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Monday 10am - 6pm Tuesday 10am - 6pm Wednesday 10am - 6pm Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 6pm

Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower

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Dorset, ON
Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower

Enjoy spectacular views from the tower and ground level lookouts. Picnic sites, hiking trail, gift shop, cold drinks & treats. Per vehicle entrance fee.
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Visit the summit of Tower Hill in Dorset to learn about the historical Fire Tower that was in operation here from 1922 until 1961. The tower was made obsolete when aircraft began watching for fires (now done by satellite). In 1967 a surplus radar tower from the Department of National Defense was erected in its place for visitors to enjoy the view. More than 8,000 people climbed the tower on its of

ficial opening weekend. Upon climbing the 119 steps to the top (if you can make it), you can see more than 800 sq. km (310 miles) on a clear day. The observation deck is 30m (100 ft) above the ground and a stunning 142m (465 ft) above Lake of Bays. The tree top lookout is half way up offering a 360° panoramic view. The park also offers ground level lookouts over the village of Dorset and surrounding area. The Tower Kiosk offers refreshments, snacks, gifts, apparel and area information. Picnic tables and toilet facilities are available at the summit. In 1999 the site was turned over by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (formerly Department of Lands and Forests) to the Township of Algonquin Highlands and has been operated as a tourism site since. The Tower is a "Use at Own Risk" facility. We strongly recommend not climbing the tower during inclement weather or high winds. High risk activities such as rock climbing and repelling are not permitted on the Tower or Tower Hill. Entrance fee is a per vehicle parking charge.

05/26/2026

We're used to lots of guests at the Tower . . . but not quite like this!

Last week members of Algonquin Highlands Fire Services stopped by to do some high-angle rope rescue training! If you've ever been to the top of the Tower, you'll know this certainly isn't for the faint of heart.

05/11/2026

OPENING DAY: It's almost time, friends! The Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower will open for the 2026 season this Friday, May 15! Come and experience one of the most breath-taking vistas in Ontario cottage country! If you've never ascended the Tower before, make 2026 the year you do!

Season passes are available, and are less than $30 per household for the year!

You can find more info on the Tower, including hours and admission fees, right here: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/explore-play/parks-and-outdoor-spaces/dorset-scenic-lookout-tower/

02/12/2026

SNOWBALL: See you this weekend for the 2026 Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival!

THIS WEEKEND: Birds of prey, the Great Canadian Lumberjacks, cardboard toboggan races, hockey shoot-outs, pancakes, the Snowball Parade and so much more!

The 2026 Dorset Snowball Winter Carnival gets underway Friday evening at 6 p.m. with a skating party at the Dorset Ice Palace. A host of frosty fun starts with a pancake breakfast at the DRC at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, with activities continuing throughout the day along Main Street and in Lions Centennial Park.

Don't forget to stop into the Dorset Heritage Museum, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday!

You can find more info on Snowball, including a full itinerary, right here: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/explore-play/dorset-snowball-winter-carnival/

02/10/2026

HIRING: Want to come and work at the Tower this spring and summer?

The Township of Algonquin Highlands is currently hiring Tower Attendants for 2026! You can find more information on these positions, as well as other job opportunities from the Township, below.

HIRING: AH is hiring for a number of seasonal positions for the upcoming spring and summer, including Dorset Tower attendants, Trails Office attendants, swimming instructors, students trail technicians, and Stewardship Youth Rangers! Many of these positions are ideal for students and young people, and offer the opportunity to work outdoors!

You can find more information, including complete job descriptions and details on how to apply, here: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/municipal-services/employment-and-volunteer-opportunities/

01/22/2026

HIRING: Want to come and work at the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower this summer?

We are hiring five Tower attendants for the spring, summer and fall of 2026. These part-time positions are ideal for the retired or semi-retired looking to keep busy and socialize with people during the day!

You can find more information, including a full job description and details on how to apply, below:

The Township of Algonquin Highlands is now hiring for a variety of seasonal positions for the upcoming spring and summer months. Many of these positions are ideal for students and young people and include opportunities to work outdoors.

10/27/2025

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON: Please note the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower is now closed for 2025. Thanks to all who visited one of Ontario's most spectacular vistas this year!

The Tower will re-open in May of 2026 - see you then! In the meantime, you can take in the view any time of year via the Tower Web Cam on the AH website: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/explore-play/parks-and-outdoor-spaces/dorset-scenic-lookout-tower/

10/23/2025

LAST CHANCE: The fall foliage is fading and there are just a few days left to visit the Tower in 2025! This weekend - Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26 - will be our final one for this season. If you haven't been for a visit yet, now's your chance!

Please remember, advance tickets are required to visit this time of year. You can book yours here: https://ahtrails.ca/

10/17/2025

TOWER HOURS: A reminder that post-Thanksgiving, the Tower now closes at 5 p.m. with the final entry of the day at 4 p.m. We are open until October 26, so if you've haven't been for a visit yet this year, you've got just more than a week left!

Don't forget advance tickets are required to visit the Tower this time of year. You can book yours here: https://ahtrails.ca/

10/09/2025

ADVANCE TICKETS: Thanksgiving weekend is THE busiest weekend of the year at the Tower! A friendly reminder that booked, advance tickets WILL BE REQUIRED to enter the Tower property this weekend. You can book yours on the AH Trails website: https://ahtrails.ca/

10/07/2025

This morning may have been a touch on the gloomy side, but we're expecting more mornings like the one below during the coming days! Come for a visit and take in the spectacular autumn vista! If you're feeling a little too shaky to climb the Tower itself, we've got a seat for you!

If you're coming to visit the Tower, please remember to book advance tickets ahead of time. You can do so right here: https://ahtrails.ca/

Address

1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Rd. (located Off Highway 35, Just North Of The Village Of Dorset)
Dorset, ON
P0A1E0

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 6pm
Tuesday	10am - 6pm
Wednesday	10am - 6pm
Thursday	10am - 6pm
Friday	10am - 6pm
Saturday	10am - 6pm
Sunday	10am - 6pm

Telephone

7057661032

Website

http://algonquinhighlands.ca/visitors/dorset-lookout-tower.php

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