Special Events
Peterborough hosts a wide variety of special events year–round both downtown and in the surrounding towns. Some of these events include: the Lakefield Literary Festival, Havelock Country Jamboree, Peterborough Festival of Trees and Buckhorn Wildlife Art Festival as well as a variety of fall fairs, jazz festivals, craft shows, studio tours, agricultural fairs, Native heritage celebrations and the famous Peterborough Summer Festival of Lights.
Family Fun
Peterborough offers many family attractions, as well. For instance, Riverview Park and Zoo has a wide spectrum of playgrounds, a miniature train that you can ride across the Otonabee River and of course animals! "Wild Water and Wheels" on Chemong Road in Peterborough is an amusement park featuring a huge waterslide and a go–cart track.
Outdoor Activities
For outdoor enthusiasts there are a variety of natural attractions including parks and conservation areas. The Kawartha Lakes region is aptly named as it encompasses 134 lakes, as well as the Trent–Severn Waterway and the Otonabee River. Peterborough and the Kawarthas have earned a reputation as an outdoor adventure destination for all seasons. The following links will provide more information on a couple of parks in the region: Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and campground and Petroglyphs Provincial Park
In the winter the Trent Canal becomes a skating rink for both skaters and hockey enthusiasts. Snowmobilers and skiers enjoy a number of trails throughout the region.
Spring time heralds the start of maple syrup season and the local sugar bushes come to life with activity.
Summer ushers in a new season of sun and fun. Tourists from all over the world come to view attractions like the Peterborough Liftlock or the fountain on Little Lake that changes colours, illuminating the night sky. Cottagers and campers enjoy the abundant waterways of the region. Golfers have a myriad of courses to entertain themselves and hikers are delighted with the bountiful nature trails that serve as cross–country ski trails in the winter season.
The fall season brings the return of the Peterborough Farmer’s Market. The landscape is vibrant with the autumn colours and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy fresh crisp air and the natural beauty of the region.