Scenic Road Trip through the Kawartha Lakes
This post contains affiliate links. This does not cost you anything extra and it helps support this blog. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and abundance of outdoor recreational activities, the Kawartha Lakes region is the perfect place to escape the hustle of the city and immerse yourself in the best of what Ontario has to offer.
As the name would suggest, the Kawartha Lakes are a chain of lakes stretching along the region and are a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. But the lakes are just the beginning of what Kawartha Lakes has to offer! The region is home to numerous historic sights, delicious eats, and beautiful trails. It’s a haven for hikers, foodies, and nature lovers alike.
Kawartha Lakes is also home to a variety of charming small towns and villages, each with its own unique character and history. From the bustling streets of Peterborough to the picturesque waterfront village of Bobcaygeon, there’s something for everyone in Kawartha Lakes.
In this guide, you will discover the best things to do in Kawartha Lakes, broken down by each town, so you can feel free to follow the full itinerary as a scenic road trip or just the parts that interest you the most.
I’ve traveled to the Kawartha Lakes nearly every summer for the past decade and have compiled this list of attractions and hidden gems based on my own personal experiences.
Sit back, relax and start dreaming of butter tarts. Let’s plan your trip to Kawartha Lakes!
IN THIS GUIDE
Explore the Best Things to Do in Kawartha Lakes
WHERE TO STAY IN KAWARTHA LAKES
Where to Stay in Kawartha Lakes
If you're planning a trip to Kawartha Lakes and wondering where to stay, you have a variety of options to choose from, including cozy bed and breakfasts, charming inns, and modern hotels by the lake. If you prefer to sleep under the stars, there are also a number of campgrounds in the region (more on that later in the guide).
Here are my personal recommendations on where to stay in Kawartha Lakes based on your specific needs. Please note that booking your trip via one of the links on this page will earn me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. So if you enjoy this article, please consider using one of these links to help support this blog!
FOR A QUICK OVERNIGHT STOP A family-owned boutique motel in the heart of downtown Lindsay that offers renovated rooms, free parking, and an outdoor picnic area with BBQs. Rates start at $100 per night.
FOR A WEEKEND OF EXPLORING This charming inn is perhaps one of the best places to stay in Kawartha Lakes as it offers a blend of historic tradition and modern amenities. It includes free bicycle rentals (perfect for exploring the locks) and an on-site pub. Rates start at $185 per night.
FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY This quaint log home in Buckhorn sits on 44 acres of wilderness beside the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park — a great place to spot some wildlife! The property is intimate and cozy, complete with a baby grand piano and an extensive library. A delicious gourmet breakfast is included with every stay. Rates start at $210 per night.
FOR A FAMILY VACATION BEST WESTERN PLUS OTANABEE INN
The Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn is hands-down the best place to stay in Peterborough. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub, on-site gym, and outdoor gazebo. Breakfast is included with each stay and is served in a restaurant overlooking the creek. Plus, it’s just 5 minutes away from Beavermead Beach. Rates start at $215 per night.
Things to Do in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes is home to some of the prettiest small towns in Ontario. No matter where you go in Kawartha Lakes, you'll find a warm and welcoming community, rich in culture and history. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, you'll find it all in the towns of Kawartha Lakes.
I’ve organized this guide into a scenic road trip, that can be followed from start to finish and have broken down the best things to do by each individual town or village. This way, you’re free to follow the entire route or choose the areas that interest you the most.
Things to do in Peterborough
Would you like some city with that country?
Peterborough is the perfect place to begin your trip to Kawartha Lakes. It's remote enough that bears can still wander into town (not kidding), yet large enough to have all of the city amenities that you may need.
There are a surprising amount of things to do in Peterborough:
Check out the cool local shops like Tribal Voices (beautiful crystals, candles & home decor) and Wild Rock Outfitters (outdoor gear & sporting equipment perfect to use on your trip).
Grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants like Soupcon, the Brickhouse Craft Burger, or the Electric City Bread Company. I highly recommend visiting the Silver Bean Cafe in the morning. Great coffee and a riverfront patio!
Walk down to the Rail Bridge, which is now for pedestrians only and offers some more great views of the Otanabee River.
Visit Doube’s Trestle Bridge — located on my favorite trail in the Kawartha Lakes. The trail starts at Jackson Park (worth a stop on its own) and from there, you can bike onto the Trans Canada Trail, and eventually make your way to Doube's Trestle Bridge. It's a super secluded spot offering beautiful vistas of the landscape. My boyfriend and I went hiking here last summer and I was honestly blown away. If you don’t have a bike, just drive out to Orange Corners Road and park beside the trail, it’s an easy walk from there.
Drive along the Trent-Severn Waterway to discover the many locks, waterways, and fishing opportunities.
If you're a fan of locks, waterways, fishing, or all of the above - things are about to get really exciting! Peterborough has a number of locks on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
I recommend starting at Lock 19 - Scotts Mills where you can feed the ducks and watch the paddleboarders. Make your way up to Lock 20 - Ashburnham, where you can try to catch some local carp or hang out on one of the shady benches. And then finishing off at Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock, the most famous of them all.
This is the one the tourists flock to and for good reason, it's an engineering marvel! Well worth the wait to see one of the boats get lifted way up into the sky. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic too, as the grounds are quite nice. You can easily spend an hour walking around, or even up the lock if they're open! On your way out, drive through the one-lane bridge on Hunter Street, and be sure to honk for any oncoming traffic!
For a scenic drive out of Peterborough, turn right on Armour Road from the Peterborough Lift Lock and follow it until it becomes Nassau Mills Road. Stick to this road until it becomes Highway 32 all the way to Lakefield.
The scenery on this stretch of road is outstanding. My boyfriend has a motorcycle and swears he would ride this road every day if we lived in Peterborough.
Things to do in Lakefield
Lakefield is a lovely little town in Kawartha Lakes that has a charming downtown strip with boutique shops, historic churches and some great places to eat!
Since it's right on the river, it always has that waterfront charm.
You can take a walk along the boardwalk just off Water Street. Or at least stop here for a picnic.
Don't forget to visit Lock 26! We found this one to be pretty quiet, a nice place to just sit down in the shade and enjoy the view. It's also a great spot to go swimming! We saw lots of locals walking down the lock with towels in tow and jumping into the water below.
From here, you might want to head over to the Kawartha Buttertart Factory. As you would expect, they serve up some pretty amazing butter tarts! In tons of different flavours too. Don't get me started on the pecan vs. raisin debate either, because the answer is always going to be pecan.
Even if you don't like butter tarts, they have plenty of other baked goods like apple fritters and cinnamon sticks - delicious!
Need a place to stay?
Check out The Village Inn of Lakefield. Some of the rooms offer a nice view of the main street.
Things to do in Douro
After you fill your pockets with pastries, you can continue driving up Highway 4 in the direction of Warsaw.
You will pass by some beautiful country homes and farmland, but also have a nice view of the rolling hills in the distance. There isn't much to do in Warsaw itself, but there is a beautiful park on Rock Road called Back Dam Park, where you can hang out by the river and try to spot some turtles.
Continue up Rock Road to the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area ($) where you can easily spend an entire day exploring or even set up camp for the night. As the name suggests, the conservation area is home to a series of caves, that were formed during the last ice age. You can actually go into some of these caves to get an up-close view of the layer beneath. They also have plenty of hiking trails, a great beach, and canoe rentals.
From here, head up Highway 6 to McCrackens Landing, a cute little harbor town on Stoney Lake. Although it's mostly boaters that are docking overnight, you can grab an ice cream and hang out on the marina for a few minutes.
Just a few minutes from here, my boyfriend and I visited a pig sanctuary that we found on Airbnb experiences. We spent an hour feeding, petting, and learning about this herd.
Things to do in North Kawarthas
Get back on Highway 6 and follow Stoney Lake.
Keep your eyes peeled for some hidden local beaches too! There are a few quiet spots along this lake that offer free parking and sandy shores that are perfect for swimming. Check out this list for some more public beaches in the area.
You will soon find yourself at Petroglyphs Provincial Park ($), another natural wonder in the Kawarthas. This historic park is home to over 1000 aboriginal rock carvings, the largest and oldest collection in Canada! Although you can't take any photos of the petroglyphs themselves, there are over 4,000 acres of wilderness for you to photograph instead. Be sure to check out McGinnis Lake, it's known for its glimmering emerald-green waters.
From here, Highway 6 turns into Northey’s Bay Road. And it's twisty! As you wind through the Kawartha forest, be mindful of any animals crossing the road. There is a lot of deer in this region.
When you reach Woodview, turn left on Highway 28 and drive on toward Big Cedar and Burleigh Falls, which is definitely worth a stop!
Burleigh Falls is a small town in Kawartha Lakes where you can visit Lock 28 on the Trent-Severn Waterway, a long control dam, and some small shops. There is a small waterfall, but as of July 2020, it's been closed to the public due to unsafe conditions.
Things to do in Buckhorn
Buckhorn is a beautiful small town in Kawartha Lakes and in my opinion, it has the BEST logo!
As the town name would suggest, it has a big buck in it!
You can head on over to the Buckhorn Tourist Centre on Lakehurst Road to pose with the buck outside and pop in if you are looking for any Kawartha Lakes sweaters or merchandise. I wish I bought a Buckhorn sweater when I visited this summer, but at least it gives me a reason to go back!
Buckhorn is another town on the Trent-Severn Waterway and it has one of the busiest locks. It's obviously the perfect place for boating or fishing. For a fun day trip, you can rent a canoe at Adventure Outfitters in Lakefield and paddle on over to Buckhorn for a bite!
There are a number of great places to eat in Buckhorn, like Pizza Alloro, Cody Inn, and the always-delicious Country Mart bakery!
Buckhorn is also home to one of Canada's biggest private art galleries called Gallery on the Lake in addition to a couple of antique shops and tons of festivals.
If you have the time, take a side trip to Curve Lake, a First Nation territory. You can visit the Mshkiigag Wetlands, spend a quiet moment at the Pow Wow grounds at the end of Whetung St E, or pop by Osh Ga Moog Variety & Gifts for some local souvenirs.
To learn more about the people of Curve Lake, visit their website here.
Where to Camp in Kawartha Lakes: Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
From Buckhorn, continue up Highway 36 until you reach to Kawartha Highlands Signature Site, which is attached to the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. The parking from this access is pay and display, but the park does have some pretty fun activities!
You can head into the park for a day hike (there's a nice bridge close to the parking lot) or experience nature's own lazy river by bringing your own tube and floating down the river! This is truly a local experience. Pop your tube in, float down the river for about 30 minutes and jump out on the left-hand side just before the rapids. If you're feeling brave, you can try going over them! Follow the trails back to the beginning and go again if you like.
You can also spend the night by booking a Kawartha Highlands site! They are backcountry only, so you need to know your stuff! Most can only be accessed by canoe, but that's what makes the experience so special.
For something a bit more accessible, check out Balsam Lake Provincial Park instead.
Things to do in Bobcaygeon
Follow Highway 36 to Kawartha Country Wines, of course. Even if you're not a wine drinker, they have some wonderful ciders, sauces, and jams.
Keep on the same road until you reach Bobcaygeon, also known as the "Hub of the Kawarthas".
It sits on the Trent Severn Waterway, and my favorite lock, number 34! You can sit on one of the picnic benches and boat watch for an afternoon. The lock is within easy walking distance of downtown Bobcaygeon, which is home to a number of cool shops, like Kawartha Lifestyle, London Trading Post, and Ring & Grove.
North of downtown, you can also find the Kawartha Settlers' Village ($) which is an outdoor museum that is home to a collection of historic homes and artifacts. You can experience life as a Kawartha Pioneer!
There are a lot of places to eat in Bobcaygeon:
Kawartha Coffee Company (they serve up great Mexican eats)
Wherever you decide to eat, you MUST save room for ice cream. The most famous ice cream of them all is Kawartha Dairy.
You may have seen a tub of Kawartha Dairy at your local supermarket or Costco, but did you know that it started in Bobcaygeon? You can still visit the original store for fresh ice cream!
There are tons of amazing flavours to choose from, but my favourite is Salty Caramel Truffle. No, wait... Moose Tracks. Or is it Pumpkin Pie?
Things to do in Fenelon Falls, the Best Small Town in Kawartha Lakes
Take a scenic country drive down Highway 8 past the Horseless Carriage Museum until you reach the Jewel of the Kawarthas, Fenelon Falls.
This is my favourite small town in Kawartha Lakes by far. There's a big free parking lot just behind the Little Pie Shack on Francis Street East. Park the car and set out on foot to explore Fenelon Falls!
Start by visiting their cute downtown strip with shops like the Kawartha Store, Grr8 Finds Market, and the ever-photogenic Stokes Jeweler on the corner of Water & Colborne.
From there, you can head over the bridge to check out the actual falls and then visit Lock 34 on the Trent-Severn Waterway and watch the boats go by. There are plenty of places to enjoy the view.
Follow the river up to the Fenelon Falls Tourist Info and the Maryboro Lodge: The Fenelon Museum. And then head into Garnet Graham Beach Park, where you can pose with the Fenelon Falls sign, jump in the water for a swim or go for a bike ride on the waterfront trail!
Finish off your visit by grabbing a bite to eat at Murphy's Lockside Pub, Fenelon Falls Brewing Co or Slices N' Scoops, all are located just beside the river.
Consider taking a short detour to the little historic Sturgeon Point Union Church, known for its unique shape.
Things to do in Kinmount
Leave Fenelon Falls via Highway 121, which follows Burnt River and passes some beautiful countryside and eventually, woods as you get closer to Kinmount.
This is a beautiful historic town, right on the edge of Kawartha Lakes.
Park at the Kinmount Railway Station/Tourist Information Centre (they made a cool historic walking tour). The village blacksmith still works out of the building! Outside, you'll find an operating model railroad, an old sawmill, and an interesting Icelandic monument. Inside, there are some old artifacts and photos from the area. Free bathrooms too!
You can walk on the Victoria Rail Trail for a few minutes to meet back up with the road. Check out some of the historic homes on County Road 45 & Dickinson St. On Main Street, you'll find a small downtown strip with an old-school laundromat. Keep your eyes peeled for the mural on the side of the Post Office.
If you're feeling hungry, one of the best places to eat in Kinmount is the Kinmount Fish and Chips on this same block.
In addition to the Kinmount Cascade at the Railway Station, consider visiting some of the small waterfalls in the area to add to this scenic drive!
North of town on Boldts Lane, you'll find Three Brothers Falls. A beautiful and quiet spot, that is said to be haunted by a Native Indian princess. A bit further west is Moore Falls, which is more of a dam but offers some scenic vistas of Moore Lake. South of there lies Elliott Falls, a great place for a short walk or picnic.
Although it's an entirely different trip and region, Kinmount is also the gateway to Haliburton and a bunch of great towns up there! Maybe add a night or two to your trip to explore this region.
Things to do in Coboconk
Drive down Highway 35 from Elliott Falls and pass through Norland.
You can visit the Mud Turtle Dam Park (you can see the falls and walk over the dam) or stop for a bite at the Riverside Inn (they have amazing reviews).
From the same highway, you'll reach Coboconk.
This is a small town on the Gull River that is home to a pretty interesting attraction, the Fresh Water Summit. This is Canada's highest body of freshwater from where you can sail anywhere in the world, without ever having to travel on land!
There's a small boardwalk with some informative signs and photo ops on S. Water Street, beside Riverbank Pizza, which happens to serve up some pretty good slices too! But if you're looking for something a bit more substantial, head over to the local favorite Pattie House. Great BBQ eats and classic Canadian dishes, like Hilbilly Poutine obviously.
On North Water Street, you can find another cool attraction: Canada's Smallest Jail! It's a tiny stone jail that could barely hold two prisoners. There's no entry fee, but both times we visited, it was locked.
If you're looking for swimming in Kawartha Lakes, just south of Coboconk, near the corner of Balsam Lake Drive and Blanchards Rd, you can find a nice shallow, sandy public beach. There are some grassy spots that are great for a picnic too!
The Best Airbnb in Kawartha Lakes: A Peace of Eden
Looking for a place to stay in Kawartha Lakes?
My all-time favourite Airbnb apartment is in the Coboconk-Norland area. It's a quiet & private walk-out basement apartment called A Peace of Eden. It's spacious, has its own cooking facilities and sits on a beautiful property.
You can go for plenty of hikes right from the backyard, but consider bringing their dog, Diego. We went for a short hike one evening and found ourselves face-to-face with a black bear climbing a tree!
If that place is booked already, there are a ton of beautiful cabins and cottages to rent in Kawartha Lakes on Airbnb.
Things to do in Kirkfield
From Coboconk, or the swimming spot on Balsam Lake Drive, head down Portage Rd all the way to Kirkfield.
This village is home to two interesting sites; Lock 36 and the Carden Alvar Plains.
Both are just north of town. On Kirkfield Rd, you'll reach Lock 36 first. This is the second-highest hydraulic lift lock in the entire world. It's a pretty quiet spot too. Perfect for a late afternoon picnic, or to admire the fall colours if it's that time of year.
A few minutes from there, you will see the Carden Alvar Important Bird Area, also called the Carden Plains. This is one of the top five birding locations in Ontario due to its unique geological formation and rare plants. If you're likely, you can spot one of the 200+ bird species that frequent the area.
Near the edge of Kawartha Lakes, you can easily head to Lake Simcoe, which is home to a number of sights and small towns like Beaverton. Or stick on the side roads to enjoy the country scenery all the way down to Lindsay, our last stop! Feel free to stop at any of the local fresh farm vendors on the side of the road.
Things to do in Lindsay
The biggest city in Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay is the perfect place to end your trip to the region.
Downtown Lindsay is home to one of the widest downtown streets in Ontario! Apparently, it was designed to be wide enough to fit a four-horse hitch carriage. On this photogenic downtown strip, you'll find a number of cool businesses. Support a local business by popping into Olde Mill Candle Co or the Kent Bookstore.
A few blocks from here is the Olde Gaol Museum, a beautiful old jailhouse that now houses some interesting artifacts. Head down to the Old Mill Park beside Lock 33 on the Trent-Severn Waterway. You can walk on the boardwalk, admiring the old stone ruins of the mill and watching the turtles swim in the river. It's the prettiest part of Lindsay for sure.
There is almost an endless supply of good places to eat in Lindsay, but I definitely recommend visiting Ziggy's Fish and Chips or the Olympia. Stop by Boiling Over's Coffee Vault for breakfast or just to enjoy an amazing cup of coffee. Grab one of the seats outside if you can!
If you're not quite ready to end your trip to Kawartha Lakes, consider booking a night at the Days Inn & Suites in Lindsay. It was recently renovated, backs onto the Trans-Canada Trail (perfect for cyclists), and gets amazing reviews.
Resources for Planning Your Trip
Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes offer a wide variety of things to do for visitors of all ages and interests. From outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to shopping and dining, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region of Ontario. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking to relax and unwind, you'll find plenty of ways to spend your time in Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes.
So why wait? Plan your trip today and discover all that this amazing region has to offer.
Here are some resources to help:
Visit the official tourism websites for the city you’re planning to visit to find information on attractions, events, and transportation options.
Browse online tour companies like getyourguide.com to find travel experiences and day trips from Bratislava, or consider hiring a private guide for a more personalized experience.
Check out social media to get recommendations and insider tips from other travelers. Search your destination by location or hashtags.
Use hotel booking tools like booking.com to find accommodation in the cities you'll be visiting. You can easily find options in your budget — most come with free cancellation.
Official tourism websites - Visit the websites of Kawarthas Tourism, Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism, and Explore Kawartha Lakes to discover more information on the region.
Please share any of your scenic drives/hidden gems in the comments below!
If you're in need of more Ontario travel inspiration, check out my recent post on the best small towns in Ontario.
