Discover Art in the Outdoors at the Haliburton Sculpture Forest

If you’re looking for a unique stop on your next road trip through the Haliburton Highlands, the Haliburton Sculpture Forest is one to add to your list. Combining art, nature and a leisurely walk through the woods, it’s a fun way to spend an hour or two exploring something a little different.

Located in Glebe Park near the village of Haliburton, the Sculpture Forest features an impressive outdoor collection of work by Canadian and international artists. Currently, there are more than 40 sculptures along the trails, along with several one-of-a-kind artist-designed benches.

What I loved about this experience is that the forest itself becomes part of the art. Rather than walking through a traditional gallery, you follow trails through the trees, discovering sculptures tucked into the landscape along the way. Some immediately catch your attention, while others almost seem to blend into their natural surroundings.

And apparently the local wildlife wanted to be part of the experience too. We spotted deer on both our way into the Sculpture Forest and again on our way out, which made an already beautiful visit feel even more special.

The entire trail system is approximately 1.4 kilometres, making this a very manageable outing and a great addition to a day exploring Haliburton.

One of the best things about the Haliburton Sculpture Forest is that admission is by donation, making it an affordable activity for families, couples or anyone looking to spend some time outdoors. Donation boxes can be found around the property, and visitors can also donate electronically using the Tip Tap system.

Glebe Park is open daily from dawn until dusk, including holidays. There is parking at both entrances to the park, with access from the Fleming College/Haliburton School of Art + Design side at 297 College Drive as well as from the Haliburton Highlands Museum side.

The trails are wide and generally easy to navigate, with surfaces consisting primarily of compacted gravel and earth rather than pavement. Visitors using wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility aids should be aware that some sculptures are accessed by steps and there is a steep section of trail.

Dogs are welcome, too, as long as they remain under their owner’s control and you clean up after them.

Pack a lunch! There are picnic tables in Glebe Park near the entrance to the Sculpture Forest, so it’s easy to turn your walk into a longer afternoon outdoors. Public washrooms are also available in Glebe Park, with additional washrooms available at the Haliburton Highlands Museum and Haliburton School of Art + Design when those buildings are open.

If you’re visiting during July or August, consider timing your trip for one of the free guided tours offered on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Tours can take up to two hours and offer a chance to learn more about the sculptures and artists behind them. Private group tours can also be arranged throughout the year.

You can even walk or bike to the Sculpture Forest from Haliburton Village using the Head Lake Trail.

The Sculpture Forest is a four-season attraction. In the winter, parts of the property can be explored on foot or by snowshoe at no charge, while some trails become groomed Nordic ski trails. A trail pass is required for skiing. There is even a lit ski loop through the Sculpture Forest for an entirely different way to experience the artwork after the snow arrives.

Visiting in different seasons would completely change the experience, sculptures surrounded by summer greenery would look entirely different framed by colourful fall leaves or fresh snow.

The Haliburton Sculpture Forest is one of those places that combines several things I love about exploring Ontario: getting outdoors, discovering something unexpected and supporting attractions that make our smaller communities unique.

Whether you’re an art lover or simply looking for an interesting place to stretch your legs while exploring the Haliburton Highlands, it’s well worth a stop.

Haliburton Sculpture Forest

297 College Drive

Haliburton, Ontario

Open daily from dawn to dusk

Admission by donation

For current information, trail maps, sculptures, guided tours and seasonal updates, visit the Haliburton Sculpture Forest website⁠.