Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower

06/08/2026

AFFORDABILITY AND GOVERNANCE STUDY: PUBLIC SURVEY AND OPEN HOUSES

The County of Haliburton has launched a community-wide Affordability and Governance Structure Study that will look at ways to simplify government processes and provide better value for taxpayers. The Study Team has developed a community engagement plan with opportunities for as many people as possible to share ideas.

No decision would be made right away. The Study is about getting more information to help inform what we do next. Ultimately, any decisions around the future of Haliburton County will be made by the 2026-2030 councils.

Residents are invited to participate by taking a survey, which can be found below. There will also be a series of public open houses in late June, with one at the Dorset Recreation Centre on Thursday, June 25 from 2 to 4 p.m.

You can click on the link below for more information.

06/04/2026

ARTS & CRAFTS: Come and check out the annual Arts & Crafts Show at the Dorset Parkette on Sunday, June 28! Then take a very short drive up Highway 35 and visit us at the Tower!

You can find more events on the Township's Community Calendar: https://calendar.algonquinhighlands.ca/

05/26/2026

We're used to lots of guests at the Tower . . . but not quite like this!

Last week members of Algonquin Highlands Fire Services stopped by to do some high-angle rope rescue training! If you've ever been to the top of the Tower, you'll know this certainly isn't for the faint of heart.

05/11/2026

OPENING DAY: It's almost time, friends! The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower will open for the 2026 season this Friday, May 15! Come and experience one of the most breath-taking vistas in Ontario cottage country! If you've never ascended the Tower before, make 2026 the year you do!

Season passes are available, and are less than $30 per household for the year!

You can find more info on the Tower, including hours and admission fees, right here: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/explore-play/parks-and-outdoor-spaces/dorset-scenic-lookout-tower/

02/12/2026

SNOWBALL: See you this weekend for the 2026 Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival!

THIS WEEKEND: Birds of prey, the Great Canadian Lumberjacks, cardboard toboggan races, hockey shoot-outs, pancakes, the Snowball Parade and so much more!

The 2026 Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival gets underway Friday evening at 6 p.m. with a skating party at the Dorset Ice Palace. A host of frosty fun starts with a pancake breakfast at the DRC at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, with activities continuing throughout the day along Main Street and in Lions Centennial Park.

Don't forget to stop into the Dorset Heritage Museum, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday!

You can find more info on Snowball, including a full itinerary, right here: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/explore-play/dorset-snowball-winter-carnival/

02/10/2026

HIRING: Want to come and work at the Tower this spring and summer?

The Township of Algonquin Highlands is currently hiring Tower Attendants for 2026! You can find more information on these positions, as well as other job opportunities from the Township, below.

HIRING: AH is hiring for a number of seasonal positions for the upcoming spring and summer, including Dorset Tower attendants, Trails Office attendants, swimming instructors, students trail technicians, and Stewardship Youth Rangers! Many of these positions are ideal for students and young people, and offer the opportunity to work outdoors!

You can find more information, including complete job descriptions and details on how to apply, here: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/municipal-services/employment-and-volunteer-opportunities/

01/22/2026

HIRING: Want to come and work at the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower this summer?

We are hiring five Tower attendants for the spring, summer and fall of 2026. These part-time positions are ideal for the retired or semi-retired looking to keep busy and socialize with people during the day!

You can find more information, including a full job description and details on how to apply, below:

The Township of Algonquin Highlands is now hiring for a variety of seasonal positions for the upcoming spring and summer months. Many of these positions are ideal for students and young people and include opportunities to work outdoors.

10/27/2025

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON: Please note the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower is now closed for 2025. Thanks to all who visited one of Ontario's most spectacular vistas this year!

The Tower will re-open in May of 2026 - see you then! In the meantime, you can take in the view any time of year via the Tower Web Cam on the AH website: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/explore-play/parks-and-outdoor-spaces/dorset-scenic-lookout-tower/

10/23/2025

LAST CHANCE: The fall foliage is fading and there are just a few days left to visit the Tower in 2025! This weekend - Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26 - will be our final one for this season. If you haven't been for a visit yet, now's your chance!

Please remember, advance tickets are required to visit this time of year. You can book yours here: https://ahtrails.ca/

10/17/2025

TOWER HOURS: A reminder that post-Thanksgiving, the Tower now closes at 5 p.m. with the final entry of the day at 4 p.m. We are open until October 26, so if you've haven't been for a visit yet this year, you've got just more than a week left!

Don't forget advance tickets are required to visit the Tower this time of year. You can book yours here: https://ahtrails.ca/