Welcome to Ingoldsby
Nestled within the breathtaking Haliburton Highlands, Ingoldsby, Ontario, is a charming and tranquil community that offers a perfect escape into nature's embrace. Known for its serene lakes, lush forests, and friendly atmosphere, Ingoldsby is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation, outdoor adventure, or a peaceful cottage country experience.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an artist seeking inspiration, or simply looking to unwind by the water, Ingoldsby and its surrounding areas provide a wealth of opportunities to create lasting memories.
A Glimpse into the Past
The community we know today as Ingoldsby has a rich and varied history. Originally settled in 1862, it was first referred to as Austin's Narrows, named after early settler Willett Casey Austin. Over the years, it underwent several name changes, including Egypt, Lochlin Settlement, and Ingoldsby Station, before officially becoming Ingoldsby in 1868 with the establishment of its post office.
As part of the broader Minden Hills and Haliburton County region, Ingoldsby's development has been intertwined with the area's natural resources and the growing interest in tourism and cottage life, preserving its tranquil character through the decades.
Things to Do & See
Embrace the Outdoors
- Lakes & Water Activities: Enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing on nearby lakes like Twelve Mile Lake, Canning Lake, Kashagawigamog Lake, and the vast Haliburton chain of lakes.
- Hiking & Trails: Explore numerous hiking trails that wind through the beautiful forests of the Haliburton Highlands.
- Minden Wild Water Preserve: A well-known spot on the Gull River for whitewater kayaking and canoeing, and host to the 2015 Pan American Games canoe slalom events.
- Winter Sports: In colder months, the region transforms into a winter wonderland, perfect for snowmobiling, dogsledding, and skiing at nearby Sir Sam's Ski / Ride.
Nearby Attractions
- Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve: Discover a vast natural playground offering canopy tours and the renowned Wolf Centre.
- Haliburton Sculpture Forest: Wander through an outdoor gallery featuring unique sculptures amidst a natural setting.
- Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower: Climb for panoramic views of the stunning fall foliage or summer landscapes.
- Abbey Gardens: A community hub with gardens, trails, and even Ojibwe horses.
- Minden Hills Cultural Centre: Home to the Agnes Jamieson Gallery and a local museum, offering insights into the area's culture and heritage.
- Geocaching Capital of Canada: The Haliburton Highlands area has earned this reputation for its numerous creative geocaches, including the popular "Geocaching Capital of Canada GeoTour."
Boating in Ingoldsby & Beyond
Ingoldsby offers fantastic opportunities for boating enthusiasts, with access to the expansive Haliburton chain of lakes.
- Public Boat Launch: A free public boat launch is conveniently located at 2483 Kashagawigamog Lake Road, providing easy access to Kashagawigamog Lake.
- The Kashagawigamog Lake Organization (LKO): A volunteer-based organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of Lake Kashagawigamog and Grass Lake. Their website, lko.ca, provides information on membership, water quality, and local events.
- Highland Boat Tours: Enjoy scenic boat tours departing directly from Ingoldsby, exploring the beautiful Lower Lake Kashagawigamog and Canning Lake.
- Harper Power Sports and Marine: A local option for boating needs, including sales, service, and rentals.
- Canning Lake Information: For more details about Canning Lake and its boating opportunities, visit www.canninglake.ca.
Local Points of Interest
- Ingoldsby Pioneer Cemetery: A historical site offering a glimpse into the community's past.
- Ingoldsby Field: A local recreational area, often used for community gatherings and outdoor activities.
- Ingoldsby Church: A local place of worship and community gathering.
Nearby Amenities
Dining Options
- Kate's Burger Counter (Ingoldsby): Offering fresh-made burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes. Features an ice cream shack with popular Kawartha Dairy ice cream and is boat accessible.
- Hook Line & Sinker (Haliburton): Waterfront dining on Head Lake.
- Rhubarb Restaurant (Haliburton): Focus on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.
- Maple Avenue Tap & Grill (Haliburton): Family-friendly with diverse menu.
- Poquito Loco (Haliburton): Authentic Mexican cuisine.
- McKeck's Tap & Grill (Haliburton): Local favorite for family-style dining.
- Kosy Korner (Haliburton): Popular for all-day breakfast.
- Abbey Gardens Food Hub & Cafe (Haliburton): Farm-fresh meals and local products.
- Dominion Hotel Pub (Minden): Ontario's oldest continuously operating hotel, pub-style classics.
- Suwan's Thai Cuisine (Minden): Authentic Thai dishes.
- Mulligan's Pub and Patio (Minden): Located at Gull River Golf Club.
- The Peppermill Steak & Pasta House (Minden): Family-friendly with upscale flair.
Shopping & Groceries
- Haliburton Village Shops: Explore Highland Street for various boutiques and galleries.
- Rails End Gallery (Haliburton): Handcrafted gifts by local artists.
- Master's Book Store (Haliburton): Books, gifts, and local interest items.
- Algonquin Outfitters (Haliburton): Outdoor adventure gear.
- Haliburton County Farmers' Markets: (Seasonal) Fresh local produce and artisan goods in Haliburton, Minden, and Stanhope.
- Minden Village Shops: Downtown area with gift stores and home decor.
- Zehrs (Minden): Major grocery store.
- Valu-mart (Minden): Grocery store.
- Foodland Minden: Grocery store.
- Coneybeare's Butcher Shop (Minden): Traditional butcher for quality meats.
- Rising Thymes (Minden): Health food, bulk store, and local produce.
- Kawartha Dairy (Minden): A very popular spot for ice cream, offering a wide variety of flavors.
- Up River Trading Co. (Haliburton/Minden): Boutique gift shop and coffee.
Accommodations
- Bonnie View Inn (Haliburton): Located on Kashagawigamog Lake, offering dining and accommodations.
- Haliburton Post House (Haliburton): Luxury resort on Lake Kashagawigamog with dining and activities.
- Cedar Grove Cabins: Offers various cabin rentals in the Highlands. Visit www.cedargrovecabins.com for more information.
- Island View Cottage: (Specific location may vary, generally refers to local cottage rentals in the Highlands).
- Sir Sam's Inn & Spa (Haliburton): Adults-only retreat with dining and spa services.
Local Services
- Haliburton Highlands Health Services (Hospital & Emergency): Provides a 24/7 emergency department and in-patient services. For more information, visit the official website: hhhs.ca.
- Local Doctors and Clinics: A network of healthcare providers serving the community.
- Ingoldsby Waste Transfer Station (The Dump): For local waste and recycling needs. Visit the Minden Hills website for more details, including hours and accepted materials.
Location & Getting Here
Ingoldsby is conveniently located within the Township of Minden Hills, part of Haliburton County in Central Ontario. It's a short drive from the larger towns of Minden and Haliburton, making it easily accessible while retaining its peaceful charm.
The region is a popular tourist and cottage area, drawing visitors with its stunning natural beauty and multitude of recreational activities.
Note:
For detailed directions, consider using a mapping service. Ingoldsby is accessible via local roads from Highway 35, the main transportation artery in the area.