MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2018

28 ML BLUE SUMMER 2018 Located northeast of Bracebridge, the Dorset Tower observation deck sits a lofty 142 metres above the nearby Lake of Bays, offering 360-degree views of the Algonquin Highlands. A perfect micro-trip for the cardio- and/or heights-lover in your circle, the original tower was built in 1922 and used primarily as a fire lookout until the early 1960s. Upgraded in 1967 and rechristened Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower, the present iteration stands 30 metres high. The tower is owned and operated by the Township of Algonquin Highlands and sees upwards of 10,000 vehicles and 60,000 visitors pass through the gates annually. Facilities include picnic sites, a tourist information kiosk, a gift shop and a hiking trail. Peak autumn is the natural choice for viewing the landscape in all its brilliant highlands colour, but plan ahead to visit in summer. It’s not unusual for 600+ vehicles to visit in a single day in September or October. —Nelson Phillips DIY: algonquinhighlands.ca or discovermuskoka.ca/dorset-lookout-tower 8 MICROTRIPS The Dorset Lookout The Dorset Tower view. COURTESY DISCOVERMUSKOKA.CA