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TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada

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Top 8 Places to Visit in

Dorset | Ontario

The page created by Chantal Campbell | University of British Columbia | Photo by P199, CC BY 2.5

Dorset | Ontario Classified

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01

Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower

The Dorset lookout tower offers stunning 360-degree views from its observation deck. At 456 feet above the Lake of Bays, this tower offers scenes of stretching forests and glittering lakes. While it is a stunning site at any time of the year, observing the fall foliage from the tower is truly a site to behold. For those who fear heights, the trek up to the hill is still worth the journey to enjoy views of Dorset and perhaps a packed picnic.

The tower was originally constructed in 1922 to spot wildfires. It was retired for this purpose after 1962 when the aircraft replaced the tower, but it continued to be climbed by those wishing to enjoy the view. The original tower was taken down, and the current one was constructed for this purpose.

Parking is available at the base of the tower, or it can be accessed by following a 20-minute hiking trail from behind the heritage museum. During the winter, there is also a snowmobile trail to the tower base.

A climb up the Scenic Lookout Tower is a perfect way to enjoy all of the nature sites this holiday town offers.

Photos: Google Maps, Well, Google Street View

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02

Bigwin Steamship

The S.S Bigwin has been sailing across the Lake of Bays since 1925 and counties to bring charm to its scenery to this day.

Originally purchased by the Huntsville and Lake of Bays Navigation Company, it joined the fleet of wooden steamships transporting visitors across the Muskoka waterways. This boat was primarily used to transfer guests to the Bigwin Island Resort, one of North America’s most popular summer destinations. With the decline of the resort, it fell into disservice until efforts to restore the boat were undertaken by the local community.

The ship was officially relaunched on July 2013 and now counties to serve as the only remaining historical commercial vessel to sail on the Lake of Bays. Boarding this ship today will take you by the charming islands and rugged shores of the lake while the live commentary of the captain will inform you of the area’s legends.

To learn more about this ship, and marine vessel use in Lake of Bays tourism, there is a nautical museum at the SS Bigwin’s Dock.

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/SSBigwin

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03

Dorset Heritage Museum

This small museum hosts a packed collection of photos and relics to help you learn about the origins of this community. This includes exhibits on the life of the early pioneers and settlers, traditional practices, the area’s development, and its local wildlife.

The museum is operated completely by volunteers who wish to display the uniqueness of Dorset to the local community and visitors. It’s a great way to learn about the area and its history. The museum is also the starting point for the walking trail leading up to the lookout tower, making it easy to combine adventures.

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067145053847

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04

Mountain Trout House Marina

This Family owned marina offers short-term rentals for all the adventure equipment you could desire. During the summer, they have plenty of vessels to get you out on the water, whether you’re looking for a boat to go fishing, a pontoon to relax on, a skidoo to whip around on, or a motor boat for watersports. After enjoying the water and the summer sun, you can stop by their retail store for some ice cream and Lake of Bays merch.

The marina has snowmobile rentals available during winter to get you out on some of the many trails carefully maintained around Dorset. As a center of the community, the marina is also often the location for year-round events, such as stargazing or yoga. It is a great place to stop in, talk to some locals, and collect all the gear you need to make the most out of your trip.

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/MTHMarina

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05

Love Pottery Studio

The Love Pottery Studio is owned and operated by local Dorset resident Tara Gilchrist. She injects whimsical images and designs into her practical wheel-thrown items inspired by her natural surroundings. Her love of her local nature and the cultures she has travelled to are evident in all the bowls, mugs, plates, and platters she produces from her studio. The refurbished barn that hosts her studio also houses a seasonal espresso bar.

During the summer, Tara offers clay classes for kids, and her wife teaches yoga classes. It’s a great stop while on your trip to Dorset and allows you to take a little piece of your journey home with you.

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/LovePotteryStudio/

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06

Pizza on Earth

Pizza on Earth is a family-owned business that offers gourmet pizza. Their thin-crust pizzas are prepared with the highest quality ingredients and cooked in their traditional brick wood-fired pizza oven. They offer nine different pizzas, including classic favourites with new twists. My favourite is their Lake of Baysil Pizza, partly because of the delicious ingredients but primarily due to the creative name. All pizzas come out with a crisp crust and a mouth-watering smokiness. You can pick up the pizzas from the window to take home or enjoy on their patio.

You can call to order in advance if you’re in a rush, but I recommend going and ordering in person. The wait time will allow you to check out their attached art gallery.  This gallery hosts a collection of works by local artists that celebrate nature and communities in Northern Ontario. Currently, it is hosted original works of Elizabeth Johnson. Not many places allow visitors to look at local art and enjoy quality wood-fired pizza, making Pizza on Earth a unique spot to add to your Dorset travel itinerary.

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/pizzaonearthdorset/

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07

Dorset Snowball Festival

February Family Day weekend

This family-friendly event draws in people from all over Ontario every Family Day weekend. The Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival allows guests to participate in all of the activities and wonders that are unique to the Canadian cottage experience. Guests can enjoy maple taffy and a pancake breakfast and check out some local vendors. Fascinating displays include equipment samples from the Dorset and Dwight Trapping Association and the ice statue carving competition.

The festival also entails a number of shows, such as those by the  Great Canadian Lumber Jack and the Wild Life Caller. There are plenty of activities to get involved in, such as archery, snowshoe racing, hockey shoot-out, toboggan races, ice skating, and horse-drawn wagon rides.  Visitors get access to all of the festivities with a purchase of a $5 snowball pin, the proceeds from which go towards supporting charitable causes in the community. The Dorset snowball festival is a great way to get involved in the lively cottage community of Dorset and enjoy all its wintery wonders.

Photo: www.dorsetsnowball.com

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08

Robinson’s General Store

This famous general store is a “must-see” for anyone visiting the Muskoka or Haliburton area. Located by the bridge on Main Street in Dorset, the store has been owned and operated by the same family since 1921 and now sprawls over 14,000 sq. ft. of retail space.

Photos: https://robinsonsgeneralstore.ca/

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Top 8 Places to Visit in

Dorset | Ontario

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