A popular destination in Ontario is Haliburton Highlands cottage country. And why not – sitting on top of the rugged Canadian Shield, this area is sprinkled with many pristine rivers, lakes, and dense forests. Small towns like Dorset, Minden and Haliburton offer up good food and drink, along with a thriving arts community that adds to its charm. (Updated November 2022)
If you are looking for a cottage rental in Haliburton County I’ve done all the research for you! Here are the 10 best Airbnb stays in Haliburton Highlands, with 2 additional bonus properties. All you have to do now is click and book.
Best Airbnb in Haliburton
The Baltic
Who wants to stay in an actual treehouse? This off-grid sustainable property is a luxury stay in an evergreen forest. It’s the perfect spot to reconnect with nature in any season. It offers just enough space for a solo traveller or a couple.
Airbnb Details:
- Location: Minden Hills
- Average Price: $300/night
- 1 bedroom
- Not dog friendly
Click here to book your stay
Wren Lake House
Looking to stay in a cottage perched up high amongst the trees? This treetop property soars over the quiet Wren Lake. Descend the 130 steps to the private lake access, where you’ll have use of the cottage’s kayaks and canoe. This mid-century Scandinavian-styled interior is perfect for a family or friend’s stay.
Airbnb Details:
- Algonquin Highlands (Wren Lake)
- Average price $350/night
- 4 bedrooms | 2 baths
- Not dog friendly
Click here to book your stay
Cranberry Cabins
Do you long to stay in a traditional log cabin deep in the woods? This cozy cabin is the perfect stay for a romantic couple’s getaway. Nestled amongst the soaring trees on a large lot with an outdoor dining space and large fire pit to gaze upon the starlit sky.
Airbnb Details:
- Location: Dysart et al
- Average price: $150/night
- 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom + seasonal bunkie with 2 single beds
- Dog friendly
Click here to book your stay
Read More | You can read all about my stay at this cute traditional log cabin, click here
Sunflower Hill
Are you looking for a relaxing spa-like retreat deep in nature? This Scandinavian-style cabin features an outdoor sauna, hot tub, and a cold plunge pool as part of a nordic health ritual. A beautiful minimalist interior and tranquil exterior make this a perfect solo or couples getaway to recharge, rejuvenate and reconnect.
Airbnb Details:
- Location: Harcourt (1km from Lake)
- Average price: $339/night
- 1 bed + loft | 1 bath
- Not dog friendly
Click here to book your stay
The Suffolk
Are you looking for a cottage to be on a quiet, peaceful no motor lake? Suffolk offers just that, a pristine shallow lake with a sandy beach. This stylish, boutique cottage makes for a great getaway for couples and friends.
Airbnb Details:
- Location: Eagle Lake (Ross Lake)
- Average price: $490/night
- 3 bedrooms/1 bathroom
- Not dog friendly
Click here to book your stay
Algonquin Lakefront Cottage
Who loves being in the great outdoors? This newly renovated mid-century modern cottage sits in the perfect location. Steps from the trail systems to enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Included are 4 ice fishing poles, 4 pairs of snow shoes and a trail map.
Airbnb Details:
- Location: Hastings Highlands (Little MacGarry Lake)
- Average price: $270/night
- 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
- Dog friendly
Click here to book your stay
Rose-Eh Chalet
Who is looking for a quiet escape on a beautiful lake? This A-frame chalet sits on a no-motor, small, crystal-clear limestone bottom lake. Paddle out in one of the cottage’s kayaks and canoes to enjoy the peacefulness it has to offer. Inside, the interior is light, simple and minimalist with a few touches of the traditional Hudson’s Bay stripes.
Airbnb Details:
- Location: Harcourt (Lake Carfrae)
- Average price: $350 /night
- 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
- Dog-friendly (upon request)
Click here to book your stay
Kabin Paudash Lake
Are you looking to stay in a highly stylized boutique cottage? This newly renovated cottage is oh so dreamy. From its relaxed boho interior to its beautiful lake views – this one is definitely swoon-worthy. It had me at its pops of pale pink! Perfect for a family and friends stay.
Airbnb Details:
- Location: Highland East (Lake Paudash)
- Average price: $550/night
- 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
- Dog friendly
Click here to book your stay
H2H Cottage Co.
H2H Cottage Co. offers two cottage rentals in Haliburton Highlands. Two cottages, on different lakes- Kennisis Lake and Bitter Lake. Take a look at these recommended cottage stays.
Stay in this rustic modern cottage perched up high with amazing views of Kennisis Lake. This cottage is the ultimate relaxing cottage stay. A two-tier deck makes you feel like you are in a tree house: hammocks, bonfire pit, paddle boards, kayaks, and more.
Airbnb Details:
- Location: Dysart et al (Kennisis Lake)
- Average price: $550/night
- 3 bed | 2 bath
- Dog friendly
Click here and book your stay
Read more | Check out my stay at Kennisis Lake cottage
This cute charming recently updated cottage sits on a small, quiet lake. Kayaks are included, as well as multiple decks to enjoy the most beautiful sunrise and sunset views over this calm lake.
Airbnb Details:
- 3 bed | 2 bath
- Average price $500/night
- Dog friendly
Click here and book your stay
Read more | Check out my stay at Bitter Lake cottage
As a holidaymaker…
Haliburton Highlands is a highly-sought after destination for city dwellers. It truly offers that quintessential Canadian cottage country experience. Just as beautiful as the landscape is, so must the cottage be. I hope this list has inspired you to book one of these amazing Airbnb properties for your next northern escape in the Haliburton area.
Interested in other Airbnb vacation rentals in Ontario? Check out these other curated lists of the best Airbnbs:
These look simply amazing! I wouldn’t mind spending a night or two in any of them!
I think Rose-Eh Chalet has stolen my heart and I need to stay there! I love your AirBnB posts they never dissapoint!
I’m so glad you loved these places, and if in Canada, you know where to stay!
I’ll take a start at each one, please! What beautiful properties. I’m a big fan of the more isolated ones, some of those views are incredible. But Birchwood Cottage is the one I like the look of most, seems like it has a lot of character
Oh these are all so gorgeous! I think I’m learning that “modern cottage” really is my favourite aesthetic. The Suffolk one is speaking to me – on the lake and with that cool stove/fireplace!
I’m so glad you like them as much as I do. Yes, that’s really my vibe too, and agree The Suffolk is gorgeous.
AirBnBs are such a lovely, more personal way to experience a destination. The ones you have selected all look so amazing I find it hard to select my favourite. More reasons for a longer trip!
Thank you Kerry, it’s a good position to be in- having many great choices for places to rent.
I love being in and amongst the trees so the Baltic is really attractive to me. I think the entire area would satisfy my desire to be back to nature.
Agreed, this is definitely the area if you love nature.
I love being right in nature, so staying at the Baltic or Birchwood cottage looks lovely!
Ok, these all look incredible! That treehouse looks amazing – wish I was able to hop on a plane right away!
You’ll just have to tuck this away for future.
The Birchwood Cottage looks fantastic and a great place to stay for those of us who travel with pets. It may seem a bit pricey and first glance, but with three bedrooms if you split it among three couples it really is a great deal!
Agree Candy, it’s a great option when you split the cost with others. And, it really does offer a lot for that experience. The location, the privacy, the views and the luxury interior too. I agree, that property is pretty incredible.
Oh, these places look magical. I would stay in any of them. Thank you for sharing them.
Thanks for stopping by and checking them out.
There look absolutely dreamy. What a great list. I could choose any one of them. One day . . . .
Thanks for stopping by Alison, and I hope one day… does come to fruition. You’ll love this part of Ontario.