Things To Do
in Selwyn

Selwyn, Canada, located in the scenic Peterborough County, is a charming rural municipality known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant community, and rich history. Nestled beside the beautiful Chemong Lake, it offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. The area is characterized by its lush forests, rolling hills, and numerous waterways, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

With a strong sense of community, Selwyn hosts various events throughout the year, showcasing its culture and heritage.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Nature and Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Selwyn Farmer's Market to explore local produce and crafts.

afternoon
:

Head to Chemong Lake for a relaxing afternoon of canoeing or paddleboarding.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant, followed by a serene sunset walk along the waterfront.

day 2
Day 2: Adventure and History
morning
:

Visit the nearby Peterborough Lift Lock, the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world, for a guided tour.

afternoon
:

Explore the local art galleries and shops in the downtown area of Peterborough.

evening
:

Wrap up your trip with a cozy dinner at a local pub, enjoying some live music.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at a Restaurant$15-$30
Coffee$3-$5
🏨Hotel Night$100-$200
🚌Public Transit Ticket$3
🍺Beer at a Bar$5-$8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities.
  • Friendly and welcoming community atmosphere.
  • Rich cultural heritage and local events.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Some attractions may have seasonal accessibility.
  • Public transportation may be limited outside the city center.

Places to Visit in Selwyn

Visit one of these nice places.

Chemong Lake

Stunning waterfront views perfect for sunrise and sunset photography.

Peterborough Lift Lock

Capture the impressive engineering of the world's highest hydraulic lift lock, surrounded by nature.

Selwyn's Countryside

Scenic rural landscapes, especially during fall when the foliage turns vibrant colors.

Culinary Guide

Food in Selwyn

Selwyn boasts a delightful culinary scene, highlighting local ingredients and traditional recipes that reflect the region's heritage.

Selwyn Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Butter Tart

A classic Canadian dessert made of a flaky pastry shell filled with a rich, sweet filling of butter, sugar, and eggs.

Must-Try!

Bannock

Traditional Indigenous bread that can be baked, fried, or cooked over an open fire, often enjoyed with sweet or savory toppings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Selwyn Farmer's Market

A vibrant market held weekly, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts from local vendors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Selwyn experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with significant snowfall, averaging temperatures around -10°C (14°F). Summers are warm and humid, with average highs around 25°C (77°F). Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures and beautiful foliage.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness

Canadians value politeness; greetings and 'thank you' are important.

Timeliness

Being punctual is appreciated; arriving on time for social events is expected.

Respect for Nature

Visitors are encouraged to respect local wildlife and natural habitats.

Safety Guide

Safety

Selwyn is generally a safe place for visitors, with low crime rates. However, it's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in less populated areas or during nighttime. Outdoor activities should be undertaken with caution, particularly in winter due to icy conditions.

Tipping in Selwyn

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

It is customary to tip 15-20% at restaurants and bars.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect mild temperatures and blooming flowers, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Summer

Warm weather attracts visitors for water sports and festivals; pack sunscreen and light clothing.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage make it a picturesque time for hiking and photography.

Winter

Cold temperatures and snowfall create opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing.

Nightlife Guide

Selwyn at Night

Selwyn's nightlife is relaxed and community-oriented, with a selection of pubs and bars offering live music and local brews. The nearby city of Peterborough hosts a variety of clubs and music venues showcasing both local and touring artists, providing options for those seeking a more vibrant night out.

Hiking in Selwyn

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trans Canada Trail

A vast trail network that runs through Selwyn, offering beautiful hiking paths along lakes and forests.

Lindsay Trail

A scenic trail perfect for hiking and biking, featuring views of the local landscape and wildlife.

Airports

How to reach Selwyn by plane.

Peterborough Airport (YPQ)

Located approximately 30 minutes from Selwyn, this airport offers limited domestic flights and is the nearest major airport.

Getting Around

Walkability

Selwyn, being a rural area, has limited walkability in comparison to urban environments. While downtown areas and local markets can be explored on foot, many attractions and amenities are spread out, making a car necessary for longer distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Indigenous Communities

The area is home to Indigenous communities with rich cultural traditions and histories.

Families and Retirees

Selwyn attracts families due to its community-oriented environment and retirees seeking a peaceful lifestyle.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice Hockey

A popular winter sport in Canada, ice hockey has a strong following in Selwyn, with local teams and community events.

Lacrosse

Another beloved sport, lacrosse is played at various levels in the region, showcasing local talent and community spirit.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Selwyn is generally light, with most locals using personal vehicles for transportation. Public transportation options are limited, but there are some regional bus services connecting Selwyn to Peterborough and surrounding areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Selwyn.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants in Selwyn provide vegetarian dishes, with locally sourced vegetables.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options are often available, but it's advisable to inform the staff about dietary needs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare services in Selwyn are accessible through local clinics and hospitals in nearby Peterborough. Emergency services are reliable, and there are general practitioners available for non-emergency cases. It's advisable for visitors to have travel insurance to cover any potential healthcare needs.

Discover Canada

Read more in our Canada 2025 Travel Guide.

Canada Travel Guide