Peterborough and the Kawarthas
Peterborough is a vibrant yet laid back city in the Kawarthas region. It’s home to a network of cycling trails, an exciting arts and live music scene, a variety of museums and galleries and the world’s largest collection of canoes, housed at the Canadian Canoe Museum.
Peterborough’s famous Lift Lock on the Otonabee River section of the Trent Canal, part of the Trent Severn Waterway is a National Historic Site.
Known as the gateway to popular cottage areas, Kawartha cottage rentals make a great option for setting up a basecamp to explore the wider region.
Where is Peterborough and the Kawarthas?
Peterborough is located in the Kawarthas region, north of the TransCanada Highway, roughly at the mid-point between the Greater Toronto Area and the city of Ottawa.
The city itself, and the surrounding region, are most easily accessed by car, although GO Transit bus service and VIA Rail are available. Limited flights to and from the city are also available through Peterborough Airport.
Things to do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
Check out unique museums
Discover Peterborough’s past at the Peterborough Museum & Archives or Hutchison House Museum. The city is also home to the world’s largest canoe collection at the Canadian Canoe Museum.
Explore an ancient cave system
The Warsaw Caves Conservation Area feature a series of seven caverns formed at the end of the last ice age. Don’t forget a flashlight. Camping is available nearby.
Hit the mountain bike trails
The Kawartha Lakes region is home to a variety of mountain biking trails for all skill levels, such as the Rotary Greenway Trail, Jackson Creek Kiwanis Trail or Parkway Trail.
Learn about ecology
Connect with nature at the Children’s Garden at Ecology Park, a two-hectare park and ecological learning centre complete with a cedar maze, a “green” playhouse and interactive gardens.
Catch live music
Watch live bands perform at Peterborough Musicfest, Canada’s longest-running free concert series. The festival started in 1987 and runs for eight weeks every spring.
Go backcountry camping
Pack your camping gear and explore the backwoods of Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park—the second largest park in Southern Ontario. Open for adventure all year round.
Get inspired
Plan your visit with these experiences and itineraries.
Points of interest
Discover more highlights this destination has to offer.
Last updated: August 29, 2023