Toronto 
Fall is almost here and you can enjoy its beautiful colours at the Dorset Lookout Tower in Algonquin Highlands.
The tower is a 142-meter tall massive structure that overlooks the Lake of Bays.
From this height, you can see stunning 360 views of the entire Dorset area. Discover the wonders of the fall season, as you take in the rich colours of fall. You can see forests dotted with trees in an array of fall colours, from rich green to fiery orange, bright red and vivid yellow. Along with the magnificent burst of colours, you can also see the calm, glistening Lake of Bays below.
Metal stairs lead to the lookout and while the height might scare some, the views from the top are absolutely worth it. For those who can’t climb the entire tower, there are ground-level lookouts too.
The original Dorset Tower was first built in 1922, and was only 25 meters tall. The tower was used as a lookout for forest fires in the Dorset area. In 1967, the tower, now known as the ‘Dorset lookout tower’, was built on the same site as the original one. It was initially 100 feet tall, but its height was raised to 142 meters (465 feet) so that people could enjoy stunning views from above. The tower is now managed by the Township of Algonquin Highlands.
You can explore the Dorset loop trail which is a 1.9 km long trail. This trail is absolutely stunning to explore during the fall season. The park also has a picnic site, an information kiosk and a gift shop.
Township of Algonquin Highlands.
The Dorset Lookout Tower is a must-visit with views that look like something you’d see on a postcard. The park is open from May to October 30th.
The tower is very busy during Fall season.
The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower Park is located at 1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Rd. (located off Hwy. 35, just north of the village of Dorset).
Dorset Lookout Tower – Trip Planning
What: A lookout tower which stands 142 metres (465 feet) above Lake of Bays offering fabulous views of the surrounding landscape.
When:
2026 season
May 15 to June 30 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Last entry at 4 p.m.)
July 1 to Sept. 13 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last entry at 5 p.m.)
Sept. 14 to Oct. 12 (Weekdays) — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.(Last entry 5 p.m.)
Sept. 15 to Oct 13 (Weekends, Thanksgiving Monday) — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last entry 5 p.m.)
Oct. 14 to 26 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Last entry at 4 p.m.)
How Much:
- Walk-up — $2.23 per person
- Car — $11.17
- Motorcycle — $5.59
- Commercial coach/van – up to 9 passengers — $20.15
- Large vehicle needing two parking spaces (Camper/RV/Towable or a 10 to 15 passenger mini-bus) — $33.57
- Mini-bus and/or 16 to 29 passengers — $64.89
- Coach bus and/or 30 passengers or more — $123.09
Fall Colour Fees
Bookings for fall colours viewing at the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower are only required between September 19 and October 25. Reservations will be available starting at 9 a.m. on September 1 at ahtrails.ca
- Walk-up — $5.58 per person
- Car —$16.74
- Motorcycle — $8.38
- Commercial coach/van – up to 9 passengers — $50.30
- Large vehicle needing two parking spaces —$83.84
- Mini-bus and/or 16 to 29 passengers — $162.08
- Coach bus and/or 30 passengers or more —$307.40
Where:
1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Rd, Dwight, ON P0A 1H0 (Directions)
The tower is located approximately 3 hours from Toronto, 4 hours from Ottawa and 90 minutes from Barrie.
