Things to do near Maple Lake and Haliburton
Staying at Buena Vista puts you close to some of the best things to do in the Haliburton Highlands. Located on Maple Lake in Algonquin Highlands, we’re just minutes from Haliburton, Minden and Carnarvon, with easy access to restaurants, skiing, hiking, golf, cycling and year-round outdoor activities.
Restaurants Near Haliburton, Minden & Carnarvon
Carnarvon (5 minutes away)
The Mason Jar - Quality Fast Food Truck in Carnarvon, specializing in Smash Burgers, Hand/cut Fries, Loaded Poutines & More! (Local partnership: When placing your order tell them "I'm staying at Buena Vista" and you will receive 5% off)
Rhubarb - Call ahead to make a reservation - Rhubarb Restaurant offers special features each evening which showcases local seasonal food. Upscale casual dining in cottage country located on the shores of Mirror Lake in picturesque Haliburton County.
Minden (~15 minutes away)
Boshkung Brewing Social - Located in the heart of Minden and overlooking the Gull River, Boshkung Social provides a wide assortment of beers to go or stay! Savour some food and a pint while enjoying the views of the Gull River.
Toast - Located in Minden Toast is the new local hot spot serving breakfast & lunch. (Local partnership: When placing your order tell them "I'm staying at Buena Vista" and you will receive 5% off)
Haliburton (~15 minutes away)
Abbey Gardens Food Hub (5 minutes) - Enjoy farm-fresh meals while supporting local producers in Haliburton.
Hook Line & Sinker (15 minutes) - Located on the main road passing through the town of Haliburton the restaurant has a lovely patio that overlooks Head Lake.
Castle Antiques & Café (15 minutes) - Located on the main road in Haliburton the café is inside an antiques shop and has great coffee, sandwiches, salads and wraps.
Juna (15 minutes) - Upscale intimate Italian inspired restaurant in beautiful Haliburton Village.
Activities
Sir Sams Ski & Bike (about a 20 minute drive) - A family owned and operated ski & summer resort only 20 minutes from the cottage and overlooking picturesque Eagle Lake. Sir Sams seasonal activities include:
Summer biking - (Mountain Bike)
- Over 23 kilometres of cross-country and downhill trail traversing open meadow, hardwood forest, and ancient rock outcroppings. With trails suited for all riding abilities and for those looking for an easy way to the top, their Time Tunnel offers an easy “walk-on, walk-off” ride perfect for novice riders and families.
Hiking & trail running
- 6km of interpretive hiking and trail running trails await you. Carved through the same terrain as their riding trails.
Winter
- Skiing & snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Terrain park
Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve (about a 25 minute drive) - Recognized as one of the premiere destinations in Canada for wilderness adventures, and have been described as “remarkable, “quirky and charming,” and “breath-taking.” Learn more about their activities and Wolf Centre.
Farmers Markets (about a 7 to 15 minute drive depending on the market) - There are two farmer markets you can explore from May to October that take place weekly in Minden and Haliburton.
Abbey Gardens (about a 7 minute drive) - Abbey Gardens, overlooking Grass Lake, is a not-for profit charity that treats visitors with local Haliburton hospitality. You can visit their heritage breed ponies, walk their all season trails (in the winter they rent snow shoes for a nominal fee), chickens, shop for local food/baked goods at the Food Hub, enjoy lunch at their cafe.
Hiking Trails (about a 10 minutes to 25 minutes away) - Enjoy the Hiking Trails of the Haliburton Highlands, local trails take you through beautiful forests, peaceful lakes, and rocky hills.
Lakeside Golf Club (about a 7 minute drive) - Lakeside Golf Club offers 9 and 18 holes that is designed to provide challenge and enjoyment to golfers of all skill levels.
Carnarvon Golf Facility (about a 7 minute drive) - Local family spot to enjoy the driving range, mini-putt, and 9-hole par 3 course.