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aerial view of a person paddling down a river

Paddling in Peterborough & the Kawarthas

Canoe believe it?

There’s a saying that you cannot step foot in the same river twice – because the water is always changing – that is especially true here.

Dip your paddle into our rich canoe culture. As Canada’s Canoe Capital, paddling in Peterborough & the Kawarthas is a fixture here for many aspects of life, including the harvesting of traditional Indigenous wild rice, a proud heritage of canoe manufacturing, and of course for a variety of visitors to test our sparkling waters and explore.

Canoeing in Peterborough & the Kawarthas

Inspiring Canada by Canoe

The Canadian Canoe Museum, located on the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations, in Peterborough, Ontario, has stewarded, for the last 20 years, the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft. More than 600 in number, the watercraft and their stories have a pivotal role to play in understanding our past and, our collective future. As part of our responsibility for this one-of-a-kind collection, we are building it a new home along the water’s edge. 

Accommodations offering paddling rentals

  • Five Reasons Fall Paddling in the Kawarthas is the Best
    two people canoeing on a river

    Five Reasons Fall Paddling in the Kawarthas is the Best

    As Champagne is to France, Darjeeling is to the Indian Himalaya and Islay single malt is to Scotland, so is canoeing to Peterborough & the Kawarthas. Peterborough is the birthplace…

    Briagh Bretton By Insider Briagh Bretton

Paddling Related Experiences

Paddling Related Retailer & Rentals

  • 10 Signature Paddling Routes
    a canoe in lake surrounded by forest

    10 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 the First Nations.

  • Paddling Routes in the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
    a lake with forest

    Paddling Routes in the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

    Have you ever noticed what happens to the landscape about a half-hour’s drive north of Peterborough, as you pass Buckhorn or Burleigh? The stratified limestone that supports the Saint Lawrence…

    Briagh Bretton By Insider Briagh Bretton

Paddling Resources