake, only 30 kilometres from Bancroft. You can rent a boat at the lake marina and grab snacks from the general store before heading out onto… Read More
Make a Splash with River Rafting
The thrill of whitewater rafting through the rapids of the mighty Ottawa River will leave you wanting more. Contact RiverRun Rafting & Wilderness Resort and discover the adrenaline rush of being out on… Read More
Make History on the Rideau Heritage Route
Make your own history along the historic Rideau Heritage Route, a system of rivers and lakes that passes through a number of communities in Ontario’s Highlands that also has the distinction of being… Read More
Make it a Museum Day
From Smiths Falls you can have a fun day of learning while touring the town’s three museums. Start with the Rideau Canal Museum for a closer look at how the canal was built, with interactive displays… Read More
Maple Syrup All Season Long
There’s no need to wait for March to try a taste of sweet maple; pay a visit to Wheeler’s Pancake House and Sugar Camp for a true maple syrup experience all season long. While production of the… Read More
Music, Art, and a Walk in the Clouds
Mark August on your calendar as a great time to visit Haliburton. The Forest Festival is a summer highlight in the region, where you can catch musical performances at an amazing amphitheatre on the lovely… Read More
Perfect Your Swing at MartinWood Golf & Country Club
Enjoy some tee time at MartinWood Golf & Country Club Resort located near Wilberforce and Bancroft, close to the southern end of Algonquin Park. The 18-hole course is suitable for all golf skill levels… Read More
Plunge In and Over the Ottawa River
Extreme adventure awaits you on – and over – the Ottawa River. Book a whitewater rafting trip with Wilderness Tours and pair it with bungee jumping for a remarkable adventure. On the water, you’ll… Read More
Pure Paddling Fun with Pure Life Adventures
Spend quality time with friends and family from the viewpoint of a canoe as you paddle your way down the natural beauty of the Ottawa River. Pure Life Adventures offers a day trip down this historical… Read More
Race Through Renfrew
For those looking to cycle a moderately challenging trail, try the Renfrew-Calabogie Old K & P Trail. Start in Renfrew and cycle to Calabogie and back in a loop that covers 55 kilometres. The trail… Read More
Ramble Through the Valley
Make the most of your fall trip to Ontario’s Highlands by taking the Rural Ramble. This self-guided, free driving tour provides themed destination sites throughout the Upper Ottawa Valley for you to… Read More
Remote Eco-Friendly Winter Retreat
Leave the chaos of city life behind this winter and head to an eco-retreat nestled in the Algonquin Highlands. Algonquin Eco-Lodge is a remote hotel lodge situated on the shores of a private lake, offering… Read More
Rev Your Engine in Renfrew County
What better way to explore Renfrew County in Upper Ottawa Valley than on an ATV, feeling the flow of the terrain below you as woodlands, lakes, rivers, and wetlands surround you. Expect this and more from… Read More
Ride to the Top in Style, then Wind Down with a Water Spa
Setting out on a trip to explore the Haliburton Highlands wouldn’t be complete without a day or two of downhill action at the public ski hill known province-wide for its cutting edge “people mover”… Read More
Something Sweet at Fulton’s Sugar Bush
Satisfy your sweet tooth this spring at Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush, located 45 minutes west of Ottawa in the heart of Lanark County, the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario. From mid-February… Read More
Take a Ride on the Old Railway
This fun and easy cycling trip on The Old Railway Bike Trail is suitable for the whole family. Start from Mew Lake in Algonquin Park, approximately a one-hour’s drive if you’re coming from Barry’s… Read More
Tee Off at Dragonfly Golf Links
Dragonfly Golf Links features a naturally splendid 18-hole golf course covering 170 acres of diverse terrain for all skill levels. Located in Renfrew in Upper Ottawa Valley, this course has been voted… Read More
This Canoe Trip Will Rock Your World
Paddle your way through Bon Echo Provincial Park, located near Kaladar in the Land O’ Lakes. By canoe or kayak, you can explore the waters along Mazinaw Lake, named after the granite rock face that rises… Read More
Tour a 70,000 Acre Private Woodland Forest by Sled
This winter try a snowmobiling getaway like no other in Ontario, at the world’s only privately owned snowmobile reserve. Ranked as one of the top ten destinations to snowmobile in North America, the… Read More
Tour a Living Museum of Heritage and Nature
There lies a secret gem of a destination where old growth forest still grows and rare species of birds feel free to roam. This special place where the magic of winter will always be found, welcomes nature… Read More
Tour Street Art in Pembroke
Come see the vibrant and thriving artistic talent in Pembroke as you tour their Heritage Murals. The Murals cover the city’s downtown walls with bright, large-scale paintings that depict scenarios from… Read More
Try a New Winter Sport: Scale to the Top with Ice Climbing
Whether you go by guide or with a gang of friends, this winter ice climbing is the latest craze to get adventure seekers outdoors. For those new to the sport, try a customized guided trip with education… Read More
Wild Whitewater Rafting for the Whole Family
Family fun in the water has never been this exhilarating. Join the whitewater rafting experts at OWL Rafting for a day of wild waves out on the Ottawa or Madawaska River. Choose from a 6-hour adventure… Read More
Winter Yurts and Backcountry Skiing
For adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, Ontario’s Highlands’ ample amounts of Crown Land territory offers a rare opportunity uncommon in crowded southern Ontario – the chance to escape from… Read MoreHave questions about our region? Get in touch with us by phone or email.
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