02.10.23 | The Kawarthas

6 Peterborough County Towns You Have to Know About

Just outside the bustling city of Peterborough, you’ll find numerous rural communities full of charm, natural beauty, and a world of outdoor adventures. Add peacefulness and affordability to the mix, and you may have just found the ideal place for your family to set down roots. Rural homes are often more spacious with much larger lot sizes, creating the perfect environment for rich family experiences and magical childhood memories. Here are our top six places that you simply must know more about right now.

Bridgenorth

Just north of Peterborough in the Township of Selwyn, Bridgenorth is quickly becoming popular due to its vibrant waterfront and gorgeous scenery. Though it was never officially incorporated as a village, you’ll find a bustle of activity throughout the year. A farmer’s market runs every Friday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm from mid-May until October. Here, you’ll encounter residents and visitors happily sorting through a varied offering of fresh meat, locally grown produce, and gourmet baked goods.

What else is there to do in such a peaceful place just 15 minutes away from Peterborough? If you’re like most residents, you’ll spend much of your free time enjoying the waterfront. Bridgenorth’s location on Chemong Lake makes it a summertime hotspot for beachgoers and hikers. In the winter, families and the young at heart can get out and enjoy the chilly weather by ice skating, snowshoeing, building a snowman or just enjoying the view of the pristine snow.

Warsaw Caves, Riverview Park and Zoo, and Quarry Golf Club are a few other fun attractions you’ll discover close by.


Buying or selling a home can be a little different in the Kawartha Lakes area than in the city. Here are a few resources to help you be prepared.


Lakefield

A cyclist’s and a hiker’s dream come true, Lakefield is stunning and scenic all year round, particularly in the autumn when the trees display spectacular colour. With a farmer’s market, a cooking school, and an artisan chocolate shop, it’s also a fantastic place to delight your tastebuds. Located five minutes from the shores of Katchewanooka Lake, Lakefield is a choice destination for travellers from Peterborough and Toronto in the summertime. The views are beautiful, and the town is full of activities and convenience without feeling crowded.

The Lakefield Farmer’s Market runs every Thursday from May to October and features 30 agricultural and artisan vendors. Whether you’re searching for freshly baked treats, homemade pantry items, local fruits and veggies, or fine wine from Pillitteri Estates, this is the place to be, rain or shine.

Norwood

Norwood lies approximately 30 km east of Peterborough in the Township of Asphodel-Norwood. Unlike other towns near the Kawarthas, Norwood has no local beachfront to draw sun-loving tourists every summer. Still, the area is growing in spades as scores of new businesses open up along the streets of the downtown core, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and other attractions. 

The tranquillity of a rural lifestyle so close to the urban conveniences of Peterborough attracts many new residents to this beautiful town. And living in Norwood doesn’t mean giving up your beach days or favourite water sports, either. Your proximity to the Kawarthas means sparkling, sandy beaches are just a short drive away, including Booster Park Beach on Crowe Lake.

Gearing up for a big move? There are countless reasons Peterborough deserves your consideration! Find out more in our Relocation Guide, which you can download right here.

Hastings

Located just north of Rice Lake, the small town of Hastings has become nearly synonymous with the love of the water and a passion for fishing. In fact, it once caught the attention of the World Fishing Network, who promptly recognized the town as Canada’s Ultimate Fishing Town! Lock 18 of The Trent-Severn Waterway separates the two sides of the town, providing incredible views of the water. 

Known as the “Hub of the Trent,” Hastings has much to offer, including one-of-a-kind restaurants, breathtaking scenery, and a deep appreciation of culture and history. The town is home to several exciting events that take place each year, including Hastings Waterfront Festival, Crooks Rapids Country Music Fest, and Canada Day fireworks at the Hastings Marina. 

Millbrook

A fun fact about Millbrook: Here, you’ll find more historically designated buildings, per capita, than any other town in Ontario. The downtown core can make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, and the streets are lined with independent shops offering all kinds of specialty products and locally produced merchandise. 

Millbrook is also one of the locations of the beloved Buttertart Tour. Stop by and indulge your sweet tooth with some of the most delicious treats you’ll ever enjoy! Plus, a live theatre showcases the dramatic talents of Canadian performers, providing a unique entertainment experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.

The beauty of nature is just one more perk of visiting or residing in the village of Millbrook. Several access points to the Baxtor Creek Trailhead take you through breathtaking paths. Enjoy the quiet streams and marshes, and be sure to view the scenic lookout points sprinkled throughout!


The Kawarthas aren’t just a fun place to visit! For the right person, they’re perfect for year-round living. You’ll find a few reasons why in the posts below:


Buckhorn

As the “Heart of the Kawarthas,” Buckhorn offers some of the most stunning natural attractions in Ontario. Its location along the Trent Severn Trail provides beautiful waterfront paths that make Buckhorn a popular destination all year. 

Summer attractions include canoeing, fishing, camping, golf, and several farmer’s markets. But unlike many other summer hotspots, Buckhorn does not shut down for the winter. Instead, we look forward to and celebrate the snowy season! Activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling along the well-groomed trails may make you never wish for hot summers again!

Popular year-round attractions include Adam and Eve Rocks, Kawartha Country Wines, and Trent-Severn Waterway, Lock 31.

Whenever you work up an appetite, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and pubs for your family to recharge and refuel.

Is one of these beautiful towns the perfect place for you and your family to call home? We specialize in the Kawartha Lakes area and are happy to tell you everything you need to know. Reach out to us today at team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to start the conversation.