Things to Do in Peterborough
Curious about things to do in Peterborough? Well, here’s the inside scoop.
Peterborough is the hub of the Kawarthas with a wide range of things to do. In particular, the city stands out for its significant and thriving arts community. It’s a university city that has that magical combo of laid back small town vibe and urban vibrance.
If you are looking to unwind and relax in nature, Peterborough is a city full of green spaces. Hike trails in and around the city. Peterborough also provides easy access to several parks and lakes nearby. It’s a great starting point to explore the broader Kawartha Lakes region.
We’d love for you to keep scrolling to learn more, but you may also wish to explore Peterborough’s website.
Discover Peterborough
Peterborough is full of fun things to do. Keep scrolling or jump to a section you know you want to discover.
Food and drink
If you’re wondering where to sit down for a delicious meal, energising coffee or a drink after a day of exploring the city, the go-to area in Peterborough is the downtown core, full of restaurants, cafes and pubs that cater to all kinds of tastes. Downtown Peterborough is the centre of the city’s nightlife, where there is a thriving live music and entertainment space. Peterborough is especially known for its growing music scene. After dark, hop between clubs, pubs or cafés to enjoy the local talent of artists and musicians.
To pick up some fresh, local produce and also get a taste of the region, visit the weekly Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market.
Outdoors
The city of Peterborough offers super relaxing summer boat cruises on the Otonabee River. For avid hikers, there are several trails in and around Peterborough, such as the Rotary Trail along the Otonabee River, which follows abandoned railroad tracks. A fun thing to do in Peterborough is to head to specialty parks in the city, such as the skateboard park, where you can try out skateboarding.
Peterborough serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring the Kawarthas region.
Arts and culture
Peterborough is a city with a vibrant arts scene. Explore several art galleries including the Art Gallery of Peterborough, with an impressive collection of art of both contemporary and historical perspectives from the city, Canada and the world beyond. Witness a performance by the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, which is known to be among the best community-based orchestras in Canada.
Another interesting place to visit in Peterborough is the impressive Canadian Canoe Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of canoes and kayaks in the world. Or head to the Peterborough Museum and Archives, with a vast collection of artifacts and a functional archival material on display.
Last updated: August 4, 2022