What do you enjoy the most about fall? Is it the apple picking, pumpkin spice lattes, or the cooler temperatures? For us, it’s the stunning colors and scenic drives that truly mark the arrival of this beautiful season. During our first fall weekend in Peterborough & The Kawarthas, we were thrilled not just by the scenery, but also by the delicious food, engaging entertainment, and rich history the area has to offer. We aimed to experience as much as possible throughout our weekend, so here’s a brief recap of our adventure.
Getting There
Peterborough & The Kawarthas is conveniently located less than two hours from Toronto. If you’re driving, you have two options: the 401 or Highway 7. We opted for the highway. We also spotted motorcycles and a GO Bus in Peterborough, which is worth mentioning for those city dwellers without a car—GO Transit operates a route from Union Station to Peterborough, with a transfer at Oshawa GO Station. The final stop is at Trent University.
Our Weekend Stay
We chose to spend two nights at Stillwater on the Lake, and it was one of the best accommodation decisions we’ve ever made! This boutique bed and breakfast is simply fantastic and deserves to be featured in luxury travel magazines. The grounds feature beautiful stone pathways winding through well-tended gardens, multiple decks, and a pathway that leads down to Chemong Lake.
We stayed in the Deckside French Country Suite, one of three private accommodations on the property. The suite was incredibly comfortable, featuring a cozy king-sized bed, a wood-burning fireplace in the open living and dining area, and a rain shower in the bathroom. Additionally, we enjoyed relaxing in the hot tub on the screened-in deck.
The breakfast we enjoyed each morning was exceptional. It included a two-course meal—starting with fruit, pastries, smoothies, juice, and coffee, followed by a gourmet hot entree. Many of the herbs used in these dishes were grown right on the property.
Explore the Area
- Visit the Canadian Canoe Museum and gain a deeper understanding of our waterways and their significance in Canada’s history and development. The museum houses artifacts from across Canada and the world, showcasing designs for various water conditions and uses. Interestingly, it boasts the largest collection of paddle-powered watercraft globally. We ended our visit with a stop at the in-house workshop, where we met Russ, who was showcasing his latest hand-built canoe.
- Experience the Peterborough Lift Lock, lock 21 of the Trent-Severn Waterway, an engineering marvel recognized as the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock. It’s a popular attraction, especially with annual events like exclusive dining experiences underneath the lock and the ‘Lock and Paddle’ event where canoes and kayaks fill the area. Pedestrian visitors can observe this impressive feat of engineering for free from various vantage points.
- Dive into the local brewing scene with Smithaven’s Brewing Company, specializing in German and Belgian-style beers. They have a taproom and bottleshop where you can take some of their beers to go.
- The Publican House Brewery is another local brewery that offers tours of their production floor. They also have a restaurant on-site, where we enjoyed a delicious pizza made in a wood-fired oven.
- Ashburnham Ale House may not be a brewery, but it serves craft beers on its menu. Tony enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich that left him speechless—the quietest lunch we’ve ever had!
- Consider visiting Black’s Distillery for a tasting. This newly established craft distillery, founded by Robert Black, produces a range of spirits from locally sourced red fife wheat. The historical significance of red fife wheat in this area traces back to David Fife, who developed it in Peterborough and made it quite popular until the early 1900s.
All of these spots are part of the local ‘Brews, Bites and Barns’ Trail, designed to encourage visitors to discover local establishments scattered throughout the region.
- Enjoy a scenic drive along the winding Otonabee River road to the quaint town of Lakefield.
- Take a stroll in Riverview Park & Zoo. The best part is entrance to the park and zoo is FREE. Donations are appreciated and may be made at the donation boxes located at the front entrance.
Appreciating the Arts
During our visit, we participated in the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour, a self-guided experience that allowed us to visit local artists’ studios. Our first stop was the Art Gallery of Peterborough, followed by visits to five talented artists in Lakefield, each with distinct artistic styles.
Our first studio visit was to textile artist Stephanie Ford Forrester, who creates beautiful fabric art using silk, batiks, and other materials. As an enthusiastic kayaker, her works often depict landscapes and water themes.
Next, we visited Gail West, known as The English Potter. She creates functional ceramics like mugs and bowls, as well as unique pieces featuring horsehair. Gail also offers pottery classes at her studio.
Another talented woodturning artist we encountered was Frank DiDomizio. His creations include functional bowls and artistic pieces that incorporate wood burning and wires.
Continuing on the tour, we met felt artist Christianna Ferguson, who enthusiastically explained the ‘agitation’ process that goes into crafting her vibrant and fashionable pieces.
The final artist we met was abstract painter Rowena Dykins, who draws inspiration from the water around her and the reflections off its surface as she creates her artwork.
Peterborough & The Kawarthas truly shine as a destination with diverse attractions and amenities for every visitor. Whether you’re a fishing and boating enthusiast with access to countless lakes and rivers, a foodie eager to explore local restaurants and craft breweries, or an art lover seeking galleries and studios, there’s something for everyone. No matter how you choose to arrive—by car, bus, or motorcycle—your journey through the picturesque autumn scenery will make you fall in love with Peterborough & The Kawarthas!
Our visit was sponsored by Peterborough & The Kawarthas and Attractions Ontario; however, all opinions, recommendations, and reviews are our own.
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