The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower Park is operated and maintained for your enjoyment by the Township of Algonquin Highlands.
The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower is located off Highway 35 just north of the village of Dorset.
The original tower was built in 1922, was 25 metres high (82 feet) and used as a fire lookout tower until 1961. The current tower was built in 1967 and is 30 metres high (100 feet) and was erected for visitors to enjoy the view.
Annually, more than 10,000 vehicles (60,000 visitors) will pass through the gates. In the peak Autumn season, it is not unusual for more than 600 vehicles to visit the tower in a single day.
Visitors are welcome to climb to the observation deck, which is 142 metres (465 feet) above Lake of Bays, and enjoy the view from the tree-top lookout as well as ground level lookouts
Facilities include picnic sites, restrooms, a tourist information kiosk, a gift shop and a hiking trail. Click here for a printable copy of the Dorset Scenic Tower Trail map.
Dogs, when leashed, are welcome at the Tower Park and on the Trail, but are not allowed on the actual Tower.
The Tower is a "use at own risk" attraction. High risk use of the Tower and mountain is not permitted.
Drinking water: The public access water fill station at the Tower will open for the weekend of May 27th.
Live web stream from the top of the Dorset Lookout Tower!
Fees:
| Victoria Day through first friday after Labour day | |
|---|---|
| Walk-up | $2.07 per person |
| Car | $10.33 |
| Motorcycle | $5.17 |
| Commercial coach/van - up to 9 passengers | $18.63 |
| Large vehicle needing two parking spaces. (Camper/RV/Towable or a 10 to 15 passenger mini-bus) | $31.05 |
| Mini-bus and/or 16 to 29 passengers | $60.03 |
| Coach bus and/or 30 passengers or more | $113.85 |
| Season Pass (limited to registration of two vehicles per household. NOT for shared use between households. NOT available for commercial use. | $25.82 |
| 10 pass package (vehicle) | $25.82 |
Note: all above fees subject to applicable taxes.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Gates open 10am, last car through gate at 4:30pm
Directions & Contact Information
1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Rd. (located off Hwy. 35, just north of the village of Dorset)
Map Coordinates: 45.252987,-78.893852
GPS Location: UTM Zone 17. 0665289E 5013211N
Phone: 705-766-1032
Email: tower@algonquinhighlands.ca