Read about the people, places, businesses, and history that make Kawarthas Northumberland special
Bobcaygeon is town with some significant local claims to fame. The first lock of the Trent-Severn Waterway was built there in 1833, for instance, the kickoff to a process that would take 87 years to complete and transform the local landscape. Small wonder, then, that 19th and 20th century history is commemorated at Kawartha Settlers’
How do you imbue a bygone era with a sense of meaning and life? A convincing answer sits along the banks of the Indian River in Keene, Ontario. With over thirty historic and reproduction buildings populated by knowledgeable in-costume interpreters, Lang Pioneer Village Museum creates an immersive experience of Peterborough County in the 19th century.
Five minutes south of the village of Millbrook, 4th Line Theatre specializes in theatrical adaptations of local and Canadian stories, using the uncommonly beautiful grounds of a former dairy farm as backdrop and inspiration. The result is a unique and exceptionally immersive theatrical experience that has attracted audiences for three and a half decades.
Here in Kawarthas Northumberland we’re always talking about the Trent-Severn Waterway. This summer, there’s one more reason to get excited about the TSW: the Canada Strong Pass means lockage is free from June 19 to September 7, 2026. The Waterway is 386-kilometre National Historic Site of Canada made up of a series of lakes, rivers,
Outdoor adventure has always been key to Kawarthas Northumberland’s appeal, with countless opportunities for hiking, cycling, paddling, and more. To fully appreciate the beauty of the landscape, why not book a campsite and stay awhile? On the list below you’ll find options ranging from multi-day paddling expeditions to easy car camping to glamping. On top
After a snowy winter, spring is here in Kawarthas Northumberland. It’s not just the warmer weather that makes springtime magical—step outside and you’ll hear the sounds of birds in the trees and spot wildflowers in bloom. Many seasonal businesses open their doors again in May, so there’s a little something for everyone this season. Below
It’s one of the most iconic sights of Ontario winter—colourful ice fishing huts popping up across a frozen lake. The huts may be a familiar part of the landscape, but not everyone’s had a chance to actually get out on the ice. In a region as rich with opportunities as Kawarthas Northumberland, there’s no reason
Megan Gamble, general manager for Kawartha Nordic Ski Club, can sum up her destination’s attraction in a sentence: “We offer a pristine skiing experience.” The quiet, snowy trails are undeniably beautiful, but she’s not just talking about the tranquil North Kawartha landscape. Thanks to the professionally groomed trails, Kawartha Nordic quite literally makes it easy
When I tell people I moved from British Columbia to Ontario, I keep hearing the same line: “Really? People usually move from Ontario to B.C., not the other way around.” Some say it with confusion, some with humour, some with genuine disbelief. Yes, B.C. has a reputation: mountains, ocean, rainforest and overall, beauty with a capital B. But every time someone says it, I find myself wanting to reply, “Have you stopped and looked around here?”
‘Tis the season once again in Kawarthas Northumberland—vendors are turning out in their holiday best to bring their goods to market at venues across the region. At a time when supporting local artisans couldn’t be more important (and shipping becomes more expensive!), the markets below are the perfect way to find a meaningful gift for
Kawartha Northumberland is a region rich in agriculture, where farms dot the countryside, small towns offer up their bounty at farmers’ markets, and fresh produce stands are a common sight on a weekend drive. As a visitor, you can participate in many different types of farm experiences, from being a farmer for the day to
Twenty pigs, one llama, one alpaca—The Pearly Acre fits right into Havelock’s rural landscape, but the philosophy that inspired it is very different from a standard farm. Founder Sarah Heydon, along with her husband Shane Curry, have turned their home into a sanctuary for animals that have been abused, abandoned, or just need a place to go.