Kawarthas Northumberland, Author at Kawarthas Northumberland

Lighting up the Darkest Time of the Year: at the 15th Annual ReFrame Film Festival

A ReFrame poster at the entrance to Market Hall, Peterborough

ReFrame Film Festival couldn’t be better timed. At the darkest, coldest time of year, three city blocks of downtown Peterborough come alive with moviegoers hurrying from from theatre to theatre. When the films let out they stumble blinking onto the sidewalk, processing what they’ve seen. Restaurants and bars fill with tables of attendees locked in spirited discussion. Then it happens all over again for the next four days. A mid-sized Ontario town in January suddenly feels like the epicentre of arts and culture.

The Mill Restaurant and Pub Gets Creative with Local Ingredients

A selection of dishes from The Mill Restaurant and Pub

You might guess The Mill Restaurant and Pub’s heritage just by looking at it — its stone foundation and weathered brick walls suggest a bygone era. These days The Mill is dedicated to serving up a varied menu of local food options and craft brews.

Unique Skating & Comfort Food Destinations in Kawarthas Northumberland

Couple wearing toques drinking coffee outside

Been out skating yet this winter? Colder weather always gets us excited to strap on skates and make the most of the great skating conditions in Kawarthas Northumberland. Many of the options below will be open through to March if the weather holds, and with a mixture of rinks, trails, and speed skating loops on offer, there’s something here for everyone who’s eager to spend some time on the ice.

Top Cross-Country Skiing Destinations in Kawarthas Northumberland

Drone shot of a snowy forest with a small skier below

Kawarthas Northumberland offers a tremendous variety of trails year round, with some hiking and biking routes transitioning perfectly to winter sports. A number of dedicated organizations offer rentals and lessons for beginning or occasional skiers so lack of gear won’t keep you from enjoying the season. Whether you’re interested in classic nordic trails or skate skiing, here are our top picks from the region.

Paddling Through History: A Visit to the Canadian Canoe Museum

North Canoe at The Canadian Canoe Museum

The canoe is absolutely central to Canadian identity — so much so many of us haven’t stopped to reflect on how deep those roots go. I’m an avid canoeist myself (my canoe, the affectionately named Swamp Bullet, is a regular fixture of the waters around Peterborough), but even so I hadn’t taken the time to … Read more

Westben’s “The Little Drummer” Rings in the Christmas Season

The Westben Centre for Connection and Creativity Through Music has a reputation in this region. The mixture of high-level talent performing original productions in an eye-catching venue has drawn audiences for nearly two decades now, and each season typically ends on a high note with a festive Christmas celebration.

7 Trails to Try this Fall in Kawarthas Northumberland

Cycling Doube's Trestle Bridge on the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail

Hiking is great year round, and depending on who you ask the biking season runs pretty late too. Some spots, though, beg to be visited in the fall when the leaves are at their peak.

Step Back in Time at Lang Pioneer Village’s Applefest

A boy in period dress guides apples into an old-fashioned cider press

Lang Pioneer Village Museum is a personal favourite of mine. As a living history museum it’s a remarkably complete and immersive experience. Apart from other guests in contemporary clothes, you’re unlikely to see many anachronisms in this recreation 19th century village.

Eating Local at Port Hope’s Cultivate Festival

Event schedule for the 2018 Cultivate Festival in Port Hope

With an emphasis on local food, Cultivate attracts chefs, bakers, brewers, and all-round foodies from across Kawarthas Northumberland and neighbouring communities.