When most people think of Kawartha Lakes, they picture warm summer days, beautiful waterfronts, boating, and afternoons spent enjoying the sunshine. And while summer in the Kawarthas is certainly something special, there’s another side to this region that we love just as much: winter!
Winter is a great time to enjoy a different side of Kawartha Lakes. From local holiday events and outdoor activities to exploring the trails and visiting our favourite small towns, there’s plenty to see and do throughout the colder months.
We’ve put together some of our favourite things to do in Kawartha Lakes during the winter, including local traditions, family-friendly outings, and a few hidden gems worth exploring.
Planning on relocating to Peterborough or the Kawarthas? Start by downloading our comprehensive Relocation Guide.
Experience Kawartha Lakes Winter Festivals
One of our favourite things about living in this area is the sense of community, especially around the holidays. From Christmas markets to festive parades, Kawartha Lakes has some wonderful traditions that bring people together year after year.
Kawartha Lakes Festival of Trees, Bobcaygeon
Held at Kawartha Settlers’ Village, the Festival of Trees is one of the area’s most loved holiday events. The historic village transforms into a festive setting filled with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, holiday displays, activities for children, and seasonal treats.
It’s a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season, especially for families with younger children.
Santa Day, Fenelon Falls
If you’ve never experienced Santa Day in Fenelon Falls, it’s definitely worth adding to your holiday calendar. The downtown comes alive with Christmas activities, visits with Santa, a nighttime parade, and fireworks.
Christmas at Ken Reid, Lindsay
Ken Reid Conservation Area hosts a wonderful outdoor Christmas celebration with family activities, entertainment, and plenty of holiday cheer. It’s a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy nature, and make some special memories with the kids. And if you’re looking for something a little different, the Illuminated Forest at Ken Reid is a beautiful evening experience, with trails glowing under thousands of Christmas lights!
Thinking about a cottage or a full-time home in the Kawarthas? The posts below can help:
- The Challenges of Buying a Home in Kawartha Lakes and How to Overcome Them
- Where Are the Most Luxurious Homes in Kawartha Lakes?
- Is Now A Good Time To Buy A Cottage In The Kawarthas?
Get Outside and Enjoy the Snow
Winter in Kawartha Lakes is meant to be enjoyed, and there are so many ways to get outside and embrace the season:
Tobogganing and Sledding
Sometimes the best winter activities are the simplest ones. Bundle up the kids, grab a few sleds, and head out for an afternoon of tobogganing. Mayor James Flynn Park in Lindsay and Laura Thurston Campbell Park in Dunsford are two local spots known for their sledding hills.
There’s nothing quite like watching the kids race down a snowy hill, only to run straight back up for another turn, and then another one. Just remember to check conditions, choose a hill free of obstacles, and make sure there’s plenty of room to stop safely.
Outdoor Skating
The Logie Park Skating Loop in Lindsay is one of the best spots for outdoor skating in Kawartha Lakes. Unlike a traditional rink, the refrigerated ice loop winds through the park, making it a fun place to skate with family or friends. It’s free to use and a great way to spend a winter afternoon, especially with the kids.
Kawartha Lakes also has several community-maintained outdoor rinks throughout the region, including locations in Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, and surrounding communities. These neighbourhood rinks are a wonderful way to enjoy some fresh air, practice your skating, or get together for a casual game of hockey.
For days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, local arenas also offer public skating programs throughout the winter. It doesn’t matter if you’re just learning to skate or have been doing it for years, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the ice!
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
If you love exploring the outdoors, winter is a beautiful time to discover the area’s trails. Ken Reid Conservation Area, just north of Lindsay, offers nearly 12 kilometres of interconnected trails through forests, wetlands, and open spaces. It’s a wonderful destination for winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing when conditions allow. The peaceful surroundings and snow-covered trees make it feel like a completely different place than it does in the summer.
Explore the Beautiful Winter Trails
You don’t need skis or snowshoes to appreciate the natural beauty of Kawartha Lakes in the winter. Sometimes a good pair of boots and a warm jacket are all you need. One of the things we love most about this region is how easy it is to escape into nature, even when you’re only a few minutes from town.
Ken Reid Conservation Area
A favourite for families, Ken Reid offers a variety of trails that are perfect for a peaceful winter walk. It’s a great place to get the kids outdoors, spot wildlife, and enjoy some fresh air.
Victoria Rail Trail
The Victoria Rail Trail is another wonderful option for exploring the region. Stretching through communities and natural landscapes, portions of the trail are ideal for winter walking, depending on snow conditions and permitted seasonal uses.
Emily Tract
Located near Omemee, the Emily Tract offers beautiful forest scenery and quiet trails. It’s a lovely spot for a winter walk when you’re looking to enjoy some peace and quiet away from the busier areas.
Warm Up With a Hot Drink at a Local Café
After a morning of skating, sledding, or exploring the trails, there’s nothing better than finding somewhere cozy to warm up! Thankfully, Kawartha Lakes has plenty of great independent cafés worth checking out.
Milk & Honey Eatery, Lindsay
Located in downtown Lindsay, Milk & Honey Eatery is a lovely spot to grab a hot chocolate, coffee, or a bite to eat before exploring the nearby shops.
SIP Hot + Cold, Fenelon Falls
A great little coffee shop in downtown Fenelon Falls where you can warm up with a hot drink after wandering through town.
Kindred Coffee Bar, Bobcaygeon
A cozy local spot for specialty coffees and baked goods. Perfect for a quick stop while exploring Bobcaygeon.
Mickaël’s Café, Omemee
A great little café with lots of great reviews, worth checking out if you’re passing through the area!
One of our favourite ways to spend a winter weekend is exploring a local downtown, stopping for something warm, and supporting the small businesses that make these communities so great. Just remember to check winter hours before heading out!
Kawartha Lakes is beautiful in every season, and there’s always something to do! If you’re looking for ideas, check out the posts below:
- Dining in the Kawarthas: A Sneak Peek at the Best Restaurants
- The Joy of Cycling in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- 8 Things To Do In The Kawarthas This Summer
Picking Out a Christmas Tree
Rather than simply bringing one home, why not turn it into an afternoon adventure? Kawartha Lakes has some wonderful local farms where families can make picking out their Christmas tree part of their holiday traditions.
Willow Hollow Farm, Bobcaygeon
A family-run farm known for its seasonal Christmas trees, Willow Hollow Farm offers a traditional country experience. It’s a lovely option for families looking to make choosing a tree a special annual outing.
MacArthur’s Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Market, Oakwood
Located just outside Lindsay, MacArthur’s is another great place to visit during the holiday season. Known for its seasonal farm offerings, Christmas trees, and festive atmosphere, it’s a wonderful place to get into the holiday spirit.
A Wee Tree Farm, Fenelon Falls Area
For those who love the idea of visiting a smaller local Christmas tree farm, A Wee Tree Farm is another option worth exploring.
Be sure to check each farm’s seasonal opening dates, tree availability, and whether cutting your own tree is offered before heading out.
Explore the Charm of Our Small Towns in Winter
Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, and Lindsay are great places to visit any time of year, but we especially love them around Christmas. The downtown streets are decorated for the holidays, local shops are filled with Christmas gifts, and there are plenty of cozy cafés and restaurants to stop into.
Spend an afternoon browsing the shops in Bobcaygeon, take a walk by the falls in Fenelon Falls, or check out the local businesses along Kent Street in Lindsay. It’s a great way to spend a winter afternoon, get some Christmas shopping done, and support the small businesses that make these communities so great.
Experience the Kawartha Lakes Winter Festival
For those looking for something active and a little different, the Kawartha Lakes Winter Festival at Eganridge Resort near Fenelon Falls is another event worth checking out! The festival celebrates winter recreation and wellness, with snowshoe activities, outdoor challenges, and opportunities for families to enjoy the season together.
Enjoy Winter Activities With the Kids
If you have children, you know how important it is to find ways to keep them active and entertained during the colder months. One of the great things about Kawartha Lakes is that you don’t have to travel far to find something fun to do as a family.
Some of our favourite ideas for winter children’s activities include:
- Spending an afternoon tobogganing at a local hill (even the small hills are perfect!).
- Going skating at Quaker Foods Park or attending a public skate at a local arena.
- Attending a Santa Claus parade downtown or local winter festival.
- Visiting a Christmas tree farm and letting the kids help choose the perfect tree.
- Going for a winter walk followed by hot chocolate at a local café.
- Visit the year-round Riverview Park and Zoo in Peterborough to see animals like lynx and river otters enjoying the winter weather.
- Building snowmen, making snow angels, or simply playing outside after a fresh snowfall.
The best part is that so many of these activities are affordable, close to home, and easy to turn into family traditions.
Thinking About Making Kawartha Lakes Home?
Anyone can fall in love with the Kawarthas on a sunny July afternoon, but winter shows you the heart of a community: neighbours shovelling each other’s driveways, packed parades on a cold December night, and friendly faces at the local cafe. If you are thinking about making the move to Kawartha Lakes, visit in every season. Chances are, winter will win you over too.
At Jeff & Katie, we believe finding the right home is about more than the property itself. It’s about finding a community and a lifestyle that feels right for you and your family.
If you’re thinking about making a move, connect with our Peterborough real estate agents at team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797. We are happy to help you explore everything this beautiful region has to offer.
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