Kawarthas Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and where to stay in Kawarthas with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Kawarthas
- List of Places to Visit in Kawarthas
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Kawarthas
- Best Things to Do in Kawarthas: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Kawarthas
- Food and Drink Scene of Kawarthas
- Where to Stay in Kawarthas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Kawarthas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Kawarthas
- Best Time to Visit Kawarthas
- Do’s and Don’ts of Kawarthas
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Kawarthas: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Kawarthas
- Where to Go Next from Kawarthas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Are you thinking of heading to Kawarthas for your next vacation? Located in Central Ontario, Kawarthas is a beautiful region that boasts natural wonders, cultural attractions, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for any traveler looking for a unique experience. In this travel guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Kawarthas.
Introduction to Kawarthas
Kawarthas is a region in Central Ontario, Canada, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and abundance of outdoor activities. Kawartha is home to over 250 lakes and rivers, including the famous Trent-Severn Waterway, which makes it a popular spot for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. Additionally, the region has several charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character, and some of Ontario’s top cultural attractions.
List of Places to Visit in Kawarthas
When it comes to exploring Kawarthas, there are plenty of places that are worth a visit. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Kawarthas is home to several museums and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Some of the must-visit cultural attractions in Kawarthas include:
- Peterborough Museum and Archives
- Canadian Canoe Museum
- Lang Pioneer Village
- Haliburton Sculpture Forest
- Kawartha Settlers’ Village
Natural Attractions of Kawarthas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Nature lovers and adventure seekers will find plenty of things to see and do in Kawarthas. From hiking and biking to canoeing and kayaking, here are some of the top outdoor attractions in the region:
- Petroglyphs Provincial Park
- Warsaw Caves Conservation Area
- Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
- Silent Lake Provincial Park
- Ken Reid Conservation Area
Hiking/Biking Routes of Kawarthas
Kawarthas is a great location for hiking and biking enthusiasts. There are several scenic routes available, from rugged trails to leisurely nature walks. Here are some of the most popular hiking and biking trails in the region:
- Kawartha Trans Canada Trail
- Haliburton County Rail Trail
- Scenic Kawartha Lakes Tour
- Victoria Rail Trail
- Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge Trail
Best Things to Do in Kawarthas: Activities and Tours
Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, there are plenty of things to see and do in Kawarthas. Here are some of the top activities and tours that we recommend:
- Casino Rama Resort
- Stoney Lake Cruises
- Peterborough Lift Lock and Visitor Centre
- Buckhorn Observatory
- Horseback Riding Adventures
Week-Long Itinerary for Kawarthas
If you’re planning a week-long trip to Kawarthas, here’s a sample itinerary that you can use to make the most of your time in the region:
| Day 1 | Arrival and Check-In |
| Day 2 | Peterborough Museum and Archives, Canadian Canoe Museum, Lang Pioneer Village |
| Day 3 | Warsaw Caves Conservation Area, Petroglyphs Provincial Park, Haliburton Sculpture Forest |
| Day 4 | Ken Reid Conservation Area, Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, Silent Lake Provincial Park |
| Day 5 | Scenic Kawartha Lakes Tour, Buckhorn Observatory, Horseback Riding Adventures |
| Day 6 | Victoria Rail Trail, Stoney Lake Cruises, Casino Rama Resort |
| Day 7 | Departure |
Food and Drink Scene of Kawarthas
Kawarthas is a foodie’s paradise, where visitors will be able to savor locally-sourced ingredients and traditional Canadian cuisine. Below are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Butter Tart
- Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream
- Poutine
- Tourtiere
- BeaverTails
Local Beverages
- Kawartha Lakes Brewery
- Highland Grove Spruce Products
- Black Fly Beverage Company
- Kawartha Country Wines
Where to Stay in Kawarthas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Kawarthas offers plenty of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:
- Viamede Resort
- Eganridge Resort, Golf Club & Spa
- Westwind Inn
- Burleigh Falls Inn
- Golden Pathways
What to Buy in Kawarthas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
When visiting Kawarthas, there are plenty of unique souvenirs and local products that you can bring back home. Here are some of the top things to buy in Kawarthas:
- Handmade pottery and ceramics
- Local maple syrup and honey
- Handcrafted wooden items
- Locally-made jams and preserves
- Designer clothing and accessories
Local Culture and Customs of Kawarthas
Kawarthas has a vibrant community culture that visitors can experience firsthand. Here are some customs and traditions that you may encounter during your trip:
- Respect for nature and the outdoors
- Friendliness and hospitality of locals
- Celebration of local festivals and events
- Love for cultural heritage and traditions
Best Time to Visit Kawarthas
The best time to visit Kawarthas is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny, and almost all the outdoor activities are open. The region is also quite popular during the fall season (September-November) when the leaves change colors.
Do’s and Don’ts of Kawarthas
To make the most of your trip to Kawarthas, here are some do’s and don’ts to bear in mind:
Do:
- Respect the natural environment and wildlife
- Take the time to explore the charming towns and villages
- Try locally-sourced food and beverages
- Participate in local festivals and events
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the natural surroundings
- Leave valuables in your car
- Disrespect local customs and traditions
- Rely solely on GPS
Safety and Health
Kawarthas is a relatively safe region with friendly locals. Visitors are encouraged to take standard precautions like locking their vehicles and being aware of their surroundings.
Safety in Kawarthas
- Take extra care when driving on rural roads, especially at night.
- Avoid walking alone in secluded areas, especially after dark.
- Don’t leave your valuables unattended.
- When hiking, be aware of local wildlife, including bears and rattlesnakes.
Health in Kawarthas
- Drinking water is generally safe, but visitors can bring bottled water if preferred.
- Consult a medical professional before engaging in outdoor activities to ensure that you’re fit to participate.
Getting to Kawarthas: Transportation Options and Logistics
Kawarthas is easily accessible by road, air, or rail. Here are the transportation options available:
Airports Near Kawarthas
- Peterborough Airport (YPQ)
- Lake Simcoe Regional Airport (CNB9)
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Bus Stations Near Kawarthas
- Peterborough Bus Terminal
- Coach Canada bus stations
Other Options
- Car rentals
- Taxi and ride-sharing services
How to Get Around in Kawarthas
Visitors to Kawarthas can use a variety of transportation options, including:
- Car rentals
- Taxi and ride-sharing services
- Local public transit services
Where to Go Next from Kawarthas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Kawarthas is the gateway to exploring Central Ontario and beyond. Here are some nearby destinations that you can visit:
- Algonquin Provincial Park
- Blue Mountain Resort
- The Bay of Quinte
- Thousand Islands National Park
Conclusion
Kawarthas is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking for a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. With this ultimate travel guide, you’ll have all the information you need to create an unforgettable trip to this stunning region in Central Ontario. So pack your bags and get ready to explore all that Kawarthas has to offer!
