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Welcome to The Kawarthas! It is expected to be sunny with a high of 20.1°C today.

Visitor Information in The Kawarthas

Planning a trip to The Kawarthas? You’re in the right place.

While we no longer operate a physical visitor centre, our team is more accessible than ever, bringing local expertise directly to you through mobile visitor services, plus real-time support by phone, email, and live chat.

Whether you’re planning ahead or already exploring, we’re here to help you make the most of your time in The Kawarthas.

Where Can I Find You?

Our Mobile Visitor Services team is on the move all season long—popping up at events, attractions, downtowns, and high-traffic visitor locations across the region.

Instead of coming to us, we come to you.

What You’ll Find:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable local ambassadors
  • Personalized recommendations based on your interests
  • Insider tips on hidden gems and must-see experiences
  • Printed maps, guides, and travel resources
  • Up-to-date information on events and happenings

📅 Keep an eye out for us this summer—you never know where we’ll pop up next.

Hours of Operation

We are open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 4:30pm EST
Please note that we are closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

We’re Here To Help!

1-800-710-9586 and dial extension 2507
Our phoneline is only monitored during business hours

tourism@ptbocounty.ca
Our email is only monitored during business hours

Plan a Safe & Thoughtful Visit in The Kawarthas

Take the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge

Respect. Kindness. Pride.
Drawing on the teachings of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg, the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge represents a universal and evergreen value – respect – and serves to unify everyone for whom the region lives within their hearts.

Take the Pledge Today

Transportation Resources

Whether you’re travelling by road, air or water, it’s an easy (and beautiful) trip to The Kawarthas. Start planning ahead to your next escape today!

Escape by Car

The Kawarthas is an easy 90 minute drive from Toronto or 2.5 hour drive from Ottawa, with stunning landscapes to take in along the way. Ideally situated between major city centres and the northeastern United States, we’re easily accessible from Highway 401, 407, or 115. If a slower pace suits you better, you can tour the stunning countryside via Highway 7, or various scenic roadways.

Escape by Bus

A popular destination for motor coach tours and RV enthusiasts, Peterborough has a convenient GO Transit service throughout downtown, with stops throughout the County of Peterborough. For more information about transit options in the City of Peterborough, visit Peterborough Transit.

For airport shuttles from Lester B. Pearson International and Billy Bishop Airports in Toronto, try Century Transportation.

FlixBus is a low-cost bus service with daily routes to and from the City of Peterborough.

The Rider Express Bus offers intercity bus services. See Rider Express schedules and routes here. Pick up & drop off in Peterborough is located at 271 Ashburnham Drive.

Escape by Boat

The Kawarthas is ideally situated along the Trent-Severn Waterway, one of the finest interconnected systems of navigation in the world. There are a number of marinas, and lock stations along the way.

Escape by Air

The Peterborough Airport has the longest paved, lighted runway between Ottawa and Toronto. This full-service facility caters to both business and general aviation including fuel, oil, aircraft repairs, weather observation site and charter service. Terminal operations feature Customs pre-clearance using CANPASS and a restaurant facility catering to local and transient traffic.

Getting around

Local taxi services: Call-A-Cab and Capitol Taxi 

Vehicle rentals: Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Limousine service and Airport Shuttle: Welsh Limousine

Local ride share services: Uride or Y-Drive PTBO.

Resources for International Visitors

All international visitors to Canada are required to have a passport and follow the Government of Canada’s Travel Guidelines. Visit the Going To Canada website for more information on visa and passport requirements.

Passport Requirements

All international visitors to Canada require a passport or other appropriate secure document to enter Canada. Visit the Going To Canada website for full details on entry and visa requirements.

Exchange Rates

You can obtain Canadian dollars by visiting a local bank. Click here for information on daily currency exchange rates from the Bank of Canada.

Tax Refunds for International Visitors

Ontario’s harmonized sales tax (HST) may apply to various goods and services you purchase during your stay in Peterborough & the Kawarthas. The HST rate is 13%. The Government of Canada has introduced the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program. Click here to visit Revenue Canada for information on how to qualify for a refund on Canadian taxes you have paid during your visit.