Explore Kawartha Lakes

Explore Kawartha Lakes Welcome to the official page for Kawartha Lakes Tourism! Escape to the great outdoors in the Kawartha Lakes Region of Central Ontario!

Through this page, we provide the public with up-to-date information about the area, including up-coming events, tourism hot-spots and other general information. The name "Kawartha" comes from the area's First Nation Peoples, in whose language it means "land of shining waters". The moment you see the sun dancing off the gentle ripples of the water, you'll see for yourself. Located just 90

minutes northeast of Toronto, the City of Kawartha Lakes and its many charming communities are nestled amongst beautiful lakes, winding rivers, scenic farmland and pristine wilderness. With over 250 lakes and rivers throughout vast stretches of panoramic beauty, the Kawartha Lakes offer visitors a wealth of leisure activities year round. Visit six Trent-Severn lock stations from Bobcaygeon to Bolsover by boat or road and tour local attractions along the way. Take in the fresh air as you hike, cycle or ski an extensive 800 km network of trails including the 85 km Victoria Rail Trail. Enjoy theatre and music at the historic Academy Theatre for Performing Arts or discover our rich history touring museums and historic sites. Pamper yourself at an exquisite inn or resort, or get back to nature and stay at a quaint waterfront cottage. Spend leisurely days in historic towns browsing quaint boutiques or finding hidden treasure in antique shops. Explore our charming communities year round and celebrate local culture at agricultural fairs, seasonal festivals and art studio tours. Regardless of how long you stay, there's plenty to see and do in our natural four seasons outdoor playground. The more you experience what Kawartha Lakes has to offer, the longer you'll want to stay… and the sooner you'll be back!

Today is a reminder of what makes Kawartha Lakes so special.From quiet forest trails and winding waterways to small-town...
04/22/2026

Today is a reminder of what makes Kawartha Lakes so special.
From quiet forest trails and winding waterways to small-town main streets and open skies—this is a place shaped by nature, and worth protecting.
This Earth Day, take a moment to get outside, tread a little lighter, and appreciate the landscapes that make every visit here quietly incredible.

There's something magical about Golden Hour in Kawartha Lakes ❄️ Winter transforms the lakes into quietly incredible lan...
02/18/2026

There's something magical about Golden Hour in Kawartha Lakes ❄️ Winter transforms the lakes into quietly incredible landscapes. Discover more experiences and plan your visit this season: https://kawarthalakes.me/4rnvTmw

02/10/2026
Snowy conditions make for unforgettable rides ❄️Winter in Kawartha Lakes is the perfect time to experience the beauty an...
01/21/2026

Snowy conditions make for unforgettable rides ❄️

Winter in Kawartha Lakes is the perfect time to experience the beauty and thrill of snowmobiling. From scenic, snow-covered trails to peaceful forested routes, there’s nothing quite like exploring the region after a fresh snowfall.

It’s all part of what makes Kawartha Lakes Quietly Incredible.

For trail maps and permit information visit: https://www.explorekawarthalakes.com/things-to-do/snowmobiling/

As we say goodbye to the year, we’re grateful for every trail explored, every local shop visited, and every memory made ...
12/31/2025

As we say goodbye to the year, we’re grateful for every trail explored, every local shop visited, and every memory made in Kawartha Lakes.

Wishing you a cozy, adventurous, and joy-filled new year. ❄️

Start planning your 2026 visit to Kawartha Lakes now: https://www.explorekawarthalakes.com/plan-your-trip/

12/20/2025

It’s the final countdown! 🎁

Local businesses are open and ready to help you find that perfect last-minute gift. Avoid the rush, enjoy a warm welcome, and support the people who make our communities vibrant.

Rolling hills and wide-open skies ❄️🚗The South Route is a 52 km drive through open farmland, gentle hills, and wide skie...
12/20/2025

Rolling hills and wide-open skies ❄️🚗

The South Route is a 52 km drive through open farmland, gentle hills, and wide skies, a quieter side of Kawartha Lakes that really shines in winter. Starting in Omemee, the route dips toward Bethany before looping back north toward Lindsay, trading busy roads for long views and an easy, unhurried pace.

Pair the drive with fresh air stops along the way. The Pigeon Creek Road lookout is the must-stop, offering a big-picture view over the surrounding countryside that feels especially crisp in colder months. For a more active day, add a winter walk or snow-dusted hike at Fleetwood Creek Natural Area or Emily Tract, then finish along the Victoria Rail Trail, or continue east on Highway 7 to connect with the South East Route.

📍 Top stop: Pigeon Creek Road lookout
📏 Distance: 52 km
🚘 Best for: Rolling landscapes, winter light, and adding a hike to the drive
👉 Download the detailed South Route Guide and plan your drive!

explorekawarthalakes.com/things-to-do/scenic-drives/

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Small towns, quiet highways, and classic Kawartha scenery. 🚗🍂The North East Route is a 77 km loop that showcases the hea...
12/19/2025

Small towns, quiet highways, and classic Kawartha scenery. 🚗🍂

The North East Route is a 77 km loop that showcases the heart of Kawartha Lakes, with an easy, mostly highway drive linking Fenelon Falls, Coboconk, Kinmount, and Bobcaygeon. It’s a relaxed way to experience village main streets, open water views, and long stretches of forest and farmland.

The drive follows lakes, rivers, and nature reserves, with natural places to slow down along the way. In Kinmount, stop by the Kinmount Heritage Museum and wander along the Burnt River to Austin Sawmill Heritage Park. If time allows, take the short detour to Furnace Falls for a scenic pause before continuing south toward Bobcaygeon or closing the loop back in Fenelon Falls.

Fall colours bring this route to life, but it’s a great drive in every season, from summer lake days to crisp winter light and early spring greens.

📍 Top stop: Kinmount Heritage Museum and the walk to Austin Sawmill
📏 Distance: 77 km
🚘 Best for: Easy highway driving and small-town charm
👉 Download the detailed North East Route Guide and plan your drive!

explorekawarthalakes.com/things-to-do/scenic-drives/

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Take the long way around Balsam Lake. 🚗🍁The North West Route is a 69 km scenic drive from Lindsay to Fenelon Falls that ...
12/18/2025

Take the long way around Balsam Lake. 🚗🍁

The North West Route is a 69 km scenic drive from Lindsay to Fenelon Falls that trades main highways for quiet backroads, water views, and some of the most classic Kawartha Lakes scenery around. Wind past lakes and canals, skirt the shoreline of Balsam Lake, and settle into a drive that feels unhurried in the best way.

Fall colours make this route a standout, but it’s beautiful year-round, from leafy summer mornings to crisp winter drives and fresh spring greens. Highlights include a peaceful pause beneath towering trees at St. Thomas Cemetery, a drive-by of the Balsam Lake Dry Stone Wall, and easy detours to provincial parks for short hikes or picnics. Wrap it up with a stroll through downtown Fenelon Falls or along Garnet Graham Beach Park, with wide views across Cameron Lake.

📍 Top stop: St. Thomas Cemetery — big trees, quiet roads, and a true sense of place.
📏 Distance: 69 km
🚘 Best for: Off-highway driving, lake views, and slowing the pace
👉 Download the detailed North West Route Guide and plan your drive!

explorekawarthalakes.com/things-to-do/scenic-drives/



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12/17/2025

A scenic drive that’s pure magic… plus small-town charm, breathtaking fall colours, scenic hikes, and cozy seasonal activities. Kawartha Lakes is the perfect weekend escape ✨Plus, it’s only two hours from Toronto!

This is what you’ll see on the North West Route, one of four pre-planned scenic drive routes in the region.

Must-see towns: Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon
Trails & Parks: Doube’s Trestle Bridge, Lions Park
Fall fun & Treats: McQuaid Country Market – Pumpkin Farm & Corn Maze, Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream

A perfect autumn getaway for anyone looking to unwind from the city, explore, and soak in everything Fall has to offer.

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Address

Lindsay, ON
K9V2Y6

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

1-866-397-6673

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