With its proximity to the GTA, tons of amenities and endless activity options, the Peterborough region is one of Ontario’s most popular summer destinations. Renowned for its natural beauty both within the City of Peterborough itself and its rural outskirts this area is a favorite among residents, seasonal and year-round cottagers, and tourists alike. Offering more than just lakes and rivers, the communities and countryside buzz with summer activities offering something for everyone.
TOP SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN PETERBOROUGH
Canadian Canoe Museum
The worlds largest museum collection of canoes, the Canadian Canoe Museum holds a grand opening of its new state-of-the-art facility the weekend of May 11th, 2024. Part Museum, part art gallery, part cultural and historical centre, there is something for everyone at the new Canadian Canoe Museum which includes a Lakefront Campus where visitors will learn about and build connections with the land, water, and community through immersive, authentic outdoor and indigenous cultural experiences. Guests are welcomed by a Gathering Circle featuring natural elements that emphasize the relationship between land and water. A water infiltration garden, wooden slat benches, and a small amphitheatre surrounded by large granite boulders and white pine trees offer visitors the space and opportunity for reflection and education before or after their adventures.
The new Canadian Canoe Museum and Lakefront Campus are located on the shores of Little Lake: 2077 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough, ON
Warsaw Caves
Warsaw Caves offer adventurers caving, spelunking and hiking across 7 caves, a Damselfly Pond, and Flatrock Beach. Explore the Warsaw Caves on a self guided tour with your headlamp and hiking shoes. Leave with an adventurous spirit and a respect for the treaty land and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg. The history of the Warsaw Caves is as fascinating as the exploration of the caves themselves.
The Village of Warsaw is only two hours from the GTA and not far from Peterborough, Ontario. The Warsaw Caves are located at: 289 Caves Rd, Warsaw, ON
Peterborough Lift Lock
Peterborough Lift Lock is a national historic site of Canada and popular tourist destination. Opened in 1904, it is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world with a lift of 19.8 metres. The first of two built in North America both locks are on the Trent-Severn Waterway. Operating on a balance principal, spectators marvel at the operation as they watch boats traverse the waterway via the lift.
Overseen by Parks Canada the Peterborough Lift Lock is located at the Otonabee River section of the Trent Canal in the City of Peterborough, Ontario: 220 Hunter Street East, Peterborough, ON
Riverview Park & Zoo
Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough is Canada's only free-admission accredited zoo. Situated on over 55 acres Riverview Park and Zoo offers a variety of scenery, exhibits and activities. The park and zoo feature over 25 exhibits and 40 animal species with frequent animal encounters, a splash pad, mini train ride, totem pole and Sabre jet artifacts, disc golf, walking trail and picnic areas.
Along with being an interactive tourist attraction Riverview Park and Zoo is an educational facility that encourages exploration and connection to nature in an outdoor environment. It also offers day camp, meet the Zookeeper events and Otter enrichment sessions at their world class otter exhibit.
Located just north of downtown Peterborough along the Otonabee River: 1300 Water Street North, Peterborough ON
Petroglyphs Provincial Park
Not far from Peterborough, Ontario Petroglyphs Provincial Park displays the largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings (petroglyphs) in Canada. The petroglyphs depict turtles, snakes, birds, humans, and other drawings. Known as “The Teaching Rocks” this is a sacred place where visitors can discover the traditions of the Ojibway (Nishnaabe) people through the teachings of the medicine wheel.
Along with wildlife spotting another highlight of the Petroglyphs is McGinnis Lake. Bright blue green in colours it is one of only a handful of meromictic (layers of water that don’t intermix) lakes in Canada.
Designated as a National Historic site the Peterborough Petroglyphs rock art site is located within the Petroglyphs Provincial Park on the southern edge of the Canadian Shield in a transition zone between the Shield and the Great Lakes-St Lawrence Lowland area just 55 km northeast of Peterborough at: 2249 Northeys Bay Road, Woodview, ON
EXPERIENCE SUMMER IN PETERBOROUGH
Peterborough County offers residents, cottagers, and tourists a captivating blend of natural splendor and laid-back lake life. Embrace extraordinary summer experiences ranging from hiking through caves, traversing bridges, and trails, casting your line into pristine rivers and lakes to heart-pumping adventures in the trees. Discover the natural beauty, art, history, and culture across the region throughout summer and all year long.
READY TO MAKE PETERBOROUGH COUNTY YOUR HOME?
If so, look no further than Rebecca Quinn your trusted local real estate agent with unparalleled expertise in the rural and waterfront markets of Peterborough County. Rebecca’s deep understanding of the local real estate landscape and her commitment to personalized service in the communities she serves will ensure you find your dream property whether a tranquil rural retreat or lakefront home or cottage.
Rebecca’s dedication and expertise will guide you through every step of the process. Reach out to The Janssen Group trusted local Realtor Rebecca Quinn today and let her make your cottage or home real estate dreams a reality.
