Activities for Summer

ATVing

Highlands East multi-use trails are perfect for ATVing. To go further throughout the county, obtain a HATVA trail pass which can be purchased in person at the Visitor Information Centre or purchased online from HATVA.

Baseball

Grab a bat, ball and glove and enjoy a family and friends game at one of the three ball diamonds in Highlands East: Wilberforce, Gooderham, and Cardiff. View the locations on the Facilities map.

Basketball

Enjoy throwing a few threw the hoops at the Gooderham, Wilberforce and Highland Grove basketball courts. View the locations on the Facilities map.

Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing

Highlands East has over 70 lakes, with approximately 30 public water access points. Visit our Parks and Trails page for information on suggested paddling outings on Dark Lake, Clement Lake, Wilbermere Lake and more.

Deep Roots Adventure offers guided experiences as well as canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals, including delivery.

Camping

A great way to truly enjoy the outdoors, there are tent and trailer campgrounds as well as Silent Lake Provincial Park to pitch your tent or park your camper.

Cycling

Our Homesteader and Prospector multi use trails offer a variety of cycling experiences, from former rail trails to scenic back roads, many traveling along the shores of picturesque lakes.

Fishing

To fish in Ontario you need a valid fishing license. Whether you are fishing on the ice, boat or shore depends on the local conditions during the open/closed season for a particular species. You can view or download a copy of the Ontario Fishing Guide Summary. Highlands East is in Zone 15.

For a guide to the many water access points, check out the Swimming and Boat Launch map.

Geocaching

An activity that appeals to both the young and the young at heart, learn about geocaching and the Geocaching Capital of Canada, treasure hunting with a high tech twist.

Hiking

Visit our Parks and Trails page for locations of hiking and multi-use trails.

Algonquin Provincial Park's High Falls offers a moderate hike to the base of the falls. Follow Peterson Road and look for signs to Algonquin Provincial Park's High Falls parking lot.

Horse Back Riding

For a unique experience, South Algonquin Trails provides horseback riding in the south end of Algonquin Park.

Horse Shoes

Horse shoe pits are located at the Highland Grove Park and Glamorgan Park in Gooderham. Watch the events calendar for horse shoe tournaments held at the Wilberforce Legion.

Museums and Historical Sites

Open July and August, the Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost Historic House Museum offers a journey into the past lives of local nurses and residents. The Kidd School House Museum in Highland Grove will appeal to those interested in genealogy as will our cemeteries.

Use your imagination as you drive scenic back roads where once thriving settlements are now Ghost Towns.

Mineral Collecting

Visit our Mineral Collecting page for information on mineral collecting sites in Highlands East and rare mineral tours.

Shopping

A unique antique, hand blow glassware or that elusive hardware item you need, there are a wide variety of shopping opportunities in Highlands East.

Swimming – Pool & Beaches

Explore fun in the water at the pool and public beaches.

Tennis

Tennis courts are available for public use on a first come basis in Wilberforce and Gooderham.

Pickle Ball

In the summer months pickle ball takes place at the Keith Tallman Arena in Wilberforce. The group welcomes new faces, anyone wanting to learn the game and enjoy getting some exercise. View our Events Calendar to find out when this activity takes place.