Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower

10/29/2026

A reminder the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower is now closed for 2026. We'll see you again starting Victoria Day Weekend 2027!

10/05/2026

FALL COLOURS: Colours are beginning to peak across the Haliburton Highlands!

Foliage fans can find a regularly updated fall colours report below, with colour change and leaf fall percentages for various vistas across the County!

If you are planning to view the fall colours here at the Tower, a reminder that timed, advance tickets are required. You can order yours here: https://ahtrails.ca/

Our colour change is currently at about 60%!

https://myhaliburtonhighlands.com/fall-colours/

To experience the fall colours, try our many hiking trails, lookouts, a walk in the Clouds or by water on our water trails.

09/23/2026

BORROW A PASS: You can now borrow a pass to the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower from the Haliburton County Public Library or the Lake of Bays Public Library!

This will allow free access to the Tower, and you'll be able to keep the pass for three days. While access is free, because of the busy fall colours season, you'll still need to reserve a date and time to visit on the AH Trails website.

You can find more info and links below:

🍂 Borrow a Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower pass at the Haliburton County Public library! 🪪

The pass can be checked out for a total of one week. Limit 1 pass per library cardholder.

The pass will allow access to the following:
🚶🏽‍♀️Walk-up for one person
🚗One car (or regular sized vehicle that takes up a single parking space) and all vehicle occupants
🏍️One motorcycle
Upon arrival, please show your pass to the entrance gate attendant.

During peak fall colour season—between September 19 and October 25—you must book your date and time to access the Dorset tower at ahtrails.ca. Please use the three-digit number on the pass to complete your booking.

Learn more: https://www.haliburtonlibrary.ca/News/Borrow-a-free-Dorset-Scenic-Lookout-Tower-pass-at-the-Haliburton-County-or-Lake-of-Bays-public-library

Township of Algonquin Highlands

09/23/2026

FALL COLOURS: A reminder that advance tickets are now required to visit the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower amid the busy fall foliage season. You can purchase yours on the AH Trails website: https://ahtrails.ca/

We receive thousands of visitors at the Tower this time of year, which also means that traffic control operations, including by paid duty OPP, will be in effect during the weekends. Please drive carefully (and slowly) through the Highway 35 corridor when passing by the Tower.

You can find hours and fees here: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/explore-play/parks-and-outdoor-spaces/dorset-scenic-lookout-tower/

09/14/2026

FALL COLOURS: A reminder that advance tickets will be required to view the fall colours at the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower beginning this Saturday, Sept. 19 and through until Oct. 25.

You can order tickets on the AH Trails website: https://ahtrails.ca/

09/01/2026

We are thrilled about the brand new accessible walkway at the Tower's gift shop! Come for a visit and check it out!

08/31/2026

FALL COLOURS RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 1

Advance tickets for viewing of fall colours at the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower are available for purchase on the AH Trails website as of 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1. You can access the site here: https://ahtrails.ca/

Please note that advance tickets will be required to visit the Tower between Sept. 19 and Oct. 25.

You can find our hours and fees here: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/explore-play/parks-and-outdoor-spaces/dorset-scenic-lookout-tower/

08/17/2026

TOWN HALL MEETINGS: Community members are invited to learn about options for a potential restructuring of the governance framework for the County of Haliburton and its four lower-tier municipalities and provide feedback during a series of town hall meetings from August 25 to 31.

The town hall meetings will take place as follows:

• Tuesday, Aug. 25: Haliburton Legion, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 26: Minden Hills Community Centre, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 27: Lloyd Watson Centre in Wilberforce, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 31: Stanhope Firefighters’ Community Hall, 6 to 8 p.m.

You can find more information here: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/news-and-notices/posts/town-hall-meetings-on-affordability-and-governance-structure-study/

08/11/2026

FALL COLOURS RESERVATIONS AT DORSET TOWER

First, it's still very much summertime! So, let's establish that.

Second, please note reservations 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 on the AH Trails website: https://ahtrails.ca/

Please note that no reservations are required to visit the Tower outside of that timeframe. You can find Tower hours and fees here: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/explore-play/parks-and-outdoor-spaces/dorset-scenic-lookout-tower/

06/08/2026

AFFORDABILITY AND GOVERNANCE STUDY: PUBLIC SURVEY AND OPEN HOUSES

The County of Haliburton has launched a community-wide Affordability and Governance Structure Study that will look at ways to simplify government processes and provide better value for taxpayers. The Study Team has developed a community engagement plan with opportunities for as many people as possible to share ideas.

No decision would be made right away. The Study is about getting more information to help inform what we do next. Ultimately, any decisions around the future of Haliburton County will be made by the 2026-2030 councils.

Residents are invited to participate by taking a survey, which can be found below. There will also be a series of public open houses in late June, with one at the Dorset Recreation Centre on Thursday, June 25 from 2 to 4 p.m.

You can click on the link below for more information.