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A Trip Around the Lake with Lovesick Kayaking

Aerial view of kayakers paddling around a rocky island

After just a short time on the water it’s clear Stony Lake lives up to the name. Pines lean dramatically from rocky islands as we glide past in our kayaks, en route to a high bluff overlooking scenic Burleigh Falls. Alex Grant, owner and lead guide of Lovesick Kayaking, shepherds us into a sheltered bay … Read more

Fall Exploration: Our Recommended Hike and Brewery Pairings

Yellow leaves create a colourful canopy and forest floor

Every beer drinker knows a brew tastes better when you’ve earned it. Preferences also change by season—a crisp lager is never better than in the high heat of summer, and cooler weather makes a rich flavour like porter especially appealing. These fundamentals combine beautifully in Kawarthas Northumberland, where an abundance of hiking trails meets a … Read more

Return of the Tallgrass Prairie: Exploring Hazel Bird Nature Reserve

A person with binoculars looks towards where another person is pointing

As an avid hiker, I’m a little embarrassed how little I know about plants. If it’s not a maple tree, trillium, or poison ivy, there’s a good chance I’ll be stumped. I read interpretive plaques in the hopes of raising my identification game, though, which is how I stumbled upon the remarkable work of the Nature Conservancy of Canada at Hazel Bird Nature Reserve.

Preserving the Kawarthas for Generations: Kawartha Land Trust

View over the water from John Earle Chase in summer

Just north of Ennismore, on the other side of the picturesque truss bridge at Gannon’s Narrows, you’ll find one the most quietly beautiful hiking spots in Kawarthas Northumberland. John Earle Chase Memorial Park offers 7.4 kilometres of trail across three loops – one passes through stands of mature maple on its way to the shores … Read more

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.