Best Things to Do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas This Summer

Discover the best things to do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas this summer : from scenic trails to local eats, markets, and unique day trips. This is your complete guide know what to do in Peterborough!

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I visited Peterborough and the Kawarthas for the first time this past June, and I honestly don’t know what took me so long. Nestled in the heart of Ontario cottage country and just under two hours from Toronto, this region blends small-town charm with big-nature energy. Think beautiful trails, quirky cafés, and one of the most scenic stretches of the Trent–Severn Waterway.

And I’m not the only one who’s taken notice. In fact, Peterborough and the Trent–Severn Waterway were named one of the 52 Places to Visit This Year by The New York Times, a rare shoutout for an Ontario destination and one that’s well deserved.

Whether you’re planning a summer road trip, a low-key weekend away, or just looking for new Ontario spots to explore, this guide rounds up the best things to do in and around Peterborough.

Don’t forget to check out all of my Ontario blog posts to make the most of your adventures!

Best Things to Do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas

Where Is Peterborough and How to Get There

Peterborough is located in southeastern Ontario, right on the edge of the Canadian Shield and at the heart of the Kawarthas, a region known for its lakes, locks, and laid-back cottage vibe. It sits along the Trent–Severn Waterway, making it a natural hub for boaters, paddlers, and summer adventurers alike.

Getting here is easy by car, and it’s a scenic drive no matter which direction you’re coming from:

• From Toronto: Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes northeast via Highway 115
• From Kingston: Around 2 hours northwest through Napanee and Highway 7
• From Ottawa: Just under 3 hours southwest via Highway 7

While Peterborough isn’t directly accessible by train, there are regional bus services (like GO and Coach Canada), but to really explore the area and its surroundings having your own vehicle is the way to go.

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Things to Do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas this Summer

1. Cruise Through the Famous Peterborough Lift Lock

One of the most unique ways to experience Peterborough is from the water and a Liftlock Cruise offers the best seat in the house. This leisurely boat tour takes you along the scenic Trent–Severn Waterway, with the highlight being a ride through the iconic Peterborough Lift Lock, the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world.

It’s a fascinating bit of engineering history (built in 1904!) and still one of the only locks of its kind in operation today. Watching the boat rise nearly 20 metres into the air, completely powered by gravity and water, is both calming and jaw-dropping, especially if you’ve never experienced a lock system before.

The cruise includes narration, so you’ll learn about the city’s history, the waterway, and how the Lift Lock actually works. It’s a perfect activity for families, history buffs, or anyone who wants to see Peterborough from a new perspective.

Travel Tip // Book in advance, especially on summer weekends tours often sell out.

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2. Visit the Canadian Canoe Museum

If there’s one place that captures the spirit of Canada’s waterways, it’s the Canadian Canoe Museum and its brand-new location in Peterborough makes it even more of a must-visit. Set along the Trent–Severn Waterway, the museum reopened in 2024 in a stunning, purpose-built space that blends natural light, thoughtful architecture, and immersive storytelling.

Inside, you’ll find over 600 canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft, each one holding stories of exploration, craftsmanship, and culture. The museum celebrates Indigenous canoe-building traditions, northern expeditions, and even pop culture appearances (yes, there’s a red canoe from a Tim Hortons ad).

It’s not just about looking either, there are interactive exhibits, workshops, and a paddle-making studio. The new lakeside setting also offers outdoor programming, guided paddles, and waterfront views that make it easy to linger.

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3. Hike Through Warsaw Caves Conservation Area

Just 30 minutes from Peterborough, Warsaw Caves Conservation Area is one of the most adventurous spots in the Kawarthas and a total playground for nature lovers. The park features limestone caves, scenic forest trails, kettle formations, and access to the Indian River for paddling and picnicking.

The star attraction is usually the network of seven caves formed over 12,000 years ago during the last ice age. As the glaciers melted, water carved its way through the limestone, creating deep crevices and caverns and leaving behind the dramatic landscape you see today.

Hiking note // As of summer 2025, the Cave Trail is temporarily closed due to storm damage from the severe ice storm last winter. Restoration is underway, but in the meantime, you can still enjoy the park’s other highlights including the Kettle Trail, which winds through ancient geological formations called glacial kettles. These are deep, circular depressions in the rock created when blocks of glacial ice melted in place, leaving behind perfectly rounded bowls in the limestone.

Don’t forget to wear proper hiking shoes, and bring bug spray, especially if you plan to explore deeper into the woods or stick around near the river.

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4. Walk With Alpacas at Wanderlight Alpaca Experience

Looking for something unique, peaceful, and just plain joyful? Head to Wanderlight Alpaca Experience, just outside Peterborough, for a one-of-a-kind farm visit where you can literally take an alpaca for a walk. Yes, on a lead, through the fields, alongside these calm, curious, and slightly goofy creatures.

The farm is family-run and super welcoming. Each walk starts with a quick intro to the alpacas (you’ll get to know their names and personalities), followed by a guided stroll along a scenic trail through the countryside. It’s quiet, grounding, and surprisingly relaxing , plus, it’s hard not to smile when an alpaca is trotting beside you like a furry sidekick.

Good to know // Walks must be booked in advance, and they do fill up quickly during peak season. Wear closed-toe shoes and be ready for a gentle walk through grassy paths.

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5. Sunday Brunch at Cheeky Duck Vineyard

Tucked into the countryside just outside Peterborough, Cheeky Duck Vineyard is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, especially if you time your visit for their Sunday brunch. Set among rows of vines with a cozy patio and modern farmhouse vibe, it’s a local favourite for laid-back weekend mornings.

The menu changes with the season, but expect dishes that feel both elevated and comforting, from egg Benedict to locally inspired skillets. If you’re not there on a Sunday, don’t worry, the vineyard also serves dinner on select evenings, and the wine list is full of estate-grown options that pair beautifully with their small plates.

Travel Tip // Reservations are highly recommended, especially on Sundays. And if you’re visiting in summer, try to snag a seat on the patio!

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6. Paddle at Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

If you’re craving peace, solitude, and some serious natural beauty, Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is your go-to. It’s one of Ontario’s largest provincial parks outside of the north, yet somehow it still feels like a hidden gem, especially if you explore it by canoe or kayak.

The park is dotted with serene backcountry lakes, rocky shorelines, and classic Canadian Shield scenery. Whether you’re up for a full-day paddle or just want to explore a quiet bay for an hour or two, there’s no shortage of water routes. Popular day-access spots include Long Lake, Wolf Lake, and Anstruther Lake, with various put-ins and short portages depending on how far you want to go.

Travel Tip // You’ll need to reserve day-use or backcountry permits through Ontario Parks. Bring your own gear or rent from a nearby outfitter (like Kawartha Adventure Rentals) to make things easy.

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7. Visit Petroglyphs Provincial Park

A visit to Petroglyphs Provincial Park is unlike anything else in Ontario. Just an hour from Peterborough, this park is home to the largest known collection of Indigenous rock carvings in Canada, over 1,000 images etched into the marble over centuries by Indigenous Peoples of the region.

The carvings (known as Teaching Rocks) depict turtles, birds, humans, and spiritual symbols, and are protected inside the Kigaanensag Pavilion, a stunning glass building that allows you to view the sacred site while preserving it from the elements. It’s a powerful, humbling experience — and one that offers a deeper understanding of the land and its history.

Important // Out of respect for the site, no photography is allowed inside the pavilion. The carvings are considered sacred and deserve to be experienced with care.

Beyond the carvings, the park also has hiking trails, forested paths, and McGinnis Lake, a rare meromictic lake that glows a surreal turquoise due to its unique composition. It’s a peaceful place to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with nature and history.

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8. Dinner on the Patio at Rolling Grape Vineyard

If you’re looking for a relaxed and scenic dinner spot with great wine and seriously good food, Rolling Grape Vineyard is a must. This family-run winery just outside Peterborough is known for its laid-back atmosphere, vineyard views, and a small but mighty menu that includes wood-fired pizzas, tacos, and seasonal specials.

Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring, wide open, sun-soaked, and surrounded by rows of vines. Whether you’re sipping their crisp rosé or bold Marquette, the wines here are all estate-grown and thoughtfully crafted to pair beautifully with the food.

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9. Grab Coffee (or a Light Lunch) at Silver Bean Café

Right on the waterfront in the heart of downtown Peterborough, Silver Bean Café is one of those spots that just feels like summer. Set beside the Otonabee River, it’s a go-to for locals and visitors alike : perfect for your morning coffee, a mid-day snack, or a lazy lunch with a view.

The menu has all the cozy café classics: freshly brewed coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, and baked treats, with plenty of outdoor seating just steps from the water. It’s an ideal stop if you’re walking the trails nearby or taking in the river views from Millennium Park.

New this year: Silver Bean Café has opened a second location inside the Canadian Canoe Museum, making it even easier to grab a coffee before or after your visit. Same great menu, with a totally different (and very cool) setting.

Travel Tip // At the waterfront location, snagging a table outside is part of the experience, arrive early on sunny weekends!

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10. Try a Butter Tart on the Kawarthas Butter Tart Tour

If you only treat yourself to one thing while exploring the Kawarthas… make it a butter tart. This iconic Canadian dessert has deep roots in the region, and Peterborough is one of the official stops on the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour, a self-guided trail that celebrates the best of this gooey, golden classic.

You’ll find butter tarts in bakeries, cafés, and roadside markets throughout the area, with each spot offering its own twist: some with pecans, some with raisins, some perfectly plain. Part of the fun is trying more than one and debating which version wins your heart (and your sweet tooth).

Some favourites in and around Peterborough often include Kawartha Buttertart Factory, Kawartha Sweets and Eats, or even finding a homemade gem at the local farmers’ market. Pro tip: grab an extra for the road, no regrets.

Travel Tip // You can check out the official Butter Tart Tour map online for more stops nearby, or just follow your nose, butter tarts tend to find you when you’re not even looking.

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Where to Stay in Peterborough & the Kawarthas?

Rustic Cabin Retreat via Airbnb

For a cozy, nature-backed stay just minutes from Peterborough, I spent a memorable weekend in a tiny-cabin you can find on Airbnb. This modern rustic space features an open-concept living area, full kitchen, and a deck overlooking the forest (and possibly some friendly wildlife). It’s the perfect balance of privacy and comfort, with clean linens, and thoughtful amenities for a relaxing getaway. Ideal for couples wanting to unplug without sacrificing convenience.

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Away Cabins: A Boutique Luxury Escape

If you’re looking for something a little more elevated, Away Cabins offers a collection of design-forward, luxury cabins nestled on Rice Lake, 50 minutes from Peterborough. Each cabin is beautifully curated with clean lines, natural textures, and massive windows that bring the outside in. Think spa-inspired bathrooms, cozy fireplaces, and serene outdoor spaces, all with the privacy and feel of a boutique hotel, but tucked away near a lake. It’s the kind of place where every detail feels intentional, making it perfect for a romantic getaway, solo reset, or creative retreat.

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Final Thoughts : Things to do in Peterborough

Whether you’re paddling across a quiet lake, sipping wine on a sunny patio, or exploring one of Canada’s most unique museums, Peterborough and the Kawarthas offer that perfect mix of nature, charm, and culture, all without the crowds.

I first visited in June and immediately understood why the New York Times named this region one of its 52 Places to Visit. It’s not just about what there is to do (and there’s a lot); it’s about how it makes you feel. Unhurried. Inspired. A little more grounded.

So if you’re looking for a summer getaway with scenic trails, cozy cafés, and a strong butter tart game consider this your invitation to explore Ontario’s quieter side.

* P.S. This adventure was part of a collab with Destination Ontario but all opinions (and obsessions) are 100% mine!

Looking for more Ontario travel ideas? Check out my other blog posts for itineraries, hiking trails, and hidden gems across the province!

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