The Algonquin Highlands: Where weekend escapes include wilderness & waterfalls
- Samantha Terry
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The Algonquin Highlands sit just outside the well-known boundaries of Algonquin Provincial Park, but many visitors pass through the area without realizing how much there is to explore.
Quiet backroads, small lakes, scenic lookouts, and short hiking trails make the region a natural extension of any trip to the park. For travellers who want a slower pace or simply a different view of the landscape, the Highlands offer a chance to experience the same forests and waterways without the crowds.
If you're staying nearby, it’s worth setting aside a day to explore the Algonquin Highlands. The region is full of small discoveries: a waterfall at the end of a forest trail, a lookout with a sweeping view of the lakes below, or a roadside stop that turns into an afternoon adventure.
Key takeaways:
The Algonquin Highlands offer scenic drives, waterfalls, and hiking trails just outside Algonquin Provincial Park.
Many lookouts and trails are short and accessible, making them easy additions to a day trip.
Exploring the Highlands is a simple way to extend a camping stay with quieter lakes, small communities, and off-the-beaten-path views.
What are the Algonquin Highlands?
The Algonquin Highlands are a township and natural region located just south of Algonquin Provincial Park. The landscape here is part of the same rugged Canadian Shield terrain that defines the park itself: granite outcrops, dense forest, and hundreds of lakes and rivers.
Small communities like Dorset, Carnarvon, and Haliburton serve as gateways to the area, offering local restaurants, general stores, and access points to surrounding trails and waterways.
For visitors camping near Algonquin, the Highlands provide an easy way to explore beyond the park’s borders while still staying immersed in nature.
Scenic drives through the Algonquin Highlands
One of the simplest ways to explore the Algonquin Highlands is by taking a relaxed drive through the region’s winding forest roads.
These drives pass through stretches of thick maple and pine forest, with lakes appearing suddenly between the trees. In autumn, the same routes become popular for fall colour viewing as the hills turn shades of red and gold.
A few routes worth exploring include:
Highway 35 through Dorset and Carnarvon for lakeside views and small-town stops
County Road 21 for quiet forest scenery and access to trailheads
Backroads around Lake of Bays for peaceful shoreline drives
These roads aren’t about rushing from one destination to the next. They’re best enjoyed slowly, with time to stop whenever something catches your eye.
Scenic lookouts in the Algonquin Highlands
The hills and ridges of the Algonquin Highlands make the region a great place for wide, open views across forests and lakes.
Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower
One of the best-known viewpoints in the area is the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower. A short walk leads to the base of the tower, and a climb to the top offers sweeping views over Lake of Bays and the surrounding forest.
On a clear day, you can see for kilometres in every direction.
Waterfalls and short trails
While Algonquin Provincial Park is known for its larger trail systems, the Algonquin Highlands are home to several smaller hiking spots that are easy to explore in an afternoon.
Buttermilk Falls
Located near Carnarvon, Buttermilk Falls is a short walk from the parking area and leads to a wide cascade of water flowing over smooth rock.
In warmer months, many visitors wade in the shallow water below the falls or sit along the rock edges to relax.
Hawk Lake Log Chute
The region has a growing network of trails that offer quieter alternatives to the more heavily travelled routes inside Algonquin Provincial Park.
Many hikes in the Algonquin Highlands are short and manageable, making them a good option for visitors looking for a quick outdoor outing without committing to a full-day trek.
Trails range from:
Lakeside walks
Forest loops
Hilltop lookouts with views across the surrounding landscape
Because these trails are spread across the region, they often feel less crowded than those inside the park.
Looking for more hikes? Take a look at why the Algonquin Logging Museum Trail is a hidden gem.
Paddling lakes in the Algonquin Highlands
Water is everywhere in the Algonquin Highlands. Small lakes and quiet rivers weave through the forests, offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Many lakes in the area are calm and well-suited for relaxed paddling trips. Early morning and evening are especially peaceful times to be on the water, when the surface of the lake becomes almost mirror-like.
Wildlife sightings are common here as well, including loons, beavers, and occasionally moose near the shoreline.
More paddling, you say? Explore Lake Opeongo: Paddle, portage, and discover Algonquin's most iconic waterway.
Pairing an Algonquin Highlands day trip with your stay
For visitors camping near Algonquin, exploring the Algonquin Highlands can easily fit into a half-day or full-day outing.
A simple itinerary might include:
Morning coffee and a scenic drive through Dorset
A stop at the Dorset Lookout Tower
A short hike or waterfall visit in the afternoon
Returning to camp for dinner and a campfire
Because the region is so close to Algonquin Provincial Park, it’s an easy way to add variety to a camping trip without spending hours on the road.
What's "ready to camp" glamping? It's camping without the stress or setup.
Why the Algonquin Highlands are worth exploring
Many people travel to the area specifically for Algonquin Provincial Park, and understandably so. But the surrounding region offers a quieter perspective on the same landscape.
The Algonquin Highlands are less about famous landmarks and more about small moments: a still lake at sunset, the sound of water moving through a waterfall, or a lookout where the forest seems to stretch forever.
For visitors willing to venture just a little beyond the park gates, the Highlands offer plenty of reasons to linger a little longer.
Glamping in Algonquin Park: 10 reasons to glamp at Four Corners Algonquin.
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