Peterborough, Ontario is located on the Otonabee River in central-eastern Ontario, about 125km northeast of Toronto. Peterborough is considered a gateway to the "cottage country" of the Kawarthas, a large recreational region within Ontario. Peterborough was first known as Scott's Plains back in 1820 when the first settler Adam Scott, built a gristmill. In 1825, the arrival of 2,000 Irish immigrants from the city of Cork, marked the town's first population boom. Peterborough offers visitors a wide variety of art galleries, museums and historical points of interest to explore. The Trent-Severn Waterway passes through town.
Things to do in Peterborough
4th Line Theatre
This theatre company brings history to life on the outdoor stages of Winslow farm. The theatre is located in Millbrook, a town awarded the title of Best Town for History Buffs in Canada by Canadian Living Magazine. Find Best Western Peterborough Lodging nearby. Call 800-814-0055 for more information.
Art Gallery of Peterborough
A non-profit public gallery that is dedicated to exhibiting and collecting visual works of art by artists from the immediate area, region and nation. The exhibitions are augmented with programs of films, lectures, workshops and much more, so come in and see for yourself. Open Tuesday - Friday noon – 4pm; Saturday 10am – 5pm; Sunday 1 – 5pm / Victoria Day - Labour Day Tuesday - Sunday 1 - 5pm; Saturday 10am - 5pm; Wednesday 1 - 8pm. Call 705-743-9179 for more information.
2 Crescent Street, Peterborough, ON
Canadian Canoe Museum
The Canadian Canoe Museum is a unique national heritage centre that explores the canoe's enduring significance to the peoples of Canada. Visit our web site, you can take a virtual tour of the Museum's collection and exhibits as you plan your trip to the Museum, and learn more about Canada's canoeing heritage. Call 866-34-CANOE for more information.
910 Monaghan Road, Peterborough, ON
Devil Elbow Ski Area
Come and discover one of the great winter attractions of the Kawarthas - Devil's Elbow Ski and Snowboard Area. You will find us tucked away minutes from Peterborough. The Elbow offers hours of fun for skiers and snowboarders from novice to expert. Meander down our Bunny Hill or accelerate down Satan's Run or discover Paradise – it is just around the corner from Purgatory! Located just 5 km north of Bethany village off Highway 7A at the southwest gate to the Kawarthas Call 705-277-2012 for more information.
878 Bethany Hills Road, Peterborough, ON
Evinrude Center
Peterborough has a rich tradition of sport, fitness and recreation accomplishments. The community is recognized internationally for producing world class athletes and it also maintains its dedication to promoting a healthier lifestyle for all. The Evinrude Centre is an example of a community facility with that goal in mind. The 5,000 square foot Community Hall and adjoining ice surfaces, complement each other to produce a facility of which the entire community of Peterborough can be proud. The facility is available for community use for large or small meetings, weddings, anniversaries or receptions. In addition, the Evinrude Centre can serve as a focal point for larger endeavours such as seminars, conferences, trade shows, car shows, product shows, concerts and cultural activities. Call 705-876-8121 for more information.
Festival of Lights
Peterborough Summer Festival of Lights is one of this area's shining stars. Featuring entertainment for the whole family, an illuminated boat show at dusk and fireworks to top the summer evening off, the Festival has become a symbol of summer in the Kawarthas.
Kawartha Downs & Slots
The harness racing season at Kawartha Downs extends from April/May - December with simulcast betting provided year round. You will find a stock car race track inside the horse track and a Slots Casino was installed in November 1999. Today Kawartha Downs is well on its way to its goal of becoming an entertainment center; there are also plans for a hotel complex and a driving range. Kawartha Downs is located 5 minutes from Peterborough Call 705-939-6316 for more information.
Kinsmen Civic Center
The Kinsmen Civic Centre was the City of Peterborough's first twin-pad arena project. Today the facility has primarily become the home to several minor sport organizations. Throughout the winter the facility is engulfed with minor hockey enthusiasm. Adult hockey is also played on the two ice surfaces with several leagues and tournaments utilizing this functional facility. With its warm enclosed viewing area upstairs and separating the two arenas, spectators can keep watch on two games at once. The Kinsmen Civic Centre is also active in the summer with lacrosse and an adjacent softball diamond, located in the southwest area of the property. Call 705-876-8121 for more information.
Lang Pioneer Village
Travel back in time and explore the twenty restored 19th-century buildings found on site that depict what life was like in the Pioneer days. You will also find our Heritage gardens, farmyard animals and beautiful green spaces of interest. The Village is open daily May 23 – early October 11am - 4pm Call 866-289-5264 for more information.
470 Water Street, Peterborough, ON
Liftlock Cruises
If you are looking for an entertaining and informative day or evening out with family or friends, make your reservation today and be apart of the Liftlock and the River Boat Cruises experience. You will be glad you did! Call 888-535-4670 for more information.
Old Hastings Gallery
Step back in time as you enter our Century-Old Store. Come and explore our 6 whimsical rooms each brimming with hundreds of fun and useful gift ideas for everyone, including the family pets Open Victoria Day - December 31 Monday – Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday, 11am – 5pm; January - Victoria Day Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 11am - 5pm. Call 613-337-5050 for more information.
3103 Old Hastings Road, Peterborough, ON
Peterborough Centennial Museum & Archives
Victoria Museum, Peterborough’s first museum opened in 1896; later the Peterborough Centennial Museum Archives (PCMA) opened its doors in 1967, incorporating much of the Victoria Museum’s collection. The PCMA's collection is the second oldest in Ontario and this museum is a Campus for Fleming College/Trent University’s Museum Management and Curratorship Program. In 10 years, over 200 students have graduated from the program, taking their place as museum professionals all over Canada and the world. Call 705-743-5180 for more information.
300 Hunter Street East, Peterborough, ON
Peterborough Historical Society / Hutchison House
Hutchison House is a living museum that is owned and operated by the Peterborough Historical Society. The house depicts 19th century Ontario life; the house was built in 1836 by the town's residents for Dr. John Hutchison and the main floor and keeping room have been restored to the 1840's when the Hutchison's lived there. A working fireplace with cooking utensils and other furnishings that are present in the house represent the variety of tasks that would have occurred in the "family-room and kitchen" of 1840 The doctor's office still contains his records and accounts. Open October - April Monday - Friday 1 – 5pm; closed weekends / May - September Tuesday – Sunday 1 - 5pm; closed Monday. The onsite bookstore is open the same hours as the house. Call 705-740-2600 for more information.
270 Brock Street, Peterborough, ON
Peterborough Lift Lock
As you approach the lift lock itself the Friends of The Trent Severn Visitor Center is on the west side downstream of the locks. Providing a day use tie-up wall in front for those wishing to visit the center where you will find an interesting selection of photographs and other reading materials which chronicle the historic construction project as well as an extensive selection of books of regional content. Pick up charts of the waterway here in addition to lots of information on how the lift lock works and other things to do in the area. This is one of the best known landmarks on the entire waterway and an ease to use for the transient boater. Call 800-663-2628 for more information.
Peterborough Memorial Center
The Peterborough Memorial Centre underwent a massive renovation over the summer of 2003, which guarantees that Peterborough Petes hockey team will remain in the PMC for years to come. Luxury boxes were added and the building has been enlarged. Memorial Centre is the home of its principal user the Peterborough Petes Hockey Club. The facility is available for community use with concentration on spectator sports including: hockey, lacrosse, basketball and many others. The Memorial Centre is also available for concerts, trade shows, indoor festivals and several other larger social gatherings. Call 705-743-3561 for more information.
Peterborough Theatre Guild
Offering various performance productions each year. Please visit our website for a complete list of performances, times and ticket prices. Call 705-745-4211 for more information.
364 Roger Street, Peterborough, ON
Riverview Park & Zoo
The Riverview Park and Zoo is a unique, recreational facility offering attractions to people of all ages. Offering a fabulous place to enjoy a leisurely stroll in a peaceful and tranquil setting while experiencing the natural beauty of Peterborough The zoo is home to animals ranging from the small poison dart frogs to the great yaks and camels; from reptiles and primates to llamas and cougars. Open May – Labour Day daily 8am - 8:30pm; Labour Day – Thanksgiving 8am - 4pm. Call 705-748-9300 for more information.
1230 Water Street, Peterborough, ON
Showplace Performance Center
After years of success presenting Summer Theatre, the Kawartha Lakes Summer Playhouse brings their theatre magic to Showplace Peterborough. The artistic director, John Thomas is excited to bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this incredible theatre and community. The season is a delightful mix of the best of professional theatre with the best of local youth talent. Please contact our box office for a performance schedule and ticket prices. The box office is open Monday – Friday 11am - 5pm; Saturday 11am - 4pm in addition to one hour prior to each ticketed event. Call 705-742-7469 for more information.