Kawarthas Northumberland – So much to do, you'll want to stay the whole weekend!

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Top tips for things to do in & around Bobcaygeon

Visit our Trip Planner

• Search for “Bobcaygeon” on our Trip Planner and you’ll get plenty of options and ideas to connect your adventures along the Trent Severn Waterway.

Where to stay

• Kawartha Lakes is the Houseboat Capital of Ontario, and Bobcaygeon hosts two of the three houseboat rental options in the region!

• You’ll be spoiled for choice with accommodations in and around Bobcaygeon. Use our trip planner to find your favourite hotels, B&B’s, or camping options.

• Don’t forget to check out camping and cottage rentals in the nearby towns of Dunsford and Downeyville on Sturgeon Lake.

Move yourself

• Bobcaygeon is located on three islands in the Trent Severn Waterway. Canoe, kayak or power-boat your way in and around this charming town.

• Lock 32 was the first lock to be constructed in the Trent Severn Waterway. There is a Bike Share Station located right at Lock 32. Just download the app to your smartphone, use the free wifi at the lock, and you’re ready to explore town by both boat and bike!

Must-see & Must-do

• No trip to Bobcaygeon is complete without a visit to the renowned Bigley Shoe & Clothing store. It’s a thing, trust us!

• Kawartha Settlers Village and the Boyd Heritage Museum will take you back in time to see what life was like for local pioneers.

• Get your performances arts fix with a short drive out to Globus Theatre at the Lakeview Arts Barn.

• The 6000 square foot Bobcaygeon Marketplace offers a wide selections of antiques, collectables, and vintage items.

Fishing is excellent in and around Bobcaygeon, with several resorts and inns that also offer fishing guides. Check out our Fishing Boat Launch & Shore Locations on Sturgeon Lake & up Nogies Creek.

Savour the Seasons

• Get your fresh, local food & treats at the Bobaygeon Farmers’ Market. It’s open Saturdays from 8am-1pm from late May through to early October.

• Bobcaygeon is a happening little town with plenty of seasonal festivals, concerts, and celebrations. Check out the events listing at visitbobcaygeon.com for up to date info.

Music in the Park by Lock 32 in Bobcaygeon.

Eats & treats

View our Bobcaygeon video here. Share your own tips & favourite ideas, and tag us @PerfectWknds or @KawarthasNorthumberland.

Top tips for things to do in & around Lakefield

Visit our Trip Planner

• Search for “Lakefield” on our Trip Planner and you’ll get plenty of options and ideas to connect your adventures along the Trent Severn Waterway.

Where to Stay

• When on the Trent Severn, stay on the Trent Severn. Rent a houseboat and live life on the waterway! Find your way to the three houseboat rental options here.

• The Village Inn is charming & convenient, right downtown.

• The Lakefield Park & Campground is located on a peninsula, offering a perfect combination of shady forest and sunny waterfront views. The sandy beach and playground are perfect for summertime fun, a top destination for local families as well as travelers!

• Get off the grid with a multi-day guided canoe trip with The Land Canadian Adventures.

Move Yourself

• Lakefield is located right on the Trent Severn Waterway, so there are plenty of fun ways to get around town!

• Want to get on the water? Rent at Adventure Outfitters and get out on the Trent Severn Waterway!

• The Lakefield Marina puts your boat right at the heart of the community, so that’s definitely a convenient docking spot!

• Lock 26 is at the south end of town and is one of the few manual locks that preserve the Trent Severn Waterway as it originally functioned.

• Discover beautiful riverside hiking, biking, and picnicking options along the shores of the Otonabee River. For the more adventurous cyclist, consider a round-trip to Peterborough along the riverside trails and backroads: click here for ideas, links to local cycling clubs, and more!

Must-see & Must-do

• Perfect sunset views are available from the Lakefield Marina, Isabel Morris Park, and the Lakefield Trail. Prepare a picnic & settle in for a natural evening show.

• Fishing is excellent on Lake Katchewanooka, with numerous stories (and facts) of record-breaking muskie, bass, perch, and more. 

Savour the Seasons

• Get your fresh, local food & treats at the Lakefield Farmers’ Market. It’s open Thursdays from 9am-2pm from late May through to early October.

• McLean’s Berry Farm and the Buckhorn Berry Farm are nearby with great local produce, treats, and seasonal family fun ranging from berry picking to Pumpkinfest! Check their websites for hours & dates for “pick-your-own” events.

Eats & Treats

• For a great lunch or dinner, check out the Canoe and Paddle. Don’t forget the Stuff’d Ice Cream, Bakery and Café is right next door!

• The Nutty Bean Café is a great place to pick up a butter tart and a sandwich for your picnic. They are one of the over 50 stops on the Butter Tart Tour.

• The Cassis Bistro is your cozy French dining experience in small-town Ontario, and a great option for take-out salads. (Picnic anyone?)

View our Lakefield video here. Share your own tips & favourite ideas and tag us @PerfectWknds or @KawarthasNorthumberland. 

Ice Fishing in Kawarthas Northumberland

Now that the colder weather seems to be settling in for the winter, I can’t help but recall the questions I had when I first began ice fishing. The Kawarthas Northumberland region is an ice angler’s paradise! So many species! So little time it seems. The frozen lakes provide an exciting and affordable way to get into the sport of ice fishing. Not only is it a great avenue for new anglers to explore, it truly is a terrific opportunity to spend time with family and friends during the winter months.

Ice fishing can appear intimidating to a new comer. My best advice is to never go alone. Be sure to go with someone that is knowledgeable when it comes to ice safety and exercise caution at all times. With a few key factors in mind you are in for a great experience.

Dress Accordingly

Dressing for the elements is one of the most important parts of an enjoyable ice fishing trip. I always tend to overdress. That has never left me feeling cold which would take away from the experience dramatically. I recommend a thermal flotation suit. Not only are they very warm, but in the event that you were to go through the ice you have flotation to your benefit but this is certainly not a necessity. A good pair of thermal wind proof pants and a warm jacket will suffice.

Chris in an ice hut with two fish

I will generally wear a balaclava to cover my head, face and neck while in transit to and from the area we are fishing. I like this for two reasons. I am completely covered and warm when I need to be, and I can lift it up and fold it to fit my head only once inside a hut. A good pair of boots is critical. The ice is cold and your feet will be on it the entire time. I have a pair of slip-on ice cleats that I like to put on my boots as well, for traction purposes. I wear a pair of ice picks on a string around my neck as well. These will allow me to pull myself up and out of the water if I happened to go through. Match all of that up with a decent pair of gloves and you are ready to enjoy some time on the ice!

Ice Conditions

This is a big one. As I mentioned previously, go with someone that knows the area and practices an understanding and respect for ice safety. There are many factors that come in to play when it comes to ice thickness. During the first few trips of the season a “spud” is a great tool. Pounding the ice with one of these every few feet on your way out will give you a fair indication of thickness. Drilling a hole at the shoreline is also a good preliminary test of ice thickness.

Do I Need a Hut?

A hut is definitely not a requirement! Especially on those milder days of winter. They do have some serious advantages however. Not only are you sheltered from the elements, you are quite warm inside the comfort of a hut. I generally have a little propane heater with me and often find myself sitting inside without a jacket, toque or gloves. The huts are often built in to a collapsible sled that can be used to transport all of your gear back and forth. The overhead canopy that it provides shields the hole you are fishing from glare, and allows you to see into the water. And that is a lot of fun when fishing shallow and clear waters. Watching the fish eat your offering is a site to behold. I find the hut to also be a great opportunity to talk and discuss presentations with the person next to you. Improving both individuals’ odds for success while adding to the comradery of the experience.

What Gear is Required?

I think the best aspect of ice fishing is that it is fairly inexpensive to get started and just about everything you will need can be found at your local sporting good or fishing store.

A medium heavy action rod and reel combo spooled with 8 to 10lb fishing line is quite literally the only setup you need to target just about everything that swims in the Kawarthas Northumberland region. A handful of great start up bait recommendations include something loud and rattling, something flashy, and something small and subtle:

You will of course need a valid Ontario Outdoors Card with your fishing license. This is often something that is forgotten given the time of year we are generally out on the ice. I recommend a Sport license if you plan on keeping your catch.

An auger is required to drill your holes. Several options are out there and accessible. Manual and power. I would recommend a manual auger with either an 8 or 10 inch diameter. They really do drill through the ice quite easily and are inexpensive for a beginner. Auger blades are VERY sharp. Handle with extreme care.

Catch Some Fish!

Now that you are all setup, holes drilled and baits tied on. Experiment with different depths of the water column that you are fishing. A beginner will not likely have a depth finder or flasher of sorts. So use your baits to determine how deep you are fishing. Present them on the bottom, just below the ice, and in the middle of the water column until you make contact with fish.

Fishing for me is about the experiences. The relationships and comradery that develops. Don’t get me wrong! The fish are a big part of that, and catching them is a blast. But the time spent in the outdoors with family and close friends are what keeps me coming back for more. The Kawarthas Northumberland region of Ontario is my home. And I plan to continue making fishing memories here in her 350 lakes and rivers for many years to come. Come and see for yourself!

Written by Chris Huskilson

Chris Huskilson

Author: Chris Huskilson

Reach Chris on Facebook: Chris Huskilson

Or Twitter: @CHuskilson

Where to Eat in Kawarthas Northumberland

By Marc Smith

I feel like I have been given an impossible task. In three days and covering over 450km, I am to share with you where to eat in the Kawarthas Northumberland. This is impossible. I would need three days just to cover the top restaurants in Peterborough. I am not one to be daunted at a near impossible task though and I am always up for a challenge so I am going to give it my best. From Cobourg to Trent Hills, Fenelon Falls to Apsley and of course, Peterborough I will give it my all. Wondering where to eat when you visit the Kawarthas Northumberland? Here are some of my suggestions.

We have so many delicious choices all across the region. Be sure to check our Trip Planner for more great ideas and start planning your next trip to Kawarthas Northumberland.

Kawartha Dairy

Before I get into the restaurants let’s explore the number one dairy product in the Kawarthas Northumberland. I scream, you scream, we all scream for Ice Cream! Kawartha Dairy has been in operation since 1937 and when they started making Ice Cream in the 1950’s it was transformative. They’re 100% family owned you can’t go anywhere in the Kawartha Northumberland area without finding Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream being served. There are 8 retail locations to visit plus virtually every restaurant serves it. I visited the original store in Bobcaygeon and sampled a few flavours before I settled on the Black Raspberry Thunder in a cone. It doesn’t get any better on a hot summer day than this, or any day of the year for that matter.

Kawartha Dairy Icecream

Black Raspberry Thunder Cone

The Cow & Sow Eatery

Not far away from Bobcaygeon in the town of Fenelon Falls is The Cow & Sow Eatery. A favourite of the locals this eatery serves up cold brews and hand crafted food in a casual and fun environment. The burgers are on point and if you like it a bit messy try the Grilled Cheese with Ham and Spinach. It’s ooey gooey good.

Cow & Sow Grilled Cheese

Grilled Cheese and Poutine

Swiss Bear Restaurant and Bakery

Craving some authentic schnitzel? In the town of Apsley you will find a Swiss lodge that serves up home cooked schnitzels and pastries that will have you coming back for more. You can have your schnitzel in a bun as a sandwich or as a full meal on a plate. I went for the plate and could not get enough of it. Comfort food at its best. The Swiss Bear is also a stop on The Butter Tart Tour so make sure to grab one of the sweet treats before you leave.

Swiss Bear Schnitzel

Schnitzel

schnitzel-on-a-bun-at-swiss-bear

Schnitzel on a Bun

Muddy’s Pit BBQ

You are driving through the backroads of Otonabee South and you see a sign for BBQ. Would you think to stop? Probably not, but you absolutely should. Muddy’s Pit BBQ is a food destination worthy of your visit. Brisket, Sausage, or Ribs? Can’t decide? Have the carnivore platter and try them all. make sure to order a couple of sides because everything is made scratch in house! The Baked Beans are smokey sweet goodness.

Muddy's Pit BBQ Carnivore Sampler

Carnivore Sampler Platter with Baked Beans

Olympus Burger

You may have to line up at this burger joint in Port Hope. You Gotta Eat Canada recently filmed here and when the secret gets out everyone will know how good the burgers are. Named after the Greek Gods, each burger offers something unique. I feasted on the Zeus Burger which has Peameal Bacon, Aged White Cheddar and Sautéed Onions. If you are in the “know” go online and search for the secret menu of Burgers. You won’t find them listed in the restaurant, it’s a secret.

Olympus Burger

Zeus Burger with Fries

The Woodlawn Country Inn & Restaurant

A short walk away from the Coburg Via Rail station and only 15 minutes away from the beach is the historic Woodlawn Country Inn & Restaurant. If you are not lucky enough to stay overnight here then book a reservation for dinner in their dining room. It’s fancy enough to be a treat yet casual enough that you can relax while you dine. The menu is sophisticated and delicious plus they have a nice wine list to pair each dish with. If you get the chance to meet the owner ask him to share some of the history of the Inn as he is a great story teller and is a wealth of Cobourg Historical facts.

spinach-and-strawberry-salad-from-the-woodlawn-inn-restaurant

Spinach & Strawberry Salad

spinach-and-ricotta-cheese-raviloi-from-the-woodlawn-inn-restaurant

Spinach & Ricotta Cheese Raviloi

Rare Grill House

If Steak is your thing then Rare Grill House will set your lips to smacking. Sophisticated decor and excellent service sets the background for what I promise will be a great meal. You can order off the menu or try one of the daily features that are prepared with in season ingredients. If you ask nicely enough the Chef may just create something for you like this Blue Cheese Burger with Boudin Sausage. One of the best burgers I’ve had in ages.

a-burger-with-blue-cheese-boudin-sausage-from-rare-grill-house-peterborough

Burger with Blue Cheese Boudin Sausage

Whistle Stop Cafe

Part of the Butter Tart Tour, the Whistle Stop Cafe is famous for having over 100 types of Poutine on offer. You heard me right, 100 different Poutines! The go to spot for late night munchies if you can’t find a poutine here that you like then you are impossible to please. I sampled a Vegan, Classic and Pulled Pork Poutine. Which did I prefer? Funny enough the Vegan was AMAZING, although I would eat any of them and be quite happy. Who doesn’t like french fries smothered in Cheese Curds and Gravy after all?

three-out-of-100-poutines-at-whistle-stop-cafe

Three Poutines (of over 100 Varieties)

Johnny Vino’s Italian Grill

It is a rare thing to visit a restaurant on its second day of operation and be blown away, but that is exactly what happened at the newest Italian restaurant in town, Johnny Vino’s. Even though it was a small menu there were plenty of appetizing options to choose from. My dinner date had Lasagna while I went for the massive Veal Chop that I could barely finish. Coming soon the desserts will all be made in-house and I hear the Chef is particularly good at making cannoli. I will be back just to try those.

charcuterie-platter-from-johnny-vinos-peterborough

Charcuterie Platter

veal-chop-from-johnny-vinos-peterborough

Veal Chop

Chasing The Cheese

Don’t feel like eating out? Perhaps you want to pick up some cheese and some crackers for a picnic while you road trip through the region? The place to stop for the best and biggest selection in town is Chasing The Cheese. With an amazing selection of local Ontario cheeses as well as those from around the World you are bound to find a favourite and a new favourite here. Stock up on some Olives and some condiments and you are all set for a lovely treat at your discretion. Perhaps a cheese plate in your hotel room as you wind down from a day of exploring? Sounds perfect to me.

cheese-plate-sampler-from-chasing-the-cheese

A Cheese Plate Sampler

This is just what I’ve uncovered in three days. Imagine if I had a few weeks to find every culinary gem in the area. From casual dining to finer fare there is something for everyone in Kawarthas Northumberland. You just have to get here to experience them for yourself!

Marc Smith

Marc Smith is a travel and lifestyle writer at 30 Day Adventures. What started out as being a tourist in his own city has blossomed into a nomadic adventure exploring Canada, the United States, and the World one adventure at a time. You can follow along with his adventures on his blog at www.30dayadventures.ca or live via his Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Be warned you may just get inspired to get off the couch and have an adventure of your own.

Late Fall Crappie Fishing

Unseasonably warm weather in the Kawarthas this fall has really opened up opportunities for the “not so hardcore” angler to take advantage of some of the best fishing of the season without having to brave the elements. This time of year typically requires the angler to wear the thermal gear. Not the case so far! There is plenty of open water fishing still to be had and all species are biting exceptionally well in preparation for winter.

The region offers a multitude of angling opportunities and species to target. An often overlooked or underrated fishery present is that of the black Crappie. Not only are they present in the region in high numbers, but also in trophy size! A fish of 15” is not uncommon, especially this time of the year. Not to mention they are considered one of the best eating fish available. While they are not as tightly grouped in schools during the fall as they are during the spring spawning season, once located they are not difficult to entice.

Black Crappie

There are a few essentials that you’ll need to get started. A lake map or mapping device that includes the bottom contours of the lake that you will be fishing. This is imperative as we are looking for staging areas that these fish will hold to. Specifically we are looking for the first major “basin” adjacent to the spawning grounds. Nine times out of ten the bottom type will be a soft mud. All of the baitfish in the area will migrate to this bottom type in search of food and as such the Crappie follow suit. The Basin will be much deeper water in comparison to surrounding waters. Often 20 feet or more in depth.

Once you have located this area, a depth/fish finder is required. I will simply idle over the basin in a zig-zag pattern until I start marking fish on my graph, making note of the position within the water column they are holding as often times they will be suspended at a specific depth.

Now that we have located some fish, it is time to discuss bait and tackle options. I prefer a 7’ ultra-light action spinning rod paired with a small 1000 sized spinning reel spooled with 5lb braided line. My preference is to use a braided line for its sensitivity, especially when fishing for light biting deep fish. I tie a 3 lb fluorocarbon leader to my braided line, in various lengths depending on the technique used as this has increased my success considerably given the fluorocarbons transparency.

It is important to remember that Crappies feed “up”, meaning they eat bait that is in front of, or directly above them. That being said, a presentation of your bait of choice should be above the fish marked on your fish finder. Due to the feeding nature of this fish, bites feel different from your typically rattling panfish strike. In most cases you will feel the fish bump slack into your line. Don’t wait to feel the weight of the fish when this happens. Remember, it has pushed your bait upwards, by the time you feel the weight of the fish they will have often spit it back out, so set the hook right away!

Chris Huskilson with two 15-inch Crappies

When selecting the appropriate bait I tend to lean towards slightly larger than what would be considered normal panfish-sized offerings. Keep in mind that we are at the tail end of the open water season and all of this year’s baitfish are fully grown in size.

There are several effective techniques to be utilized when targeting crappie during late fall. My personal preference is a vertical presentation. Instead of casting and retrieving, I will sit directly above the fish I am targeting and drop my offering down to them. My top three choices are all baitfish imitations and include;

  1. A 2 1/4-inch soft plastic paired with a 1/16 oz jig head. I will drop this bait down to the fish and gently twitch the offering about 12 inches above them.

    2. figure-5

  2. A small spoon. I keep colors simple. Gold or silver usually does the trick. I will drop this down to the fish and give it slight snaps of the wrists to make it flutter directly above them.

    3. figure-6

  3. One of my absolute favorites is a drop shot rig paired with a 1/4-ounce weight and small soft plastic bait. I love this rig because I can set the tag end weight depth according to the depth I am marking fish, ensuring I am presenting the bait slightly above the fish. I drop this down and quiver it ever so slightly to entice a lot of bites!

    4. figure-7

Late Fall Crappie fishing is a lot of fun and there are several terrific lakes within the region that should be on your list to visit. My top three lakes for the best Crappie fishing are:

  1. Chemong Lake
  2. Rice Lake
  3. Crowe Lake

Be sure to add these to you list of “must fish” locations for fall Crappies this year. Your next trophy “Slab” awaits!

Written by Chris Huskilson

Chris Huskilson

Author: Chris Huskilson

Reach Chris on Facebook: Chris Huskilson

Or Twitter: @CHuskilson

Top 5 Fall Fishing Destinations

The angling opportunities available year round are simply astounding. The fall is a special time of year, however, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. With so many fishing destinations with over 350 lakes and rivers to choose from, here are my Top 5 Fall MUST fish locations.

Number 5–High Falls

Eels Creek and High Falls

Photo Courtesy of Ontario Travel

GPS Coordinates: 44.588126, -78.070699

Put your canoe or aluminum boat in Eels Creek off Northeys Bay Road and head north to the High Falls. The scenery is breathtaking and the fishing is top notch as well! Bring your Muskie tackle because this stretch is chalk full of fish! Inline bucktail spinners and 6-8” crank baits imitating the cyprinid forage throughout the river will provide great success for anglers of all levels.

Number 4–Lovesick Lake

Lovesick Lake

GPS Coordinates: 44.555582, -78.203433

This little hideaway is tucked between Lower Buckhorn Lake and Stoney Lake. The beautiful rocky forested shorelines to please the victors eye. An often overlooked stretch of the Trent-Severn Waterway that is absolutely loaded with Bass, Muskie, Walleye, Crappie and several other panfish species. Bring your arsenal because this little beauty has trophy fish in all of the above mentioned species. Put your boat in at the launch directly across from the Burleigh Falls Inn and joy the beautiful scenery this lake has to offer while catching your next Kawartha Legend.

Number 3–Burnt River

Burnt River
GPS Coordinates: 44.776225,-78.6844606

Launch your boat in Kinmount and make your way up the river. If you have a small boat or canoe, walk it down below the dam in Kinmount and make your way down stream. Be prepared to portage a few narrow sections of the river along the way, but all the effort is well worth it. Not only is the scenery absolutely majestic but several fish species reside within the river and are seemingly always whiling to bite! Walleye, Large and Smallmouth Bass as well as Muskies abound, in high numbers and really great sizes! Your arms will be sore from reeling in fish!

Number 2–Stoney Lake

Stoney Lake

GPS Coordinates: 44.565477, -78.136769

Launch your boat at the public launch directly adjacent to Viamede Resort at the end of Mount Julian Viamede Road and let the adventure begin. Known as one of the most prestigious lakes in the region, Stoney offers some of the most picturesque landscape in the world! Not only is it an absolute pleasure to view but the lake also boasts a very healthy fishery! The Bass, Walleye and Muskie populations are VERY good! Chris just recently fished a tournament event on the lake and over the course of the three days, Chris and his tournament partner landed over 300 Smallmouth Bass!

Number 1–Belmont Lake

Belmont Lake

GPS Coordinates: 44.486377, -77.817640

Launch your boat at the end of Mile of Memories Lane. Be sure to keep an eye open for wildlife on the way in as there are often deer grazing in the fields or wild turkey running about. This hidden gem of a lake is absolutely loaded with good sized Pike and the occasional monster Muskie. The bass fishing, both largemouth and smallmouth, is phenomenal. And did I mention the Walleye population is just ridiculous? Located near Havelock, Ontario with travel times into town being 15-25 minutes on average. Travel time to the Greater Toronto Area is within 2 hours making this lake a very popular spot for those escaping the city for vacation rentals even during the off season! The size of Belmont Lake is 1872 acres with a maximum depth of 51 feet and mean depth of 20 feet. Belmont Lake is part of the Crowe River system, the Crowe (Deer River) enters the lake at the north from Cordova Lake, the North River enters from Round Lake and then exits as the Crowe River to the east heading into Crowe Lake. Just a beautiful little lake that offers some of the best fishing in the region! Shhhh… don’t tell anyone! For a great stop after a day of fishing, take a trip up to the north end of the lake and visit Belmont Lake Brewery. They’re a small craft brewery open on weekends. And always boat and drive responsibly!

Written by Chris Huskilson

Author Image

Author: Chris Huskilson

Reach Chris on Facebook: Chris Huskilson

Or Twitter: @CHuskilson

Sweet Treat Tour

This event is over, but keep an eye on our website for more great experiences and events! As always, you can check out our self-guided year round Butter Tart Tour to savour sweets from around the region!

From the creators of the award-winning Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour comes this deliciously crave-worthy weekend in the heart of Northumberland County.

Over the weekend of November 11 to 13, come and enjoy the comfort and hospitality of our participating B&Bs, unique shopping in our quaint towns and villages, special passport savings, heritage recipes and take home souvenirs on this self-guided tour weekend.

Find out more about our resort, inns and spa partners across the region

Your Sweet Treat Tour Package includes:
  • Overnight stay with breakfast and welcome gift
  • Two Sweet Treat Tour tickets ($40 value)
  • Sweet Treat tasting, heritage recipe, gift and tour of each participating B&B
  • Passport with unique savings at local shops & eateries
  • Chance to win a one-night stay at your favourite B&B on the tour

Tour operates on Saturday November 12th from 11:00AM to 4:00PM and includes stops in Brighton, Campbellford, and Hastings. Guests receive a passport stamp at each B&B location on the tour. Once filled, passport ballots are submitted at the final B&B visited. Ballots will be entered for a chance to win a one-night stay at the B&B of the winner’s choice.

Tour Only tickets for Saturday November 12 (with no overnight accommodation) are also available for $20.00 (plus $1.80 online processing fee) per person and can be purchased separately on this link , or by contacting us at the Kawarthas Northumberland office at 705-874-8505 extension 103 or by email. Tour Tickets are limited and are non-refundable.

Eventbrite - Sweet Treat Tour

The following B&Bs have Sweet Treat packages available for purchase:

Brighton Inn

Brighton Inn

40 Young Street, Brighton

Book at the Brighton Inn

613-475-9706<class=”spacer”> | Email<class=”spacer”> | Website

The Brighton Inn Bed & Breakfast is housed in a historic Victorian home two blocks from Brighton′s main cross roads and an easy drive from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Enjoy the old world charm and modern convenience of our elegantly restored 1890′s Victorian bed and breakfast. Whether your destination is Presqu′ile Park, the wineries of Prince Edward County or exploring Northumberland County, you will feel at home in our comfortable surroundings.

Emilyville Inn

Emilyville Inn

60 Grand Road, Campbellford, ON

Book at the Emilyville Inn

705-632-1405<class=”spacer”> | Email<class=”spacer”> | Website

Emilyville Inn, a four season destination, is walking distance from local cuisine, gift shops, boat docking, tourist information, the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge and close to Ferris Provincial Park. Each of our five themed bedrooms including our honeymoon suite, (with a private balcony), have ensuite baths, duvets, cozy bathrobes, and heated towel bars. An outdoor hot tub on the second floor balcony will help you unwind from your long day.

Hastings House B&B

Hastings House B&B

109 Front Street W Hastings, ON

Book at Hastings House

705-632-1405<class=”spacer”> | Email<class=”spacer”> | Website

Hastings House is a finely appointed Bed and Breakfast with three bedrooms, each with a modern, private bath. Open year round and located 3 blocks from the downtown, across the road from the Trent Waterway, this former blacksmith shop has been restored to a cozy home, with the ambience of a quiet retreat in the country and all the amenities that allow for comfort and relaxation.

Windswept on the Trent

Windswept on the Trent

158 Birch Point Road, Campbellford, ON

Book at Windswept on the Trent

705-632-1405<class=”spacer”> | Email<class=”spacer”> | Website

Imagine yourself on a prestigious waterfront property, enjoying all the spoils of the good life. Windswept on the Trent a four seasons destination, is located just north of Campbellford, Ontario, Canada and is on the Trent River at one of its widest points.

Sweet Treat Tour Partners
Twoloom Alpaca

TwoLoom Alpaca

290 County Road 35, Hastings, ON

705-696-1649<class=”spacer”> | Email<class=”spacer”> | Website

Come to the farm for a unique shopping experience. Buy some yarn or that one of a kind item made at the farm and we’ll be happy to show you the alpacas that contributed to the end product. Alpaca is an incredible fibre with exceptional properties. Alpaca is warmer than sheep’s wool, wicks water away from your skin, is water resistant, resists odors, is not picky and contains no grease. Alpaca is also flame resistant.

Curles Maple Products & Maple Museum

Curles Maple Products

726 8th Line W, Campbellford, ON

705-653-2519<class=”spacer”> | Email<class=”spacer”> | Website

Visit this historic Maple Museum and Sugar Shack that’s been in the family since 1862. That’s over 150 years! Come and enjoy a free self-guided tour of the Maple Museum of maple production through the years. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, come and taste samples of syrups and maple butters, enjoy a special tour discount on 1L maple syrup bottles and shop from their delicious assortment of maple goodies. Open Saturday only.

Empire Cheese & Butter Co-op

Empire Cheese

1120 County Rd #8, Cambellford, ON

705-653-3187
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The Empire Cheese Co-op is the only cheese manufacturing plant operating in Northumberland County and the first one east of Toronto! We are now HACCP registered, the top of the heap in food quality standards! Empire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers who hold an election each year to vote in a Board of Directors to run the factory. At Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. We use no additives to boost production and there are no flavours added to our Cheddar. It is all natual, with no preservatives added.

The Blue House

The Blue Room Brighton

79 Main Street, Brighton, ON

613-475-2996
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Offering Sweet Treat Tour participants 15% off all purchases

The Blue House is located on Main St. in downtown Brighton. The main floor gift shop is filled with home and garden decor, linens, local art, jewelry and gift items, where you are bound to find the perfect gift for yourself, a special friend, a bridal shower or wedding. Owner Anna Thomson is constantly searching for items that are interesting and unique. Stock changes frequently and new items arrive weekly. A gift registry is available to make shopping easier and gift wrapping is always free.

The General on Main

The General on Main

11 Main St, Warkworth, ON

705-925-3333
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The General is about well chosen products, it’s about artisans creating amazing things and about makers providing artisanal goods. It’s a way to enjoy the things we need while respecting and loving the creative input that makes many of these goods unique. It’s this authentic passion, this desire to really get into the deep end of the pool that makes this venture so enticing. The General goes to great lengths to source independent Canadian and local makers, who produce hand-made products, focusing on home grown whenever possible.

G. Boyd Boutique

G Boyd Boutique

30 Main St., Brighton, ON

613-475-5682
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G. Boyd Boutique is loaded with high-quality, fashion-forward styles of the latest shoes, boots, handbags and jewellery. Ladies step out in the latest fashions and comfort. Great Footwear for formals, weddings, special occasions, and everyday looks that turn heads. A wide range of ladies handbags in all colours, shapes and sizes. Featuring one-of-a-kind accessories from local artists.

Winter Escapes Contest

Congratulations to our Winter Contest winners!

A Night at the Canadian Canoe Museum: Elizabeth Graham

Backcountry Winter Camping with The Land – Canadian Adventures: Brenda Solobay

Cottage, Culinary & Spa for Two at Elmhirst’s Resort: Colleen MacDonald

Winter Contest

Have you ever wanted to win a night at the Canadian Canoe Museum? Or a back-country winter camping trip? Or maybe a couples cottage resort weekend with culinary delights and relaxing spa treatments at Elmhirst’s Resort? Why not leave the planning to us and enter for your chance to win one of our great Winter Escapes in Kawarthas Northumberland.

Each of our Escapes has been carefully crafted to highlight some of the best winter experiences across our region. Whether you’re hoping for a family vacation for six or just a romantic winter escape for two, we have you covered. Each draw is open to enter for just two weeks, and we won’t be rolling over the entries so come back to enter once for each contest that you want to win. Winners will be notified by December 15, 2016 so these could be a great holiday surprise for your family and friends.

Cottage, Culinary & Spa for Two

Entries are now closed for this contest.

Elmhirsts Resort

Enjoy a two‐night weekend cottage stay for two at Elmhirst’s Resort, in your own private deluxe cottage complete with daily maid service. Upon arrival, you’ll find a gift basket filled with regional goodies, valued at $500. Your dinner on Friday night is taken care of too… with a table d’ hote three-course dinner for two. While at the Resort, you will enjoy the Country Classic Package that includes Saturday breakfast and dinner in the Hearthside Room and Elmhirst’s famous Sunday Brunch. During your relaxing stay, you’ll enjoy a complimentary wine cellar tour, tasting and a $50 wine gift certificate. We’ll even provide you the opportunity to unwind with a $500 Elmhirst spa gift certificate too. You will also enjoy your choice of sleigh or wagon rides, kite boarding, snow shoeing, or ice fishing… all included and weather permitting.

A Night at the Museum

Entries are now closed for this contest.

Canadian Canoe Museum

Here’s your chance to win an overnight stay for up to six people at the Canadian Canoe Museum. Upon your afternoon arrival at the Museum, your group will be given an exclusive tour of the collection and time for special activities designed especially for you. Enjoy dinner at your choice of Peterborough locations with your $200 voucher. Once back at the Museum we’ll surprise you with a Voyageur-themed gift basket valued at $1,000. Then you’ll be set to learn how to carve your own souvenir canoe paddle. As an evening snack, you will enjoy freshly prepared bannock and spruce tea. As the night settles in over the collection, you’ll be regaled with paddling stories & songs at the Voyageur Encampment, and maybe even a movie around the campfire. Sleep in comfort in your cots and sleeping bags, snuggled in cozy Wig Wam or Voyageur Encampment to conclude your night at the Museum. Don’t worry though, a catered breakfast will brought in for you and with time to finish the carving of your souvenir canoe paddle.

Backcountry Winter Camping

Entries are now closed for this contest.

The Land Between

Enjoy the Winter Prospector Basecamp all-inclusive and escorted overnight winter camping trip from The Land Canadian Adventure for up to four people. We’ll also include a gift basket of delectable regional treats and goodies valued at $600.

We love finding the hidden gems of the Kawarthas Northumberland region, and one of our favourites is the Nogies Creek waterway connecting North Kawartha to Pigeon Lake. The canvas walled hot tent is already set up not far from the banks of the river smack dab in the middle of 200 acres of wild Land Between woods, granite escarpments and wildlife. After a hike in from the vehicles, your basecamp will be established and your guides will get a fire going in the internal woodstove, then you’ll be free to explore–by snowshoe or cross-country ski–the network of trails traversing the property. Keep your eyes peeled for porcupine, whitetails and even bigger members of the deer family. When the sun begins to set and your legs begin to tire, there’s no better way to warm up than returning to a cozy shelter warmed by woodfire and lit with candle lanterns. Warm drinks and hot meals further take the edge off the winter temperatures, and pretty soon it’s time for some stargazing winter constellations before it’s off to bed.

Featured Events Featured Events

Path of the Masters: Plein Air Painting & Paddling

Imagine paddling in the path of Bill Mason, Tom Thompson and the Group of Seven by learning the principles of painting en plein air and contributing to an aesthetic and colour palette that is uniquely Canadian.

The Canadian Canoe Museum is proud to partner with The Land Canadian Adventures to bring you this experience that is unique to Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Travel up and over the Peterborough Lift Lock in a replica 36′ Montreal canoe, paddling north along the Trent Severn Waterway. Arriving at a shoreline campsite, Canadian en plein air artist Paul Teleki will guide us through the principles of colour and form, straight from the natural source.

This experience includes:

  • Shoreline lunch inspired by wild edibles that are in season
  • Free admission to The Canadian Canoe Museum
  • Optional transportation from The Canadian Canoe Museum (ample free parking is available at both the Canoe Museum and the Lift Lock Visitor Centre)
  • All required gear and equipment for paddling and painting

For more information please email paddle@canoemuseum.ca or call 705.748.9153 x210.

Join us for Plein Air Painting & Paddling from 10:00am-3:00pm on the following dates:

Member Price: $170
Non-Member Price: $189

Don’t forget – Canoe Museum Members receive discounts on all programs and workshops. Become a Member today and save!

ZimArt Stone Sculpting Workshops

ZimArt’s has been hosting sculpting workshops at the Rice Lake Gallery since 2006.
Each year a Zimbabwean sculptor, represented by ZimArt, is invited to Canada to be the artist-in-residence for the season. During their stay in Canada the artists lead sculpting workshops at the gallery.

ZimArt’s 2017 artist-in-residence is Zimbabwean sculptor Rufaro Ngoma. Rufaro is a gifted and patient mentor and enjoys sharing his expertise.

Students work outside under tents, using only hand tools, and learning and applying traditional techniques for finishing and polishing the stone. Former participants have described the workshop as “a magical experience” in an “inspirational setting”.

Visit ZimArt’s website for information about workshop bookings: http://www.zimart.ca/workshops.html