Travel Blog

Read about the people, places, businesses, and history that make Kawarthas Northumberland special

Browse by Category

A basket containing black currant products from Popham Lane Farm

Black Currants at Popham Lane: A European Favourite Finds Fertile Ground in Ontario

April 10, 2019

For some, black currants are a nostalgic flavour. They evoke memories of friends and family in the UK or continental Europe, where the berries are a comforting staple. For others black currants are a new frontier, a sweet, tart alternative to the classic range of Ontario fruits. Joe Hayes is in the former camp, but as owner of Popham Lane Farm near Presqu’ile Provincial Park, he’s eager to spread the word.

Read More »
Vacuum-sealed lamb shoulder chop

Attention to Detail Makes the Difference at Harley Farms

March 27, 2019

“Part of being a farmer is you’ve got to know lots of things.” James Harley speaks from experience. He and his family don’t just raise lamb, beef, pork, and chicken on their property near Keene, Ontario — they do it to the highest animal welfare standards while running a successful retail and wholesale operation. Along with his wife Jessica, parents Roger and Julie, and sister Emily, James and family take an approach to farming that emphasizes interconnectedness and stewardship.

Read More »
Maple syrup candy on a tray of clean snow

Experience Maple Syrup in Kawarthas Northumberland

March 21, 2019

To many Canadians, sap buckets and tubing slung between trees are as much a sign of spring as melting snow and birdsong. In my household last year’s supply of maple syrup has usually run dry by the time March rolls around, and we start looking forward to the next harvest. This year my wife & son & I refilled our stores at the Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival, and took in the weekend’s attractions while we were at it.

Read More »
Vegetarian pizza from the Publican House Brew Pub

Local Food Meets Peterborough Tradition at the Publican House Brew Pub

March 11, 2019

The Publican House is something of a torchbearer for Peterborough culture. The craft brewery recently celebrated its tenth year in business, but its name is so familiar many locals will tell you it feels like it’s always been there. With Publican taps and cans popping up at restaurants, stores, and festivals all over the province, that recognition seems to be spreading. It’s fitting the Publican House’s latest initiative, a brew pub serving local food and in-house pints, has taken up residence in a 170-year-old building with its own longstanding reputation on the Peterborough scene.

Read More »
A ReFrame poster at the entrance to Market Hall, Peterborough

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

March 5, 2019

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.

Read More »
Couple wearing toques drinking coffee outside

Unique Skating & Comfort Food Destinations in Kawarthas Northumberland

February 14, 2019

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.

Read More »
Closeup of hands using a spokeshave to carve a paddle

Enough Stuff: Gift Ideas That Focus on Unique Experiences & Memories

February 10, 2019

Looking for thoughtful ways to celebrate someone special in your life? Especially if you’ve got friends or family who’ve expressed the urge to declutter, it might be time to consider an experiential rather than material gift. Kawarthas Northumberland has an array of unique destinations that aren’t far from urban centres yet feel like country retreats.

Read More »
Aerial view of rural community, with stretch of water front and centre

Top Tips & Things to Do in & Around Coboconk

February 5, 2019

Welcome to Coboconk Coboconk is situated right where the Gull River meets the northern tip of Balsam Lake. If you’re travelling along the Trent-Severn Waterway, Coboconk is between Fenelon Falls and Kirkfield. For help planning your trip, contact Kawartha Lakes Tourism by clicking here. Move Yourself Get info on paddling routes in and around Coboconk

Read More »
A houseboat moored at a dock with a raft tied up beside it

Top Things to Do in & Around Buckhorn

February 5, 2019

Welcome to Buckhorn Buckhorn is the heart of the Kawarthas. This small town wraps around Lock 31 of the Trent-Severn Waterway, between Upper Buckhorn Lake and Lower Buckhorn Lake. Buckhorn is a perfect combination of country and cottage, and this community serves as a natural stopping-point for all sorts of adventures. There’s lots to see &

Read More »
Four snowmobiles kick up a fine haze of snow

Top Tips & Things to Do in & Around Lindsay

February 5, 2019

Welcome to Lindsay Lindsay is located along the Trent-Severn Waterway at the southern end of Sturgeon Lake. Get local travel info by clicking here. Move Yourself Lindsay is on the beautiful Kawartha Trans Canada Trail. Most of this trail is based on old rail lines, which means it is relatively flat and great for riding and hiking.

Read More »