Stay in the Highlands @ The Best Luxury Hotels in Haliburton

Photo courtesy Sir Sam’s Inn and Spa

Looking to book a vacation in the Haliburton area? Read contributor Charlie Wagner-Chazalon’s list of the best luxury hotels in Haliburton ON

Updated July 26, 2023 / Commissions may be earned from Riley‘s affiliate partner links

 

From skiing and snowmobiling in the winter to boating and swimming in the summer, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities in the Haliburton Highlands. But just as important as your time outside are the accommodations you come back to. And we’ve curated a list of top Haliburton hotels that will have you coming back again and again.

Located just a few hours’ drive from Toronto and Ottawa, Haliburton Highlands has a little something for everyone. Its picturesque lakes and rolling hills, historic towns and excellent restaurants, and a vibrant community of local artists make it an ideal and versatile vacation destination.

Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway or a family looking for some holiday fun, we’ll help you find it with our list of the best luxury hotels in Haliburton Ontario.  

 

The Best Luxury Hotels in Haliburton

 

Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa, Eagle Lake

 

No matter what time of year you visit, there’s never a shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy when you’re staying at Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa. In the summer, the inn takes advantage of its location on the shores of Eagle Lake to offer an array of water sports for its guests to enjoy.

In winter, they partner with local companies to offer snowmobiling and dogsledding packages. The hotel is also right next to Sir Sam’s ski hill (Sir Sam’s Ski / Ride) and a sprawling array of hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country trails. After enjoying all the outdoor amenities, guests can relax in the inn’s WaterSpa, or in the soaking tubs featured in most of the rooms.

Sir Sam’s started over 100 years ago with just the main inn but has since expanded to offer a range of accommodations from cozy rustic rooms in the inn, perfect for a couples getaway, to private cottages with multiple bedrooms and full kitchens. The resort is adults only, so it’s ideal for couples and friend groups looking for a rustic getaway.

To learn more about what is widely regarded as one of the best luxury hotels in Haliburton, including prices and availability, check out our affiliate partner’s dedicated Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa page below.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa

 

Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre, Haliburton

 

Vacation-goers wanting to experience the beautiful views of the Haliburton Highlands should search no further than Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre. With over 160 acres of land to explore, the resort offers a variety of seasonal activities to get its guests into nature, including snowshoeing and Nordic skiing in the winter and an 18-hole golf course in the summer.

Pinestone was originally built to host NHL players who were teaching at a nearby hockey camp in Minden Ontario. It has been visited by Bobby Orr, Wayne Gretzky, and many others, which speaks to its luxurious amenities. The resort offers rooms as well as villas and chalets which overlook the scenic golf course, so it’s great for small family getaways as well as larger groups.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Pinestone Resort & Conference Centre

 

Heather Lodge, Minden  

 

Heather Lodge offers a uniquely intimate experience among Haliburton hotels, making it ideal for a couple’s getaway. With just 12 rooms on the property, guests can relax away from the noise on the tranquil shores of Twelve Mile Lake, take advantage of the in-house massage therapist, and indulge in locally sourced ingredients in the dining room.

The lodge offers a variety of water sports, a swimming area, and everything guests need to lounge on the docks. Twelve Mile Lake is also known for its fishing and is part of a three-lake chain that guests can explore by boat.

While you’re there, check out our list of the top things to do in Minden for ideas and inspiration.

Riley Recommends: For reviews and rates, as well as to make reservations, visit  Heather Lodge

 

Bonnie View Inn, Haliburton

 

Bonnie View Inn offers a great kid-friendly Ontario vacation with a wide assortment of seasonal activities. In the summer, the resort features water trampolines, beach volleyball, mountain biking, and an on-site school teaching water skiing, jet skiing, and flyboarding. In the winter, Bonnie View has tobogganing hills, skating on the lake, and discounted tickets to Sir Sam’s ski hill. All in all, a huge variety of activities to keep the little ones entertained.

And when you need a break from all this activity, Bonnie View Inn offers a dockside patio and stunning views of Lake Kashagawigamog. Each of the property’s 26 rooms has a view of the lake, and the Honeymoon Chalet is actually on the beach, just steps from the water.

Riley Recommends: For reviews, rates, and reservations, visit Bonnie View Inn 

 

Ogopogo Resort, Minden

 

Ogopogo Resort is a cozy family-owned resort perfect for vacationers looking to explore the beautiful lakes in the Haliburton Highlands. It’s located on crystal-clear Mountain Lake, which is connected to the Minden White Water Preserve. It’s also near the Frost Centre, a stunning region of lakes and forests that contain nearly 40 km of hiking trails, and 22 km of groomed cross-country ski trails in winter.

Ogopogo offers fishing boat rentals in the summer and ice fishing in the winter, among many other exciting outdoor amenities. The resort has six cottages, ranging from studios to three bedrooms, with rustic exteriors and modern interiors for guests’ comfort.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, or to make reservations, visit Ogopogo Resort 

 

The Highlands Motel & Lodge, Minden 

Highlands’ Motel offers rustic cottage-style accommodations in the heart of Minden (Photo courtesy Highlands Motel & Lodge)

 

The Highlands Motel & Lodge offers comfortable and rustic accommodations in the Minden area. The newly-constructed Moose Loft is their largest room, sleeping four adults and two kids – great for families looking for a weekend getaway. The Loft is located over the Clubhouse, which is decked out with games like pool and darts, as well as a full kitchen for guests to use. 

The Highlands has direct access to Trail 8, a popular ATV and snowmobiling route. The hotel is also next to a public beach and near a public boat launch, which makes it a great home base for those looking to explore the area. 

Rates: Contact the resort directly at www.thehighlandsmotel.com

 

Getaways At Haliburton Heights, Haliburton

Superb lake views are the norm at Haliburton Heights (Photo courtesy GetAways At Haliburton Heights)

 

Getaways at Haliburton Heights offers spacious suites and beautiful views and is great for families or couples looking to explore the area. The resort is right across from Lake Kashagawigamog, which is great for swimming in the summer and strolling across in the winter.

Located just outside of Haliburton, this hotel is ideal for those who want to explore what the town has to offer from local art and events to skiing and hiking. It offers spacious rooms complete with dining areas and kitchenettes, which makes it perfect for groups and families who want to spread out in their home away from home.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and reservations, visit Getaways at Haliburton Heights

 

Little Hawk Resort & Marina, Algonquin Highlands

 

Little Hawk Resort & Marina offers up the works in terms of outdoor activities year-round. From boat rentals for summer fishing to heated ice-fishing huts in the winter, the resort makes the most of its prime location on Little Hawk Lake. They also offer free canoe rentals and boat docking for their guests.

Little Hawk features fully furnished cottages and suites, many with private decks, barbeques, and jacuzzi tubs. The variety in its accommodations makes it suitable for couples, families, and groups who are looking to experience the outdoors.

Riley Recommends: Visit Little Hawk Resort & Marina for rates and reservations

 

Dominion Hotel Pub, Minden

 

The Dominion Hotel in Minden Ontario is a unique vacation destination because of its historic feel. It opened in 1862 (before Canada was even a country) and has the Minden main street on one side and the Gull River on the other. The building has been recently renovated to feature modern amenities while maintaining the historic ambiance.

The Dominion is deeply immersed in the town’s culture, with rooms on the second floor and a pub on the ground floor where locals host events and concerts. The pub serves local beers from the area and has a rooftop patio that overlooks the river.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Dominion Hotel

 

Red Umbrella Inn, Minden

 

If you’ve ever wanted a spa experience without having to leave your hotel room, the Red Umbrella Inn is perfect for you. Guests at the Inn can stay in their own cottage on the shores of Twelve Mile Lake with a private jacuzzi or sauna exclusively for their enjoyment. The saunas even have one-way windows so you can enjoy the scenic views while you relax.

The Red Umbrella Inn also has a beautiful lakeside dining room, where guests can get three-course meals and hot breakfasts included in the price of their stay. The variety and luxury of their accommodations make the Red Umbrella a standout among Haliburton hotels. 

 Visit www.redumbrellainn.com/index.html for further details.

 

Minden House Cottages, Minden

 

With the original house built in 1866, Minden House Cottages continue to offer guests a quaint and historic stay in Minden. Their five cottages overlook the Gull River where guests can canoe and swim in the summer. This charming cottage resort features bikes that guests can borrow to explore the town of Minden and the surrounding countryside, as well as snowshoes for winter excursions.

Each of the private cottages has a full kitchen which comes stocked with cookware if you decide to prepare food during your stay. The largest accommodation is the Marigold Cottage, which has two bedrooms and can sleep up to six people, making it ideal for families and groups.

See more on their website at www.mindenhousebb.com.

 

_________________________

 

Contributor Charlie Wagner-Chazalon is a travel enthusiast who splits his time between Muskoka and Toronto Ontario.