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woman on sea doo in evening

Water Sports in Peterborough & the Kawarthas

Water you waiting for?

When a place is known as the Land of Shining Waters, you know you’re in the right place if you’re drawn to the therapeutic presence of lakes and rivers. There are more than 150 of them for you to enjoy. We tend to forget that the real stars aren’t on television. They’re in the sky, never more beautiful than when reflected in the quiet waters of The Kawarthas.

National Geographic’s book “Journey’s of a Lifetime” calls the Trent-Severn Waterway one of the the top 10 waterway trips in the world.

Make a Splash

Boating
two men fishing off the boat launch and one man tying a boat to the dock

Boating

Nothing but you, the sun and long stretches of sparkling water ahead…Ahh boating in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.

Fishing
fishing at sunrise on a forest lake

Fishing

Families, friends, and professional anglers have been casting their lines in the Kawarthas for generations.

Paddling
aerial view of a person paddling down a river

Paddling

All about canoeing, kayaking and paddling in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.

Trent-Severn Waterway
boat in lift lock

Trent-Severn Waterway

Peterborough & the Kawarthas is home to Canada’s Treasured Waterway, the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada – our connection to our land, our people, our industry, our past and most importantly our future.

Explore our marinas

Stay near the water

Glamping by the River at Otter Shore
White prospector style tent in nature looking towards river.
Includes Escape Games!
Business Type: Places to Stay, Business Type: Resorts & Cottages

Glamping by the River at Otter Shore

This glamping escape requires no set-up, just put your feet up and enjoy the amazing views of the meandering river. If you’re feeling refreshed and need a bit more excitement, your stay includes four escape games!

156 Cedar Bank Road
Peterborough, Ontario
K9J 6Y3
Visit Website for Glamping by the River at Otter Shore
Westwind Inn on the Lake
resort exterior
Business Type: Places to Stay, Business Type: Resorts & Cottages

Westwind Inn on the Lake

Westwind Inn is a charming all cedar lodge nestled under tall pines on pink granite rock at the water’s edge. A truly spectacular wilderness setting yet close to all amenities. We are reminiscent of a rustic Rocky Mountain Lodge filled with antiques, art, fireplaces, memorabilia and collectables.

37 Gallery on the Lake Rd.
Buckhorn, Ontario
K0L 1J0
Visit Website for Westwind Inn on the Lake

Rent a watercraft

Wildwood Cottages Adventure Rentals
Boat with Wildwood resort logo on the side, with the sun rising in the background
Business Type: See & Do, Business Type: Cruises, Business Type: Outdoor Recreation

Wildwood Cottages Adventure Rentals

Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable experience this summer? Look no further than a visit to Wildwood Cottages and choose from one of our many water activities:
– Rent a kayak, canoe or SUP for 1 hour on site or take it for a day to your location.
– Rent a fishing boat or pontoon boat for a day on the water
– Charter a sunset cruise on Rice Lake with your friends or family
– Book a Sea Doo to rip up and down the TSW

1328 Second Line
Bailieboro, Ontario
K0L 1B0
Visit Website for Wildwood Cottages Adventure Rentals

Explore our 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

Fish TV

The guy’s head to Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism to fish Pigeon Lake for some Largemouth Bass.

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