Things To Do
in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes is a largely rural municipality in central Ontario known for its interconnected lakes, rivers and scenic shoreline communities along the Trent–Severn Waterway. The area blends cottage-country recreation — boating, fishing and dockside patios — with small-town charms in places like Lindsay, Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon. Extensive provincial parks, conservation areas and backcountry lakes make it a favorite for hikers, paddlers and fall-colour seekers.
Seasonal tourism swells the population in summer and fall, while winters are quiet, snowy and excellent for snowmobiling, skating and ice fishing.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along the Scugog River, enjoying the gentle sounds of flowing water and birdsong. Stop at a local café for freshly baked pastries and a cup of fair trade coffee. Learn about the town’s history at the Kawartha Settlers’ Village open-air museum.
Rent a bike and cycle along the Great Trail, taking in serene lakeside views and lush forests. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the banks of the river, watching paddle boarders drift by. Visit the McDonald Stewart Art Centre to admire local artworks and rotating exhibits.
Dine on farm-to-table cuisine at a riverside bistro, sampling regional cheeses and craft beer. Take a sunset cruise on a pontoon boat for a tranquil perspective of downtown Lindsay. Round off the night with live music at a cozy pub, mingling with friendly locals.
Rise early to catch the sunrise over Balsam Lake at the provincial park lookout. Hike one of the park’s scenic trails through pine forests and along marsh edges, keeping an eye out for turtles. Enjoy granola, fresh fruit, and coffee at a picnic table overlooking the water.
Rent a canoe or kayak to explore hidden coves and quiet inlets. Stop on a sandy beach for a swim in the clear, shallow waters. Dry off and relax under a shady tree while reading a novel or sketching the landscape.
Light a campfire in the designated fire ring and grill sausages over the flames. Roast marshmallows and make s’mores while swapping stories under the stars. Listen for loon calls echoing across the lake as the night settles in.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $6-9 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3.00-4.00 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / cottage rental (per night) | $120-300 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful lakes, scenic backcountry and excellent outdoor recreation year-round
- Charming small towns with local food producers and farmers' markets
- Limited public transport and services outside peak season — a car is recommended
- Businesses and attractions may have reduced hours or be closed in winter/shoulder seasons
Places to Visit in Kawartha Lakes
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque waterfall and lock complex with viewpoints, boardwalks and moving water — great for long exposures and golden-hour shots.
Historic lock, boats and people-watching; captures of boating traffic, sunset reflections and seasonal festivals.
Backcountry vistas with rocky outcrops and tree-lined lakes — excellent for panoramic landscapes and autumn colours.
Calm water reflective at dawn and dusk, with islands and cottage silhouettes ideal for minimalist compositions.
Unique limestone formations, caves and crevices offering dramatic textures and interesting foregrounds for nature photography.
Food in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshwater pickerel, often pan-fried or beer-battered and served with fries — a regional must-try available at lakeside pubs and fish fry spots.
Must-Try!
A classic Ontario dessert — flaky pastry filled with a sweet, gooey centre — available at bakeries and farmers' markets throughout the region.
Early spring maple syrup, taffy and candies from local maple producers; sample at sugarbushes and farm stands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A seasonal market with fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods and local artisans; great for picnic supplies and tasting regional specialties.
Smaller weekend markets and summer food trucks near the locks offering pies, sandwiches, smoked fish and local craft beverages.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Canadians value politeness and queuing; say please and thank you, and avoid loud behavior in residential and cottage areas.
Many waterfront areas are private; use public access points, follow signage and respect 'No Trespassing' notices and boaters' right-of-way.
Acknowledge local Indigenous history and observe guidelines at cultural sites; ask before photographing culturally sensitive places or people.
Safety
Tipping in Kawartha Lakes
Ensure a smooth experience
Typical tipping is 15–20% in restaurants for good service; $1–2 per drink at a bar and rounding up for taxis. Tips are appreciated for tour guides, hotel staff and marina services.
Credit and debit cards (chip/contactless) are widely accepted; many small vendors and markets accept cash only or e-transfer. ATMs are available in larger towns like Lindsay and Fenelon Falls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect cool, changeable weather and 'mud season' on some trails as snow melts; maple syrup season and early wildflowers. Water levels can be high on lakes and rivers — watch for strong currents near locks.
Warm, humid and the busiest time — cottages fill, boat traffic increases and outdoor festivals run through August. Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes and plan ahead for accommodation on long weekends.
Peak fall foliage from late September to mid-October draws photographers and leaf-peepers; crisp days and cool nights make it ideal for hiking. Expect busy weekend traffic at popular lookouts.
Cold and snowy with frozen lakes ideal for ice fishing, skating and snowmobiling; dress in layers and check ice thickness warnings. Some businesses close or reduce hours off-season.
Kawartha Lakes at Night
Hiking in Kawartha Lakes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive backcountry routes, lakeside portages and lookouts; options for day hikes and multi-day backcountry trips with rugged terrain and remote campsites.
Walkable trails, cave systems and scenic limestone formations with boardwalks and viewpoints — family-friendly and photogenic.
Short, accessible trail along the falls and waterfront with good viewpoints and interpretive signs — great for an easy hike and photos.
Flat, multi-use trails suitable for walking and cycling that pass through rural landscapes, fields and small communities.
Airports
How to reach Kawartha Lakes by plane.
A small regional airport about 45–60 minutes northeast of Lindsay offering general aviation and charter services; ground transport or rental car required to reach Kawartha Lakes towns.
The nearest major international airport (~1.5–2 hours drive, depending on traffic) with wide flight options and several car-rental outlets; public transit plus local bus/shuttle options can connect to the region.
Smaller downtown Toronto airport mainly for regional flights; faster into downtown Toronto but longer overall ground travel time to Kawartha Lakes than Pearson.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Local families, farmers, small-business owners and retirees who live and work in the towns and countryside.
Significant influx of weekenders and summer cottagers from the GTA and elsewhere; population rises substantially in summer months.
Indigenous peoples and communities with cultural and historical ties to the region; local Indigenous organizations and sites contribute to the area's heritage.
Visitors attracted to boating, fall colours, outdoor recreation and lakeside leisure, especially on long weekends and during peak season.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A regional passion — community rinks, minor hockey leagues and recreational adult teams are common through the winter.
Boating, anglers and lake-based recreation are central to local life; fishing tournaments and boating events are popular in summer.
In winter, groomed trails attract snowmobilers from the region; a major recreational draw for colder months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kawartha Lakes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at farmers' markets and cafés; many restaurants feature seasonal vegetable mains or can adapt dishes on request.
Vegan choices are growing but can be limited in smaller towns; bring essentials if you rely on specialty products, and ask markets/cafés for plant-based milk and salads.
Gluten-free options and awareness are common in most restaurants; bakeries at markets sometimes offer gluten-free baked goods but bring backup if you have severe intolerance.