Winter Birding with Drew Monkman

A snowy owl perched on a branch, wings spread

In deep winter, unless you’re an avid skier or snowshoer, it can feel a bit like the outdoor season is on pause. According to naturalist and avid birder Drew Monkman, nothing could be further from the truth. “You can typically find 70 or so species of birds here from December through March,” he says. “Winter … Read more

Life on the Farm: Agritourism at Harley Farms

A hand-painted sign reading "Tours Check-In," surrounded by gourds

Harley Farms is built on strong fundamentals. The Keene-area farm produces high welfare beef, pork, and lamb, as well as eggs, chicken, and turkey. That means ensuring their animals are free from stress, hunger, and thirst, as well as free to exhibit natural behaviours such as foraging and roaming. On top of that foundation, they’ve added agritourism experiences to help show the public exactly what that means.

Northumberland Hills Studio Tour: Jane Robertson on Interpreting the Landscape

Painting Jane Robertson stands smiling beside one of her agricultural landscape paintings

“I get most of my inspiration probably within 15 kilometres of where I live here. It’s just not necessary to go much further,” says painter Jane Robertson. Visitors on the Northumberland Hills Studio Tour, which ran September 9-10 in 2023, would probably agree—the region’s expansive landscapes lend themselves to painting. “It’s really about patterns and … Read more

Catch a Free Concert in Kawarthas Northumberland (Summer 2023)

A musician plays piano on a bandstand, seen from behind with the crowd watching

Music drifting across the park on a sunny day is one of the surest signs of summer—and it happens all across the region. Whether you’re visiting for the day or looking for activities to round out a longer stay, the options below virtually guarantee a good time (weather permitting!). Peterborough Musicfest (Del Crary Park, 100 … Read more

Taste of the TSW with Jeff Bray: Kawartha Dairy

A hand holds ice cream in front of a lake view

Jeff Bray is the co-founder and festival director of the award-winning Cultivate Festival in Northumberland County. He’s also an instructor at Centennial College, where he teaches about food tourism, a former restauranteur, and a previous contributing writer to Watershed Magazine. We asked Jeff to give us his thoughts on a few of the unique Taste of the … Read more