Insider’s Guide to the Kawarthas
One of the most beautiful spots in the world — just 90 minutes from Toronto — the Kawartha Lakes in Ontario is the perfect place for a leisurely trip or to build your custom cottage. Whether you’re planning to call Kawarthas home or simply take a vacation here, there are plenty of hidden spots of beauty for you to find, from trailheads and hiking routes to cultural experiences and incredible food.
Complete with plenty of sunshine, water, and adventure, northern Kawartha Lakes has so much to offer including granite and white pines, lots of lakes and unknown areas full of potential. With over 250 lakes — including those connected via the Trent Canal for boating from Ottawa to Georgian Bay — for you to choose from, there’s simply no shortage of beautiful places to build or explore.
Outdoor Activities
Whether you’re in the mood for a strenuous hike, a leisurely walk, or a scenic overlook, there’s nothing you cannot find around the Kawarthas. Not only are the Kawarthas a great place to lace up your shoes and get moving, but they also boast part of the longest recreational trail in the world with its own little slice of the Trans Canada Trail. Set up a picnic table at one of the provincial parks, witness stunning beauty in natural conservation areas, and embrace your inner nature lover outdoors.
Trails
Kawartha Settler’s Village Trail
Provincial Parks
Conservation Areas
Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area
Food & Drink
From locally grown goodness to comfort cooking, the Kawarthas has no shortage of incredible restaurant and food options to choose from. Enjoy a delicious slice of pizza at Pane Vino, experience the local beer scene at the Pie Eyed Monk and pick up your morning brew at Boiling Over’s Coffee Vault during your stay.
Shopping
Regardless of what your visit is for, you’ll want to pick something up to remember your stay at Kawarthas. You can search for some curated goods and textiles at Olde Mill Primitives in downtown Lindsay, find some Kawartha fashion at Sweet Annie’s, or find some new shoes at Bigley’s.
Olde Mill Primitives (Lindsay, ON)
Bigley’s (Bobcaygeon, ON)
Hamilton Creek (Lindsay, ON)
Houghton Creek (Lindsay, ON)
Sweet Annie’s(Lindsay, ON)
Arts & Culture
When you’re not hiking trails and shopping in the stores, add some culture to your Kawarthas trip. Catch a movie at the Kinmount Highland Cinemas, enjoy the arts at the Kawartha Art Gallery, and learn about history at the Old Gaol Museum.
From the stunning outdoors where conservation areas and beautiful hiking trails abound to the little shops and museums you’ll find along the way, your trip to the Kawarthas is certain to be one full of incredible beauty, outdoor adventure, delicious food, and lots of culture.
