If you’re looking for things to see or do on your ‘staycation’, here are some things that won’t break your bank. In fact, they will not cost you anything!

Known as the gateway to the Kawarthas, the Ontarians’ cottage country, Peterborough if often overlooked as a vacation destination. Located in Central Ontario, between Toronto and Ottawa, the city and the county of the same name have quite few things to offer to their visitors.

We didn’t know much about Peterborough when we first arrived in this area, almost 10 years ago. Surrounded by several lakes, the city is located along the Otonabee River, where a number of rapids are sited. Peterborough was actually the first city in Canada to use electric streetlights on May 24^th 1884, with hydro-electrical power originated from two local dams.

There are still few weeks of this summer, a few weeks to enjoy what is left of the summer weather. If you think you can’t travel elsewhere, or you want to check new places in Ontario, places that won’t cost you much, this month you can choose a ‘staycation’. Actually, you need to pay for your gas and food, which could still be a lot, considering the rising prices. If you are a local, you can check out anytime the upcoming events in Peterborough.

1. Riverview Park and Zoo

Over 55 acres of land spread along the Otonabee River is home to this amazing park, which also includes a Zoo. Opened 365 days a year (8:30 am to dusk), and FREE of charge, the Riverview Park and Zoo is definitely the most popular place for a family to go. More than 150 animals and over 40 species call Riverview Park and Zoo home, but you can also choose to admire the gardens, take a scenic walk along the river, or have a picnic at one of the shelters available for booking from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving Day weekend. The little ones can enjoy the splash pad, especially these hot summer days.

Multiple viewing windows provide great opportunities to check out various animals, indoors, or outdoors. But what we enjoyed the most, and glad we happened to be there around 1:30 pm at their lunch time, is the otter exhibit. They are very playful in behaviour, both on land and in the water, and gave us a wonderful show in the outdoor pool.

For more information, you can read here: https://www.riverviewparkandzoo.ca/en/plan-your-visit/hours-of-operation.aspx

2. Peterborough Musicfest

A festival that offers eight weeks of free admission concerts since 1987 is probably the largest summer festival in Ontario. Del Crary Park becomes very sparkly once the night sets in, every Wednesday and Saturday, during this time. Promoting Canadian bands and singers, and not only, this summer’s festival, the 37^th one (in 2024), is an incredible place to be at. If you missed the festival this summer, you can always remember to mark it down in your next year calendar!

For the upcoming concerts, and more information, you can read here: https://www.ptbomusicfest.ca/concert-listing/

3. Peterborough lift lock

The hydraulic lift lock in Peterborough, built in 1904, is one of the 42 lock stations along the 386 km Trent-Severn Waterway that connects Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay. Built between 1896 and 1904, this hydraulic lift lock is the highest hydraulic boat lift in the world, raising boats 65 feet (20 m), reason it was designated a National Historic Site in 1979.

You can read more information ( and about other locks in the area) here: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/visit/posteeclusage-lockstation/ecluse-lock-21-ascenseur-liftlock-peterborough

4. Whetung Ojibwa Centre

If you are interested to see some of the spectacular collection of Native crafts, such as Fine art, sculptures, leather work, or jewelry, you can visit one of the First Nation stores across Canada. And Peterborough too.

Peterborough County is home to the Curve Lake First Nation, and I have recently discovered Whetung Ojibwa Centre, one example of such stores, a family-operated business selling primarily handcrafted goods. One can literally spend hours browsing through the gallery rooms, that are filled with so many beautiful art pieces.

 You can find more information on the centre’s website: https://www.whetung.com/

5. The Farmer’s Market

As the local farmers strive to grow and offer fresh produce, the outdoor market opened every Saturday morning is the perfect place for a free visit. While checking out the market products and prices, you can stroll around enjoying the sounds of the local musicians. The outdoor market is opened May 1^st to October 31^st, moving inside the Morrow Building during the winter time.

The market information can be found here: https://www.peterboroughfarmersmarket.com/market-infomation/

6. Nature and wildlife areas

With a mix of farmland, and wilderness areas, Peterborough County is home to few provincial parks, and several conservation, and wildlife areas. With many hiking trails, and birdwatching areas, the outdoor lovers will always find something to do. Much less crowded than most of other parks in the Greater Toronto Area, there are many beautiful places here. Some of our favourites include Millbrook CA, Jackson Park, Warsaw Caves CA, and Trent University Wildlife Sanctuary.

7. Burleigh Falls

Peterborough’s topography is defined primarily by the land formations created by the last receding, Wisconsian glaciers, from 10,000-15,000 years ago. Reason the area is relatively flat, but also has some elevations. Burleigh Falls are rather some rapids between Lovesick Lake and Lower Buckhorn Lake on the west and Stoney Lake to the east. The parking lot is very small, enough only for a few cars, and there is no parking allowed on the street, but the broad expanse of the bedrock along the short river, part of the Canadian Shield makes for a nice stop any time of the year.

8. Water sports

When planning a trip to Peterborough, it’s always helpful to know what are the best things to do and see. Ontario is a large province, and you must have a car to travel in the country side.

If you like to spend some time along the water, you can always bring your watercraft, a fishing rod, or just simply a blanket or a chair to find a secluded and relaxing spot.

Whether you are looking for a short trip or a multi-day backcountry trip, you can find rental centers to rent either a kayak, a canoe, or even a boathouse. Or just bring your own one!

9. The Art Galley

If you are an art enthusiast, or just happen to be around Del Crary park in Peterborough, the Art Gallery has few collections and exhibitions you might want to see. Although the admission is free, donations are always appreciated.

For more information regarding the hours, you can check here: https://agp.on.ca/about/hours-admission/

10. Adam and Eve Rocks

Two massive rocks in the village of Buckhorn could hold many secrets since their presence here. Known as Erratics, these glacial rocks are remnants of the last ice age. These rocks were named The Adam and Eve Rocks by the early settlers, and folklore legend says that if two lovers hold hands and each touch one of the rocks, their lives will be blessed.

A quick fun stop if you are in the area, these huge boulders are located on the street with the same name Adam & Eve Rd.

More things to do in Peterborough

The summer might be short, and it is without a doubt the most popular time to visit Peterborough area. However, you can find something to do in any other season, either to visit a few nice museums, or for the outdoor enthusiasts to admire the fall foliage, or to try some winter activities such as snowmobiling, or ice fishing.

If you think that everything is for free in Peterborough, you are wrong. Here are some other places to consider, if you want to spend some money:

The Canadian Canoe Museum: Opened early this summer with a new outlook, the museum found a home in a newly built building (May 2024), in Peterborough. For more than 25 years, the canoe museum has stewarded the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercrafts. Featuring six unique, thematic exhibits inspired by watercraft from around the country and the world, the museum might be worth a visit. For more information regarding the admission and tickets, you can read here: https://canoemuseum.ca/visit/admission/

Hutchison House Museum: For a little dip in the local history, the Peterborough Historical Society offers one of the museums opened year-round in the city. Hutchison House offers a glimpse of life in Ontario in the 1800s. For a small entrance fee, you can kill some spare time if you happen to be around this location. For more information, you can read here: https://phs-hutchisonhouse.ca/hutchison-house/

Canada’s Dinosaur Park: Established in 1999 as a non-for-profit registered charity, Canada’s Dinosaur Park became a family fun place, as well as a sanctuary that saves animals and provides an educational attraction for visitors. The park is located 20 km East from Peterborough, but you can find more information here: https://reptileanddinosaurpark.org/index.php/admission-tickets/

Wutai Shan Buddhist Centre: Located in Cavan-Monaghan, Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden has been officially opened as of August 1^st 2024.  With a big and welcoming Buddha at the entrance, several stupas, few ponds, a large temple, and many more other halls under construction, we were happy to visit this site for free in the month of July 2024. As the construction advanced, and the centre requires a parking fee, I think the site is still worth a visit. Wutai Shan Buddhist Centre in Canada is the first site to be developed on 535 acres of land; it will be the largest single Buddhist complex outside China, promoting Chinese culture, and Tang-Dynasty style architecture. For more information you can read here: https://thebuddhistgarden.com/

Petroglyphs Provincial Park: Home to the largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings (petroglyphs) in Canada, this is a sacred site, known as “The Teaching Rocks”. We visited the Learning Place Visitor Centre to see the petroglyphs several years ago, and were surprised to see how well guarded they were, by heavily armed security guards. No photos were allowed, however, an interesting little place to learn about the native culture from this area. For operating dates and hours, you can read here: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/petroglyphs

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park: Kawartha Highlands is the second largest provincial park in southern Ontario, after Algonquin park. It is a place where one can experience outdoor activities, especially backcountry canoeing, and camping. With limited facilities, and parking capacities, visitors need to be aware that this park is more popular for backcountry adventures. For more information you can read here: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/kawarthahighlands

Car and trucks events: If you are into cars, and races, there is something for you too! Peterborough speedway is home to many events throughout the year, and Buckhorn community invites you and your classic car if you have one, to join the Tuesday Classic Car & Truck Night.

Wherever you are, wherever you go, hope you’re having a terrific summer!