Sights & Attractions in the Kawarthas
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for The Kawarthas, Ontario.
The Kawarthas region of Ontario is the "land of reflections" in the language of the First Nations people who lived here hundreds of years ago. This region is known for its natural beauty; shimmering waters, ancient forests and rolling hills are the reason most visitors are drawn to the region. However, guests are often surprised to discover that in addition, there are also many historical, cultural and recreational sights and attractions to explore.
Taking in the natural splendour and rich culture of this beautiful region may involve catching a glimpse of history by contemplating rock carvings dating back almost a century, experiencing a moment in time while wandering through a museum, or reliving the adventures of the first explorers while gazing over the landscape.
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
The shimmering waters of the Kawarthas region are crowned by the Trent-Severn Waterway, a 386-km (240-mi) ribbon stretching south from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay, connecting bays, rivers and lakes along the way.
The cool, deep water of Stoney Lake in Burleigh Falls comes alive each summer with anglers, boaters and water-sport enthusiasts. A more rustic experience can be had at the smaller Rice Lake, south of Keene, where canoeists can enjoy 33 km (18 mi) of desolate natural beauty: sparkling blue water, elusive birds and wild rice growing along the shores.
Parks and gardens are also highlighted by waterways. Presqu'ile Provincial Park (French for "almost an island") on Lake Ontario near Brighton has a varied landscape, which includes forests, marshes, beaches and the second-oldest operating lighthouse in Ontario. Likewise, Balsam Lake, another provincial park, has a varied landscape affording many recreational opportunities. This chain of lakes, rivers and islands located near Kirkfield inspires lazing around on the beach, cooling off in the water or spending the day relaxing on a boat while fishing for bass, muskie and walleye.
Human ingenuity meets the natural world at man-made structures throughout the lakeland. Scenic highways and freeways wind through the region, while bridges, dams and locks cross waterways. Spanning the Trent River in Campbellford, visitors can cross the New Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, which links Ferris Provincial Park to the Trans-Canada Trail.
STEPPING INTO HISTORY
Historical artifacts indicate that people came to this region almost 300 years ago, presumably drawn to the rich land and waters that are teeming with plants and wildlife. First Nations people, often nomadic tribes, moved in and out of the region for hundreds of years, leaving behind relics. Hundreds of years later, European explorers arrived and after them the first settlers, and today visitors to the Kawarthas have the opportunity to explore that unique history at civic centres, museums, historic sites and interpretive centres.
Travellers often begin a journey into the past at Petroglyphs Provincial Park. Hundreds of years melt away as fingertips touch images, symbols and words carved into rocks 900 years ago by First Nations people. A few minutes east of Peterborough, visitors can step back into the 19th century at the Lang Pioneer Village. History comes to life as costumed guides help visitors explore buildings, gardens and historical artifacts. A similar experience can be found at the Kawartha Settlers' Village in Bobcaygeon where many original buildings have been moved to recreate a village with homes, a church and even a general store.
Once the Kawarthas region was settled and the land was broken, farming became a popular profession, producing enough food to sustain villages as well as to trade with nearby communities. The Hastings County Museum in Stirling offers the opportunity to explore Ontario's agricultural heritage. A 1940's dairy barn, cheese factory, creamery, milk storage and farmhouse are all on display, complete with antique farm equipment and original memorabilia.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
The Kawarthas is particularly well suited to families, with plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions for all ages, including zoos, libraries, recreation centres and movie theatres.
There are two zoos in the Kawarthas region. Riverview Park and Zoo is a well kept facility in Peterborough with 30 exhibits. Exotic wildlife, a large playground and a beautiful setting all make this small zoo worth a visit. Sixteen kilometres (10 mi) east, lizards, crocodiles, snakes and turtles can all be observed at the Indian River Reptile Zoo. Children will appreciate the live demonstrations and a peek at the zoo's pride and joy: an adult anaconda.
Public libraries are located in the larger communities of Peterborough and Bobcaygeon and indoor recreational centres are also found in these towns as well as in Apsley. Indoor fitness and recreation centres are ideal family destinations as they have activities to suit all age groups, from gym workouts to supervised swimming to court sports. The YMCA of Peterborough is particularly geared towards families, offering drop-in and registered programs.
Movie theatres in Peterborough, Kinmount and Lindsay are fun distractions from a rainy day. The Highlands Cinema in Kinmount plays the latest movies and has the added feature of being a museum. Stay a few minutes after the movie to explore old-time motion picture projectors, authentic clothing and movie memorabilia. A visit to the Lindsay Drive-In Theatre is sure to be memorable. One of the few drive-ins left in Canada, this theatre stands as a cultural icon of times past. Kids will especially like monster flicks on the big screen complete with buttered popcorn and snacks.
Taking in the natural splendour and rich culture of this beautiful region may involve catching a glimpse of history by contemplating rock carvings dating back almost a century, experiencing a moment in time while wandering through a museum, or reliving the adventures of the first explorers while gazing over the landscape.
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
The shimmering waters of the Kawarthas region are crowned by the Trent-Severn Waterway, a 386-km (240-mi) ribbon stretching south from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay, connecting bays, rivers and lakes along the way.
The cool, deep water of Stoney Lake in Burleigh Falls comes alive each summer with anglers, boaters and water-sport enthusiasts. A more rustic experience can be had at the smaller Rice Lake, south of Keene, where canoeists can enjoy 33 km (18 mi) of desolate natural beauty: sparkling blue water, elusive birds and wild rice growing along the shores.
Parks and gardens are also highlighted by waterways. Presqu'ile Provincial Park (French for "almost an island") on Lake Ontario near Brighton has a varied landscape, which includes forests, marshes, beaches and the second-oldest operating lighthouse in Ontario. Likewise, Balsam Lake, another provincial park, has a varied landscape affording many recreational opportunities. This chain of lakes, rivers and islands located near Kirkfield inspires lazing around on the beach, cooling off in the water or spending the day relaxing on a boat while fishing for bass, muskie and walleye.
Human ingenuity meets the natural world at man-made structures throughout the lakeland. Scenic highways and freeways wind through the region, while bridges, dams and locks cross waterways. Spanning the Trent River in Campbellford, visitors can cross the New Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, which links Ferris Provincial Park to the Trans-Canada Trail.
STEPPING INTO HISTORY
Historical artifacts indicate that people came to this region almost 300 years ago, presumably drawn to the rich land and waters that are teeming with plants and wildlife. First Nations people, often nomadic tribes, moved in and out of the region for hundreds of years, leaving behind relics. Hundreds of years later, European explorers arrived and after them the first settlers, and today visitors to the Kawarthas have the opportunity to explore that unique history at civic centres, museums, historic sites and interpretive centres.
Travellers often begin a journey into the past at Petroglyphs Provincial Park. Hundreds of years melt away as fingertips touch images, symbols and words carved into rocks 900 years ago by First Nations people. A few minutes east of Peterborough, visitors can step back into the 19th century at the Lang Pioneer Village. History comes to life as costumed guides help visitors explore buildings, gardens and historical artifacts. A similar experience can be found at the Kawartha Settlers' Village in Bobcaygeon where many original buildings have been moved to recreate a village with homes, a church and even a general store.
Once the Kawarthas region was settled and the land was broken, farming became a popular profession, producing enough food to sustain villages as well as to trade with nearby communities. The Hastings County Museum in Stirling offers the opportunity to explore Ontario's agricultural heritage. A 1940's dairy barn, cheese factory, creamery, milk storage and farmhouse are all on display, complete with antique farm equipment and original memorabilia.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
The Kawarthas is particularly well suited to families, with plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions for all ages, including zoos, libraries, recreation centres and movie theatres.
There are two zoos in the Kawarthas region. Riverview Park and Zoo is a well kept facility in Peterborough with 30 exhibits. Exotic wildlife, a large playground and a beautiful setting all make this small zoo worth a visit. Sixteen kilometres (10 mi) east, lizards, crocodiles, snakes and turtles can all be observed at the Indian River Reptile Zoo. Children will appreciate the live demonstrations and a peek at the zoo's pride and joy: an adult anaconda.
Public libraries are located in the larger communities of Peterborough and Bobcaygeon and indoor recreational centres are also found in these towns as well as in Apsley. Indoor fitness and recreation centres are ideal family destinations as they have activities to suit all age groups, from gym workouts to supervised swimming to court sports. The YMCA of Peterborough is particularly geared towards families, offering drop-in and registered programs.
Movie theatres in Peterborough, Kinmount and Lindsay are fun distractions from a rainy day. The Highlands Cinema in Kinmount plays the latest movies and has the added feature of being a museum. Stay a few minutes after the movie to explore old-time motion picture projectors, authentic clothing and movie memorabilia. A visit to the Lindsay Drive-In Theatre is sure to be memorable. One of the few drive-ins left in Canada, this theatre stands as a cultural icon of times past. Kids will especially like monster flicks on the big screen complete with buttered popcorn and snacks.
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