Best Dock-and-Dine Spots in Haliburton County

Seven Dock-and-Dine Favorite Restaurants in Haliburton County

Ever wonder what it would be like to coast up to the dock of a local restaurant and hop out for a snack? For those in and around Haliburton County this summer, there are more options than you might think – so, we thought we’d educate you on how to dock-and-dine in the Highlands. Get your notepad ready!

1. Bonnie View Inn

Try saying Kashagawigamog ten times fast. Okay, now stop, and head to 2713 Kashagawigamog Lake Road in Haliburton and say hello to Andrea for us. You can hear the water lap under your chair on their lakeside patio, open Monday to Sunday from Noon until 5 p.m., weather permitting. With more than 300-ft of beachfront, your canoes, paddle boats, paddle boards, kayaks, row boats or other watercraft shouldn’t have a problem docking for a snack. They’ve got Boshkung on tap and a killer Bonnie View Burger. Visit bonnieviewinn.com for full hours of operation.

2. Butternut Mercantile & Coffee Parlour

Also on Kashagawigamog, is this self-acclaimed healthy food hub features a take-out menu with vegan, gluten and/or dairy free options. Try a smoothie paired with a butter tart and you won’t be disappointed. They also have locally sourced groceries if you need to pick up a few things while grabbing your take-out at this Ingoldsby gem, located at 1184 Kashagawigamog Lake Road. Visit them online at butternutmercantile.com.

3. Heather Lodge

Located on Twelve Mile Lake, this adults-only lodge has more than 60 years of stories to tell. With an outdoor patio deck, overlooking the lake, it’s easy to grab one of their four dock slips and get started with your culinary experience. The only caveat – if you’re are not staying at the lodge, reservations are required. They accept resos every day during the high season but caution you to book in advance. And you should, because Chef James offers local products like Abbey Gardens’ milled red fife pancakes and Wintergreen Maple Syrup. Serving a full, hot breakfast and four course dinners, you don’t want to miss out on this dock-and-dine location. For info on how to reserve, visit heatherlodge.com.

4. Trading Bay Dining Company

Originally known as the Dorset Hotel in the late 1800’s, this Lake of Bays waterfront restaurant offers a little piece of history with each flipped table. Guests can dock their boat (or floatplane, yes, we said floatplane) with ease and order fare like onsite-smoked ribs and brisket or the famous Trading Bay cedar-planked trout. Not only are they there seven days a week in the summer, but have the perfect hours for boating up for lunch or dinner – from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Tell Jenny and Paul we sent you. Visit tradingbaydining.com for the full menu.

5. Sir Sam's Inn & Spa

As they say, Eagle Lake is just the starting point for this dock-and-dine location. This popular destination in the Highlands offers guests a variety of ways to enjoy the lake and surrounding watershed. Chef Dave at Twin Fires restaurant is known for the mouth-watering menu items for those out for an afternoon of waves, but reservations are required so don’t forget to call first. Grad a fan favourite from the summer lunch menu and call it a day! Take a peek at other favourites at sirsamsinn.com/dining/.

6. Oakview Lodge and Marina

One of the best spots to venture out to, located on the shore of Little Hawk Lake (south-west of Algonquin Park) is Oakview Lodge and Marina. Many in the Highlands (local or cottager) regard this piece of natural heaven as a great place to meet for a drink or delicious meal. Park the boat and let your taste buds be tantalized. Reservations are required and their dining room is open to the public from 6-8 p.m. from Thursday to Monday. See their sample menu at oakviewlodge.com/sample-menu

7. Pine Grove Point Pizza & Snack Shack

Situated on Elephant Lake in Harcourt, this secret pizza joint should be added to your list of places to see this summer, and why not book a campsite while you’re at it? Wilderness camping or full-service sites are available if you are wanting more than just a dock-and-dine. But if it’s a boat-up pick-up you’re after, call in advance to place your order at 705-448-2387. With fries, rings, fingers and other summer favs, it’s worth checking out. Do so at pinegrovepoint.com

By Contributing Writer - Jennifer Hughey