Approx. 26,500 hectares of rugged backcountry provincial crown, municipal lands and private lands comprised of mixed forests and 60 plus lakes, some with cottages and others that are undeveloped remote interior. Camping includes 171 interior campsites and 70 portages. There are some road access campsites.
Recreational opportunities exist for cottagers, canoeing, boating, camping, fishing, ice fishing, hunting, hiking, atving, snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing and ice climbing.
Area is ideal for novice paddlers and families looking for 2-3 day getaways. Used extensively by several youth camp organizations. Busy on weekends, July, August.
Access to area is from 12 public access points throughout the area mostly off of Hwy. 35. The largest and busiest lake is Sherborne Lake. Two parts of the area designated as conservation reserves.
The HHWT Information centre/store/rentals available at Frost Centre access point at 20130 Hwy. 35., 12 km south of Dorset. There is pay phone and cell coverage at many access points. Shopping and services are available in Dorset, Carnarvon and points in between. Closest hospitals are Minden, Haliburton and Hunstville. Police is Minden OPP.
Approx. 1,800 hectares of remote backcountry provincial crown and municipal lands comprised of mixed forests and 12 lakes with minimal development. Camping includes 47 campsites and 10 portages.
Recreational opportunities exist for canoeing, camping, fishing, ice fishing, hunting, atving, snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing.
Area is ideal for novice paddlers and families looking for 1-2 getaways. Busy on weekends.
Access to area is from 2 public access points at 5128 Hwy. 118. The largest and busiest lake is Big East Lake. There is cell phone coverage only for area. Shopping or services are 20 km east or west in places such as Hwy. 11 Bracebridge, Carnarvon and Minden areas. Closest hospitals are Minden and Bracebridge. Police is Minden or Hunstville OPP.
To provide assistance to local municipalities and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the preservation, conservation and management of area canoe routes and their associated campsites, portages and access points throughout the Haliburton Highlands and portions of Lake of Bays and Minden Hills.
The HHWT and its partners are committed to continuing:
- To implement a Management Model and Operational Plans that provides for resource management and protection, recreation, heritage and tourism.
- To educate area users and residents on the responsible recreational use of area canoe routes, campsites, portages and access points through various media.
- To implement rehabilitation measures, campsite restrictions, by-laws, regulations and compliance policies based on inventories, assessments, use trends and management goals.
- To coordinate improvements to campsites, portages and access points including infrastructure and facilities pertinent to appropriate recreational uses.
- To seek and generate funding in support of current and long term management programs.
- To provide management information and controls that work towards minimizing the environmental degradation of sensitive lands and waters from over use and abuse.
- To network and maintain memberships with various groups promoting responsible and sustainable recreational use.
- The management of 248 campsites, 80 portages, 13 access points on 70 lakes
- Daily patrols and maintenance of area lakes and campsites
- Funding and grants to date totaling $650,000
- Ongoing installation of campsite toilets and fire pit rings/grills
- Creation of Frost Centre & Poker Lakes Area Canoeing and Camping Maps/Guides
- Various Access point parking and public toilet improvements
- Signage of areas campsites, portages and access points
- Development of area by-laws, regulations and set fines
- Implementation of enforcement program – 88% compliance in 2007
- Implementation and enhancement of Reservation/Camping Permit System
- Development and growth of Adopt-a-Water Trail program
- Establishment of HHWT office and store front at Frost Centre
- Partnerships with local trails groups and adjacent Municipalities
Haliburton Highlands Water
Trails (HHWT) 