Step Into the Past and Race Into the Future in Cavan Monaghan

Part of the “Road Tripping in The Kawarthas” Series

Start: Peterborough Regional Airport
End: Village of Millbrook
Distance: 80 km+
Time: 6 hours to multiple days

About Cavan Monaghan

Nestled in the rolling hills of Peterborough County, where pastoral landscapes meet charming hamlets, the Township of Cavan Monaghan is a destination where excitement and tradition go hand in hand. From the energy of live horse racing and the thrill of the slots, to breathtaking performances at an open-air theatre, entertainment is at the heart of this community.

But there’s more to discover beyond the bright lights. Wander through the bustling village of Millbrook, savour locally made honey and hand-crafted chocolates, or find a moment of reflection at a serene Buddhist temple. With an airport that connects you to the skies and country roads that ground you in history, Cavan Monaghan offers experiences that are as dynamic and welcoming.

Ready to explore? Whether you’re chasing thrills, tasting local flavours, or simply soaking in the scenery, this road trip itinerary showcases the vibrant arts and entertainment scene, unique character, and hidden gems of Cavan Monaghan – have it all, right here.

Your Morning Takeoff

A visit to the airport, delicious treats, and boutique shopping await you!

Begin your road trip at The Good Baker YPQ in the Peterborough Airport – an unexpected stop for breakfast, where you can watch planes land and take off. Maybe you’ll catch the Seneca flight school in session!

Head down County Road 28 to the Village of Millbrook. Enjoy a sweet start at Millbrook Valley Chocolates where gourmet cakes, truffles, cookie platters, and more await. Call ahead to enquire about their private chocolate making classes! Stop in at The Village Apothecary to put together the perfect gift basket, or check out their refillery.

Plan your visit to Millbrook on a Sunday to shop the Millbrook Farmers’ Market, featuring a variety of vendors, farm fresh produce, and live local entertainment. Add a little exercise into your morning with a stroll down one of the nearby Millbrook Valley Trails or by taking a moment to appreciate history with the Millbrook Historic Walking Tour. Did you know that Millbrook has the most historically designated buildings, per capita, then any other town in Ontario?

Head to The Millbrook Mercantile to browse carefully selected home décor, fashion, and wellness products. Order lunch on their patio or pack a picnic from their fresh deli counter for your afternoon adventure.

Afternoon – Speed, Sightseeing, and So Much More

Leaving Millbrook, head north on Peterborough Country Road 28 to a must-see stop – Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden. This incredible site features massive statures, a man-made lake, a tea shop, art gallery, and multiple shrines and walking paths to respectfully explore. Once completed in full, this location will be the largest single Buddhist complex outside China for the promulgation of Chinese Buddhism in North America

After a visit to the temple, more afternoon experiences await every kind of day tripper!

If you’re an adrenaline seeker, head to the Peterborough Speedway! Catch a heart-pounding stock car race or get behind the wheel yourself and drive the track with the Peterborough Speedway Driving Experience. Add on another type of racing to your trip! Minutes away down County Road 28, Kawartha Downs welcomes you to an exciting afternoon of harness racing – fun for the whole family! Grab a bite at the Grandstand Dining Room buffet to watch the races in style.

Looking for an unforgettable agritourism experience? Head back south just past Millbrook to Hunnabees Honey & Co to experience what it’s like to be a beekeeper! Visit the apiary for a guided tour of the facilities or get hands on with a beekeeping or honey extraction experience, led by 3rd generation beekeepers who are passionate about their pollinators.

Maybe a game of golf is your idea of a great afternoon? Book a tee time at one of the three golf courses in the township – Baxter Creek Golf Club, Keystone Links Golf & Country Club, or Heron Landing Golf Club.

Visiting during the colder months? Plan a visit to Staples Maple Syrup and Red Mill Maple Syrup. Open year-round, stop by either of these great producers to tour the sugar bush, learn about the process, pick up locally-made syrup, and, of course, do a little taste testing.

Settle in for an Exciting Evening In Cavan Monaghan

After a day of exploring, head back to downtown Millbrook for a delicious dinner at The Peddler.

Then, let the curtain rise on your evening at the 4th Line Theatre. This one-of-a-kind company stages Canadian stories under the open sky, set against the backdrop of a fifth-generation barnyard. Bring a picnic, settle into your seat, and enjoy theatre “al fresco” as the sun dips low.

Thrill seekers, extend your time at Kawartha Downs into the evening at Shorelines Slots or by booking tickets to a live music event or comedy show.

Turn your daytrip into an overnight stay with Sweet Hills Farm Bunkie. Unwind in your very own private hilltop bunkie with views of rolling farmland and enjoy a campfire under the stars. There is even farm fresh seasonal produce, maple syrup and honey available to purchase! For a stay with all the comforts of home, stay with Field Day B&B. This year-round historical B&B invites you to relax in a stunning Victorian Gothic home, with home-cooked meals, a pool, and children’s activities to keep little hands busy – just steps away from downtown Millbrook.

Looking for an unforgettable week away? Book a luxury houseboat experience with Le Boat. With multiple options for rental watercrafts for up to ten days, it’s an unforgettable way to experience The Kawarthas at your own pace along the Trent-Severn Waterway – no license or experience required!

Enrich your journey by planning your visit around a local festival or self-guided tour!

Plan a summer visit during the Millbrook Fair! Each June for more than 170 years, the fair has brought the community together with agricultural displays, homecraft exhibits, thrilling demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls, livestock shows, and a lively midway. Enjoy parades, live entertainment, and classic fair treats while soaking up the small-town charm that makes this annual tradition a must-visit.

Follow a colorful, narrative-rich art journey with the Cavan Monaghan Barn Quilt Trails – where each hand-painted quilt block reveals stories of local heritage, agriculture, and family legacy. Whether you’re enjoying the driving tour or the walking tour, the trail invites you to pause and connect with history, craftsmanship, and community spirit. Available year-round, these artful installations transform barns, public buildings, and landscapes into an unfolding gallery that celebrates rural creativity and tradition.