Dorset Lookout Tower

A beautiful place to see the fall colours.. I would recommend pre booking the tickets online and we went on a thanksgiving long weekend to be honest it was crowded but the view was worth the wait! Be prepared to climb a flight of stairs!!!

The Dorset lookout tower is a must-visit for anyone seeking breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This architectural marvel rises high above the treetops, offering a bird's-eye perspective of the natural beauty that Dorset has to offer. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a serene escape, this tower provides an unforgettable experience. The climb to the top is a bit of a challenge, but the reward is worth it as you're greeted with a 360-degree view that captures the essence of Dorset's wilderness. It's a perfect spot for hikers, photographers, or anyone looking to connect with nature and take in the splendor of the area. Don't forget your camera and a sense of adventure when you visit this iconic lookout tower.

Need to make reservation for crowd control. There are staff working at the entrance checking your ticket or bar code on the reservation email, then staff everywhere to guide you to parking. The tower is just a short walk from the upper parking lot. Bring enough clothing as it can get really windy and cold. When we went there wasn't a line but when we came down the line started to build. Steps are quite narrow, need to hold onto the hand rail to be safe. Older and younger visitors, or if you have fear of height then you might need assistance. Take your time and be patient. The top looks like a cage but you will be able to take good pictures through the fence. Be nice, take pictures, enjoy the view, then leave so the people behind you can do the same.

It was a rainy/snowy day, so it was as clear and colourful as we expected.
The structure is very sturdy and it doesn't move a lot even with strong winds and people walking up and down.
It was busy at times, I believe on a good weather day will be very busy.
Going up the stairs is easier than going down. Also, the weather conditions might make it slippery as it is a full steel structure.
You need to book a reservation ahead of time.
There are two parking lots. One near the tower, and one at the bottom of the hill (15min walking uphill towards the tower).
There are portable washrooms available.

The view you get here is stunning. Even if you decide to not climb the tower, there is pretty good view near parking as well. Staff was super friendly & helpful

A beautiful spot around 15 to 20 km off the highway 60. Wanted to visit this place after seeing lots of post or videos on instagram last year. I was driving to our cabin while saw this place was on the route we stopped by since it was a weekday and didn’t have lot of crowd. I would recommend pre-booking your entry online if planning for a weekend visit. The parking lot closer to tower and you have to climb at least 8 to 10 flights of stairs to reach the top. Midway to the top you can stand and wait checking out the scenery around since only 30 ppl can be at top at any given point in time. Once on the top you get a 360* view of Algonquin and Muskoka. We were lucky enough to get very good fall color sighting even though the day has rainy and fog. The last car entry is at 5 pm in the evening and on the stairs the entry stops after 5:45pm. Even the parking lot had lot of trees with a good fall colors.

Fun stop, beautiful views and friendly staff. If you are a party of more than 4, it costs less to drive up than to walk up, so keep that in mind. Overall I would reccomend stopping here for some great views (but not if you're scared of heights).