Ontario’s cottage country was made for summer adventures. Spend the day paddling across crystal-clear lakes, hiking through the rugged Canadian Shield, exploring local art galleries, or wandering through the charming communities that make the Haliburton Highlands so unique. The best part? You don’t have to choose between adventure and relaxation.
At Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa, you can spend your days exploring everything the region has to offer. Then return in the evenings for lakeside dinners, drinks at Gunner’s Pub, treatments at the spa, bonfires at the lake. It’s the kind of getaway that lets you do as much, or as little, as you want. Here are some of our favourite ways to experience the Haliburton Highlands and why Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa makes the perfect home base for your adventure.
Things to Do During Your Cottage Country Vacation
Spend Time in the Great Outdoors
At our cottage country inn, the outdoors is built into the experience. Spend the morning kayaking on Eagle Lake, jump in for a swim at the outdoor pool, stretch out on the dock for a while, and end the night around the bonfire.
If you feel like exploring beyond the inn, the Haliburton Highlands has plenty waiting for you:
- Hike and bike through hundreds of miles of trails at Haliburton Forest.
- Canoe, kayak, and paddle across more than 600 interconnected lakes and rivers.
- Soar through the treetops on a canopy tour. Ask us about our Walk in the Clouds package for a truly unforgettable afternoon.
Attend Events and Engage in Local Culture
As a small family-run resort with decades of history in the cottage country, the inn feels deeply connected to the community around it. Listen to live music from local musicians at Gunner’s Pub, sip on premium Ontario-crafted liquor, and enjoy the historic charm of the grounds.
Beyond the inn, cottage country delivers the kind of local culture that makes a trip feel memorable:
- Explore artist studios, galleries, and local markets throughout the Haliburton Highlands.
- Wander through the Haliburton Sculpture Forest and discover art woven into the natural landscape.
- Spend the afternoon exploring charming small towns filled with cafés, shops, and local favourites.
- Experience the region’s creative energy through seasonal festivals, community events, and live local culture.
Rejuvenate Your Mind, Body, & Soul
Just being in cottage country has a way of slowing everything down. Combine that with afternoons spent at the WaterSpa, relaxing spa treatments, lakeside yoga, fresh air, and uninterrupted lakeside quiet, and suddenly disconnecting from everyday stress doesn’t feel so impossible.
The slower pace continues throughout the Haliburton Highlands with these experiences:
- Unwind with a visit to Abbey Gardens, a sustainable community hub focused on nature, food, and connection.
- Slow down and reconnect as you explore quiet trails, gardens, and natural spaces throughout the region.
- Browse local wellness studios offering yoga classes, meditation sessions, and holistic treatments throughout the Haliburton Highlands.
Your Summer Reset is Waiting in Cottage Country
Whether you’re trying to finally move that friend’s trip out of the group chat or planning a romantic escape with your partner, our Haliburton resort is the perfect place for a summer getaway in Ontario. Book your stay and experience the best of Ontario cottage country at Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa!
