Haliburton, a small town in Haliburton County, Ontario, is a popular tourist destination full of beautiful lakes and cottages. Haliburton County is also known as the Haliburton Highlands, due either to its geographical similarity to the Scottish Highlands, or to the Scottish ancestry of the area’s founders. The lakes and rivers in the area dominate, but there is also a thriving arts and cultural scene which also helps to make Haliburton a great destination for a family holiday. About three hours drive out from Ottawa, or two hours away from Toronto, Haliburton offers a great opportunity for a laid back holiday – hiking around the lakes, fishing, generally relaxing. Those interested in a more active holiday can also take an ATV (all terrain vehicle) or go riding on horseback around trails in the area. If you go in the Winter, you can try your hand at cross country skiing or driving a snowmobile. The Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Park is also a major tourist attraction, and well worth exploring with the whole family. For keen shoppers, there is a thriving local trade in arts, crafts and antiques, and cinema fans will love the annual Haliburton Home Show!