A 44-year-old Lindsay man is facing assault charges after he seriously injured an intruder in his apartment early Monday morning (August 18).
At around 3:20 a.m. on Monday, Kawarthas Lakes police responded to an apartment on Kent Street in Lindsay after a report of an altercation between two men.
After arriving on scene, officers learned that the apartment’s resident had awoken to find another man inside his apartment.
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An altercation between the resident and the intruder ensued, with the intruder receiving serious life-threatening injuries. The intruder was transported to Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay and later airlifted to a Toronto hospital.
As a result of the investigation, police arrested and charged the resident of the apartment, a 44-year-old Lindsay man, with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.
The accused man was released from custody with a future court date.
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The intruder, a 41-year-old Lindsay man, was already wanted by police at the time of the incident for unrelated offences.
As a result of the investigation, he has also been charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, break, enter and theft, mischief under $5,000, and failure to comply with probation.
The accused man will be held in custody pending a bail hearing when he is released from hospital.
The Beer Store at 882 Ward Street in Bridgenorth is closing on Sunday, October 19. So far in 2025, The Beer Store has announced the closure of over 100 retail stores across Ontario following Ontario Premier Doug Ford's 2024 decision to expand alcohol sales to grocery and convenience stores across the province. (Photo: Google Maps
The Beer Store in Bridgenorth is closing this fall.
Ontario’s largest beer retailer announced on Monday (August 18) it is closing 12 more retail stores at the end of the day on Sunday, October 19.
It is the latest in a series of announcements made by The Beer Store, closing more than 100 retail stores so far.
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The Bridgenorth store, located at 882 Ward Street, is the second location in the Kawarthas region that is closing. In May, The Beer Store announced that its retail store in Coboconk, located at 6716 Highway 35, would close on July 6.
“Where we sell beer and collect empties in Ontario is changing,” said The Beer Store’s retail vice president Ozzie Ahmed in a statement. “The Beer Store is modernizing to meet the changing marketplace and unfortunately this means making the hard decision to close retail locations.”
“We know this is difficult news for customers and employees. As The Beer Store modernizes, our locations will continue to provide friendly customer service and a deposit return system that gets consumers their money back.”
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The other 11 locations closing on October 19 are:
8647 Highway #60 in Eganville
89 Main Street South in Forest
21 Ontario Street North in Grand Bend
398 King Street West in Harrow
53 Meredith Street East in Little Current
33 Argyle Street in Markdale
142 David Street North in Noëlville
3078 Don Mills Road in North York
704 Main Street in Sauble Beach
900A Don Mills Road (Unit #100) in Toronto
800 Gerrard Street East in Toronto
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The next nearest Beer Store to the Bridgenorth location is at Portage Place at 1154 Chemong Road in Peterborough.
The closures of the retail stores follow Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s decision to expand alcohol sales to grocery and convenience stores across the province. As part of an agreement with the Ontario government announced in 2024, The Beer Store can maintain at least 300 retail stores and continue its role in recycling and bottle return until the end of 2025.
The Beer Store operates 10 distribution centres and, prior to the closures, operated 440 retail locations in Ontario, employing around 6,500 people. It also operates in 446 grocery stores and distributes to around 4,000 convenience stores and grocery stores.
Northumberland County recently announced the winners of its 15th annual Keep the County Clean Challenge. The Town of Cobourg earned the trophy for highest proportional representation of volunteers, with five per cent of its population taking part in this year's challenge, and Cramahe Township took home the trophy for hardest-working volunteers, with each volunteer collecting an average of 15.8 kg of litter. Pictured during a Northumberland County council meeting on August 13, 2025 are Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin, Northumberland County education and communications coordinator Dan Orr, and Town of Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland. (Photo: Northumberland County)
With more than 2,400 registered residents from across the county taking part in waste collection efforts, Northumberland County recently announced the winners of the 2025 “Keep the County Clean Challenge.”
The challenge, which is in its 15th year, encourages mayors of Northumberland County’s individual municipalities to engage their residents in a county-wide effort to reduce litter and promote environmental stewardship.
During Earth Week from April 21 to 26, a total of 2,472 registered volunteers from across Northumberland rolled up their sleeves to clear litter and illegal dumping from public areas, including roadsides, parks, trails, and other shared community spaces.
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The challenge encouraged Northumberland municipalities and townships to engage in friendly competition through their community clean-up efforts.
The Town of Cobourg earned top honours in the category of highest proportional representation of volunteers, with five per cent of its population taking part in this year’s challenge.
The Township of Alnwick Haldimand followed closely in second place with 4.4 per cent participation.
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Cramahe Township took home the trophy for hardest working volunteers, by collecting 15.8 kg of litter per volunteer.
“When your municipality is ‘smallest’, odds of winning the ‘the most’ of anything are greatly reduced,” Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin told kawarthaNOW. “So, that said, it is terrific the calibre of Cramahe Township’s volunteer commitment is recognized.”
The Township of Hamilton secured the runner-up position for hardest working volunteers, with an average of 10.4 kg per volunteer.
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Northumberland County offered congratulations to all those who participated and thanked community members who helped make this year’s challenge a success, noting the combined efforts continue to build a cleaner, greener, and more connected community.
“Each year, the Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge showcases the incredible dedication our community members have to preserving the natural beauty of our community,” said Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander in a statement.
“It’s inspiring to see volunteers of all ages come together with a shared purpose, to take action, make a difference, and lead by example.”
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Residents registered with their respective municipalities to help clean up litter in their neighbourhood, including garbage from roadsides, parks, and trails. Municipalities with the highest proportional representation of volunteers and most litter collected per volunteer received recognition at the August 13 meeting of county council.
The year 2024 saw the greatest number of participants in the competition’s history, with more than 3,000 community members collecting 11,427 kilograms of litter.
To learn more about the county’s environmental goals and initiatives and to monitor its progress through key performance indicators, visit the county’s website at northumberland.ca/dashboard.
The late Erin Sullivan (left), pictured with her grandmother and her friend Megan Murphy at the 2013 ReFrame Film Festival, where Murphy screened her short documentary "Shelf Life" about Sullivan living with cystic fibrosis. 4th Line Theatre will donate $2 from every ticket sold for the August 25, 2025 performance of Murphy's play "Wild Irish Geese" to One City Peterborough and its campaign to pay off the mortgage of the Erin Sullivan House supporting individuals coming out of homelessness. (Photo: ReFrame Film Festival)
4th Line Theatre in Millbrook is donating a portion of ticket proceeds from an upcoming performance of Wild Irish Geese to One City Peterborough in support of the Erin Sullivan House, which provides an affordable housing option for people coming out of homelessness.
Each year, the non-profit outdoor theatre company gives back to the community by donating $2 from every ticket sold for a chosen performance to a charity of the theatre’s choice. This year, the theatre has chosen One City Peterborough and the Erin Sullivan House, named after the late Ennismore resident Erin Sullivan.
Sullivan passed away on October 23, 2022 of cystic fibrosis at 43 years old. Although she was the recipient of a double lung transplant and continually in and out of hospital, for the final decade of her life Sullivan volunteered much of her time to One Roof — the now-defunct daily community meal program held at St. Johns the Evangelist Anglican Church in Peterborough.
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When Sullivan wasn’t volunteering at One Roof or working at Sullivan’s General Store in Ennismore, which her family has owned for more than 100 years, she was advocating for organ donor registration and hosting regular fundraisers for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
After her death, Sullivan’s friends and family approached One City Peterborough which, alongside other programs, owns homes and works with private landlords and other agencies to create affordable housing options for people experiencing homelessness. As a result, one of the four-bedroom houses that has been managed by One City since 2020 is now called the Erin Sullivan House — Erin’s House for short.
Wild Irish Geese playwright Megan Murphy was a close friend of Sullivan for more than 30 years. In 2011, Murphy made the short documentary film Shelf Life, where Sullivan spoke of having reached the goal of living to 32 years old — 15 years later than the life expectancy she was given at birth — and figuring out what comes next.
VIDEO: “Shelf Life” – A profile of Erin Sullivan by Megan Murphy
“Erin believed in magic … she saw the beauty in everyone,” Murphy says in a media release. “Through both the joys and challenges in life, she relished in being completely human. She would be so honoured to be connected to One City through Erin’s House.”
With the assistance of a $225,000 anonymous donation, One City Peterborough purchased Erin’s House in November 2023 through engagement in a vendor take-back mortgage with the previous owner.
A further $78,731 has already been donated by friends and family, and the goal is to raise the remaining mortgage balance of $146,268.
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4th Line Theatre will donate partial proceeds from ticket sales for the performance of Wild Irish Geese on Monday, August 25 to One City Peterborough in support of helping to pay off the mortgage of Erin’s House.
“We are thrilled to be donating $2 from every ticket sold to Erin’s House, not only a most worthy cause but one dedicated to the memory of one of Megan’s dearest friends,” says 4th Line Theatre’s managing artistic director Kim Blackwell.
Blackwell is also the director of Wild Irish Geese, which tells the story of a few of the thousands of poor Irish families who settled in Canada in the Peterborough area in 1825 under an emigration scheme conceived and administered by Upper Canada politician Peter Robinson.
Late Ennismore resident Erin Sullivan and a plaque identifying the four-bedroom home operated by One City Peterborough for people coming out of homelessness that was named in her honour. (kawarthaNOW collage)
Murphy, who also appears in the play, is a descendant of the Robinson settlers, as was Sullivan herself.
Wild Irish Geese runs from Tuesdays to Saturdays until August 30, with an additional Monday performance on August 25. Tickets are $52 for adults and $45 for youth, plus tax and fee.
Tickets for the August 25th performance (as well as all remaining performance) are available by phone at 705-932-4445 (toll-free at 1-800-814-0055), online at 4thlinetheatre.on.ca, and at 4th Line Theatre’s box Office location at 9 Tupper Street in Millbrook.
“Wild Irish Geese” playwright and actor Megan Murphy with Padrick Wilson, Sebastian Sage, Jasper Chesser, Lindsay Wilson, Paul Crough, and Indigo Chesser in the background. (Photo: Wayne Eardley, Brookside Studio)
This story has been updated to correct the date of the performance, which is Monday, August 25. With files from Megan Gallant.
Organized by the Kawartha Cycling Club in partnership with A Place Called Home and sponsored by Boston Pizza Lindsay, the 22nd annual Kawartha Lakes Classic Cycling Tour takes place in Oakwood on August 23, 2025, with all proceeds supporting emergency shelter services for individuals and families in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County experiencing homelessness. (Photo courtesy of A Place Called Home)
A whole lot of wheels will be in motion on Saturday, August 23 to raise money for Lindsay’s homeless shelter, and there’s still time to register for the 22nd annual Kawartha Lakes Classic Cycling Tour.
This year’s fundraiser kicks off in Oakwood at the Oakwood Lions Mariposa Community Hall, located at 1008 Eldon Road.
Cyclists can choose from five routes: 20 kilometres (with road or trail options), 50 kilometres, 70 kilometre (gravel), 100 kilometres, and 160 kilometres. Routes will have staggered start times from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. depending on length.
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Organized by the Kawartha Cycling Club in partnership with APCH and sponsored by Boston Pizza’s Lindsay location, all proceeds from the event support emergency shelter services for individuals and families in Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton experiencing homelessness.
Jen Lopinski of APCH told kawarthaNOW that organizers hope to have 200 cyclists participating in this year’s event.
“We are at about 127 at the moment with a week to go,” she said. “The best outcome is that we have terrific cycling weather for event day and that our participants enjoy the routes and the new venue in Oakwood.”
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“Our goal is to raise over $50,000 so that we can continue to support as many people as we can that are experiencing a housing crisis,” Lopinski said. Last year’s event raised a total of $40,000 for APCH.
To kick off the day, Westerby Entertainment will provide energizing music to get everyone revved up to ride. Participants will enjoy a post-ride lunch featuring pizza and Caesar salad from Boston Pizza Lindsay and dessert from Kawartha Wholesale Bakery.
The Oakwood & District Lions Club will offer a cash bar after the ride is over, with all proceeds also supporting APCH.
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Advance registration is $100 until event day, when it increases to $120. Students pay $50 and youth pay $15 regardless of when they register. In-person registration will also be available on event day on site at the Oakwood Lions Mariposa Community Hall.
To make the event part of a full weekend, participating cyclists can also take advantage of a special combo package that includes 10 per cent off accommodations at Days Inn & Suites in Lindsay and two free tickets to a performance at Grove Theatre in Fenelon Falls.
Riders who choose to raise funds as well as register will receive custom event cycling socks and NiteRider bike lights.
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The event, with its varied routes and distances, is suitable for seasoned cyclists and recreational riders alike, APCH noted.
As well as providing emergency shelter to those experiencing homelessness in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County, ACPH also offers drop-in services to those at risk of homelessness. Clients can access shower, laundry, and bathroom facilities, as well as one meal a day, while working with staff to build a housing plan that leads to improved housing stability.
Bannock & Bean founder Katie Beaver with her partner Adrian Thomas. The Anishinaabe artist began her mobile business this summer to serve fresh bannock, good coffee, and other treats at festivals and events around Peterborough. Bannock & Bean also sells Beaver's original, cheeky beaver-themed cards, magnets, and stickers. (Photo courtesy of Bannock & Bean)
A new Indigenous-owned pop-up business is serving up some good food and vibes in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough.
As its name suggests, Bannock & Bean is a one-stop shop for fresh, modern Indigenous cuisine and a strong cup o’ joe — but it’s also selling whimsical, cheeky pieces of artwork made by owner Katie Beaver.
“I grew up making bannock and I know it’s a really popular thing,” says Beaver. “And I’m obsessed with coffee, and make a good coffee, so I just want to share that with people.”
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Now residing in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough, Beaver was born and raised in Alderville First Nation where, from a young age, her father taught her how to make the traditional family bannock that had been passed down through generations.
As it’s known today, bannock is a form of quick-fry bread that is believed to have been introduced by Scottish fur traders in the 18th and 19th centuries, although Indigenous peoples in North America had previously made versions using starch from the stems of ferns and other wild plants.
When Indigenous peoples were moved off their traditional land and onto reserves, unable to hunt and gather as they once did, the Canadian government supplied them with rations including flour, eggs, and lard, which they turned into bannock.
Along with bannock, a quick-fry bread that Indigenous peoples began making out of non-Indigenous food rations from the Canadian government when they were prevented from hunting and gathering off reserve in the late 19th century, Bannock & Bean serves specialty hot and iced coffee, tea, and strawberry water. (Photos courtesy of Bannock & Bean)
“This food comes with resilience because it came from rations that were given on the reserve and we took those rations and made our own thing with it,” says Beaver. “My dad said if they didn’t have bannock, they might have starved.”
“That’s a powerful statement, but kind of true. They just didn’t have any other options for food. They weren’t allowed to leave the reserve to hunt or anything, so they’re just given these rations, and that’s what they dealt with.”
At Bannock & Bean, which will be popping up at festivals and events around Peterborough, Beaver’s partner Adrian Thomas joins Beaver to make the fresh bannock, which is served with butter, jam, or peanut butter.
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“He’s been my big support system,” says Beaver. “He’s been giving me encouragement and enthusiasm, so I really couldn’t do it without him.”
The pop-up also serves pow-wow puffs — a mini dessert version of bannock, rolled in brown sugar and cinnamon and served with hazelnut cocoa spread.
Rounding out the limited menu, Bannock & Bean also offers drip and specialty hot and iced coffees, tea, and strawberry water.
After studying under an Indigenous artist, Katie Beaver began making beaver-themed artworks using watercolour and cheeky beaver puns. She now sells magnets, cards, and stickers of her artwork through her mobile business Bannock & Bean. (Photo courtesy of Bannock & Bean)
While Bannock & Bean has operated at small events by using a generator and a couple of espresso machines intended for home use, Beaver hopes that by next summer, they’ll have received some grants to purchase a commercial-grade espresso machine. This will allow them to set up their booth and coffee bar at larger festivals and markets.
Though it was always a “childhood dream” to own her own restaurant after spending many years working in one, Beaver has also always been an artist, which she now incorporates as part of Bannock & Bean.
Two years ago, she made a zine with beaver characters — taking inspiration from her own last name, of course — after studying under an Indigenous artist.
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Now Beaver turns the whimsical, colourful characters into cards, magnets, and stickers that are captioned with some cheeky puns.
“People really like them, and they get a lot of good feedback, even though they are silly,” she says. “I’m always excited to make more.”
To keep up to date on vendor pop-ups and new artwork, follow Bannock & Bean on Facebook and Instagram.
Selwyn Beach Conservation Area is located on the northeast shore of Chemong Lake. It is best known for its excellent swimming with a gently sloping sandy beach. Parents and caregivers are advised that the beach and swimming area are not supervised. (Photo: Otonabee Conservation)
Every Friday during swimming season, we post The Beach Report™ — our weekly report of the results of water quality testing at beaches in the greater Kawarthas region — and update it throughout the week as conditions change.
As of Thursday, August 21 at 8 a.m., the following beaches are unsafe for swimming:
Beavermead Park in Peterborough
Rogers Cove in Peterborough
Douro North Park in Douro-Dummer
Beach Park in Bobcaygeon
Crowe Bridge Park in Trent Hills
In addition, as of July 3, Peterborough Public Health has received multiple reports of residents experiencing swimmer’s itch, a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to infection with certain parasites of birds and mammals, after swimming at White’s Beach in Trent Lakes. For more information and precautions, visit the Swimmer’s Itch page on the health unit’s website.
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Below are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in the City and County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
As of 2025, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health provides weekly testing results for only six designated public beaches in Hastings County and Prince Edward County. It no longer regularly samples another 13 beaches due to historically low occurrence of high bacteria levels.
During the summer, local health units sample water at area beaches and test for bacteria such as E. coli to determine if the water quality at a beach is safe for public use. Popular beaches, like the beach at Roger’s Cove in Peterborough’s East City, are tested every business day while most other beaches are tested weekly. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
Visitors and locals alike will have the chance to explore the Haliburton Highlands in all its glory when the Hike Haliburton Festival returns from September 18 to 21, 2025. The 22nd annual festival is bigger than ever, featuring more than 40 guided hikes led by local volunteers, self-guided hikes, paid excursions by adventure outfitters, and cultural events and activities taking place across Haliburton County. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)
What began more than 20 years ago by a grassroots organization committed to helping visitors explore Haliburton Highlands has turned into Canada’s largest free hiking festivals — and this year’s festival has lots to offer everyone, whether you’re looking for an easy walk with the family or a more challenging adventure.
When it returns from Thursday, September 18 to Sunday, September 21, Hike Haliburton will be hosting more than 40 free guided hikes led by knowledgeable and passionate local volunteers. The festival also provides locals and visitors with the opportunity to explore the region through self-guided hikes, paid excursions, and cultural experiences.
The fall colours should be at their peak during Hike Haliburton in the Haliburton Highlands from September 18 to 21, 2025. Along with the stunning scenery, fall is the perfect season for hiking, with cooler temperatures and no bugs. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)
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“Haliburton Highlands has a really great mix of Canadian Shield with over 500 lakes and more than 2,000 kilometres of developed trails — it’s a nature-lover’s paradise,” says Haliburton County Manager of Tourism Angelica Ingram. “This area has become known for adventure and outdoor tourism because there’s so much to see and do outdoors.”
Consistently selected as one of the Top 100 Festivals in Ontario by Festival & Events Ontario, the festival returns each year just as the region’s fall colours are peaking, ensuring that every photo snapped during the weekend has a stunning backdrop.
“Fall is my favourite time of the year in Haliburton: it’s bug-free, you get comfortable temperatures where you’re not typically dealing with heat advisories, and you get cooler evenings,” says Ingram. “It’s a really great time of year to enjoy not just the climate and the weather, but the colours and the scenery. Hike Haliburton is a great outing that’s not cost prohibitive and there’s something for everyone.”
Haliburton Highlands has a mix of rugged Canadian Shield landscapes with over 500 lakes and more than 2,000 kilometres of developed trails. Many of the guided hikes during Hike Haliburton from September 18 to 21, 2025 will take participants to explore hidden waterfalls and conservation areas as well as and private properties that are normally not open to the public. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)
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This year, the county received a tourism grant through the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to grow the festival for its 22nd year. The funding has allowed the county to upgrade its registration system for the hikes, as well as grow the festival’s offerings and tie in more regional events and activities.
“It’s going to be a really big, fun festival weekend across the Haliburton Highlands this year,” promises Ingram.
Part of this growth involves scheduling even more guided hikes than usual, with excursions ranging from beginner-friendly hikes to hours-long adventures on a kayak or paddleboard. Throughout the festival, participants will discover hidden waterfalls, climb rocky ledges, paddle glassy waters, and, ultimately, be immersed in nature.
With more than 40 guided hikes led by knowledgeable and passionate volunteers, Hike Haliburton from September 18 to 21, 2025 gives visitors and locals alike the opportunity to learn about the history, topography, geology, and wildlife of the Haliburton Highlands. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)
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A unique aspect of the festival is that all guided hikes are led by local, knowledgeable volunteers and experts who will share what they love most about the Haliburton Highlands.
“The volunteers have a wide range of backgrounds and histories, from amateur athletes to foragers with plant knowledge to people who have wellness, healing, or meditative approaches to the hike,” Ingram says.
“These volunteers are doing it because they know a lot about the area — whether it’s the history, geography, wildlife — and really want to share this experience with somebody.”
Guided hikes during Hike Haliburton from September 18 to 21, 2025 range in difficulty level from beginner and family-friendly to those that are more challenging for adventure seekers. A new addition to the lineup this year, Ellie and Shawn Chamberlin of the Dominion Hotel will be leading a hike through Minden that will explore the history of the town and its 160-year-old hotel through stories, songs, and more. (Photo: Dominion Hotel)
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One of several new hikes featured this year, “Steps and Stories” will take hikers to explore the history of the region through the lens of the Dominion Hotel, which is currently celebrating its 160th anniversary.
Owners Shawn and Elli Chamberlin will take hikers on a fun and humourous stroll along the Minden Riverwalk Trail, where they will talk about the weather, water levels, local history, and entertain with some stories. Being held on Sunday, September 21, the two-kilometre hike is suitable for beginners and children.
“It will be a lot of fun because Elli and Shawn Chamberlin are just really vibrant and animated people, and nobody can tell a story like Shawn Chamberlin,” Ingram says. “It’s good for families because it’s just around Minden and talking about the history, talking about the hotel and the town itself, but it’s not a strenuous hike by any means.”
While some of the guided hikes during Hike Haliburton from September 18 to 21, 2025 are focused on sharing stories and knowledge about the Haliburton Highlands, others are more meditative in nature and encourage participants to slow down and reconnect with themselves and nature. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)
For those feeling more adventurous, you’ll also find hikes that are meant to be a bit more challenging like the “Bear Mountain Adventure” hike and canoe trip.
Join Melissa Tong and Cameron Ferguson across the remote Livingstone Lake to a portage leading into Bear Lake where, after a short paddle to the base of Bear Mountain, the group will hike to a 200-metre rock face. Enjoy panoramic views of the Algonquin Dome while enjoying a trail lunch before returning to Bear Lake and exploring a waterfall and Hinterland Marsh.
Moderate canoeing skills and a good level of fitness are required for this six-to-eight-hour excursion which will take place on Thursday, September 21.
In addition to guided hikes, Hike Haliburton from September 18 to 21, 2025 offers paid excursions through local providers, including the Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve where visitors can see the Haliburton Highlands from the treetops through a guided canopy tour. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)
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Prefer more of a relaxed hike that helps you reconnect with nature and yourself? “Fall in Love with the Forest” on a hike at The Frost Centre led by certified Forest Therapy Guide Donna Raetsen.
The “gentle guided wander,” which is designed to slow you down and awaken your senses, will include stopping often to breathe, reflect, and notice the beauty of the surroundings.
“A lot of these hikes are going to not just be a walk, as they will offer stories and tales and expertise and knowledge sharing,” says Ingram. “Some of these private areas, private land, and private properties get opened up for Hike Haliburton specifically. You get to see someone’s back 40 or hidden gems, areas, trails, or lakes that you normally wouldn’t get to see.”
Throughout the weekend, local tour operators will be offering paid excursions that will help visitors explore the region in all new ways. Get on a stand-up paddleboard by booking experiences with Wolf Flow SUP Yoga & Fitness, or explore from the treetops with a canopy tour at Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve.
During Hike Haliburton from September 18 to 21, 2025, there will be many cultural events and activities happening across the Haliburton Highlands. This includes the new En Plain Air Haliburton juried exhibit taking over the Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre in Haliburton. Opening Friday, September 19, the exhibit will feature local artworks made outdoors within the county. (Photo: Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre)
There is a lot more than hiking on the lineup during Hike Haliburton. Before or after you’ve finished your outdoor adventure, take the chance to explore the range of cultural and heritage experiences happening throughout the weekend in the Haliburton Highlands.
Bringing some colour to Head Lake Park in the village of Haliburton, Colourfest is being held on Saturday, September 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held by the Municipality of Dysart et al, the festival features a range of activities for the whole family from bouncy castles to crafts, and plenty of sweet treats and games.
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Also during Hike Haliburton, the Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre in Haliburton will have just launched En Plein Air Haliburton 2025, a juried exhibition and “friendly competition” of paintings that were created outdoors across the county. The exhibition is being held from Friday, September 19 to Saturday, November 8, 2025.
“It partners so well with Hike Haliburton, with artists taking their easels out to a river stream and painting, and it’s a mini hike on their own,” says Ingram, noting it’s one of the many cultural events happening in the area over the weekend.
“Hike Haliburton is a great time to go out to a local or family festival, go to a concert, go to a gallery, and then grab an ice cream on your way home.”
There are lots of accommodation options in the Haliburton Highlands if you want to stay overnight during Hike Haliburton from September 18 to 21, 2025, from sleeping under the stars by booking a backcountry campsite in the southern corridor of Algonquin Provincial Park to a wide range of beds and breakfasts, motels and inns, resorts and lodges, cottage resorts, and more. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)
With so much to see and do across the Haliburton Highlands, you might be inclined to turn Hike Haliburton into a full weekend getaway. Fortunately, the region offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all needs, whether you’re travelling with your family — pet included — or seeking an intimate escape with a partner.
You can sleep under the stars by booking a backcountry campsite off the Kingscote Access Point in the southern corridor of Algonquin Provincial Park, or opt for the rustic, sustainable-minded Algonquin Eco-Lodge to continue to be immersed in all the natural glory the Haliburton Highlands has to offer. For a more elevated experience, check into Nomi Resort Club, where high-end cuisine and luxury residences await on 850 acres abundant with shoreline and views of the pines.
For more information on the Hike Haliburton Festival and to register for the free guided hikes and paid experiences, visit myhaliburtonhighlands.com/hike-haliburton/, and follow Hike Haliburton on Facebook and Instagram for more hiking inspiration.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with the County of Haliburton. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Formerly Minden Pride, Pride in the Highlands is celebrating Pride Week in the Haliburton Highlands with a series of events running from August 18 to 24, 2025. (Photo via My Haliburton Highlands website)
Haliburton Highlands residents are invited to dust off their cowboy boots and join Pride in the Highlands and partners for a session of line dancing in the street in Minden during Pride Week in the Highlands, which runs from August 18 to 24.
Dance Happens Here Haliburton (DH3) is partnering with Pride in the Highlands and the River Cone to host “Out in the Street Line Dancing” from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 23.
“We’d be thrilled if some people who came who may have been a little nervous about line dancing left with a smile on their faces and feeling confident and comfortable, dancing, and moving together with others,” DH3 committee member Myra Stephen told kawarthaNOW.
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“We will be excited if people are introduced to the work that Pride in the Highlands does and try the excellent food and drinks at the River Cone if they’ve never been there before,” Stephen added. “We will be thrilled if people of all ages and abilities come together to share good vibes and good feelings.”
Inclusion is the theme of the event, which is free although donations are welcome. Dances will be led by local line dance instructor Jacqui Bell, and everyone is welcome to join in.
“My approach is to teach some simple steps so that everyone feels comfortable joining in,” Bell said. “There will be something for everyone.”
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In addition, as part of the afternoon activities, dancers from some of Bell’s classes will show off their moves.
Located at 119 Bobcaygeon Road, the River Cone will have food and beverages available, “plus a few special Pride in the Highlands features,” a media release noted.
“We’re so excited to have this happening at the River Cone,” said Monica and Ben Scott of the River Cone in a joint statement. “We are all about families and love doing things for the community.”
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Pride in the Highlands co-chair Allan Guinan said the group is “thrilled” to partner with DH3 to host the community dance during Pride Week.
“We hope everyone will join us as we dance on the street to all kinds of music including queer artists and choreographers from Orville Peck, Elton John and others,” Guinan said. “Don your favorite street dancing shoes and come enjoy the fun.”
The event is possible due to funding support from the Government of Canada and donations to DH3.
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Formerly Minden Pride, Pride in the Highlands is a volunteer-run not-for-profit organization serving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community throughout the Haliburton Highlands, which includes Minden Hills, Algonquin Highlands, Dysart Et Al, and Highlands East.
Pride Week in Haliburton Highlands kicks off on Monday (August 18) with an official flag raising and opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. at the municipal offices in Minden Hills, followed by the another flag raising with opening ceremonies at 4 p.m. at the Haliburton arena, with other events throughout the week.
For more information about Pride in the Highlands and a list of all the events, visit www.prideinthehighlands.ca.
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