Haliburton, Ontario is the perfect wintertime getaway for those looking to escape from their loud city streets and stressful offices. Pleasant View Cottage is on Kushog Lake with beautiful shorelines, but locals and tourists alike have quickly packed away their swimsuits for snow pants. Ontarians embrace the snow and cold by venturing into the breathtaking Haliburton Highlands wilderness every winter. There are dozens of activities in Ontario that every visitor should try this winter. While Haliburton is known for its snowmobile trails, ski resorts and ice fishing, there are several unique (and somewhat obscure) activities worth attempting. We’re centrally located to the area’s wildest winter sports, including dog sledding, ice climbing, snowshoeing and of course, skiing at Sir Sam’s.

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Dog Sledding in Ontario

Being pulled by a pack of beautiful, strong and friendly sled dogs is a distinct thrill. A handful of other animals have historically pulled humans via carriage, including horses, oxen and camels, but none of those methods provides an adrenaline rush quite like huskies. Most sled dogs in North America are either Alaskan or Siberian Huskies, mainly because they’re the two best racing breeds in the world. Pleasant View Cottage is a short drive from three of the best dog sledding tours in Ontario: Winterdance, Haliburton Forest and North Ridge Ranch. You can compare prices and tours by clicking on each link. The tours span from 45 minutes to multiple days.

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Ice Climbing at BaseCamp 35

It’s difficult to find a safe place to learn the art of ice climbing. We highly recommend learning with the aid of professionals, proper gear and ideal climbing conditions. BaseCamp 35 is one of the only ice climbing companies in Ontario. Ice climbing is a mildly obscure sport, but it has become one of the most popular winter activities in Ontario because of our sizable bluffs.

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Snowshoeing Excursions

Snowshoeing is one of the most underrated winter activities in Ontario, yet thousands of Canadians flock to the Algonquin Highlands with exploration on their minds. There is a seemingly never-ending natural wonderland waiting to be rediscovered. Pleasant View Cottage is conveniently located near many lakes, forests and hills. If you’re looking for established trails, visit the Frost Centre for 11 kilometres of loops and snowshoe rentals.