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.
Related Posts: Things to do in Northumberland County
Museums & Art Galleries
- 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
- 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 Liftlock Cruise
Performing Arts
- 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
Culture & History
- 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
- Spend the night 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
- Try your luck at either of the area casinos; Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs or Shorelines Casino Peterborough
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