Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, Peterborough & the Kawarthas

March 28, 2022 Rosalyn Ihle

Discover the best top things to do in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, United States including Horseless Carriage Museum, Globus Theatre, Petroglyphs Provincial Park, The Canadian Canoe Museum, Peterborough Lift Lock, Indian River Reptile Zoo, Riverview Park and Zoo, Warsaw Caves, Peterborough Museum and Archives, Lang Pioneer Village.
Restaurants in Peterborough & the Kawarthas

1. Horseless Carriage Museum

1427 County Road 8, Fenelon Falls, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario K0M 1N0 Canada +1 705-738-9576 [email protected] http://www.horselesscarriage.ca
Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 88 reviews

Horseless Carriage Museum

The Horseless Carriage Museum is a unique, privately-owned museum specializing in pre-1914 transportation and early mechanical technology. We feature five century-old vehicles and a 1895 Sawyer & Massey steam traction engine, rare mechanical music machines and an 1890's General Store, and more. Bus and group tours welcome. Check out our website and blog for more information. (Please note: We are located midway between Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls on County Road 8. Please call ahead for an appointment! Open May to November .......weather permitting!

Reviewed By davebQ7529HK - Bobcaygeon, Canada

We live here and have never visited. We took our parents thinking they would like the historical part of the tour - and THEY LOVED IT. But although we thought we would like it, we had no idea how much we would love it too! It was one of the best things we have done in a long time. It's NOT just a museum as you think of it. It has the best and most interesting pieces of history on display and the owner who gives you the tour is incredibly knowledgeable about the things you really care about. He fully researched who first owned it, and how they used it. Typically there are pictures from the original owners and inventors. And he knows the details of how it works and nitty-gritty facts that we really liked to know about. We spent 2 1/2 hours and it felt like 1 hour. Normally I would get bored but this was unlike any other museum I have visited. It's impossible to explain how great it is, so just go and check it out! It's by donation, and we left a big donation, because it was so darn awesome. You have to make an appointment and they close for the winter, but check it out in the spring/summer for sure. I am so grateful to the owners who have obviously put so much effort into making this a great experience. Thank you so very, very much!!!! It's not just cars (or horseless carriages) either. There are many other turn of the century inventions such as talking machines, knitting machines, bicycles, etc.

2. Globus Theatre

2300 Pigeon Lake Rd, Bobcaygeon, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario K0M 1A0 Canada +1 800-304-7897 http://www.globustheatre.com
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

Globus Theatre

A member of ASTRO (the association of summer theatres 'round Ontario) Globus Theatre produces professional summer theatre at the Lakeview Arts Barn just outside the picturesque village of Bobcaygeon. As well as five ‘main’ productions that include Comedies, Dramas and Musicals they also present ‘one-nighters’ featuring some of Canada’s hottest shows and comedy acts; and children’s shows featuring music, magic and puppetry. Patrons can choose to dine at the LAB prior to any evening performance - reservations required.

Reviewed By bmacgoo

Our evening at Globus Theatre/LAB exceeded our expectations! Having attended a few dinner theatres we didn’t know what to expect being held in a barn & during Stage 3 of Covid. Well they hit it out of the ball park!! From great food with 3 selections to appeal to the majority, seamless staff, fully stocked bar & a hilarious show written by one of the actors! It started with us being greeted at the door & having our temperatures taken. Tables were distanced in a rustic but elegant setting, staff were attentive & delivered courses with just enough time between each. Tables were ushered into the theatre individually with ease where seating was arranged maintaining more then the mandated social distancing. Kama Sutra was performed on a stage with two sets a living room & bedroom with few costume changes. Sara Quick & James Barrett brought to life Lynda & Bobs’ marriage from arriving home from work to life in the sack as a middle aged couple with 20yrs under their belt with humour & wit! All from a mistaken library book these two performers nailed what life is like while giving their audience some much needed belly laughter during these unprecedented times! Well done!!!

3. Petroglyphs Provincial Park

2249 Northey's Bay Rd Woodview, North Kawartha, Ontario K0L 2H0 Canada +1 705-877-2552 http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/petroglyphs
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 186 reviews

Petroglyphs Provincial Park

This park is home to nearly 1000 rock carvings that scientists estimate were drawn between 500 and 1000 years ago.

Reviewed By InspiredTraveller12 - Toronto, Canada

What an amazing peek into history!! One can feel the calmness and peace at the park. We reached the park around 3:15 pm. The park ranger at the entrance informed us that since the park closes by 5, we can park at the Seniors/Handicap parking area which is much closer and a very short walk from the visitor center and the exhibit. Since we didn't have much time, we just visited the ancient rock where carvings are, and did not do any trails or the lake. The energy of the place is definitely different, there is peace and positivity in the air! The staff was very helpful, they explained the carvings and told us stories/legends behind the symbols and were patient enough to answer our questions. 50% of their staff have first nation origins, everything felt very genuine and authentic. Photography is not allowed at the actual site but the exhibit a the visitor center has all the pictures and the stories. It's a must visit for children, there is no better way of learning history than experiencing it.

4. The Canadian Canoe Museum

910 Monaghan Rd, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5K4 Canada +1 705-748-9153 [email protected] http://www.canoemuseum.ca
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 408 reviews

The Canadian Canoe Museum

The Canadian Canoe Museum stewards the world's largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft. More than 600 in number, the watercraft and their stories of national and international significance, have a pivotal role to play in our collective future.

Reviewed By 121bw - Perth, Canada

Love this museum, the historic kayaks and canoes from across the North and across the indigenous tribes, plus the history of exploration of Canada. Beautiful recreational canoes and the volunteers can tell you fascinating stories of how the museum was given some of their artifacts. This museum is unique and well worth a visit!

5. Peterborough Lift Lock

Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough, Ontario Canada +1 705-750-4953 http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/visit/visit6/lock21.aspx
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 599 reviews

Peterborough Lift Lock

Opened in 1904 and designated as a Canadian National Historic Site, this is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world.

Reviewed By TangoForFun - Oshawa, Canada

We drove here as something to do during Covid 19 pandemic. Parking is easy, well marked and plentiful. Grounds are very well maintained and there are benches as well as picnic tables. We brought a picnic lunch with us and had a great lunch watching the boats and boaters glide by. The lock system is definitely one to observe and is whisper quiet and fascinating. We will make sure to come again as it was very easy, comfortable and interesting.

6. Indian River Reptile Zoo

2206 RR#3 hwy# 7 Indian River, Peterborough, Ontario K0L 2B0 Canada +1 705-639-1443 [email protected] http://www.reptilezoo.org
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 145 reviews

Indian River Reptile Zoo

Indian River Reptile Zoo is unique in Canada and is one of the most modern and exciting specialized animal centers in the world! Here you can see snakes, lizards, monitors, alligators, turtles, crocodiles, and even special guest animals such as monkeys and more! The animals are housed in state of the art, climate controlled facilities which were specifically designed to house reptiles.we were first and only reptile zoo to be accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos & Aquariums (CAZA) and have remained accredited since that time. We are a non-profit charity.

Reviewed By StevePam - Cobourg, Canada

We were impressed with the quality and quantity of the dinosaur exhibits, particularly the action ones. The drive-thru takes about 25 minutes and is good value for money. The young kids and grandkids will love it!

7. Riverview Park and Zoo

1230 Water St, Peterborough, Ontario K9H 7G4 Canada +1 705-745-6866 http://www.peterboroughutilities.ca/Park_and_Zoo.htm
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 811 reviews

Riverview Park and Zoo

55-acre zoo with mini-train rides, an F-86 Sabre Jet, a kid's water play park, many animals, and free admission and parking.

Reviewed By MalcolmD858 - Toronto, Canada

We live in the area, we brought our kids here regularly to walk the park, see the animals and for the kids to play. Awesome open atmosphere, friendly for people with wheel chairs, and lots of kids !! Huge picnic area below with close parking for mobility-restricted visitors

8. Warsaw Caves

289 Caves Rd, Warsaw, Douro-Dummer, Ontario K0L 3A0 Canada +1 705-652-3161 [email protected] http://www.warsawcaves.com/index.html
Excellent
57%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 134 reviews

Warsaw Caves

Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground has over 13 km of hiking trails, a sandy beach, camping, canoeing, and natural features, including caves and kettles, carved from river water that used to cover the area.

9. Peterborough Museum and Archives

Museum Drive at 300 Hunter St E, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 6Y5 Canada +1 705-743-5180 [email protected] http://www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca/
Excellent
46%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 48 reviews

Peterborough Museum and Archives

10. Lang Pioneer Village

104 Lang Rd Peterborough, Keene, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Ontario K0L 2G0 Canada +1 705-295-6694 [email protected] http://www.langpioneervillage.ca/
Excellent
61%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Lang Pioneer Village

Experience Peterborough County's history come to life! Lang Pioneer Village Museum is located just 10 minutes east of Peterborough on the shores of the Indian River. Established in 1967, the Museum features over 30 restored and recreated buildings. Costumed interpreters demonstrate the life and trades of the First Nations and settlers in the 1800s. The Village is complete with lanes and pathways, farm animals, vegetable and herb gardens and other authentic details of a 19th-century hamlet. The Museum is open from Father's Day to Labour Day and seasonally for special events and facility rentals. It's where history is happening safely!

Reviewed By Farmgal80 - Montreal, Canada

Fun guided tour with lots of information to help you imagine the life of a pioneer. You see a school house, general store, blacksmith shop, etc. You also see the progression of a home as pioneers raised families and communities started to grow - after people were able to survive the winters.

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