A popular summer destination, Peterborough and The Kawarthas continues to shine throughout autumn gifting breathtaking fall foliage that dots the landscape with vibrant colours. Not only known for its scenery, this region of Ontario cottage country also offers a plethora of community-oriented festivals and activities throughout the season.
Cooler temperatures and fewer bugs make it an ideal time for hiking, cycling, and exploring an abundance of nature trails that can be found throughout the City of Peterborough and north to The Kawarthas. The bounty of the harvest season provides opportunities to visit a pumpkin patch, participate in apple picking and purchase local fresh produce at farmers’ markets. Fall is also a great time to enjoy local arts events, studio tours, and cultural festivals.
Tourists and visitors can find quaint accommodations including cozy bed and breakfasts and charming inns throughout Peterborough and The Kawarthas. And if you are visiting, you’ll soon understand the pride and affection that residents and visitors have for the city that lies behind the slogan "I’d rather be in Peterborough".
Lang Pioneer Village
Take a step back in time at Lang Pioneer Village. Surrounded by colourful foliage Fall is a great time to visit this living history museum. Costumed interpreters replicate the past showcasing daily life, and the trades and traditions of early settlers and First Nations people from the 1800s. Featuring over 30 historic buildings, visitors discover a rich history including a working Grist Mill, Blacksmith Shop, Weaver's Shop and schoolhouse. Participate in an immersive experience of a 19th-century hamlet set amidst the 25-acre setting. Lang Pioneer Village displays the essence of autumn throughout gardens and pathways while demonstrating an interesting and vibrant history against a breathtaking backdrop of nature.
Quite popular in the summer, Lang Pioneer Village is perhaps best enjoyed in the ambiance of fall with crisp, cool autumn air. An enchanting place every day, the village plays host to themed events including Applefest and Historic All Hallows Eve. Visit more than once to experience 19th-century harvest traditions, crafts, and festive decorations.
Unplug at Viamede Resort on Stoney Lake
Situated on the shores of Stoney Lake in The Kawarthas, Viamede Resort provides a peaceful and picturesque retreat from urban life. Relax and unwind in the splendour of autumn, kayak or canoe Stoney Lake, hike the trails and taste the farm and forest to table cuisine.
Traverse 9 kilometres of hiking and biking trails consisting of Canadian Shield, limestone formations known as The Chute, wetlands, and a beaver dam. The trails are divided into three loops of mixed terrain and stunning scenery including a spectacular and vibrant show as the leaves change colour. Venture outside the resort just a short 15.9 km to the nature trails at Petroglyphs Provincial Park, and 18.9 km to the quaint village of Youngs Point.
After a day of fall activities including hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking, or taking in the scenery at the beautiful waterfront guests can take a dip in the indoor pool before a hearty meal in one of the dining venues. Viamede Resort prides itself on its seasonal and succulent cuisine sourced with fresh local ingredients.
Set on a 165-acres, this lakefront resort hotel overlooks beautiful Stoney Lake in The Kawarthas. Viamede offers a variety of accommodation that is rustic and charming, tranquil and comforting. Stay yourself, with a friend or bring the whole family, even pets are welcome. Built in 1885, take a step back in time, play some boardgames or watch a DVD as there is no cable or satellite TV here.
Peterborough Mac & Cheese Festival
After a day spent sightseeing, hiking or participating in any one of the local activities, residents and visitors take their tastebuds to local eateries to experience the annual Mac and Cheese Festival. Participating downtown restaurants offer a variety of mac and cheese dishes crafted by enthusiastic chefs displaying their creative culinary skills. Vying for the Mac and Cheese championship crown, foodies and the hungry can expect traditional and innovative mac and cheese recipes, including vegan and gluten-free options.
This unique and tasty festival is self-guided and takes place throughout the month of October. It’s a great way to support local businesses and enjoy the epitome of comfort food. Taking a twist on the original dish diners can vote on creations such as Heartburn City which features pickled jalapenos, hot sauce and crushed Hot Cheetos versus Mind Your Peas & Carrots containing peas, carrots and hot dog slices. One creation called Lactose Overloard features not only marbled cheddar but Havarti, mozzarella, Tex-Mex and queso. A hearty appetite and stretchy pants are recommended.
Best Scenic Fall Drives of Ontario
Touted as some of the best fall drives in Ontario, Peterborough and The Kawarthas offer a multitude of driving routes designed to maximize the seasonal scenic changing of the colours.
"Fallin' for Burleigh" and "Leaf It to Lang" are just two of this region’s self guided driving tours while Burleigh Falls itself is a scenic spot to enjoy the fall colors. Take a leisurely drive or stop for a meal at the Burleigh Falls Inn for a charming rural Ontario experience.
Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is perhaps one of the most scenic spots to take in the fall colours and fresh clean autumn air. Even just the drive to the park is beautiful or for the more adventurous the trails along Loon Call Lake are especially scenic. The beauty of nature in all it’s fall glory at Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park can be explored by foot or canoe.
I’d Rather Be in Peterborough
If you are interested in moving to Peterborough or exploring the abundance of nature in The Kawarthas, reach out to The Janssen Group today. There is no better resource than a local Realtor whether you are looking to sell or buy real estate in Peterborough or The Kawarthas or if you are looking for local intel on what to do.
The Janssen Group Realtor Rebecca Quinn can expertly guide you in the process of finding the perfect home or cottage and professionally represent you in the sale of your home. Whether you are drawn to the region’s natural beauty, or the wide range of outdoor activities found here, we recommend putting Peterborough and The Kawarthas on your “must visit” list.
