Kawartha Lakes

Welcome to Kawartha Lakes

Discover the Serenity and Charm of this Stunning Setting

Kawartha Lakes, also known as The City of Kawartha Lakes, in the heart of Ontario, Canada, is a sprawling region known for its tranquil rural landscapes. This municipality, legally structured as a single-tier city, serves as a postcard-worthy retreat, offering a peaceful haven filled with over 250 lakes and rivers that are perfect for a myriad of outdoor adventures.

Known for its warm, friendly, laid-back atmosphere, Kawartha Lakes is characterized by its remarkable natural surroundings, charming ambiance, and a lifestyle that encourages relaxation and recreation. Whether you're seeking a peaceful lakeside afternoon or an active outdoor excursion, Kawartha Lakes provides the perfect backdrop for a scenic experience.

The region is dotted with quaint villages and towns, each offering its own unique flair and community spirit. From the historic charm of Bobcaygeon to the scenic splendor of Fenelon Falls, the area's communities are rich in new experiences and local history. With its abundant recreational opportunities, from boating and fishing to hiking and biking along the Trans Canada Trail, Kawartha Lakes is a haven for those who thrive in the great outdoors.

What to Love

Natural Wonders Galore: Gorgeous landscapes featuring lakes, rivers, and scenic trails ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Vibrant Community Spirit: A welcoming, tight-knit community that hosts various local events and festivals to look forward to.
Recreational Paradise: Endless opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and more, with impressive scenery of the lakes and rivers at every turn.
A Creative Art Scene: A host of impressive local theatres, museums, and festivals.
Wildlife and Birdwatching: Perfect for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike, promising memorable adventures.
Charming Local Towns: Each community within the region offers unique local shops, eateries, and attractions, from Bobcaygeon to Fenelon Falls.

Local Lifestyle

Residents of Kawartha Lakes enjoy a lifestyle deeply connected to the natural landscapes and community-oriented spirit of the region. The relaxed pace of life here allows locals and newcomers alike to appreciate the simple pleasures — whether it's kayaking on a quiet morning, exploring local art at the Globus Theatre, or savoring homemade treats from the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour. The community is active and engaged, often gathering for various fun-filled events and outdoor pursuits that highlight the area's natural and artistic resources.

Dining & Shopping

Kawartha Lakes' culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes, providing an array of standout dining options that cater to all interests.

The Cat & The Fiddle: Open since 2007, The Cat & The Fiddle in historic downtown Lindsay, ON, offers a taste of traditional British pub fare in a cozy setting. Don’t miss Caribbean Tuesdays from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM, offering meal specials like curried chicken, chicken roti, and Jamaican meat patties.
Saint Dave’s Diner: Also in Lindsay, Saint Dave's delivers a classic diner experience with a menu full of comfort food favorites. The made-in-house burger combos come highly recommended and are a great choice for their flavors and hearty size.
Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio: Located in Fenelon Falls Murphy’s Lockside Pub & Patio provides a scenic dining experience with great views of the locks — ideal for enjoying an Irish pub-style meal in a picturesque location with patio seating.
Rosie's Dockside Restaurant Bar & Grill: For those looking to enjoy an excellent meal with a view, Rosie’s Dockside Restaurant Bar & Grill in Coboconk offers waterfront dining that captures the essence of lakeside leisure. This standout dining spot is perfect for savoring a flavorful meal while overlooking the water.
Just For The Halibut Taphouse and Grill: Set in scenic Bobcaygeon, Just For The Halibut Taphouse and Grill is renowned for its delicious seafood selections, especially the fish and chips, making it a must-visit for hungry diners. Try the coconut-breaded shrimp or banquet burger for tons of flavor.
The Barn & Bunkie: In terms of shopping, the Barn & Bunkie in Fenelon Falls provides an excellent selection of local crafts and decor, making it a great place for finding unique items that reflect the local Cottage Country charm.
A Zebra of a Different Stripe: Offerings unique gifts while supporting a great cause, makes this a thoughtful place to shop while contributing to community initiatives.
Bigley Shoes & Clothing: An iconic store in Bobcaygeon, the family-run Bigley Shoes is a go-to shop for its array of footwear (over 40,000 pairs!) alongside style-focused products, from jewelry and accessories to suits, clothing, and even home decor.

Entertainment & Things to Do

Kawartha Lakes is brimming with activities that blend historical and natural attractions, ensuring there is always something engaging to see or explore.

Kawartha Settlers' Village: Operated by the Kawartha Region Arts and Heritage Society, Kawartha Settlers' Village in Bobcaygeon offers a unique glimpse into the past with its collection of over 20 carefully preserved historic buildings and homes from 1830 to 1935. This charming village allows visitors to explore the Discovery Trail and step back in time to experience the lifestyle of the area's early settlers through interactive exhibits and beautifully maintained grounds.
Globus Theatre: The Globus Theatre at the Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon is a community highlight, showcasing professional theatre productions in a delightfully rustic setting. The venue's intimate atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for enjoying live performances that range from dramatic plays to comedic acts.
The LEX: For a taste of local festivity, the Lindsay Exhibition (LEX) is a must-attend event held every fall at the Lindsay Fairgrounds. This lively fair combines agricultural displays, rides and games, an obstacle course, arts and crafts, and live entertainment, making it a central part of the community's social calendar.
Lindsay Rib & Beer Fest: An event not to be missed that serves up a mouthwatering array of barbecue dishes in a festive atmosphere with live music and games. This lively, weekend-long event draws in visitors from all over to indulge in some of the best ribs in the region.

Parks & Recreation

Kawartha Lakes is well known for it's plethora of beautiful and tranquil parks meaning, there is no shortage of recreational activities in this area of cottage country.

Balsam Lake Provincial Park: A paradise for outdoor pursuits. Whether you're interested in camping under the stars, swimming in clear lake waters, boating and fishing, or exploring hiking trails, this park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a fantastic place to appreciate the natural wonders of Kawartha Lakes.
Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park: The 33,505-hectare Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park is one of the region's most diverse and inspiring natural landscapes, offering over 100 habitat types. With no official marked trails, it provides a rugged, backcountry experience ideal for experienced hikers and adventurers looking to immerse themselves fully in nature.
Emily Provincial Park: Omemee, Ontario boasts another standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features beautiful beaches, picnic areas, fishing spots, and boating and paddling routes along the Trent Severn Waterway.

Popular Lakes

For nature enthusiasts, Kawartha Lakes is truly a paradise. The area is renowned for its stunning array of lakes, each offering unique recreational opportunities.

Balsam Lake: A true gem, known for its crystal-clear waters that are perfect for a day of fishing, boating, or taking a refreshing swim. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors who want to dive into exciting water sports surrounded by stunning scenery.
Sturgeon Lake: A popular spot for fishing, boating, and birdwatching, makes Sturgeon Lake a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts.
Pigeon Lake: An angler’s paradise and a dream spot for those who love to explore by kayak or canoe, offering a peaceful and serene setting.
Cameron Lake: For a laid-back day, head to Cameron Lake near Fenelon Falls, where you can soak in the scenic views while enjoying leisurely boating or a calming swim in its tranquil waters.

Notable Schools

Sir Sandford Fleming College: The Frost Campus, surrounded by the natural beauty of Kawartha Lakes, is one of one of Canada’s leading environmental institutions with it's School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences.
Central Senior Public School: Located in the heart of Lindsay, Central Senior ensures their students feel represented and valued as they strive to become respectful and responsible members of the school, local, and global community.
Alexandra Public School: Alexandra Public School in Lindsay, ON was built in 1910-1911 and was named after a gifted and generous soul, Queen Alexandra who serves as the schools inspiration.
St. John Paul II Elementary School: Affiliated with the Boy's and Girls Club of Lindsay for before and after school care, St. John Paul ll is Linday's Catholic School for elementary aged children.