Golden glow of an autumn sunrise beckons a paddle on Contau Lake, Ontario, Canada

Get out and enjoy our beautiful set of private trails, or get out and explore Haliburton, the Kawarthas and the Algonquin Highlands across an extensive networks of fabulous four season hiking, snowshoeing and cross country trails.

Incredible opportunities abound at The Bear Stand for spectacular nature photography, on the lake, around our wetlands, on our trails, or in our woods.

Adirondack chairs surround the lakeside fire pit on Contau Lake at The Bear Stand

The fire pit situated at the rear of The Bear Stand, sits quietly adjacent the house alongside a granite ridge and forest beyond.

Early morning mist and calm waters at The Bear Stand guarantee a paddle experience never to be forgotten.

The Great Room at The Bear Stand is the perfect place for an evening gathering around a guitar with friends.

More than 5km of private hiking trails make The Bear Stand the ideal place to stay for avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Fully sign-posted and professionally groomed, our trails hold a number of surprises for our guests.

With a gorgeous outdoor seating area on our upper deck overlooking the grounds and lake, The Bear Stand is your perfect spot to kick back with a cocktail and friends.

Sitting lakeside on Contau Lake at The Bear Stand, our picturesque point offers the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the end of your day.

Just a five minute paddle across the lake are the infamous jumping rocks at The Bear Stand. Delve into deep water and dare yourself to plunge from the top ledge of this great lookout point.

With an upper clubhouse, twin slides, swings, ladders, decks and monkey bars, kids can enjoy their own fantastic hideaway down at the point at The Bear Stand.

Fancy a Road Trip? The area around The Bear Stand, including Haliburton County, Highlands East and the Algonquin Highlands feature some of Ontario’s most beautiful drives. Plan a trip and get out there to enjoy some backcountry driving, some spectacular scenery and set yourself on a road trip the whole family will remember.

With 2.5km of private, professionally-groomed and signposted trails, connected to wetland boardwalks, a second lake, three lookouts and another 3km of Crown land trails, the options for hiking at The Bear Stand are virtually endless.

The master ensuite bathroom at The Bear Stand features a gorgeous standalone Blu Bathworks tub and is situated behind a large picture window with private lake and forest views.

During the winter season, our extensive network of summer hiking trails converts to a beautiful set of snowshoeing trails for our winter guests to enjoy.

Situated on the doorstep of Algonquin Park, The Bear Stand offers up wild and scenic canoeing for any level of paddler. With three canoes, a tandem kayak and an array of beautiful inlets and secluded bays to explore, canoeing on Contau Lake wonderfully articulates life in the Haliburton Highlands.

With numerous craft breweries situated all across the county, finding your favourite pour makes for great days out.

Enjoying a misty paddle at dawn in cottage country is a rite of passage in the Haliburton Highlands. With some stunning natural scenery, a plethora of wildlife and a quiet lake to call your own, there’s no better place to start your morning than at The Bear Stand.

The rear fire pit at The Bear Stand sits quietly at the edge of a granite rise and endless expanses of native Haliburton forest. Steps away from the upper den, the rear fire pit is a great spot to hunker down with friends, share some ghost stories, enjoy a drink and toast some smores.

With occasional summer storms in Ontario’s summer months, The Bear Stand provides a fantastic vantage point to watch the beauty and grandeur of mother nature unfold.

With a fantastic playground and jungle gym, children of all sizes can keep busy crafting lasting memories down off the point at The Bear Stand.

With an expansive screened room directly connected to the Great Room at The Bear Stand and kitted out with a gorgeous granite wood burning hearth, overhead radiant heaters, outdoor lounge chairs and floor to ceiling screens, even rainy or buggy days can be a joy at The Bear Stand.

Imported from Finland, our top-of-the-range IKI-Kiuas sauna heater lends genuine quality to the sauna experience at The Bear Stand. Lined with clear grain cedar, granite stone, and beautiful underrated terrazzo flooring, it’s the perfect place to start or finish any day, any time of the year.

The extensive trail network at The Bear Stand includes a gorgeous floating boardwalk traversing some pristine Ontario wetlands, several lookout stations and leading to our second lake and an upper viewing platform.

A canoe and tandem kayak sit quietly on the sandy shores of our point at The Bear Stand, opposite to a cedar swim raft and only a stone’s throw from the main house.

In winter, dog-sledding adventures can be had at the Haliburton Wolf Centre and at the Winterdance Dog Sled Co. A great way to get outdoors, try something new and to make the most of your winter stay at The Bear Stand.

From the comfort of a canoe, where better to introduce the natural wonder of the Haliburton Highlands with your children? With many marshy inlets and bays, teeming with local wildlife, showing you firsthand what nature has on offer in Canada is what we do best.

Nothing offers up a quiet serene moment than a dawn paddle at The Bear Stand. With numerous beautiful bays teeming with wildlife, the reward for early risers is second to none.

One of the best experiences at The Bear Stand is a quiet soak in our imported hinoki wood Japanese tub, situated directly off the master ensuite, in a beautifully covered screened room at the edge of a granite rise and the forest beyond. Equipped for year round use, it is the ultimate form of relaxation and a genuine source of zen during your stay.

The Bear Stand is perfect for strengthening family bonds, creating lasting memories and for reconnecting with loved ones in a luxurious and fun cabin environment.

A canoe and tandem kayak sit quietly on the sandy shores of our point at The Bear Stand, only a stone’s throw from the main house.

A misty dawn paddle at The Bear Stand energizes the soul and lets you reconnect with nature. A variety of marshy inlets and beautiful natural bays allow Contau Lake to host a myriad of wildlife to discover.

Take up the challenge of completing our entire 5km trail network at The Bear Stand. Professionally groomed and signposted, it offers up a delightful challenge for all ages and a chance for firsthand engagement with nature across our vast forest and wetland acreage.

Our private trails and wetland boardwalk let you explore the property in any season at The Bear Stand.

Situated in a quiet shallow bay, teeming with wildlife, our canoe dock is your entry point to paddling enjoyment at The Bear Stand.

Our private trails and wetland boardwalk let you explore the property in any season at The Bear Stand.

Winter recreation abounds at The Bear Stand. Dog-sledding, snowshoeing, pond hockey, skating, downhill and nordic skiing, ice-fishing, ice climbing and more give you endless options for enjoying the winter season in cottage country.

We keep our road to The Bear Stand clear all winter for our guests, guaranteeing you a safe arrival and easy access to this recreational wonderland which is the Haliburton Highlands in winter.

The Bear Stand is perfect for strengthening family bonds, creating lasting memories and for reconnecting with loved ones in a luxurious and fun natural environment.

There’s no end to the winter adventures possible in the Haliburton Highlands. From dog-sledding to downhill skiing, pond hockey to ice-fishing, there’s something for everyone, right the way through winter, at The Bear Stand.

Our private trails and wetland boardwalk let you explore the property in any season at The Bear Stand.

Be the first to make tracks on our extensive network of private snowshoeing trails at The Bear Stand.

Take up the challenge of completing our entire 5km trail network at The Bear Stand. Professionally groomed and signposted, it offers up a delightful challenge for all ages and a chance for firsthand engagement with nature across our vast forest and wetland acreage.

Fall colours don’t get any better than in the Haliburton Highlands. And where better to enjoy them than at The Bear Stand. Surrounded by native mixed conifer and maple hardwood forests, enjoying the mesmerising magic of autumn in cottage country is truly a one of a kind experience.

Be the first to make tracks on our extensive network of private snowshoeing trails at The Bear Stand.

Not to be missed, the outdoor hot tub experience at The Bear Stand is second to none. Situated in a private opening, lakeside, only a few steps from our sauna and the main house, our six person Softub lets you relax amidst the wild surrounds of the Haliburton Highlands.

Our private trails and wetland boardwalk let you explore the property in any season at The Bear Stand.

In winter, dog-sledding adventures can be had at the Haliburton Wolf Centre and at the Winterdance Dog Sled Co. A great way to get outdoors, try something new and to make the most of your winter stay at The Bear Stand.

Take up the challenge of completing our entire 5km trail network at The Bear Stand. Professionally groomed and signposted, it offers up a delightful challenge for all ages and a chance for firsthand engagement with nature across our vast forest and wetland acreage.

We readily accommodate requests to allow dogs at The Bear Stand and we understand that your pooch deserves to have every bit as much fun during your stay as you do.

By canoe, one can explore the myriad of wild bays and picturesque inlets which make up our lake at The Bear Stand. We keep two canoes at the ready, a tandem kayak while supplying ample opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

Not to be missed, the outdoor hot tub experience at The Bear Stand is second to none. Situated in a private opening, lakeside, only a few steps from our sauna and the main house, our six person Softub lets you relax amidst the wild surrounds of the Haliburton Highlands.

Our extensive trail network turns into a gorgeous snowshoeing circuit come winter. Equipped with signposts and directional markers, the opportunity to enjoy snowshoeing in the wilds of Ontario, are second to none at The Bear Stand.

Our private trails and wetland boardwalk let you explore the property in any season at The Bear Stand.

Snowshoeing our extensive winter trail network brings you into the lap of nature at The Bear Stand, with more than 2.5km of beautiful private signposted trails to enjoy.

Take up the challenge of completing our entire 5km trail network at The Bear Stand. Professionally groomed and signposted, it offers up a delightful challenge for all ages and a chance for firsthand engagement with nature across our vast forest and wetland acreage.

Our tandem kayak seen on Contau Lake off the point at The Bear Stand.

In winter, dog-sledding adventures can be had at the Haliburton Wolf Centre and at the Winterdance Dog Sled Co. A great way to get outdoors, try something new and to make the most of your winter stay at The Bear Stand.

Our professionally-groomed and signposted trail network is perfect for family hiking and exploring the wild outdoors.

Just a five minute paddle across the lake are the infamous jumping rocks at The Bear Stand. Delve into deep water and dare yourself to plunge from the top ledge of this great lookout point.

Early morning mist and calm waters at The Bear Stand guarantee a paddle experience never to be forgotten.

Be the first to make tracks on our extensive network of private snowshoeing trails at The Bear Stand.

Adjacent the upper den and nestled out back at the edge of the forest is our rear fire pit. Perfect for relaxing around with friends and family.

The quiet of winter brings ample opportunity to get away from it all and enjoy the solitude of a snowy walk in the woods.

Relax in our lakeside hammock, situated in the forest, just a stone’s throw from the main house at The Bear Stand.

Our network of winter trails takes delivers you across more than 2.5km of snowy frozen forests and wetlands.

Take up the challenge of completing our entire 5km trail network at The Bear Stand. Professionally groomed and signposted, it offers up a delightful challenge for all ages and a chance for firsthand engagement with nature across our vast forest and wetland acreage.

The Lodge Lookout makes for an idyllic stop along our 2.5km long private trail network. Traversing an extensive wetland and native forest tract, it provides ample opportunity for wildlife viewing and enjoyment of nature.

The Wizard of the East greets hikers on the East Trail - midway through our 2.5km network of professionally-groomed and signposted hiking trails.

For ease of enjoyment, a second canoe rack and launch awaits on Mud Lake, accessible on foot via our private network of hiking trails at The Bear Stand.

Be the first to make tracks on our extensive network of private snowshoeing trails at The Bear Stand.

Our extensive network of private hiking trails takes you to our second lake, known locally as Mud Lake, where a set of adirondack chairs, a canoe and small launch dock await.

By canoe, one can explore the myriad of wild bays and picturesque inlets which make up our lake at The Bear Stand. We keep two canoes at the ready, a tandem kayak while supplying ample opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

Relaxation comes in many forms at The Bear Stand. Here, the forest hammock and six person hot tub are just two examples.

We love to celebrate music. And at The Bear Stand we have many ways to enjoy it. Connect your device to our wireless Sonos system, our various Bluetooth speakers, crank up our turntable, or simple listen to some local radio. We have all the listening options you could ask for.

By canoe, one can explore the myriad of wild bays and picturesque inlets which make up our lake at The Bear Stand. We keep two canoes at the ready, a tandem kayak while supplying ample opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

Be the first to make tracks on our extensive network of private snowshoeing trails at The Bear Stand.

With a fantastic playground and jungle gym, children of all sizes can keep busy crafting lasting memories down off the point at The Bear Stand.

Our six person Softub operates year-round, meaning steamy bubbly outdoor fun, no matter what the season.

The Bear Stand is idyllically situated on the small, wild and picturesque Contau Lake, in the heart of the Haliburton Highlands.

With a full size front deck, built-in outdoor barbecue, and seating for six around a premium teak wood outdoor dining table, we couldn’t make fantastic outdoor eating any easier.

With a fantastic playground and jungle gym, children of all sizes can keep busy crafting lasting memories down off the point at The Bear Stand.

The Bear Stand is idyllically situated on the small, wild and picturesque Contau Lake, in the heart of the Haliburton Highlands.

The canoe rack at Contau Lake sits blanketed in a heavy February snow at The Bear Stand.

The Bear Stand is idyllically situated on the small, wild and picturesque Contau Lake, in the heart of the Haliburton Highlands.

With a fantastic playground and jungle gym, children of all sizes can keep busy crafting lasting memories down off the point at The Bear Stand.

Our six person Softub operates year-round, meaning steamy bubbly outdoor fun, no matter what the season.

With 2.5km of private, professionally-groomed and signposted trails, connected to wetland boardwalks, a second lake, three lookouts and another 3km of Crown land trails, the options for hiking at The Bear Stand are virtually endless.

With 2.5km of private, professionally-groomed and signposted trails, connected to wetland boardwalks, a second lake, three lookouts and another 3km of Crown land trails, the options for hiking at The Bear Stand are virtually endless.

Imported from Finland, our top-of-the-range IKI-Kiuas sauna heater lends genuine quality to the sauna experience at The Bear Stand. Lined with clear grain cedar, granite stone, and beautiful underrated terrazzo flooring, it’s the perfect place to start or finish any day, any time of the year.

Fall colours don’t get any better than in the Haliburton Highlands. And where better to enjoy them than at The Bear Stand. Surrounded by native mixed conifer and maple hardwood forests, enjoying the mesmerising magic of autumn in cottage country is truly a one of a kind experience.

Relaxation comes in many forms at The Bear Stand. Here, the forest hammock and six person hot tub are just two examples.

With a plowed and hilly private access road, where better to relive your tobogganing days in winter than at The Bear Stand.

Adjacent the upper den and nestled out back at the edge of the forest is our rear fire pit. Perfect for relaxing around with friends and family.

Take up the challenge of completing our entire 5km trail network at The Bear Stand. Professionally groomed and signposted, it offers up a delightful challenge for all ages and a chance for firsthand engagement with nature across our vast forest and wetland acreage.

Perfect for keeping you both busy and active, The Bear Stand offers a wide array of wonderful and interesting recreation opportunities for little and big kids alike.

With a plowed and hilly private access road, where better to relive your tobogganing days in winter than at The Bear Stand.

Fall colours don’t get any better than in the Haliburton Highlands. And where better to enjoy them than at The Bear Stand. Surrounded by native mixed conifer and maple hardwood forests, enjoying the mesmerising magic of autumn in cottage country is truly a one of a kind experience.

At The Bear Stand, cold snowy winters allow you to cross expansive frozen lakes for the kind of solitude that only a winter in the Haliburton Highlands can deliver.

Our six person Softub operates year-round, meaning steamy bubbly outdoor fun, no matter what the season.

With top quality teak reclining loungers situated on our front deck, there’s nowhere better to wait out the warm-up of a barbecue.

A beer, an adirondack and a view to the dock. Nothing is more quintessentially Haliburton than a stay at The Bear Stand.

The Bear Stand is idyllically situated on the small, wild and picturesque Contau Lake, in the heart of the Haliburton Highlands.

With a beautiful trail network spanning more than 5km, we have your perfect trail running circuit here in the waiting.

Be the first to make tracks on our extensive network of private snowshoeing trails at The Bear Stand.

With a fantastic playground and jungle gym, children of all sizes can keep busy crafting lasting memories down off the point at The Bear Stand.

Haliburton County is home to a magnificent assortment of boutique bakeries, butchers, fruit and farmer’s markets and country produce stands - making little gourmet feasts an easy way to please the masses.

photo: Shawna DiFilippo

Not to be missed, the outdoor hot tub experience at The Bear Stand is second to none. Situated in a private opening, lakeside, only a few steps from our sauna and the main house, our six person Softub lets you relax amidst the wild surrounds of the Haliburton Highlands.

Sitting lakeside on Contau Lake at The Bear Stand, our picturesque point offers the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the end of your day.

In winter, dog-sledding adventures can be had at the Haliburton Wolf Centre and at the Winterdance Dog Sled Co. A great way to get outdoors, try something new and to make the most of your winter stay at The Bear Stand.

With three canoes, a tandem kayak, custom built canoe rack and launch docks on two lakes, The Bear Stand has all the canoeing options an avid paddler could ask for.

Our front deck offers reclining loungers and a full outdoor teak dining set to cater to all your outdoor entertainment needs.

With a fantastic playground and jungle gym, children of all sizes can keep busy crafting lasting memories down off the point at The Bear Stand.

Adjacent the upper den and nestled out back at the edge of the forest is our rear fire pit. Perfect for relaxing around with friends and family.

Our private trails and wetland boardwalk let you explore the property in any season at The Bear Stand.

Beautifully snowy and yet still accessible through marked snowshoeing trails, our trail network at The Bear Stand is a winter wilderness experience that is second to none.

Sitting lakeside on Contau Lake at The Bear Stand, our picturesque point offers the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the end of your day.

Our private trails and wetland boardwalk let you explore the property in any season at The Bear Stand.

The Marsh Overlook at The Bear Stand provides a scenic resting point at the halfway mark between our East and West Trails. A great spot for a quick snack with views out over the forest toward Mud Lake and across our private wetland.

Adjacent the upper den and nestled out back at the edge of the forest is our rear fire pit. Perfect for relaxing around with friends and family.

Connecting to some 3km of crown land trails circumventing Maple Lake, our private trail network at The Bear Stand gives you access to pure untouched wilderness.

Fun and witty wood carvings throughout our property and trails greet passing hikers and children alike, at The Bear Stand.

The Bear Stand is idyllically situated on the small, wild and picturesque Contau Lake, in the heart of the Haliburton Highlands.

Sitting lakeside on Contau Lake at The Bear Stand, our picturesque point offers the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the end of your day.

Getting away doesn’t mean getting lost. Our substantial network of private and professionally signposted walking and snowshoeing trails mean hours of scenic year-round entertainment for you and your crew.

The Bear Stand is idyllically situated on the small, wild and picturesque Contau Lake, in the heart of the Haliburton Highlands.

Come explore our paddling outpost on one of our two trail-accessible untouched remote lakes.

Fall colours don’t get any better than in the Haliburton Highlands. And where better to enjoy them than at The Bear Stand. Surrounded by native mixed conifer and maple hardwood forests, enjoying the mesmerising magic of autumn in cottage country is truly a one of a kind experience.

A misty dawn paddle at The Bear Stand energizes the soul and lets you reconnect with nature. A variety of marshy inlets and beautiful natural bays allow Contau Lake to host a myriad of wildlife to discover.

Our professionally-groomed and signposted trail network is perfect for family hiking and exploring the wild outdoors.

Come explore our paddling outpost on one of our two trail-accessible untouched remote lakes.

With a full size front deck, built-in outdoor barbecue, and seating for six around a premium teak wood outdoor dining table, we couldn’t make fantastic outdoor eating any easier.

For ease of enjoyment, a second canoe rack and launch awaits on Mud Lake, accessible on foot via our private network of hiking trails at The Bear Stand.

Serving up a feast is second nature at The Bear Stand. With so many great amenities and spaces to help you cook, entertain and enjoy, dinners back home will never be the same.

Connecting to some 3km of crown land trails circumventing Maple Lake, our private trail network at The Bear Stand gives you access to pure untouched wilderness.

Our private trails and wetland boardwalk let you explore the property in any season at The Bear Stand.

Whether its by canoe, kayak or SUP, Lake Contau and the plethora of lakes surrounding The Bear Stand provide spectacular opportunities for wilderness paddling, wetland exploration, scenic canoeing and wildlife viewing.

Whether its by canoe, kayak or SUP, Lake Contau and the plethora of lakes surrounding The Bear Stand provide spectacular opportunities for wilderness paddling, wetland exploration, scenic canoeing and wildlife viewing.

Get out and enjoy our beautiful set of private trails, or get out and explore Haliburton, the Kawarthas and the Algonquin Highlands across an extensive networks of fabulous four season hiking, snowshoeing and cross country trails.

Nature and solitude combine at The Bear Stand to deliver beautiful moments of contemplation, be they on a solo sunset paddle, misty morning kayak or a quiet sojourn through our thriving wetlands.

Our private trails and wetland boardwalk let you explore the property in any season at The Bear Stand.