Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour

The Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour is one of the sweetest road trips in Ontario. This self-guided tour leads to a collection of over 50 bakeries, cafes and restaurants creating some of the best butter tarts in the province.

Make it a day trip adventure or indulge in a week-long trek to taste every delectable butter tart variety from the Kawartha Lakes to Northumberland County.

Visit the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour website

A tray of fresh and delicious butter tarts in Peterborough. — Lakefield Bakery | Kawarthas Northumberland

How to get to Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour

Location: Kawarthas Lakes and Northumberland County

By car: Check the virtual Butter Tart Tour map for the exact locations of each participating business. Some restaurants and cafes offer on-site parking.

By bus: Rider Express bus service provides a stop in Peterborough along the Toronto-Ottawa route.

Know before you go

The Butter Tart Tour is a self-guided tour offered year-round across Northumberland County, Peterborough County, the City of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes. Stay at local hotels, resorts, inns or bed & breakfast and turn your visit into a multi-day vacation.

Use the butter tart tour planner to chart your route.

Things to do at Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour

Discover more activities and experiences.

Enjoy a local favourite

In addition to freshly baked butter tarts, the Kawartha Buttertart Factory in Peterborough specializes in delicious tea biscuits, pies and cookies.

Explore the area on bike

Cycle along the 55-kilometre Victoria Rail Trail which winds from Lindsay to Kinmount and offers a scenic break at Fenelon Falls.

Relax at a waterfront resort

Enjoy stunning views of the Lower Buckhorn Lake shoreline at Beachwood Resort and sample tarts and other local delicacies at the on-site Frederick’s Dining Room.

Visit a farm animal sanctuary

Quaker Oaks Farms is known for its roadside shop selling fresh baked goods and its farm animal sanctuary.

Enjoy scenic views

Savour butter tarts made with homemade fillings and a variety of flavoured pies and cheesecakes at the Little Pie Shack nestled in picturesque Fenelon Falls.

Stop at a local roadside attraction

Choose from a delightful selection of tarts at The Big Apple in Colborne. This local landmark includes a 12-metre-tall smiling apple statue.

Articles and itineraries

Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

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Delicious butter tarts from the oven on the counter at the Nutty Bean café. — The Nutty Bean | Kawathas Northumberland

Interesting facts about the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour

Since 2011, the Butter Tart Tour has been welcoming visitors, offering a delightful journey through quaint bakeries and charming towns. It continues to celebrate Canada's enduring love for butter tarts, a sweet treat whose history predates that of the country itself.

One of the special aspects of the tour is the opportunity to meet the bakers and chefs who make the butter tart magic happen in the kitchens.

Last updated: May 23, 2024