ESCAPE the Daily Grind with Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

In only 90 minutes from Toronto you can truly get away from it all. Visit us and embrace the true Canadian cottage experience. Home to the eastern Kawartha Lakes there is ample opportunity to try your hand at canoeing, waterskiing, kayaking, wakeboarding and year ‘round fishing; not to mention a jam-packed menu of festivals and events.

For locals, be sure to get acquainted with the attractions that have for decades been luring visitors from across the country and around the world.

Distinctive Environment

Encounter “The Land Between” – a unique ecotone smack dab between the Canadian Shield and the St. Lawrence Lowlands. Explore this transition area containing elements from the ecosystems it borders, but also having features that are entirely unique. Exposed granite and limestone stepping stones; small, connected lakes and wetlands; open ridges and cool shaded forests; all await your discovery.

At One with Nature

We’re a diversity hotspot! Wide-ranging habitat attracts a broader variation of species. Ontario’s only lizard, the Five-lined Skink lives here. Naturalist and birder, Drew Monkman notes that, “Two worlds collide here and birding is better because of it.” With no less than ten provincial parks and conservation areas there’s no shortage of nature’s unspoiled gifts.

Not to be Missed Attractions

• Petroglyphs Provincial Park – Canada’s largest known concentration of Aboriginal rock carvings; interpretive centre
• Warsaw Caves Conservation Area & Campground – series of caves and kettles formed thousands of years ago
• Whetung Ojibwa Centre – gallery of fine art and handcrafts produced in the Curve Lake community and throughout the nation; and a small museum of the family’s private collection
• Canadian Canoe Museum – engaging, family-friendly museum with more than 100 canoes and kayaks
• Lang Pioneer Village Museum – each year, tens of thousands of visitors from around the world take this trip back in time
• Indian River Reptile Zoo – Canada’s only zoological reptile facility with over 200 reptiles
• Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park – Largest park in Ontario south of Algonquin; 100+ boat access campsites; day-trip or overnight canoe and kayak routes
• Peterborough Lift Locks – world’s highest hydraulic lift lock, Lock 21 in the Trent-Severn Waterway, Visitor Centre

Centrally located between Toronto and Ottawa, true Kawartha spirit is found in this “land of shining waters.” There’s a reason so many talented people live in this area; it’s simply inspiring. Unspoiled lakes offer adventure, wonderment or relaxation. Natural beauty aside, you can explore a broad range of attractions on offer at any time. Whether it’s culture or culinary, necessities or luxuries, shops or festivals; you choose.

Do you enjoy simple pleasures in life?

• A bounty of flavourful fare from fresh ingredients
• An invigorating morning dip in a pristine lake
• Locating the perfect gift made by a local artisan
• Falling asleep listening to the call of a distant loon

Then look no further. Whatever your desire, you will find it here.