Bonnie View Inn: Haliburton, Ontario

by Kelly Hayes

A visit to cottage country is a staple of the Canadian summer and the town of Haliburton, Ontario has been a popular destination for decades. Just outside of the Haliburton town centre lies the historic Bonnie View Inn, located on Kashagawigamog Lake in the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek peoples, on the traditional land covered by the Williams Treaties. True to its name, the Bonnie View Inn provides accommodation and dining with a view.

History of the Bonnie View Inn

The Bonnie View Inn was initially established in 1924 with the main inn and cottages continuing to be built into the 1940s. The inn has welcomed guests to the Haliburton Highlands ever since and holds nearly 100 years of history within its walls. Interestingly, in the 1960s the waterfront patio also operated as a boat hotel, where boats could stay overnight in the pull up boathouse. The Bonnie View Inn has long been a place of relaxation and entertainment on the lake and has delighted generations of holiday makers. To learn more about the history of the Bonnie View Inn and see historical newspaper clippings, you can visit their website here

Accommodation at the Bonnie View Inn in Haliburton

Visiting the Bonnie View Inn Today

Kashagawigamog Lake is a lively place in the summertime and the Bonnie View Inn is a perfect place to visit for either a meal or an overnight stay. In terms of accommodation, they offer a mixture of options including cabins, suites and rooms in the main inn. The grounds have a charming and traditional beachside resort feel to them, with plenty of outdoor space for swimming, playing games or relaxing. 

The Bonnie View Inn also has a great restaurant and lakeside patio for those looking for somewhere nice to go for a meal when up at the cottage. The food and service are excellent and it doesn’t get much better than sipping on a drink looking out over the lake! The outdoor patio often has live music that makes for a great afternoon or evening outing. 

Veggie Burger and Fries at the Bonnie View Inn Lakeside Patio
Veggie Burger at the Bonnie View Inn Dockside Patio

Tips for Visiting the Bonnie View Inn

How far is the Bonnie View Inn from Haliburton town centre?

The inn is located on the shores of Lake Kashagawigamog and is about an 8-minute drive from the Haliburton town centre.

What’s the best way to get there?

The easiest way to get there is by car. While it’s a short drive from Haliburton town centre, it would take you about 1.5 hours to walk there. If you’re staying on Lake Kashagawigamog you can also travel to the inn by boat.

How can I book accommodation?

You can book accommodation online by visiting the Bonnie View Inn website.

Do you need to book accommodation to eat at the restaurant?

Nope! Anyone is free to eat at the restaurant or dockside patio. I highly recommend going on a night when there’s live music.

How much is a meal?

The prices are very resonable and worth it for the view alone! On the Dockside Patio a burger will cost you around $18.00 and they have both vegetarian and gluten free meal options as well. Not only is the food delicious, but they also have a great drinks menu with a number of their own cocktails, including the Green Bikini Survivor which has been served for 30 years!

This article’s information was last updated in July 2022.

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