See It All in Selwyn Township

Part of the “Road Tripping in The Kawarthas” Series

Start: The Nutty Bean Cafe
End: The Village Inn of Lakefield
Distance: 115 KM
Time: 6 hours to multiple days

About Selwyn Township

Framed by sparkling lakes and rolling countryside, Selwyn Township is a place where small-town charm meets outdoor adventure. Home to multiple charming communities – including Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Ennismore, and Young’s Point – each offers its own unique character, local shops, and lakeside views. From lively festivals to leisurely paddles along the Trent-Severn Waterway, Selwyn is bursting with experiences that celebrate both nature and community.

Beyond its scenic landscapes, Selwyn’s heart lies in its people – friendly, welcoming, and proud of the place they call home. Whether you’re exploring arts and culture, savouring a delicious meal, or simply soaking in a spectacular sunset, you’ll find a sense of connection that’s unmistakably Selwyn.

Ready to take a trip? This itinerary showcases the best of Selwyn Township – where nature, culture, and small-town hospitality come together to create unforgettable moments.

Launch from Lakefield

Begin your adventure in Selwyn Township with a delicious breakfast paired and your favourite caffeinated beverage at The Nutty Bean, a friendly neighbourhood cafe.

After fueling up, stroll downtown Lakefield, visiting the boutique shops dotted along Queen Street. Shop unique home goods at Stuff Store and Happenstance Books & Yarn, buy a new piece of local art at ECCO Art Gallery Studios and Divine Craft, add to your wardrobe from The Classy Closet by Sue, Sunblockers, and Tragically Hipp Fashion Gallery, or pick up mouthwatering truffles and treats from The Chocolate Rabbit and The Cheesy Fromage. A little further north on Queen Street, you will find anything and everything you need for the lake lifestyle at Cottage Toys, along with delicious cupcakes, muffins, butter tarts, and more at Lakefield Bakery on Queen.

Follow Queen Street out of Lakefield north to Peterborough County Road 28 and head north to your next stop – Lockside Trading Company in Young’s Point. Explore this multi-award-winning retail and interior design destination, shop their Canadian-made home décor, furniture, lighting, giftware, and seasonal selections, and enjoy a top up at Steamers Café & Ice Cream Parlor.

Choose Your Afternoon Adventure

After leaving Young’s Point, follow Peterborough County Road 20 west towards Ennismore to kick off your afternoon. For lunch, drive across the James A Gifford Causeway to Jesse’s Tap & Grill, serving up everything from burgers to fish and chips to sharables for over 25 years.

Travel south on Chemong Road and turn west onto Lindsay Road to arrive at Craftworks at the Barn – home to a collection of Canadian-made and Ontario Mennonite furniture, handcrafted goods from dozens of local vendors, gourmet food products, and an extensive antique mall.

If you are looking for delicious hands-on experience, McLean Berry Farm is a must-see. Focused on providing their surrounding local communities with fresh, local, and delicious produce, the McLean family welcomes you to their on-farm store, Pick Your Own fruits throughout the growing season, and their famous Pumpkinfest each fall.

There is outdoor fun to be had throughout the year in Selwyn Township! While the weather is warm, stop by Selwyn Beach Conservation Area and enjoy a well-maintained sandy beach, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a boat launch. For the perfect afternoon activity during the colder months, plan a visit to the Ontario Speed Skating Oval. This 400-metre outdoor track located just outside Lakefield hosts free public skate sessions daily, with onsite speed skate rentals available during the weekends. Come back for their famous candlelight skate!

Settle in for a Relaxing Evening In Selwyn Township

After your exciting day exploring Selwyn Township, enjoy a world-class dinner at Chemong Lodge. Built in 1895 and overlooking the sparkling waters of Chemong Lake and known for its country gourmet menu, plan your visit around a promotion like Rib Night or their globally inspired Supper Club dinners, or one of their signature festivals like Reggae Sunsplash and Conman’s Lobsterfest.

In the warmer months, head back south to pick up dessert at Central Smith Ice Cream. From their humble beginnings in 1896 as a farmer’s co-op, this sweet spot serves up dreamy treats including cones, sundaes, milkshakes, frozen yogurt, and more.

To extend your adventure, make your way back to Lakefield and book a relaxing stay at The Village Inn! This award-winning country inn blends heritage charm with modern comfort, offering 30 unique rooms and two luxury suites. Ideal for year-round romantic getaways, group retreats, or visits to nearby friends and family, enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast before exploring local shops, dining, and attractions.

Looking for a tranquil escape? Discover The Forest Hill Lodge, a charming lakeside retreat nestled on scenic Lovesick Lake, just north of Lakefield. This historic lodge – welcoming guests since 1924 – offers cozy housekeeping cottages where you can enjoy swimming, canoeing, and fishing along the Trent-Severn Waterway, or simply relax on the sandy beach and take in the breathtaking sunsets. With shared lodge spaces, game and movie nights, and a peaceful natural setting, take some time to unwind, reconnect, and create lasting memories.

Enrich your journey by planning your visit around a local festival!

PolarFest is a beloved winter tradition in Selwyn Township, celebrating community spirit and cold-weather fun! This action-packed weekend offers something for everyone — from the dazzling Opening Ceremony and fireworks to the lively Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey Game, incredible ice carvings, and the daring BEL Rotary Polar Plunge for the brave at heart. Families can also enjoy the Polar Paddle and plenty of laughter-filled activities for all ages. This frosty festival includes the Lakefield Chocolate Creations Festival! Indulge in decadent treats, explore local shops, and vote for your favourite sweet creations.

The Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival is a summer favourite that brings music, creativity, and community together along the scenic shores of the Otonabee River. Spend a relaxing day outdoors enjoying live jazz performances, browsing vibrant artisan and craft displays, and sampling delicious local food and beverages. With its welcoming atmosphere and beautiful riverside setting, this annual festival is the perfect way to celebrate the arts and soak up the best of summer in Lakefield.

For more than 30 years, the Lakefield Literary Festival has celebrated Canada’s literary excellence, uniting acclaimed authors and avid readers for a weekend of thought-provoking talks, readings, and discussions. Set in the heart of Lakefield, home of Margaret Laurence, Catharine Parr Traill, and Susanna Moodie – the festival honours their legacy while inspiring the next generation of storytellers.

The Ennismore Shamrock Festival is a beloved summer tradition that celebrates community pride, Irish heritage, and country charm in the heart of Selwyn Township. This family-friendly event features live music, a BBQ, a boot sale, a truck and tractor pull, lawn games, soccer and rookie ball tournaments, petting zoo, and more!