Located roughly in Central Ontario, Peterborough and the Kawarthas is a popular destination for day trips from Toronto. Known for its ideal combination of scenic country landscapes and charming city centers, Peterborough and the Kawarthas has a wide variety of things to do, making it one of the must-visit tourist regions in Ontario.
Read all about the fantastic things to see, and do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas below.
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Museums & Art Galleries in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- Lay your eyes on the world’s biggest collection of canoes and kayaks at the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough
- Stop by the Whetung Ojibwa Centre, an aboriginal gallery, shop and cultural center
- Drop by The Horseless Carriage Museum for an exclusive look at pre-WW1 transportation and early mechanical technology
- Pay a visit to the galleries, studios and craft shops along the Kawartha Lakes Arts & Heritage Trail
Outdoors Activities in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- Go spelunking (aka exploring the cave systems) in the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area
- Spend the day at Petroglyphs Provincial Park deciphering ancient rock carvings
- Overcome your fear of heights at Treetop Trekking, home to Ontario’s most difficult aerial course
- Enjoy a hot summers day swimming and boating at Selwyn Beach on the beautiful Chemong Lake
- Test your problem-solving skills in an outdoor adventure game at Escape Maze
- Go birdwatching at Carden Plain Important Bird Area (IBA) which is home to many varieties of rare birds
- Cycle along the 53.8 km long Kawartha Trans Canada Trail, a portion of the national trail which passes through farmlands, wetlands, forested areas and communities in the Kawartha Lakes
- Experience going through the world’s largest lift lock on a Peterborough Lift Lock Cruise
Performing Arts in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- Catch an outdoor theatre performance at the 4th Line Theatre
- Hear some great tunes at Peterborough Musicfest, the longest-running free admission summer concert series in the country
- Listen to your favourite country artists at Canada’s Largest Country Music and Camping Festival, the Havelock Country Jamboree
Cultural & Historical Things to Do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- Get a glimpse into life as a 19th-century settler in rural Ontario at the Lang Pioneer Village
- Marvel at the historic homes and buildings at the Kawartha Settlers’ Village
- Buy local produce, fresh baked goods, and other handcrafted wares at the Peterborough Farmers Market
Family Fun in Things to do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- Spend the night at Jungle Cat World Zoo for exclusive access to the park after dark
- Visit the Indian River Reptile Zoo, Canada’s Only Non-Profit Zoological Reptile Facility and Sanctuary
- Volunteer your time at the PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary, a rescue facility for unwanted and abused donkeys
- Take the kids to Riverview Park and Zoo, a free 55.5-acre zoo complete with playgrounds, swings for physically-challenged individuals, a splash pad and a miniature train ride
- Head to Bobcaygeon on a hot summers day for milkshakes, smoothies or ice cream at Kawartha Dairy
Adults Only Activities in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- Try your luck at either of the area casinos; Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs or Shorelines Casino Peterborough
What are some of your favourite things to do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas? Let us know in the comments section below.
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