There is a long-standing rivalry in the Haliburton Highlands between the communities of Minden and Haliburton. Traditionally, the two communities have been viewed very differently, and everyone had their own opinion on which was best. The rivalry between the two communities was strong and – some would say – even heated.
Though the rivalry has faded over time, even today I am still often asked which community is the best.
Here is the secret: there is no “best community”.
In the Haliburton Highlands we are blessed to have many natural community resources at our fingertips and both Minden and Haliburton are no exception. Both communities possess elements that make them stand out and whichever you decide you will be making a great choice.
Minden is a small-town with a big heart. It has the largest elementary school in the region, Archie Stouffer Elementary School, which is steps away from the Minden Library and Cultural Centre, home to pioneer homes and buildings, cultural events, youth activities at the library, and its own art gallery.
Just down the road you can find the brand-new arena with beautiful spaces for personal fitness and training, including an indoor track. On a sunny evening you can enjoy walking the riverwalk while listening to live music from either Boshkung Social or the Dominion. Or enjoy a delicious treat from The River Cone or Kawartha Dairy! The Minden Rotary Club works hard to improve the local community and support others locally, internationally, and globally. The theatre group Ctrl-ART-Del, though they host shows around the county, are proud to use Minden as their base for their contemporary plays providing opportunities for youth to learn theatre.
Haliburton is a community like no other. Every student in the Highlands attends Haliburton Highlands Secondary School, where they take the traditional courses, but also have unique opportunities through partnerships with programs such as Fleming College to obtain skills in tech and the arts as well as earning real-life college credits. The Outdoors Class even creates their own maple syrup! Haliburton Rotary works independently and in partnership with students at the school through the local Interact Club to support individuals all over the world. Both Minden and Haliburton Rotary provide opportunities for local students to attend conferences and workshops on a variety of topics.
If you are looking for some social activities you can attend Bingo or line dancing at the Haliburton Legion, or listen to live music at Hook, Line, and Sinker before wandering the Farmer’s Market or Artisan Fair in the park. You can enjoy a warm summer day sampling a Dirty Soda from Dirty Girls, browsing records at Redman Records, or shopping local vintage apparel at Haliburton Vintage. If the Arts is more your cup of tea, see a show through the Highlands Summer Festival, which has been running for 25 years. You could also stop in and visit the Rail’s End Art Gallery to learn about the incredible local artists.
Both Minden and Haliburton have countless elements that make them great, but each town has its own unique culture and community. Much like in all of the small communities found throughout the Haliburton Highlands: Wilberforce, Stanhope, Dorset, West Guilford, Gooderham, and so many more.
Wherever you live you can find local organizations and community groups working to better the region. You can find unique local food and entertainment options. You can visit one of the four local community theatre organizations throughout the Highlands. You can participate in the studio tour, touring the incredible amount of studios belonging to local artists and artisans. Regardless of the season there are options for everyone.
There is no one location that is the best – you can explore each and find what you love and what makes each community unique.
Take your time and visit each community and see what areas you fall in love with!