Peterborough
Photo Credit: Canadian Canoe Museum
Crystal clear lakes, awe inspiring landscapes, outdoor adventures, family fun activities, summer theatre, finger licking good food — you will find all this and more in the Kawarthas Region.
Take a riverboat cruise on the Trent Severn Waterway
Hop onto a cruise and tour one of Ontario’s magnificent waterways – the Trent Severn. This five day tour on the “Kawartha Voyageur” includes five days of beautiful scenery and fun adventures. Details
Explore the Peterborough Lift Lock
Situated on the Otanabee River area of the Trent Canal, this big structure is made to lift boats up to nearly 20 meters in the air. This greatly engineered piece of history is a fantastic way to learn about a significant attraction – the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world. Details
Go paddling on one of the Kawarthas’ rivers or lakes
With many impressive paddling routes, a trip on one of the 10 signature paddling routes is a must-do in the area. Each offer a different difficulty level and distance, and of course, dramatic sceneries of wetland and other wildlife habitat.
Paddle or hike at the Eels Creek Canoe Park
Located on Northey’s Bay Road, this popular park offers hiking trails and a canoe launch spot into Eels Creek. After a challenging one hour hike or upstream paddle, you can reach the High Falls of the creek, a wild, sliding falls surrounded by a rocky slope.
Bobcaygeon Craft Beer & Food Festival
Try cold beers from 10 craft breweries and 2 cideries serving over 20 types of beer/ciders at the third annual Bobcaygeon Craft Beer & Food Festival. Details
Explore Kawartha Settlers’ Village
What was once a thriving family farm, Kawartha Settlers’ Village is now home to a fascinating collection of over 20 historic homes and buildings. Experience what life was like for pioneers in the Kawartha’s as you stroll leisurely through the Village and discover artifacts from 1830 – 1935. Details
Go on a food excursion with Wild Foodies
This unique food excursion is for those who want to learn how to forage for wild edibles and medicinals on natural trails and waterways. A paddling and hiking excursion alone Nogies Creek and Wolf Island Provincial Park, get back in touch with nature’s roots in this active summer experience. Details
Visit the animals at the Riverview Park & Zoo
Having attracted over a quarter of a million visitors per year for decades, the Riverview Park and Zoo continues to expand and diversify – featuring more than 25 exhibits with over 48 species, including the Emu, the Squirrel Monkey, and the Two-Toed Sloth.
Join for Fibrelicious: A Food & Fibre Arts Festival
Join for the day-long food and fibre arts celebration and one-of-a-kind market at the Museum on Sunday. Come discover what happens when local chefs known for creating out-of-the-ordinary culinary experiences team up with the creative hands and minds of fibre artists and arts organizations. It will be a feast for all your senses!
If you can not make it on that weekend, visit Lang Pioneer Village Museum on any other weekend to explore the original 1800’s buildings like David Fife’s 1820’s log cabin, fully-operational Lang Grist Mill, and the S. W. Lowry Weaver Shop & Jacquard Loom Interpretive Centre which houses one of only a handful of authentic Jacquard looms on display in North America.
Watch a play at the outdoor 4th Line Theatre
Staging their plays on the Winslow Farm, the 4th Line Theatre aims to bring history to life. Head out and sit in the barnyard and prepare for an amazing line-up of plays as you bask in the beautiful Canadian summer.
Visit the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre
Protecting and conserving Ontario’s native turtles and their habitats is what the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre aims to do; operating a turtle hospital and encouraging visitors to participate in their education and outreach program.
Explore Stony Lake
Explore Stony Lake on a rented jet ski from the Kawartha Adventure Rentals – an outdoor sports rental serving Peterborough and the Kawartha that will guarantee you with lasting summer memories on the lake.
Play a round of golf on the Woodview Golf Course
Housed by the scenic North Kawarthas, the design and architecture of the Woodview Golf Course compliments the natural features of the land and a great summer day out on the course. A food truck is available to keep you going on the 9-hole, par 35 course.
Plan a weekend Getaway at Rice Lake
Photo Credit: Rice Lake Tourism
If you are looking for a getaway to the water, you should consider Rice Lake. It is a beautiful lake, ideal for camping and boating and there are several small towns surrounding the lake that offer sightseeing, shops, restaurants and other amenities.
Get Delphiniums from Blossom Hill Nursery
Specializing in delphiniums and peonies, the Blossom Hill Nursery continues to add more variety to the farm, recently developing an apiary and adding a vast variety of peony species to the field. The incredible blooming flowers in the summer time is a sight not to miss.
Make friends with a horse at The Mane Intent
The Mane Intent stands by the saying that “Horses are nature’s best coaches.” Whether a beginner or a horse veteran, spending a day with one of these majestic creatures will guide you through a day out in nature to truly connect with your senses.
Tour the Harley Farms
The Harley Farms offers farm fresh products at their farm store, including free range eggs, homemade BBQ sauces and salad dressings, and assorted pork, beef, and lamb. When the weather permits, visitors can take a full tour around the farms and see how the animals live on site in these well-groomed natural environments.
Grab a cone at the Kawartha Dairy Limited
Proudly Canadian, and running for over 80 years, the Kawartha Dairy Company has been passed down generations, and offers a taste of the past and the future in their ice cream to the Kawartha region and beyond.
Play a unique escape game on a 130-acre farm at Escape Maze
As the concept of the escape room continues to become popular, Escape Maze offers something a little bit different – 4 escape rooms, a haunted adventure, and 4 outdoor adventure games.
Grab a butter tart at Buttertarts ‘N More
Selling around 8 varieties of gooey butter tarts, pick up a sweet treat at this cute country bakery in Lindsey to compliment a picnic in the park, for a snack on a road trip, or just because. Details
Check out the Peterborough Musicfest
Running June 30th to August 25th, the Peterborough Musicfest offers free concerts all summer long. Head to Del Crary Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays to explore the soundtrack to your summer.
Take a fitness class at Euphoria Wellness Spa
The Euphoria Wellness Spa provides fun and revitalizing classes that range from calming and slow-paced meditation and yoga sessions, to energetic Zumba classes, and even a sweat-inducing boot camp workout. Details
Tatse Lip Smackin’ Finger-Lickin’ Ribs at Kawartha Rotary Ribfest
Nothing says summer like the aroma of sizzling gourmet meats on the fired up smoking hot grills! Join for a fun-filled weekend of lip smackin’ food, great music and entertainment, and loads of family fun! Details
Jam out at the Havelock Country Jamboree
Don’t miss Canada’s largest live country music and camping festival. Get your riding boots on and pack your coolers, and experience a festive community atmosphere on park-like grounds while you enjoy your favorite country performers. Details
Pick up a summer read at Cottage Country Books
Whether you’re seeking a new find or an old favorite, pick up a book to get engrossed in this summer at the local Cottage Country Books bookstore.
Visit the Indian River Reptile Zoo
This non-profit reptile zoo focuses its efforts on reptile conservation, displaying species from various continents, as well as those indigenous to Canada. Featuring boas, tortoises, lizards, crocodiles, and more, stop by and check out these rare reptiles. Details
Go climbing at the Rock and Rope Climbing Centre
At the core of Peterborough, the Rock and Rope Climbing Centre is the perfect place for quality indoor climbing. Several routes and bouldering problems will challenge visitors on all difficulty levels – body and mind.
Visit the ZimArt outdoor gallery
The ZimArt Gallery is a serendipitous hidden gem located on a five-acre property overlooking Rice Lake. Art displayed outside on the field is all imported directly from artists from Zimbabwe and help to raise funds to support vulnerable children in Zimbabwe.
See a movie at the Havelock Family Drive-In
Head for a classic night out and grab a snack from the snack bar, and enjoy an old favorite or a new blockbuster at the Havelock Family Drive-In. Details
Pick up something sweet and play some board games at Sweet Competition
Sweet Competition’s combination of board games and sweet treats captures the hearts of the young and curious and the older and more reminiscent. Old fashioned sodas, candy, and fudge, along with a puzzle or a card game will keep you entertained for hours.
Walk the forest trails at the Gamiing Nature Centre
This 100-acre property is surrounded by amazing wetland, forests, and meadows, seeking to encourage people to take in the nature around them and learn about how to work towards a sustainable ecosystem. The young forest is dense, and trails are walkable and teeming with wildlife, making it a prime spot to hike to your heart’s content. Details
Take a fishing trip with the Williams Outfitters
A fishing trip with the Williams Outfitters is all you need for a summer fishing experience out on the water. 4 to 8 hours on a fully loaded tournament bass boat on a lake of your choice makes for an exciting experience on the Kawartha Lakes. Details
Go camping at the Selwyn Beach Conservation Area
The Selwyn Beach Conservation Area features 6-kilometers of hiking trail, plenty of fishing opportunities, picnic areas, and a sandy beach and swimming area on Lake Chemong. You can book a camping spot by calling in to make a reservation. Details
Try axe-throwing at the Peterborough Axe Club
Crack open a cold one and try your hand at axe throwing at the Peterborough Axe Club. If you’re looking for a bit of competition, you can compete for a leaderboard ranking against friends and other visitors of the axe club. Details
Go berry-picking at the Mclean Berry Farm
Get geared up for berry season and head to the McLean Berry Farm. With nearly 300 acres of land, 220 of it is covered with production of fruits, vegetables, and maple syrup.
Take an art workshop at Cavan Arts
Cavan Arts provides great workshops to learn from professional artists in the field. Six classes focusing on painting and the beauty of nature around us are available during the summer months.
Pick up some baked goods at Stickling’s Specialty Bakery
Family owned and operated since 1939, Stickling’s bakery has since been known for its organic and rustic sourdough breads. Now, they additionally offer sweet treats like shortbread, biscotti, and incredible grain pizza crusts. Details
Visit the Warsaw Caves
Lower yourself into the Warsaw caves and explore the depths of the caving world. Conquer your fears or go for the thrill at any of the seven caves found at the park. These very caves were formed at the end of the last ice age, thousands of years ago. Details
Take SUP classes at Peterborough SUP
For rent or instruction, stop by the Peterborough SUP, grab a paddle, and walk down to the dock below the Silver Bean Café and prepare for a fun day on the water. They carry a variety of boards for sale, including their own family manufactured brand. Details
Head to the Peterborough Famers’ Market
Rain or shine, the Peterborough Farmers’ Market still operates at Morrow Park, giving those in the area access to fresh and local produce and goods in a friendly and lively environment. In the summer months, live musicians compliment your market shopping experience.
Take an artisan workshop at the Canadian Canoe Museum
If painting and drawing has become too commonplace for you, the Canadian Canoe Museum workshops focus on traditional skills like woodburning, weaving, bookbinding, and leather working. After participating in an innovative workshop, tour the museum and its hands-on cultural exhibits. Details
Attend the Peterborough Folk Festival
From August 16th to 20th, the Peterborough Folk Festival is excited to announce a performance lineup of incredible folk artists, along with a fantastic range of live music workshops, artisan craft vendors, and food vendors. Details
Support local art at the Avant-Garden shop
Shop for the perfect gift or trinket at the Avant-Garden shop, where you can find gardening and home items from over 75 Canadian artists in the shop, or online. Items include garden décor, gardening accessories, and backyard birding supplies.
Get competitive at the Kawartha BBQ Competition
Prepare yourself for the 7th annual Kawartha BBQ Competition at Friendly Fires. With three categories – Ribs, Wings, or Brisket, come and compete for a grill prize or just come for the food! Details
SUP Yoga
Go on a leisurely paddle that will bring you to a quiet and secluded area on Stoney Lake, to try SUP yoga.
Cycle through the Kawarthas and Peterborough
“Grab life by the handle bars” and cycle through the landscape of the Kawarthas. From city to country, on endurance trails or leisurely ones, the diversity of cycling trails entices many to ride around the area.
Have a Family Fun Time at the Fair
Save the date! Fenelon Fair is on July 20 to 22 of this year! From Midways, Demolition Derby and fun carnival games, you can always find something new at this grand old tradition!
Snack on pub food on Riley’s Pub’s rooftop patio
Riley’s pub is a multi-faceted business – serving big portions, exceptional cocktails, and 19 pool tables, Riley’s additionally has a rooftop patio for you to enjoy your meal on.
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Sip on some sangria at Kettle Drums
Kettle Drums’ large patio overlooks the Café District, allowing diners to enjoy a cold drink and the summer food menu, and bask in the summer breeze. Don’t miss their Backyard BBQ Wednesdays starting at 4pm! Details
Attend the Kawartha Choice Battle of the Burgers at the Riverside Grill and Gazebo
Featuring Kawartha Choice products, the Riverside Grill and Gazebo holds the Battle of the Burgers event from May to early September, where local farms face off to be crowned the best burger in the Kawarthas.
Take the Farm to Table Culinary Tour
The Farm to Table Culinary Tour is Peterborough’s local, community-based culinary tour, where visitors and locals can explore the city by foot and fork to discover the culinary gem that downtown restaurants, and small artisan/boutique food stores have to offer.Details
See a show at the Lakeview Arts Barn
The Globus Theatre at the Lakeview Arts Barn offers a highly entertaining summer season of dramas, mysteries, and comedy nights. If you’re looking to laugh, get excited, and get entertained, head to this reworked cattle barn just outside the picturesque village of Bobcageon. Details
Explore Ken Reid Conservation Area
Ken Reid offers several loop trails that lead through forests, meadows, and wetlands. A favourite route includes the floating boardwalk that winds through the provincially significant MacLaren Creek Wetland bordering Sturgeon Lake. Details