Algonquin Haliburton Area – GreenSpot Retreats

Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake is one of those rare finds — a pristine, spring-fed lake in the heart of Hastings Highlands that feels completely untouched. Crystal clear water, a sandy shoreline, and two thirds of the lake surrounded by Crown land, keeping it quiet and wild. The fishing is exceptional — lake trout, brook trout, bass, and the rare splake, a hybrid unique to lakes like Diamond. Dramatic cliffs rise from the western shoreline — a stunning backdrop by summer and one of Ontario's most popular ice climbing destinations come winter. The public beach is just a short paddle across the water from Diamond Lakehouse, west-facing and known for breathtaking sunsets.

Diamond Lake — Get Directions →

Algonquin Park

One of Canada's most iconic wilderness parks — right at your doorstep. Algonquin covers over 7,600 square kilometres of ancient forests, pristine lakes and winding rivers, home to moose, black bears, wolves and loons. Hike the trails, canoe the backcountry, cast a line, or simply pull over on the highway corridor and watch the wildlife appear. Every season brings something different — and fall colours here are genuinely unforgettable.

Just under an hour from one of the park's main entrances — close enough for a full day adventure, far enough that you return to peace and quiet every evening.

Explore Algonquin Provincial Park → Ontario Parks — Algonquin →

Eagles Nest Park and Lookout

Perched above the town of Bancroft, Eagle's Nest Park is one of the most rewarding short hikes in the area — and the views from the top are worth every step. The park features an interpretive trail that weaves through the area's rich Indigenous history, local geology, and stories of early European settlement. Deer, foxes and a wide variety of bird species call it home, making every visit a little different. A volunteer-maintained gem that most visitors to the area never discover — but always come back to.

Explore Eagle's Nest Park →

Eagan Chutes Provincial Park

Just 10 minutes east of Bancroft, Eagan Chutes is one of the area's most stunning natural surprises. The park sits along the Montreal River, where a series of dramatic chutes and rapids carve through 773 hectares of rugged Ontario wilderness — the kind of scenery that stops you mid-trail. Hiking, swimming, fishing, camping and picnicking are all on offer, and the waterfalls are at their most impressive during the warmer months when the river is running full. A perfect half-day escape from the cottage..

Explore Eagan Chutes Provincial Park →

Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre

One of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in Ontario — and unlike anything else in the region. The Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre is home to a pack of grey wolves living in a natural, spacious enclosure deep in the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve. Guided tours bring you face to face with these magnificent animals — watching their behaviour, hearing their howls, and understanding the vital role they play in Ontario's ecosystem. Educational programs and workshops run throughout the season, making it as rewarding for adults as it is unforgettable for kids..

Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre →

Bancroft — Mineral Capital

Bancroft is one of those small towns that surprises every first-time visitor. Known as the Mineral Capital of Canada, the area sits on some of the most geologically rich land in the country. The Princess Sodalite Mine lets you dig for your own gems on the site of an actual working mine — kids absolutely love it. The Bancroft Mineral Museum tells the deeper story with rare specimens, guided tours and a working prep lab. Add in local galleries and boutique shops and Bancroft makes for a perfect half-day out

Princess Sodalite Mine →
Bancroft Mineral Museum →

Horse riding - South Algonquin

For something truly different — only about 20 minutes from us, explore the Algonquin Highlands on horseback. South Algonquin Equestrian Trails offers over 400 kilometres of groomed, well-maintained trails winding through forests, across streams and up into the hills. Riders of all levels are welcome — easy loops for beginners, challenging backcountry terrain for experienced riders. Along the way you might spot deer, moose or even the occasional black bear moving through the trees. Horse-friendly campsites, bunkhouses and horse pens are available for those who want to make a longer adventure of it

South Algonquin Equestrian Trails →

Haliburton Village

Just 40 minutes from Diamond Lakehouse, Haliburton is one of Ontario's most charming cottage country towns. A thriving arts scene anchors the village — galleries, studios and the famous Haliburton Sculpture Forest make it genuinely worth an afternoon. The main street is lined with locally owned restaurants, cafés and boutique shops that punch well above the town's size. In summer the village buzzes with festivals and events. In fall it becomes one of the most photographed spots in Ontario as the surrounding highlands turn every shade of red, orange and gold..

Explore Haliburton Highlands →

Local Dining & Groceries

Bancroft is just 20 minutes away and has everything you need for a cottage week. The Eagle's Nest Restaurant is a local favourite — hearty homemade food at great prices, with almost everything made from scratch including the sauces. The Granite is Bancroft's top-rated dining spot — excellent food, in-depth cocktails, live music in the dining room and a lounge perfect for catching a game. For something casual, For The Halibut fish and chips and the Bancroft Brew Pub are both worth a stop. For groceries, Bancroft has a Foodland, Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart and Home Hardware. And just 10 minutes from the cottage, the South Algonquin Country Store covers gas, propane, basic groceries, ice cream and a cold drink after a day on the lake

The Granite Restaurant →
All Bancroft Restaurants →

ALGONQUIN AREA — ONTARIO'S TRUE COTTAGE COUNTRY

HALIBURTON & HASTINGS HIGHLANDS

Where Ontario's Wilderness Begins

Area Attractions