The Kawartha Lakes Region includes communities with names familiar to many and associated with happy memories. From Bobcaygeon's swing bridge and lock to the incredibly beautiful rocky shores of Buckhorn, Sandy, and Curve Lake, to the small town atmosphere of Burleigh Falls, Apsely, Young's Point and Lakefield, there is no shortage of things to do and places to visit in the Kawarthas. Here are just a few highlights.
Kawartha Attractions
Deep within a forest northeast of Peterborough is the largest known concentration of Aboriginal rock carvings in Canada. The centuries-old rock carvings give voice to the culture of the native Anishnabe. Carved into the white marble rock face hundreds of years ago, the 900 petroglyphs depict turtles, snakes, birds, humans and other images. Hiking trails meander through surrounding forests, wetlands and rocky ridges. Explore The Learning Place interpretive centre. the park about 21 km southeast of Apsley at the end of Northey's Bay Road. "The Rocks that teach" are still revered by many as a sacred site. Twenty restored 19th-century buildings, Heritage gardens, farmyard animals and beautiful green spaces make up Lang Pioneer Village Lang is open from Victoria Day Weekend to Labour Day Weekend, with occasional weekend openings for special events in the other seasons. HOURS Sunday to Friday 12:00 to 5:00 pm Saturdays and Holidays 1:00 to 4:00 pm DIRECTIONS The Village is located in the Township of Otonabee - South Monaghan, 10 km east of Peterborough on Highway 7, South on County Road 34 for 6 km. Watch for the signs. Chippewa II, the largest Cruise Boat in the Kawarthas. Take a 133-passenger steamboat replica, for a 15 km cruise through the 1,128 charted islands of Stony and Clear Lakes.Live commentary covers St. Peter's Church on the Rock, accessible only by boat, 22-acre Ronnie Hawkins estate, last remaining steamship waiting station, Davis Island Manor and the history of Stony Lake. Runs May 11 to October 6 2003 Scenic Cruises Daily (except Mondays) Evening Dinner & Dance Cruises Thursday & Saturday at 6:00 pm. (Reservations Required). The Chippewa II is located 7 km north of Burleigh Falls off Hwy 28 on Mount Julian/Viamede Road, 11/2 hours from Toronto. Look for the signs The Canadian Canoe Museum is North America's only canoe museum with 580 canoes and kayaks and 1,000 related artifacts. Experience a dramatic waterfall upon entering or hear creation stories inside a traditional Mi'kmaq wigwam. Feel what it was like living as a voyageur during the Fur Trade era, and enjoy the cottaging lifestyles of the early 20th century. The canoe is the ultimate link to Canada's rich cultural heritage, connecting the people, the past and the unique Canadian landscape. Indian River Reptile Zoo is unique in Canada and is one of the most modern and exciting specialized animal centres in the world! Here you can see snakes, lizards, monitors, alligators, turtles, crocodiles, and even special guest animals such as monkeys and more! The animals are housed in state of the art, climate controlled facilities which were specifically designed to house reptiles. Open to the public May - October, 10-5 daily! If you've never experienced the charm of Lockside Trading Company, you'll be well rewarded for making the short drive to Young's Point, just 20 minutes north of Peterborough. Originally built in the 1850's, Lockside is the oldest home in Young's Point and makes the perfect setting for an afternoon of leisurely browsing. The casual, unhurried atmosphere will inspire you to explore the seemingly endless themes that Lockside is famous for, it's quite a charming mish mash that now offers over 5000 square feet of neat stuff for you and your home. Experience the traditions of the past reflected in the present. Located in the heart of Curve Lake Indian Reserve, Whetung Ojibwa Centre offers a spectacular collection of Indian crafts as well as fine art, sculpture, masks, leather work, clothing, jewelry, music, and books from across Canada. It is possible to spend literally hours browsing through these rooms.The Centre is open year round and offers free parking, wheelchair access and picnic area. The Summer Tea Room is open from May to Thanksgiving 9-5, and serves traditional Indian food and also the more novel "pow wow" fare, the best in the area. Buckhorn Observatory offers the public a chance to view the night sky through telescopes and binoculars. We are committed to helping people understand the importance of preserving the night sky through outreach programs to schools and groups. Just a short drive north of Peterborough, BHO is open to the public from April to October, with special viewing sessions for groups throughout the year. As well, BHO offers area resorts the opportunity to give their guests a special onsite tour of the Moon and planets. Lock 21on the Trent Severn Waterway. One of only two Hydraulic lift locks on the Waterway. Lock 21 is the is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world. No external power is needed: the lift lock functions by gravity alone using the counterweight principle Built in 1904 The Peterborough lift lock was named an Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Warsaw Caves has a wide range of outdoor and adventure opportunities which include: hiking, spelunking (cave exploration), bird & nature observation, fishing, canoeing, and swimming. The Conservation Area has 20 km of trails through a truly unique landscape. There are caves to explore, (sturdy footwear and a flashlight are essential) including the ice cave where the ice doesn't even melt in July.Petroglyphs Provincial Park
Lang Pioneer Village
Stoney Lake Cruises
Canadian Canoe Museum
Indian River Reptile Zoo
Lockside Trading Company
Whetung Ojibwa Centre
Buckhorn Observatory
The Peterborough Lift Lock
The Warsaw Caves
Lock 21 is the is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world. No external power is needed: the lift lock functions by gravity alone using the counterweight principle Built in 1904 The Peterborough lift lock was named an Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.