ATTRACTIONS, ACTIVITIES & ADVENTURES
Whether you are visiting Dorset for the first time or find yourself back here year after year there is always something to do and see! We have an active and ever-evolving community. If you would like to join a pottery or yoga class, enjoy snowshoeing or hiking, or just want a quiet day fishing Dorset is the place to do it! Simply scroll down to read about what our area offers throughout the year.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Art, crafts and museum displays best reflect the local culture and history of Dorset and its surrounding areas. Every year there are arts tours throughout Muskoka and Haliburton. On long weekends during the summer in Dorset you will find local artisans selling their wares at venues such as the Parkette and the Rec Centre. Watch for signs and posters for dates and times.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES AND ACTIVITIES
DORSET TOWER – FALL COLOURS
You don’t have to wait until the fall to experience the view at the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower. The observation deck offers a 360 degree view, 142 metres (456 feet) above Lake of Bays. For those that enjoy the view closer to the ground Peek-a-boo Rock keeps your feet on the ground with a great view across Dorset. At the top of tower hill there is an information/gift kiosk, picnic tables and toilet facilities.
The original Fire Tower was built in 1922 and stood 25 metres (82 feet) tall. Access to the top of the tower was up an enclosed ladder. The tower became obsolete in 1962 when aircraft replaced towermen. Many people climbed the tower to enjoy the view. Then, in 1967 the existing tower was built, not for fire watching, but for the spectacular view! This tower stands 30 metres (100 feet) tall with a staircase making it much easier to climb.
To park at the tower there is a $5.00 charge per car ($40.00 per bus), season passes are also available. Because parking is limited during our busiest time there is sometimes a waiting time. To avoid long line ups during the fall colour season it is recommended that you visit the tower during the week. Free parking is available at the baseball diamond on Main Street, as well as the parkette located on Highway 35. From both of these areas it is easy access to the walking trail that leads to the tower from the base of Tower Hill, just behind the Dorset Heritage Museum. The trail is marked and the walk itself should take about twenty minutes up the less steep trail.
The tower can be visited by snowmobile in winter months. The trail leading there is part of the Tall Pines Snowmobile Club Trail.
Tower use is a "use at own risk" and signs are posted throughout the area. High risk use of Tower and Mountain is not permitted.
ALGONQUIN PARK
Only a 30 minute drive from Dorset Ontario, Algonquin Park provides attractions for all family members from hiking, fishing, camping, educational visits to its Interpretive Centre, and others. It is readily accessible along the scenic routes of Muskoka Road 117, Highway 35 at Dorset then Highway 60 from Dwight.
Algonquin Provincial Park is Canada's first provincial park, established in 1893 and named a national historic site in 1992. It covers some 7700 square kilometers and contains over 2400 lakes and 1200 kilometers of streams and rivers within its borders.
Algonquin Park contacts - 705-633-5572
www.algonquinpark.on.ca or www.ontarioparks.com/english/algo.html
ATV'ing
There are many trails in the Dorset area to accommodate Ontario ATV'ing. Clubs such as the Haliburton ATV Association and ATV Ontario provide safe marked trails for riding.
Before you head out be sure to know the by-laws and highway traffic act in force in the Dorset area - All Terrain Vehicles are not allowed on all roadways.
BIRD WATCHING
For avid bird watchers Dorset is teaming with beautiful sights and dozen's of species. From tiny Ruby Throated Hummingbirds to the majestic Blue Heron the colours and varieties abound. Come and test yourself during your next visit.
BIGWIN ISLAND
Once a summer getaway for the wealthy, including movie stars and royalty, Bigwin Island has been brought back from the brink of ruin to be once again enjoyed by visitors far and wide. Located on the largest island on Lake of Bays, the property boasts a world-class golf course, private residences and amenities, all just a short ferry ride away.
Named after Chief John Bigwin (who was alive at the time of development in the 1920's) the island developers have preserved the native burial grounds found there. The Bigwin Inn had it's heyday in the 1930’s where visitors enjoyed activities in some of the largest buildings in the area. The inn changed hands several times after founder C.O. Shaw died in 1942 and finally closed in 1966. It sat abandoned for decades. Unfortunately, most of the original buildings had to be demolished, but the current owners have continued the vision in Shaw’s original style.
BIGWIN STEAMSHIP
Now sitting in her new berth in Dorset, the Bigwin still needs a lot of work before she can take visitors on lake tours. Please feel free to drop by during the summer at the Lake of Bays Marine Museum to make a donation.
Originally owned by James Kuhn of Pittsburgh, PA, she was named Ella Mary and was personal transportation to their island property on Lake Muskoka. Kuhn lost the island in 1925 and the boat was purchased by the Lake Simcoe Navigation Company for $3,500. She was moved by rail and man-power to South Portage on Lake of Bays and re-named Bigwin where she ferried tourists from Norway Point to Bigwin Inn until the inn was closed in 1966.
The Bigwin sunk in her berth after decades of decay. A group of volunteer firefighters transported her remains to a dry-dock in 1991. It was a 10 year endeavour, but a group of determined fundraisers, ship builders and mechanical specialists envisioned the re-launch of the S.S. Bigwin Ferry on her 100th anniversary.
CAMPING
There are no "campgrounds" in Dorset, however there is wilderness camping available. Haliburton Highlands Water Trails provides over 24,000 hectares of land at The Frost Centre located about ten minutes south of Dorset.
The Frost Centre serves as a year round destination for thousands of canoeists, campers, hikers, day trippers, fisherman, hunters, cottagers, snowmobilers, skiers and snowshoers providing significant backcountry recreational and conservation values. Permits are required.
Algonquin Highlands Trails Department - 705-766-9033
Thirty minutes north and east of Dorset is Algonquin Park (for more information scroll up to read more).
CANOEING/KAYAKING
The area directly around Dorset is dotted with lakes and rivers, many with public access points where you can easily and safely park a vehicle and launch a canoe or kayak.
Dorset boasts some of the most popular canoe routes in the region, located just ten minutes south of town at the Frost Centre. These routes are maintained and monitored by the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails & Tours Network. There are several access points located throughout the area and a variety of routes available depending on the desired experience, availability of time, equipment and level of fitness and skill.
The area serves as year round destinations for thousands of canoeists, campers, hikers, day trippers, fisherman, hunters, cottagers, snowmobilers, skiers and snowshoers providing significant backcountry recreational and conservation values. Permits are required.
Algonquin Highlands Trails Department - 705-766-9033
The Ontario Trails Council is an excellent source to find the various trails in both Haliburton and Muskoka and around the Dorset area.
DORSET HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Dorset Heritage Museum reflects our past, present and future with interesting exhibits for visitors of all ages. Every year there is something new to see and explore. Watch for signs and join us for special events activities throughout the season.
The museum is open seasonally to show and explain to you much more about our ever changing history. A must see for all visitors!! Please contact the museum if you would like to book an off-season group visit.
Dorset Heritage Museum - 705-766-0323
DORSET HERITAGE WALKING TOUR
This tour will take approximately two hours, but you can spend much longer by taking time at the various sites highlighted on the map (centerfold). Be sure to visit the newest attraction, the S.S. Bigwin, re-launched in July 2010 on her 100th anniversary, following eight hard years of restoration work. She is replete with her own fascinating history. At the other end of town, the Heritage Museum is another spot that should tempt you to spend some extra time.
We hope you enjoy this Heritage Tour, and welcome your comments at www.lakeofbays.on.ca to help us make it even better. Click the link below to download a copy of the Dorset Heritage Walking Tour map and guide booklet.
Dorset Heritage Walking Tour
FISHING
The area surrounding Dorset is dotted with dozens of lakes which can be easily accessed from many of our main roads. Many species of fish can be found here including: Large and Smallmouth Bass, Lake Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Perch, Whitefish, Pike and many more. There are several public docks and boat launches in the area.
Ontario residents need an Outdoors Card to fish in Ontario. Immediate temporary cards can be obtained in Dorset at Old Mill Marina, or from more than 1,800 licence issuers across the province. Or enquire at 1-800-387-7011.
HUNTING
Whether you are hunting for recreation or to fill your freezer for the season most Ontario residents need a hunting version Outdoors Card and the applicable licence tags or licences. Please know your regulations before heading out. Wildlife Management Units 53A and 54 are in the immediate Dorset area.
The majority of the area surrounding Dorset is Crown Land and there is an abundance of wildlife. Moose, white tailed deer, black bear and a variety of small game and wildfowl can be found here.
Nordic Inn and Maple Creek Cabins are happy to accommodate hunters.
GOLFING
Bigwin Island is a short boat ride or car/ferry ride from Dorset. For public play they offer advanced bookings within the calendar year. Public play is available Monday to Friday after 10am and after 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, in the months of May, June, September, October. Beginning in 2008 Bigwin Island is members only from June 28th to September 1st.
Bigwin Island - 1-800-840-4036 ext 103
Golfers wishing to stay on the mainland need to drive a little further to either Huntsville (Deerhurst Resort, Delata Grandview or Huntsville Downs) or Bracebridge (South Muskoka Golf & Curling Club, Muskoka Highlands Golf Course or Bracebridge Golf Club).
WALKING/HIKING TRAILS
There is a marked trail up and down the Tower Hill in Dorset. The total distance of this trail is about 1.5 km and should take well less than an hour to complete the loop. Most visitors find it easier to walk up the steep trail and down the less steep trail, but you are welcome to use either. The trail begins and ends at the Dorset Heritage Museum. Parking is available here except during the busiest times in the fall. This trail is one of a series of systems included in the Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network.
If you would like to enjoy an historic walking tour of Dorset brochures are available at local businesses and the Dorset Heritage Museum. This self-guided tour provides historical information on many sites in our community
The Paint Lake Covered Bridge Trail, off Muskoka Road 117 just west of Dorset offers 2.5 km of level walking trails.
Little known are the trails behind Nordic Inn. These trails are located on Crown Land and offer walkers/hikers a natural path through the wilderness. Out of courtesy the owners ask that you let them know if you are leaving a vehicle on their property.
WINTER ACTIVITIES
DORSET SNOWBALL FESTIVAL
Held annually on the 3rd Weekend of February (any weather) the Dorset Snowball Festival is a popular way to enjoy a winter's day. To enjoy the days activities simply purchase a $3 Snowball Button available around town at many of the local retailers.
The activities begin on Friday night at the Dorset Ice Palace with a family skating night. Saturday morning everyone is welcome to the pancake breakfast at the Rec Centre ($6/adult, $4/child, children under 6 are free). Throughout the day there are a variety of activities including: a grand parade, skating, snowball throwing game, tobogganing hill, chainsaw carving demo, minnow races, horse-drawn wagon rides, mini snowmobile rides, snow snake games, children's broomball tournament, hockey shoot-out, kids vs adult hockey game, snowshoe races, tethered hot air balloon rides, and much more, ending the festival with Hockey Night in Dorset.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING
The Frost Centre which is 12 km (10 minutes) south of Dorset on Highway 35 offers ski and snowshoe rentals and 25 km of groomed trails. Half-Day, Full-Day and Season Passes are available.
Many of the local resort accommodations and motels have their own trails ... just make an enquiry when booking your room.
Algonquin Highlands Trails Department - 705-766-9033
CURLING
There are curling clubs as close as a half hour drive from Dorset. Baysville, Bracebridge and Huntsville all have curling clubs.
DOWNHILL SKIING
For downhill skiers Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area is located just east of Huntsville (about 30 minutes from Dorset). Hidden Valley offers 3 quad chair lifts and 1 tow lift. Courses and night skiing are available. They are open throughout the winter months, weather permitting.
ICE FISHING
Whether you are sitting on the ice on a nice sunny day or huddled inside a fish hut, Dorset is the place to be if you enjoy ice fishing! The area lakes are teaming with perch, splake, bass and trout to name a few. Asking the locals where the best place to fish is sometimes difficult because they don't want to give away their secrets, but if you spy an area where there are several huts then you’ve found a popular spot.
Ontario residents need an Outdoors Card to fish in Ontario. Immediate temporary cards can be obtained in Dorset at Old Mill Marina, or from more than 1,800 licence issuers across the province. Enquire at 1-800-387-7011.
Regulations are different from one lake to the next – be sure you know your catch limit, type of fish and the number of fishing lines you are allowed to have - before you venture out.
Please stay safe - do not wander out onto unfamiliar ice.
SNOW TUBING
Rock Ridge Recreation Park is the only snow-tubing area in Muskoka. Located on the outskirts of Huntsville, about 30 minutes from Dorset.
SNOWMOBILING
The winter months in Dorset are beautiful and we are generally blessed with lots of snow and good conditions for snowmobiling. The Tall Pines Snowmobile Club is based in Dorset and offers 200km of groomed trails throughout the area. As members of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs these trails also lead to thousands of kilometers of trails in the province.
For trail conditions and more information contact the links below.
Tall Pines Snowmobile Club
Muskoka Snowmobile Region Trail Status
Many of the local area marinas have snowmobiles for rent.
Puddle-jumping or water skimming is one of the attractions that happens yearly in Dorset. Once Lake of Bays is frozen you will find daring sledders dashing across open water between Big and Little Trading Bay as they drive under both bridges in town. It's quite a sight and generally there are many onlookers hoping to catch a glimpse ... fingers crossed that the sled doesn't sink!
