Have you ever taken a trip to the Kawarthas in the summertime? If you ever get the chance, the memories will stay with you for a lifetime; the peaceful afternoons by the beach, splashing in the water under a hot sun, the smell of dinner sizzling on the BBQ. Without a doubt, summers in the Kawarthas are about as close to perfection as you can get, and it’s all within 90 minutes of the GTA.
But here’s something that might surprise you. The Kawartha Lakes are much more than a beautiful summer destination. Fall, winter, and spring are equally breathtaking. The small towns surrounding the lakes are full of hidden gems of shopping and dining, along with a spectacular array of outdoor adventures all year long. Perhaps, one of these vibrant towns is the perfect place for your forever home! Here’s a quick snapshot of what you can expect in every season of the year.
The Many Joys of Winter
Forget staring at the screen while hibernating indoors during the cold weather! Outside, so much fun awaits you that it’s hard to know where to begin. With so much natural beauty and an abundance of hiking trails, a brisk walk might be the way to warm your soul. For example, the Ken Reids Conservation Area offers 10 km of trails along an accessible boardwalk. Here’s your chance to commune with the forests, marshes, and wildlife without worrying about soggy feet.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, the Lookout Trail at Balsam Provincial Park takes about 90 minutes from start to finish, and offers spectacular views along the way!
These trails are also ideal for snowshoeing or fat biking, and there are few better ways to learn to fall in love with your new home and surroundings than exploring nature.
Are you in the mood for something a little more fast-paced than hiking or snowshoeing? It may be time to hit the snowmobile trails! More than 166 km of groomed routes are just waiting to be explored. An Interactive Snowmobile Trail Map by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs will help you find every possible path.
We can’t talk about winter in the Kawarthas without mentioning the glorious ski hills of Brimacombe and Dagmar Ski Resort. The feeling of tearing down the slopes with the wind in your face is one of the best winter thrills you could hope for!
If you prefer even terrain, the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club offers cross-country skiing that is both picturesque and affordable.
As thrilling as it is to experience the great outdoors, sometimes you want to stay warm and cozy inside. When those days arrive, the pubs, diners and cafes you’ll discover in towns like Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon will never disappoint!
Breathtaking Fall Beauty
The view over the lake on a crisp autumn day is simply stunning. The summer crowds dissipate, leaving you with a sense of serenity and peacefulness that is hard describe with words. The roads are dotted with fruit stands, and the farmer’s markets are teeming with fresh produce and other locally sourced goods. Of course, the quintessential fall activity consists of strolling through the many beautiful trails as the leaves transform into magical bursts of colour. It doesn’t matter how often you take in the sights; the view is always different and never fails to mesmerize!
Your swimming days may be over for the season, but there are still plenty of fun times to be had by the waterside. Boat trips, fishing excursions, or even simply walking along the shore with an ice cream cone are a few fall activities your family will love.
When not enjoying the beautiful outdoors, you can always journey into one of the towns for an afternoon of shopping and refreshments.
Or, for a more festive experience, visit one of our many exciting and unique fall events. Here are a just few ideas to explore:
- Buckhorn Pumpkin Festival
- Purple Onion Festival
- Bobcaygeon Fall Fair
- Norwood Fall Fair
- Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival
- Kawartha Fall Festival
We could talk for hours about all of the fun events that happen in Peterborough and the Kawarthas in the Fall! But why not see for yourself in the posts below:
- Autumn in the Kawarthas: Prepare to Fall in Love!
- It’s Spooky Time in Peterborough and the Kawarthas!
- Fun Things to Do in Peterborough This Fall
The Kawarthas Spring to Life
If spring is your season of choice, you’re not alone. The snow melts away, the grass begins to turn green, and the first blooms peek over their garden beds! Bulky winter jackets, hats, mittens, and scarves are packed away – and out come the light sweaters and long-sleeved shirts. When you step outside and breathe in the fragrant air, there’s no denying the promise of warmth to come!
In the Kawarthas, a few brave souls venture out to dip their toes into the still chilly lakes. The smell of BBQs is everywhere as excited residents fire up their grills after the long cold winter! There is so much to do, see, and enjoy that it is time to come out of hibernation.
Grab your bike helmets and explore the many trails as nature comes alive and the local wildlife awakens from its slumber. Now that the weather is turning warm, it’s a great time to be outside on the main streets of Lindsay, Coboconk, and Fenelon Falls to visit the local businesses and restaurants. Patio season is on the horizon, and now is your chance to enjoy a meal and watch the world spring to life.
As the snow melts, the spring festivities are just beginning! Are you looking for ideas to make memories with your family? Here are a few to get you started:
- Warkworth Lilac Festival
- Ranney Gorge Run
- Spring Art Show at the Whetung Ojibwa Centre
- Maplefest weekends at McLean’s Berry Farm & Sugarbush
After a long cold winter, it’s also the perfect time to hit one of our golf courses. We have some of the best in the country!
Looking for more ideas on how to get out and about as the temperature climbs? The posts below will get you started:
- Discover the Best Kawartha Lakes Golf Courses
- The Joy of Cycling in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- Exciting Events in Peterborough This Spring
Endless Summer Fun
Is summer back again already? Time really does fly, especially with so much excitement all year long. As the hot days arrive, vacationers return to their summer homes, and visitors flock to cottages and cabins in search of fun in the sun. The laughter and whoops of joy from children as they play just might be music to your ears. Beach days are here, and it’s time to get out your mask and snorkel, maybe even your waterskis. The season is short and will be over before you know it. But as a resident of the Kawarthas, you’ll know your next fond memory is right around the corner.
Does living in the Kawarthas sound like a dream come true? It may be time to explore some of your real estate options, and we’d love to help you get started! Reach out today at team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to learn more.
