Peterborough 
Fenelon Falls; Credit: NC~/Flickr
Don’t let the name fool you. This ‘city’ is an open canvas of beautiful forests, lakes and trails that invite you to explore the natural area. In the summer, people flock to cottages and resorts for getaways, and the same attributes make it a fabulous winter getaway as well. It’s a short drive from several cities, so escape and enjoy these 25 outdoor winter activities in Kawartha Lakes.
(All activities are free unless a price is included in the listing.)
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Winter Activities in Peterborough County
1. Hike to new heights
If you want a thrill at the end of the road, take the Kawartha TransCanada Trail from the village of Omemee (or Orange Corners Road) to the Doube’s trestle bridge. This 200-metre span takes you 29 astonishing metres above Buttermilk Valley for an unforgettable view of the area. The bridge was built in 1883 and was refurbished in 2019. The trip there is just as much of a treat for hikers and snowshoers. Details
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2. Drop a line into Scugog Lake
If you want to bring dinner home, head out for a half-day of ice fishing on this Lake between Port Perry and Lindsay. The shallow man-made lake is weedy, so make sure you have a heavier line than usual.
3. Pick up some speed on the trails
Throw on a helmet and see more of the area while whizzing along the 166 kilometres of snowmobile trails that crisscross the forests. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs maintains them beautifully, making for a fun day outdoors. Pick up a map from a local vendor, then happy trails! Permits cost $45 for a weekend or $270 for the full season.
4. Set a date to skate circles
Try out the new refrigerated skating loop that stays open, no matter what weather Mother Nature delivers. The loop opens in January 2021 in the new Logie Park at 325 Logie Street in Lindsay. It runs 133 feet by 91 feet and offers stone benches to sit while you lace up.
5. Glide old school in Lindsay
You can also head out on the rinks every weekend at one of the many traditional outdoor rinks in Lindsay. You’ll find nice ice at Kinsmen Park (10 Patrick Street), Manorview Park (49 Wilson Avenue), Springdale Gardens (49 Champlain Boulevard), Lions Riverview Park (44 Georgian Street), Victoria Park (210 Kent Street), Orchard Park (36 Applewood Crescent), Sylvester Park (21 Sylvester Drive) and Northlin Park (150 Albert Street North)
6 Pet an Alpaca
This region is rich in alpaca farms so treat yourself to a one-on-one experience with the sweet doe-eyes of one of these fascinating creatures. Salem Alpacas near Manilla offers visits if you pre-book your group from Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours cost $5 for adults and $2 for children.
7. Find birdsong on the boardwalk
One of the most popular parks in the area is Ken Reid Conservation Area, north of Lindsay. Its 10 kilometres of trails takes you through forests and meadows on an accessible boardwalk or on ski trails that also welcome hikers. Its real treat is the abundant population of birds that brighten your days with their colours and songs. Enter via 277 Kenrei Road and prepare to pay $4 for parking for the day.
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8. Go forest bathing
Few activities make you feel more grounded than walking amongst giant, mature trees. Wilderness Park near Bobcaygeon offers a peaceful respite from busy life in a space was protected by a grassroots group of local residents. Enjoy its eight acres of trails then explore the town’s fantastic shopping and canal views.
9. Travel back in time
Kawartha Settlers Village is a collection of heritage barns, homes and stores that is open during the warmer seasons. However, it offers a glimpse of the nine-acre village from the trail around its perimeter. While there are fewer people, the birds entertain all year round. You’ll find the village at 85 Dunn Street in Bobcaygeon.
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10. Gaze on postglacial views
The Lookout Trail at Balsam Lake Provincial Park takes you on a 90-minute hike through eskers and kames (mounds) created by the Wisconsin Glacier 100 centuries ago. Along the way, you’ll see views that will take your breath away. There is also the option of a two-hour Plantation Trail through the forest. The official address is 2238 Kawartha Lakes County Road 48, Kirkfield, but enter via North Bay Drive and Balsam Lake Drive in winter.
11. Get your heart rate up climbing a drumlin
The Ganaraska Trail runs 500 kilometres in total, but the stretch through this region is a heart stopper. The views of lakes and drumlin fields are just stunning. You begin on the Victoria Trail where it intersects with Crosswinds Road, south of Reaboro.
12. Stroll on an old rail bed
For a gentle-on-the-joints outing, treat yourself to a 2.5-kilometre jaunt on the Dunsford Nature Trail. It is flat and easy to walk on a day when you just want to get out and hear birds chatter in the marshlands that serve as the headwaters to Emily Creek. Enter via the village of Dunford.
13. Visit the Hobbit House
Gaming Nature Centre offers a range of activities to encourage visitors to embrace the outdoors. The 100-acre property sits on the shores of Pigeon Lake, south of Bobcaygeon, and hosts a hayloft, discovery shack, greenhouse and even a hobbit house. Stroll around on its seven kilometres of trails to see its beehives and other features.
Address: 1884 Pigeon Lake Road, Lindsay
14. Icy photogenic wonders
Fenelon Falls is famous for its tumbling waterway that offers scenic views any time of the year. In winter, Hydro Dam Trail is particularly stunning due to the sight of the frozen waterfalls. Make sure you bring your camera to capture their winter beauty.
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15. Bring your dog along for a hike
If you want a fairly private hike where your dog can sniff around freely, plan an outing to the Somerville Tract. The loop trail runs 8.7 kilometres amid 3,420 hectares of mixed forest near a lake. You can hike or snowshoe on this moderate-level trail. The entrance is 5.6 kilometres west of Kinmount on Arterial Road 45.
16. Create a bucket list for this trail alone
Credit: Joseph Sparks/Flickr
At 85 kilometres, the Victoria Rail Trail can challenge you to one section every weekend until you’ve seen it all! Get out in your fat bike, hiking boots, snowshoes, skis, snowmobile or even your horse. The trail runs from Bethany to Kinmount, via Lindsay. Based on the CN rail line built in 1874, it skirts Sturgeon Lake and Cameron Lake along the way.
17. Pop in for a pint
Four craft breweries offer unique flavours if you wish to explore new types of beer this season. The Bobcaygeon Brewing Company and Old Dog Brewing Company sell their wares in Bobcaygeon, while you’ll find Fenelon Falls Brewing Company and the Pie Eyed Monk Brewery (Lindsay) offering sampling trays of their creations.
18. Get out the skis
Emily Provincial Park is closed for the season, but its Marsh Trail remains open all year round. Drop in for a ski outing or treat yourself to a hike or snowshoe. Parking is limited so you may wish to carpool if meeting a friend. The address is 797 Emily Park Road, Omemee but entrance to the trail is near the south beach parking area off Peace Road.
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19. Ride the highest ridge
Windy River Conservation Area offers 80 hectares to explore, but the best part is the view from the ridge. It overviews a vast area and is well worth the climb. It has a 1.3-kilometre trail loop that is ungroomed by still good for skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. Bring the dog and your binoculars to see the birds and other lovely views.
998 Mount Horeb Road, Omemee
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20. Skate under the stars
Get out of the lights of the towns and marvel at the night sky as you glide on outdoor rinks in the smaller communities. Check out the ice surfaces at the Burnt River Community Centre (16 Sommerville Centre Road), Janetville Ball Park, Tommy Anderson Park (94 Dunn Street, Bobcaygeon) and Ward Park (Hwy 35 North, Norland).
21. Explore a significant natural area
The Fleetwood Creek Natural Area hosts a large swath of provincially significant area of natural and scientific interest on its 365-hectare site within the Oak Ridges Moraine. As such, please stay on the trails to preserve the local gems as you hike, snowshoe or ski there. You will need an SUV to get down the road to the site, but the views and birdsong make it worthwhile.
902 Ballyduff Road, Pontypool
22. Hike a trio of trails
Sir Sandford Fleming College’s three trails travel in loops behind the Lindsay-based school, which boasts a natural resources and outdoor adventure program. As branches of the Trans Canada Trail, they meander over boardwalks and along natural ground along the Scugog River and through fields. Begin at the student union building and heavy equipment building.
200 Albert Street South, Lindsay
23. Check out this lookout
The view from the Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area is just one reason to explore the 3.4 kilometres of trails along this section of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Three trails offer a range of options. While the actual address is 445 Gray Road, Pontypool, don’t try to enter via Hwy. 35. Instead, follow Century Farm Road from Gray Road.
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24. Explore more trails in Lindsay
The town offers several short trails that get you out, whether you live nearby or want to stretch your legs while on a long drive. Venture onto the Carew Park – McDonald Park four-kilometre trek downtown or Lindsay Legacy Trail over 1.6 km from Victoria Junction (the corner of William Street North and Orchard Park Road, Lindsay) to Thunder Bridge, along the Victoria Rail Trail Corridor. You can also stroll along two kilometres of Rivera Park Trail on the east side of Scugog River or Scugog River Trail on the east side of town at Logie and King streets.
25 Walk-in John’s footsteps
John Eakins Walkway is a tribute to the long-serving member of parliament at the landmark Lock 32 of the Trent-Severn Waterway. It gives you a chance to explore Bobcaygeon and even offers places to sit and enjoy the scenery.
Winter in Ontario
