Attractions and Places To See around Kawartha Lakes - Top 10

The region is rich in history. You can explore the Kinmount Railway Station Museum, an incredibly preserved old CN railway station that now functions as a museum. Another significant site is the Trent-Severn Waterway Lock and Waterfall, a National Historic Site with 37 locks connecting Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. Don't miss the Olde Gaol Museum in Lindsay or the Maryboro Lodge: The Fenelon Museum in Fenelon Falls for more local history.

For breathtaking views, visit Doube's Trestle Bridge, which offers impressive vistas over the Buttermilk Creek valley, especially vibrant in the fall. The wide, cascading Fenelon Falls are a prominent natural feature between Cameron Lake and Sturgeon Lake. You can also find scenic spots along the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail or from the Jeffrey-Cowan Forest Preserve, which boasts the highest point surrounding Stony Lake.

Absolutely! Families will enjoy the Kinmount Railway Station Museum, which features a miniature train track. Balsam Lake Provincial Park offers a beautiful, shallow, and sandy beach perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Kawartha Settlers Village in Bobcaygeon provides a glimpse into the past, and Whispering Pines Park offers playgrounds and walking trails.

The Kawartha Lakes region is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes on trails like Emily Tract Loop or Balsam Lake Provincial Park loop. For running, there are moderate routes around Haydon and Peterborough. Cyclists can explore road cycling routes such as The Nutty Bean Café – Trent Canal Bridge loop. Many of these activities are detailed in our guides for easy hikes, running trails, and road cycling routes around Kawartha Lakes.

Yes, the Rotary Greenway Trail Link is a paved and well-maintained path that connects the Scenic River Trail and Trans Canada Trail, designed to be wheelchair accessible. Many of the charming towns also have accessible main streets and facilities.

Summer is perfect for water activities like boating, swimming, and paddling on the region's numerous lakes and rivers, with Balsam Lake Provincial Park being a top spot. Fall offers spectacular views, especially from Doube's Trestle Bridge, as the foliage changes color. In winter, the region transforms into a wonderland for snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling on groomed trails.

The Victoria Rail Trail is excellent for biking, especially the well-maintained section towards Fenelon Falls. The Kawartha Trans Canada Trail offers 44 km ideal for hiking, biking, and bird-watching. Ken Reid Conservation Area, easily accessible from Lindsay, provides a network of well-marked trails through woodlands and wetlands.

The Mishko Centre for Indigenous Knowledge in Bobcaygeon is a significant site for Indigenous teachings, drumming, and dancing. Further north, Petroglyphs Provincial Park is home to over 1000 aboriginal rock carvings, representing the largest and oldest collection in Canada, offering a profound cultural experience.

You absolutely must try Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream, a locally made and delicious treat popular throughout the region. For a unique culinary adventure, follow the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour to sample Ontario's famous butter tarts at various cafés and bakeries in the charming towns.

The region boasts many charming towns and villages, each with its own character. Fenelon Falls, often called the 'Jewel of the Kawarthas,' is known for its waterfalls and The Grove Theatre. Lindsay, the largest city, features one of Ontario's widest downtown streets. Bobcaygeon, Lakefield, Hastings, Buckhorn, Omemee, and Coboconk also offer unique boutiques, restaurants, and local attractions.

Yes, the Kawartha Lakes region is an excellent destination for birdwatching. The Carden Alvar is particularly renowned for its unique alvar habitats, which support a diverse range of bird species, making it a prime location for enthusiasts.

Beyond swimming, the region's over 250 lakes and rivers are perfect for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Dedicated paddling routes exist in areas like Bobcaygeon, Coboconk, Fenelon Falls, and Kinmount. The Kawartha Lakes is also famously regarded as the 'Houseboat Capital of Ontario,' offering unique vacation experiences on the Trent-Severn Waterway.