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a canoe on a lake

Summer in Peterborough & the Kawarthas

Life is Better at the Lake

A week at the lake should be more than wide-screen TVs and game consoles.

Let your kids splash in the sun, track turtles in the shallows, and make up pirate stories. Fun – the way it was before it was manufactured by marketers and sold in stores everywhere.

  • Only in Peterborough & the Kawarthas: Bucket List-Worthy Experiences Await!
    Hundred of Canoeists and Kayakers at the Peterborough Lift Lock's annual Lock & Paddle event
    Category: Articles

    Only in Peterborough & the Kawarthas: Bucket List-Worthy Experiences Await!

    Thinking about travelling to Peterborough & the Kawarthas but not sure how to start planning your trip? Here is a look-book of the bucket-list worthy, locally recommended must-do experiences, snapshot opportunities and memory-making moments that await you in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.

Summertime Family Favourites

  • Peterborough & the Kawarthas Signature Paddling Routes
    a canoe in lake surrounded by forest

    Peterborough & the Kawarthas Signature Paddling Routes

    Dip your paddle deep into time. Travel along the routes of the voyageurs in a canoe crafted by hand, the vessel that was created by Indigenous peoples. The vessel that helped create the nation we call Canada. That we’ve honoured with its own museum.

Build Sandcastles and Splash The Day Away at these Beaches

City of Peterborough

Beavermead Park

The beach at Beavermead Park (2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough) is a perfect way to lounge in the lazy, hazy days of summer with the kids. This big sandy beach, beach volleyball courts, soccer fields, a playground  and picnic area.

Discover Beavermead Park

City of Peterborough

Rogers Cove

Just around the bend at Rogers Cove (131 Maria Street), you will find another great little beach, with lots of great shade trees for a picnic lunch, as well as a splashpad and boat launch for getting out on the water.

Discover Rogers Cove

County of Peterborough

Chandos Beach

Chandos Beach is located just north of Apsley (County Rd 620), and is a great spot to cool down with a stretch of sandy beach, a swim raft, grassy picnic areas and washrooms and change rooms)

Discover Chandos Beach

County of Peterborough

Henry’s Gumming Lake

Located within Curve Lake First Nation, Henry’s Gumming Beach (Whetung St. E.) is a spot to cool off just steps away from shopping and culture at Whetung Ojibwa Centre.

Discover Henry’s Gumming Lake

County of Peterborough

Lance Wood Park

Lance Wood Park is located within Curve Lake First Nation.

Discover Lance Wood Park

County of Peterborough

Jones Beach

A popular spot for those with little ones, Jones Beach (908 Jones Beach Road, Bridgenorth) is a place to have a picnic, and enjoy the pier as you play. Swing by Pizza Villa on your way back for a soft-serve or scooped ice cream cone.

Discover Jones Beach

County of Peterborough

Ennismore Waterfront Park

Enjoy a trek along the trail before soaking up the fun and sun at Ennismore Waterfront Park (1053 Ennis Road, Ennismore). There is a picnic shelter and playground too.

Discover Ennismore Waterfront Park

County of Peterborough

Selwyn Conservation Area

Catching minnows and making memories, the laid-back beach at Selwyn Conservation Area (Birch Island Road, Selwyn) is a great place for little ones to explore the wildlife that call Chemong Lake home.

Discover Selwyn Conservation Area

County of Peterborough

Douro Municipal Park

Are you a paddler who likes to take a dip? If you said yes, then the beach at Douro Municipal Park (County Road 8) is a great place to explore. Bring your canoe and kayak, and dive in to a day of fun.

Discover Douro Municipal Park

County of Peterborough

Warsaw Caves Conservation Area

Swimming with a side of spelunking anyone? Take a day to explore at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area (Caves Road, East of County Road 4). Kids of all ages will love exploring the natural playground that these glacier-formed caves in Warsaw – where sometimes you can see ice even on the warmest of summer days. Finish the day off with a plunge into the river.

Discover Warsaw Caves Conservation Area

County of Peterborough

Kasshabog Lake Beach

A little ways off the beaten track, this hidden Kasshabog Lake Beach (431 Peninsula Road, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen) is a hidden gem north of Havelock. The park has a large grassy area with picnic tables making it a great place to have a family gathering or a picnic.

Discover Kasshabog Lake Beach

County of Peterborough

Lakefield Beach

A popular spot for residents and visitors alike, Lakefield Beach (65 Hague Boulevard) is steps from Lakefield’s downtown with a great playground and picnic pavilion. Looking for a bike and swim adventure? From Peterborough you can venture along the Rotary Trail for a satisfying swim when you reach your destination.

Discover Lakefield Beach

County of Peterborough

Squirrel Creek Conservation Area

Enjoy some simple riverside fun at Squirrel Creek Conservation Area (County Rd 21 East, Wallace Point Bridge). Here, the public beach is accompanied by two baseball diamonds and picnic areas, and also happens to be a great place to cast a fishing line.

Discover Squirrel Creek Conservation Area

County of Peterborough

Mill Pond in Norwood

The Mill Pond in Norwood (4340 Highway 7, Norwood) is a quaint and quiet little swimming spot where you can relax for the afternoon or a few hours. Be sure to take a moment to explore in the butterfly garden close by.

County of Peterborough

Sandy Lake Public Beach

A local favourite, Sandy Lake Public Beach is located just outside of Buckhorn (Lakehurst Road). With a surprisingly grassy shoreline, this soft sandy-bottomed lake is a must-stop attraction for families looking for some shallow waters to play in.

Discover Sandy Lake Public Beach

County of Peterborough

Quarry Bay Beach

The stunning and serene scenery at Quarry Bay Beach (Northey’s Bay Road) is what brings people coming back. This small, sandy beach is perfect for kids who want to build sand castles, as well as adults who want to enjoy views that are reminiscent of a Group of Seven painting.

Discover Quarry Bay Beach

Top Festivals & Events

Salsa Party
Looking towards Rolling Grape building with sign saying "Rolling Grape"
Event

Salsa Party

December 6 at 5:00 pm

Salsa Night is back! It was one of our favourite and most popular events last year. Join us anytime from 5:00 – 10:00pm on the patio for a night of…

260 County Rd 2
Bailieboro, Ontario K0L 1B0 Canada
First Friday Art Crawl
First Friday Peterborough's logo. Black background with the letters "FF PTBO"
Event

First Friday Art Crawl

December 6 at 6:00 pm—Free

The best way to experience Art Crawl is to set out on foot and explore. Each month is different – you never know what you will stumble across. Check out…

500 George Street N
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 3H1 Canada
Christmas by Candlelight
two woman holding a loaf
Event

Christmas by Candlelight

December 7 at 4:00 pm—$7 – $15

Get into the merriment of the season with a traditional Pioneer Christmas. Join along in a carol sing, tour the village by wagon ride, meet Father Christmas and learn about…

104 Lang Road
Keene, K0L1C0
Muskoka Puppy Yoga
an image of two black Newfoundland breed puppies
Event

Muskoka Puppy Yoga

December 8 at 8:00 am—$40

Welcome to Muskoka Puppy Yoga class! Step into a heartwarming blend of gentle yoga and the delightful presence of adorable, playful puppies. Our classes offer a unique and joyful experience…

184 Marina Blvd
Peterborough, Ontario K9H 6M9 Canada

More to See & Do in the Summer

a tractor on a field

Agritourism
wagon and buildings

Culture & Heritage
a large cruise ship

Cruises
a lady hugging a pony

Education Centres
2 statues outside

Visual Arts
a crowd of people at an outdoor music festival

Attractions
rolled up towels on a shelf

Health & Wellness
boy crafting

Museums
woman in kayak with dog

Outdoor Recreation
A group of people standing in front of barn watching a performer

Performing Arts
Building Storefront

Shopping
  • Top 10 Summer Experiences
    family jumping into lake
    Category: Articles

    Top 10 Summer Experiences

    1. Patio Season The favourite expression for describing our summer patio obsession is “al fresco” simply meaning “in the fresh” – Peterborough & the Kawarthas offers just that – dining…

  • Sip, Savour & Shop Local – 72 hours in Peterborough & the Kawarthas
    Two people cheers pints of beer

    Sip, Savour & Shop Local – 72 hours in Peterborough & the Kawarthas

    Blend that with the area’s long, storied history of brewing connected to Canada’s Treasured Waterway with today’s growing number craft beverage makers and you have the perfect pairing for a mouthwatering experience. Take a piece of Peterborough & the Kawarthas home with you.