Hike Haliburton Festival given prestigious award by provincial organization

Media Release

March 2, 2026

The Haliburton Highlands received not one but two significant accolades at a recent awards gala hosted by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) in recognition of the County’s Hike Haliburton Festival.

On Feb. 25^th, 2026, FEO announced the annual hiking event held in the Haliburton Highlands was the winner of an Achievement Award, which highlights festivals and events that stood out in the previous year.

Hike Haliburton was the winner of the FEO Impact Award, given to a festival with an operating budget of $100,000 or less.

According to criteria set out by FEO; the Impact Award recognizes the achievement from a festival/event that embodies the best ideas to advance cultural diversity and inclusion at events, or empowering marginalized demographics to participate, or increases the social impact of events within your community, region or the Province of Ontario, or being a leader in regards to truth & reconciliation in the Indigenous community.

Selected out of a competitive field of nominees, Hike Haliburton was recognized with the award due to the expanded programming the 2025 fall edition had, which included two Indigenous led events, both hosted by Jared Big Canoe.

“In 2025, the festival expanded its Indigenous-led components with support from a $25,000 federal grant, which helped launch a new medicine walk & storytelling session, and cultural interpretation led by Indigenous knowledge keepers. These experiences quickly became some of the most in-demand offerings of the festival, consistently praised by participants for their insight, authenticity, and deep connection to the land,” stated the award nomination application.

“The federal funding made it possible to properly support Indigenous partners, develop the new programming, and build long-term relationships. Participants expressed that these guided experiences gave them a richer understanding of local history, traditional ecological knowledge, and cultural teachings. Due to overwhelming interest, the County is now planning to integrate Indigenous programming in our future editions of the festival.”

The award was presented to Haliburton County tourism coordinator Eric Casper during a gala event held during FEO’s annual conference in Kitchener.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive this Impact Award from Festivals and Events Ontario for Hike Haliburton,” said Angelica Ingram, manager of tourism for the Haliburton Highlands. “This recognition speaks to the passion and collaboration that goes into creating an experience that is not only active and inspiring, but also meaningful.”

In addition to the achievement award, Hike Haliburton was also recognized as one of the top 100 Festivals in Ontario. Hike Haliburton was included in a list of outstanding events that excel within the industry.

“Submissions from FEO members were received for consideration in the fall of 2025 and were judged by an independent panel of judges. Festivals and events of all kinds from every corner of Ontario were represented in the submissions – from community festivals to internationally recognized events,” read a press release issued by Festival and Events Ontario.

Hike Haliburton is a free, bi-annual event held in Winter and Fall, across Haliburton County. The fall edition was established more than 20 years ago, as a way to promote the vast network of hiking trails across the county. The event is currently organized by the County’s Tourism department, and hikes are guided by local volunteers. The multi-day event attracts visitors from across Ontario, as well as local residents, who can participate in various levels of hikes, either on foot or snowshoes.

Haliburton County Warden Dave Burton was delighted with the recognition and extended his appreciation to the staff and volunteers who help execute the festival year over year.

"Since its inception, Hike Haliburton is a festival that continues to expand and evolve, resulting in an outstanding initiative that draws residents and visitors alike to the region to explore our trails and natural beauty,” said the Warden. “Being recognized with an Impact Award is a well-deserved recognition of the dedication and hard work that goes into making this event a success year after year.”

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For more information please contact:

Dave Burton

Warden, County of Haliburton

dburton@highlandseast.ca