Cottages For Sale in Haliburton Highlands

Buying a cottage in Haliburton Highlands

The Haliburton Highlands is the common name for Haliburton County, a block of Canadian Shield country in Central Ontario between Muskoka and Bancroft. The county has four municipalities: Dysart et al, Minden Hills, Algonquin Highlands and Highlands East. Haliburton village and Minden are the two main service towns. Algonquin Provincial Park runs along the northern edge, and Highway 35 and Highway 118 are the main roads through the county.

Cottage buyers come here for clear, deep lakes with granite and forest shorelines. Many of the larger lakes hold lake trout, and bass are common across the county. Choices run from classic three-season cabins to rebuilt year-round waterfront homes. Some lakes are joined in chains, such as the five lakes that run from Haliburton village toward Minden, so one dock can reach several lakes and a town by boat.

Most waterfront here runs on a private well or lake intake and a septic system, so plan for inspections. Many cottage roads are private and not every one is plowed in winter. Ask who maintains the road and what it costs. Many lakes in the Gull River and Burnt River systems are reservoir lakes for the Trent-Severn Waterway, so water levels change through the season. All four municipalities have rules for short-term rentals.

Getting there: About 2.5 to 3 hours from Toronto.

• Canadian Shield lakes
• Lake trout water
• Five-lake boating chain
• Fall colours
• Algonquin Park next door