Discover Dorset: Views, Local History and Art

Dorset and its surrounding area offer a range of options for a vacation: views from the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower, picnic areas overlooking Little Trading Bay, trails through mixed forest, and places where local history comes to life. Art and ceramics are also part of what the area has to offer. For families with different interests, this means a choice of activities that combines time outdoors with cultural discoveries, without every outing needing to have the same character.

Views, a Forest Trail and a Break by the Water

North of the village of Dorset, the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower stands along Highway 35. The tower is operated by the Township of Algonquin Highlands. Visitors can climb to the observation deck, which is 142 metres above Lake of Bays, and enjoy the view both from the tower’s treetop level and from ground-level viewpoints. This offers several different vantage points to choose from.

The Dorset Lookout Tower Trail offers another way to experience the area. It starts behind the Dorset Heritage Museum and winds through a beautiful mixed forest, from the base of the lookout hill to the summit and back. If you would rather take a break during the day, Dorset Parkette has picnic areas overlooking Little Trading Bay. The lookout tower, forest trail and picnic area therefore offer different ways to spend time outdoors.

Discover Local History and Art

The Dorset Museum is located at the base of Tower Hill, on the original site of the Fire-Ranger Headquarters built in 1927. Its exhibits include a replica of the Gilmour Tramway. A historic plaque in Dorset Parkette also commemorates the Bobcaygeon Road. This colonization road was intended to open up the inland settlement areas of Haliburton from the settled townships along the shore of Lake Ontario. The museum and plaque offer insights into different aspects of local history.

Chetolah Fresh Air Studio adds another cultural touch: a restored barn houses an artist’s studio that also serves as a ceramics gallery. When planning your vacation, you can consider whether you would like to spend more time exploring the landscape and being active, or learning about history and art. These different focuses can help you refine your idea of a stay in Dorset.

Keep Departure and Opening Times in Mind

The main departure point for the SS Bigwin is at Dorset Dock, 1090 Main Street, by the Lake of Bays Marine Museum. Free parking is available. Departure details and schedules may change, so check them before your trip. The Lake of Bays Marine Museum is open to all visitors during its operating season. Check the operating-season dates in advance.

When looking for a holiday rental, the mix of activities and discoveries you want can help you decide. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, the lookout tower, forest trail and picnic areas can shape your plans; if local history interests you, the museum and plaque offer specific points of interest. The artist’s studio and ceramics gallery add art to the mix.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Dwight, Honey Harbour, Gravenhurst, Bala, Mactier, Huntsville, Torrance, Lake of Bays.

For the main travel overview: Muskoka District Municipality.