Yours Outdoors - Discover Haliburton, Ontario - Experience Packages and Consulting Services

"We thoroughly enjoyed our Haliburton Rocks! adventure. Digging apatite at Bear Lake, hanging out with other rock-loving people, and spending time at magical Greenmantle Farm were experiences we will not soon forget. In fact we'd like to return to the area in September and visit Bear Lake again - I think my husband fancies himself a bit of a rock hound and wants to go back! The Bramhams were truly wonderful people and please extend our gratitude for welcoming us into their home and special land, and sharing their piece of mineral paradise with us! Thanks. We'll definitely keep you in mind for future adventures."

"WOW! Cannot believe it's been almost 3 weeks since we did that trek! We all had a wonderful day. The variety of artists you showed us was amazing and everyone found something they could enjoy! So, it was a great introduction to Haliburton, the arts/artists and the ride and restaurant were excellent. Sean's knowledge of the area, tips on cycling and good natured humour enhanced our total experience!"

"Marguerite and I very much enjoyed the tour, it was more than we expected. Sean and Karra were very helpful and we really enjoyed their company. Sean was extremely helpful with his biking expertise and kept us motivated to the finish line! The artists we met were all very interesting and we enjoyed the exposure to the incredible talent that is in the Haliburton region. We will certainly visit again and likely take other tours."

"What a fantastic day we had, such a beautiful group of lakes and we could not have got a better day weather wise. The waterfalls on the Black River were spectacular. The lunch that Rick (Yours Outdoors experience leader) put together was great and Karra baked some excellent zucchini mini loaves which we ate after we had come off the water before we headed out to Rick Nash's (birch bark canoe builder). What a character that guy is! Hope Rick and Karra had as much fun as we did, we very much enjoyed their company. Thanks for another great outdoor adventure!"

"I would like to say that I found the entire day and workshop incredible. The morning session was like a dream come true for me because in wanting to learn about the clay, glazes, shape creation....I couldn't imagine working on the wheel like that and experiencing the 'feel' of the clay and seeing what came out of the ball of clay with only the spinning and my wet hands to shape. I felt like I do when I'm in a yarn store and see the colours and want to make something from everything I see. I still cannot believe that we made 4 pieces of pottery in the morning and selected the glazes for the finished product. The learning, watching and doing was wonderful. The lunch was delicious and to be guests in their home was very gracious of The Wales. I love Rickie Woods pottery and own several pieces so it was with great enjoyment that we visited her Studio, learned about how she became a potter and about glazing. To glaze our own travel mugs in bisque form was a great experience. It reminded me of days gone by when I painted ceramics. Visiting Lisa Barry's Studio and working with the clay in the 'leather' phase was an excellent way to top off our day. I really enjoyed learning about the different techniques that she showed us and it was with serious intensity that I tried to do the technique on my bowl. It is with great anticipation that I wait to see how my 6 pieces of pottery turn out after firing.

I learned so much and the workshop was so positive and enjoyable that I wanted to do another one again and again. I'm pretty sure I will be enrolling in a pottery class at the College this year for a week long experience. I can't thank you enough for the outstanding workshop that you organized for me with our group of 6. Your attention to detail from chauffeuring us from studio to studio, the morning coffee with treats, and our lunch made it very easy for me to promote any workshop with "Your's Outdoors". I am singing high praises to everyone who will listen to me about the workshop and who knows, I may sign up for another one this coming winter because I had such an incredible experience" "

"When my family made a commitment to spend Christmas together this year, I wanted to do something special. While searching the internet for accommodation in the Haliburton Highlands, I came upon the Yours Outdoors website and contacted Barrie for information. Although Barrie's regular programs sounded great, I was looking for something specially designed for us in consideration of our age range and fitness abilities. Barrie worked with me to design an outdoor adventure day in the Haliburton Highlands. This was a secret gift for my family and I was excited about the itinerary. I was so disappointed when Barrie notified me that unless it snowed, we wouldn't be able to do the activities we had planned. Barrie offered to prepare a Plan B. Although we didn't have much snow on the day of our outing the skies were blue and the sun was shining. Barrie's Plan B worked wonderfully for us. My family say this was one of the best Christmas celebrations we've ever had and they have recounted our adventure day to friends and family. I have to thank Barrie for his creativity and attention to detail that contributed to some wonderful memories."

"Just had to pass on what an enjoyable time I had with Rick and the gang on my tour of "The Tastes of Haliburton." It was such great value for the day! The adventure of discovering new food places in the community was one of my favourite parts of the journey. Also meeting interesting people that create the character of Haliburton, not to mention the stimulating new flavours! I do love that Maple sweetness."

"Having now attended two different sessions ("Haliburton Rocks" and "On the Trap Line") Yours Outdoors, delivers a fantastic opportunity to better understand the world around us. Well planned, focused and of great value, I fully recommend "Yours Outdoors" as a must do. The memories will last a lifetime!"

"It was a fabulous day! I really enjoyed the experience - Terry, Jenn and Jake were fantastic hosts accompanied with a delicious lunch. So full of knowledge and creative talent – not to mention each had a great sense of humour."

"...The day was fantastic and we had a great time!! We thoroughly enjoyed all the stops - all of the hosts were really interesting and entertaining. The timing was all perfect. Rick and Elisha [the guides] were great. Rick did a great job on our edible wilds hike, we all learned a lot, and we liked his subtle sense of humour. (He did well to put up with 5 women on a girls weekend!) We enjoyed all the sampling and did our best to support the economy of Haliburton County with our shopping! I'm really happy to discover all these great places I can visit again (I can't believe I haven't stopped in at some of them before!) I told [my husband] I'd take him to lunch at Wintergreen on our holidays. I will also return to Heritage House for coffee! Thanks again, Barrie for arranging this great tour. One of my friends said that it was her favourite of all the things we've done on our girl's weekends, and I think I'd have to agree with her.""

"Thanks so much for a wonderful day today!! I’ve always wanted to check in with my inner ‘pot’ and find out what it’s like to work with clay. Who knew that I can throw clay on a wheel and work with the slab technique also? It was terrific - hands on - great studios and generous artists giving of their time and expertise. I can’t wait to see the fired and finished products - that I made!!"

"Thank you so much for the experience. I haven’t stopped talking about it"

"Thanks for a memorable day...it was awesome. My friends from Jamaica LOVED the experience. They had also been dying to actually see a snowfall...and that was just icing on the cake. The weather that day was perfect. The dogsledding format was great...I was not sure what to expect, but it was well controlled and a great experience for all. Everyone was so friendly!!! I was very impressed by that! We all felt very welcome and were escorted from one activity to the next. It was exceptional...and we all have raved about it since."

"Who knew you could escape the winter blahs in such a way? At a time when I needed it most, I found the Make Peace With Winter experience package to be exhilarating... The guide was just delightful; very knowledgeable and entertaining. And the food was fabulous! I can't think of a better way to spend a March day..."

"Our experience was fantastic. Don & I were very pleased and look forward to booking our next trip. I found Val, Sean, Rick & John very knowledgeable and extremely nice. Don & I could not have asked for a more pleasurable experience. We will be sure to let our friends know . actually I already have."

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Green Mantle Farm tour. A wonderful learning experience that is once in a lifetime. The tour guide was entertaining and informative. The meal at the end of the tour was excellent with wonderful hosts. The tour to the Harburn Wells was again a wonderful experience. The site is amazing and the guides were excellent."

"Cass Marie's 'rock' concert was unplugged, intimate, and interactive - very cool to have such a personal concert - they both have a really nice, friendly, open manner about them."

"I really enjoyed the entire experience. The group was great. I enjoyed the challenge for the ride. I enjoyed the snacks, lunch, service on actual plates, the wine glasses and the local wine. I appreciated the effort/thoughtfulness of having a tent set up. All of the artisans were very receptive and welcoming and I enjoyed listening to their stories."

"Mike's colourful, living history approach to the Fur Trade was captivating, and the cabin was a great winter hike destination. I particularly loved the blend of rugged outdoors, insightful, informative presentation, original music intimately presented, great food, and warm, hospitable accommodation. It's the packaging itself that makes it such a great experience."

"I must admit when I was first approached with the offer I was somewhat hesitant but having signed on and participated in the project I can honestly say it was a wonderful two days. The outdoor activities were invigorating and educational, meals and accommodation were excellent, the expertise of the leaders and speakers was amazing. The packages are very attractive."

"I usually prefer Inns to B&B's but Jessie and Don are so adept at running their establishment (which is, of course, the perfect place for this experience) that 'accommodation' underscored the pleasure of all the experiences. Every detail of the Stouffer Mill experience is perfect - rooms pretty and comfortable, amenities far above average, food excellent and beautifully served, setting divine!"

"I enjoyed every part of the tour, especially the Glassblowing, it was a great experience for me. The Inukshuk was a great place to stay, Brian and Dorothy are great hosts. I liked the personal, homelike atmosphere of the whole tour. It was amazing to not only experience the artwork of the people but also see how they live and listen to their stories. This made it very special to me. The overall organization was great - very detailed and always on topic, 'Some like it Hot'. The food was excellent all time!"

"Overall this has been my favourite package. Well done!"

"The entire tour was very enjoyable. The group activity making the tortiere was great fun and a good way to get to know everyone in the group. The lunch was very tasty, plentiful and very well presented. The product sampling was yummy and the product information was interesting. The walk in the woods was a delight. The interpretation was great, the scenery beautiful and the atmosphere peaceful. It was fun to taste the edible wild plants and better appreciate what nature has to offer. Rick and Barrie's knowledge and appreciation of nature was most evident. They have a very easy manner and obviously enjoy leading group activities. The pace of the walk was relaxing with adequate time to appreciate our surroundings."

"It was amazing to be able to visit such interesting places without having to travel a great distance between stops. We were never bored and we seemed to be at each stop for just the right period of time. The group was well taken care of -----bug spray and bug jackets available, a cold drink after the walk in the woods."

"Scott and I had a great time on our bike tour. Sean is very knowledgeable about the area and made the trip very interesting and fun. All the artists do beautiful work and were happy to show us their craft. The catered lunch at the museum was delicious. I've been telling all our friends about it and our kids want to come next time! Thanks for a unique adventure!"

"Thank you so much for the privilege of experiencing the Pedal Your Arts: Gears for Guilford package. What a great day! I enjoyed every minute. This experience package was a great way to see a part of the Highlands I had never seen before."

Testimonials