Kawartha Lakes: local rooms, events and more

Photo: P199 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Town and around · Ontario · 79k people

Kawartha Lakes

Locals say The Kawarthas · “Cottage Country”

Where every lake has a story and every sunset is a postcard.

Lake BluePine Green

Welcome to the Kawarthas! Whether you're here for the lakes, the small-town charm, or the simple pleasures of cottage life, you'll find a friendly wave and a good story. Enjoy the fresh air and the sound of loons.

Clubs for Kawartha Lakes

No clubs for Kawartha Lakes yet.

The room

Kawartha Lakes Quiet now Where every lake has a story and every sunset is a postcard.

One room for everyone around Kawartha Lakes. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.

Ask the neighbours

All

A good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.

Coming up

No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.

Marketplace

Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Kawartha Lakes. Sign in to sell something.

Things to do

Balsam Lake Provincial Park Sandy beaches and hiking trails.
Emily Provincial Park Camping and canoeing on Emily Lake.
Fenelon Falls Scenic waterfall on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Trent-Severn Waterway Historic lock system connecting the lakes.
Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge Iconic swing bridge in the village centre.
Lindsay Exhibition Grounds Hosts the annual Central Exhibition and other events.

Outdoors Fishing for pickerel on the lakes
Outdoors Boating and kayaking on the Trent-Severn
With kids Visiting Fenelon Falls
With kids Picnicking at Balsam Lake Provincial Park
Evenings Summer concert series in Lindsay
Evenings Pub trivia nights in Bobcaygeon
Locals love Cottage docks
Locals love Fishing holes

Through the year

Lindsay Central Exhibition August Annual agricultural fair with midway, exhibits, and live music.
Bobcaygeon Winter Carnival February Family-friendly winter fun with ice sculptures, skating, and events.
Fenelon Falls Winter Carnival February Winter activities, parades, and community gatherings.
Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour September/October Artists open their studios across the region for a self-guided tour.
Lindsay Jazz and Blues Festival June Live jazz and blues performances in downtown Lindsay.

The Kawarthas have a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to be out is summer for boating and swimming, and winter for ice fishing and snowmobiling. Best: Summer is ideal for boating and swimming; winter for ice fishing and snowmobiling.

Talk like a local

“bunkie”: A small sleeping cabin, often separate from the main cottage.
“up at the lake”: Going to the cottage or lake for the weekend.

Getaways

Peterborough Visit the Canadian Canoe Museum and Trent University campus.
Orillia Explore the Lake Simcoe waterfront and historic downtown.
Port Hope Stroll the heritage downtown and Ganaraska River trail.
Cobourg Relax on the sandy beach and Victorian-era architecture.

Local flavour

Eat and drink

Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream A beloved local dairy brand with a flagship store in Bobcaygeon, famous for rich, creamy scoops.
Pickerel (Walleye) A common freshwater fish in the lakes, often served fried in local restaurants.
Butter Tarts A classic Ontario treat, found at bakeries and farmers' markets across the region.

Where people go

Lakes and waterways The region is defined by its many lakes, including Balsam, Cameron, Sturgeon, and the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Cottage rentals and resorts Classic Canadian cottage country, with cabins and lodges along the shorelines.
Provincial parks Balsam Lake and Emily Provincial Parks offer camping, hiking, and swimming.
Small-town main streets Charming downtowns in Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, and Fenelon Falls with local shops and cafés.

Heritage and traditions

The Kawarthas take pride in their stunning lake country, the engineering marvel of the Trent-Severn Waterway, and a warm, welcoming small-town spirit that embraces both cottagers and year-round residents.

This time of year in Kawartha Lakes

Autumn colours and studio tour Fall Fall foliage attracts visitors, and the studio tour showcases local art.
Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour October Local artists open their studios for a self-guided tour.

Say it like a local: “The waterway” — The Trent-Severn Waterway.

Festivals

Lindsay Central Exhibition September One of Ontario's oldest fairs, with midway rides, livestock shows, and local exhibits.
Bobcaygeon Winter Carnival February Family fun with ice sculptures, skating, and outdoor activities.
Fenelon Falls Winter Carnival February Features a polar bear dip, snowshoe races, and community events.
Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour October Local artists open their studios for a self-guided tour.
Lindsay Jazz and Blues Festival July Live jazz and blues performances in the downtown core.
Kawartha Lakes Dragon Boat Festival June Teams race on Sturgeon Lake, with a family-friendly festival atmosphere.

Landmarks with a story

Olde Gaol Museum (Lindsay) A former jail built in 1863, now a museum showcasing local history and heritage.
Victoria County Courthouse (Lindsay) An elegant 19th-century courthouse that still serves the community.
Kirkfield Lift Lock A hydraulic lift lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway, one of the highest in the world.
Fenelon Falls Dam and Lock A scenic lock and dam that creates the famous Fenelon Falls, a popular photo spot.
Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge A rare swing bridge that opens for boat traffic, a beloved local landmark.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (Lindsay) A historic stone church dating from the 19th century, a landmark in the town.

Food traditions

Fresh pickerel shore lunch Cooking freshly caught pickerel over a campfire with potatoes and onions is a cherished fishing tradition.
Butter tarts A classic Canadian pastry, often with raisins, baked by local bakeries and at home, a staple at cottage gatherings.
Kawartha Dairy ice cream A local institution since 1937, serving rich, creamy ice cream in a variety of flavours.
Maple syrup season In early spring, local sugar bushes open for tours, and families enjoy pancakes with fresh maple syrup.
Cottage country barbecue Summer weekends often feature backyard BBQs with local produce, corn on the cob, and fresh lake fish.

Music and arts

Cottage country folk music Local musicians often play at community halls, cottages, and summer festivals, with a mix of folk, country, and rock.
Landscape painting and photography The lakes and forests inspire many artists, and the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour showcases their work.
Community theatre Towns like Lindsay have active theatre groups performing in historic venues.
Indigenous arts and crafts Local Indigenous communities share their traditions through art and cultural events.

A little history

Before European contact Indigenous presence
1820s Early settlement
1833-1920 Trent-Severn Waterway construction
Early 20th century Cottage country development
1858 Lindsay Central Exhibition

Game day Fishing tournaments and derbies
Game day Ice fishing contests
Outdoors Canoeing on calm lakes
Outdoors Fishing for pickerel and bass
With kids Visiting the Kirkfield Lift Lock
With kids Going to Kawartha Dairy for ice cream

People in the Kawarthas speak with a typical Canadian accent, using 'eh' as a conversational tag and 'pop' for soda. They often refer to the region as 'the Kawarthas' and to their weekend property as 'the cottage'.

Only here

The Kirkfield Lift Lock is one of the highest hydraulic lift locks in the world, lifting boats 49 feet.
The Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge is one of the few remaining swing bridges on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
The Kawartha Lakes region has over 250 lakes, making it a premier cottage destination.
The Lindsay Central Exhibition has been running since 1858, making it one of Ontario's oldest fairs.

New here? A few tips

Get a fishing license if you plan to fish – it's easy to buy online.
Learn to navigate the locks on the waterway – it's a unique experience.
Expect summer traffic on weekends, especially on highways to cottage country.
Embrace the cottage lifestyle – many locals have a 'camp' or cottage to retreat to.
Try the local butter tarts and Kawartha Dairy ice cream – they're iconic.

Make this page better

Know a place, a festival, a word locals use, or something here that's wrong? Suggest it; someone at Popchat checks every one.

Nearby

Every area

North DurhamOntarioLake days and long country lanes.PeterboroughOntarioWhere every road leads to water Port HopeOntarioHistoric charm by the Ganaraska OshawaOntarioWhere the lake meets the assembly line.Peterborough CountyOntarioQuiet roads, rich soil, and the glow of a lakeside sunset.OrilliaOntarioLakeside charm and sunshine days.CobourgOntarioSmall-town charm on the big lake.BarrieOntarioThe Bay City: a city that hugs the bay

Kawartha Lakes. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.