Toronto 
A road trip or day trip to Haliburton and the surrounding Highlands will offer up incredible fall scenery simply on the drive alone.
Credit: Haliburton Sculpture Forest
The Haliburton Highlands are on the eastern edge of the Muskoka region, a part of Ontario covered in dense forests over rolling hills, as well as dozens of lakes and rivers. The village of Haliburton (in the municipality of Dysart et al.) is central to the large county, and the area’s best fall scenery is on display around every street and avenue in town.
Haliburton sits on the shores of Head Lake with those tree-covered hills surrounding the rest of town. After exploring all the scenery or natural areas, there is much to discover within town between art, history, dining, and events.
Best Places for Fall Colour Hikes
The waterfront trail in Haliburton, which follows the south shore of Head Lake is lined with mature trees and creates a perfect backdrop in the fall for a walk or picnic beside the water. Around the village is the thick cover of the Highlands’ forests, which stretch out in all directions.
- Both Head Lake and Drag Lake Trails are excellent for a relaxing stroll enjoying fall colours in the heart of the village.
- Also local to the village is the Haliburton Sculpture Forest on the grounds of the Highlands Museum. The simple trails offer beautiful sculptures to explore while enjoying the fall foliage and lakeside scenery.
- The Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve, north of the village, has over 400km of hiking trails to explore! These trails are ablaze with fall colours during late September and early October. Book a hiking pass, or the Reserve’s signature Canopy Tours, available until mid-October.
- Use Haliburton’s Skyline Park Road to access the Skyline Park Lookout Trail (196 Skyline Park Road); from here, hikers get a panoramic view of the fall colours surrounding the village and Head Lake. Stay a while and enjoy a picnic; tables dot the viewing area.
- Head north ~16 km to Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride for a fall colour chairlift ride. There are over 23 km of trails suited for all abilities traversing open meadow, hardwood forest, and ancient rock outcrops onsite.
- Barnum Creek Nature Reserve (#1118 Gould Crossing Road) is another great space for a fall hike immersed in nature.
Places near Haliburton for a Fall Paddle
The village of Haliburton surrounds Heed Lake which can easily be explored this fall with a canoe, kayak, or SUP. The village and county make it simple with access points all around Head Lake.
Three of the four boat launches are hand launches better suited to canoes and kayaks and are located at the north and south ends of Heed Lake. The boat launch at Heed Lake Park is the closest to additional facilities like washrooms, picnic areas, public docks, and parking.
- About 6km east of the village is another hand launch but for access to Outlet Bay, which connects Spruce Lake to Drag Lake. The area is filled with many interesting route options.
- There are over 25 public boat launches across the county!
- The local Algonquin Outfitters have a location in Haliburton with rental options for canoes, kayaks, or SUPs.
Museums & Art Galleries
There are opportunities all around Haliburton and the local trails for enjoying the history and arts. The area is home to a number of local art galleries and studios, public art, and the Highlands Museum. Plus, there are a few chances later this fall to meet with the artists who decorate the local galleries.
- Fall Studio Tours are taking place across the Haliburton Highlands this October. The event has artists featured at various studios across the county during weekends in early October, with several around the Haliburton village alone, and even more within 25km or less.
- The Haliburton Highlands Museum is a year-round attraction with indoor and outdoor exhibits to explore. The museum is in Glebe Park, across Head Lake from the village. It is home to the Sculpture Forest, and scenic fall picnic locations.
- A walk or bike ride around Haliburton will reveal public art galleries, the Jet Fighter Memorial, Rotary Locomotive, and the local parks.
Fall Events in Haliburton
These fall events around the village are all about celebrating the season, the autumn foliage, and making the most of the end of the warmer months. Among the events and celebrations are opportunities for sightseeing, learning about the local nature, shopping, or dining.
- Experience the fall colours during a visit to Haliburton with some local expert hikers. The Hike Haliburton Festival is September 18 to 21, with guided walking tours and hikes through the area’s best scenery. Plus, there are more adventures to sign up for as part of the festival this year like paddles, chairlift rides, and longer hikes.
- If you can’t make it for the hikes, there is yet another fall festival hosted right in the village of Haliburton at Head Park. ColourFest includes an afternoon of family-friendly fun and fall themed activities on September 20, 2025
- Take in more activities at Head Lake Park this fall with the weekly Farmers’ Market open each Tuesday until October 7th.
Where to Stay in Haliburton
The accommodation options around town offer many lakeside and waterfront rooms and views. Or stay in the heart of town with the 23Maple B&B, or the Silver Maple Motel.
Among those waterfront options closest to town services are options like Arching Pines Bed & Breakfast, Lakeview Motel & Resort, or Kashaga Lodge.
