About Peterborough, Ontario
The City of Peterborough is a one-of-a-kind place, located on nature’s doorstep. We have many trails and parks right within our city, and easy access to cottage country and the lakes and beauty that it offers. We are close enough to major centres (like Toronto or Ottawa) yet far enough to be an independent city with our own soul. We offer outdoor adventure, a hip downtown, and a community calendar filled with great events. We’re well known for our beautiful city centre cathedral, the stunning landscapes of Nene Park and Ferry Meadows, the animals and expansive countryside around Sacrewell, prehistoric finds at Flag Fen, and for our railway heritage – which you can see at Nene Valley Rail and Railword Wildlife Haven – and there’s so much more to discover!
Thrill-seekers can go wakeboarding, skydiving, and axe-throwing, fitness enthusiasts can run or cycle around our many parks, and indulge in water sports like kayaking and canoeing.
We’re home to the East of England Arena, one of the largest venues in the region, nationally reputed drama companies, and a number of theatres who always keep audiences entertained. Our city centre and embankment host live events and markets…
Peterborough
Things to do in Peterborough
Riverview Park & 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.
Peterborough Lift Lock
Opened in 1904 and designated as a Canadian National Historic Site, this is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world.
The Canadian Canoe Museum
Welcome to The Canadian Canoe Museum, located on the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations in Peterborough, Ontario! For more than 25 years, The Canadian Canoe Museum has stewarded the world’s largest and most significant collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft. More than 600 in number, the watercraft and their stories have a pivotal role to play in understanding our past and our collective future. As part of our responsibility for this one-of-a-kind collection, we have built it a new home along the water’s edge. We invite you to explore this world-class collection and uncover the stories that shape our collective identity. From honouring Indigenous traditions to embracing diverse perspectives, our commitment to stewardship extends far beyond artifact preservation—it’s a pledge to foster meaningful connections and inspire new generations of stewards.
Canada’s Dinosaur Park
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.
Peterborough Musicfest
Founded in 1987 by Korean War veteran, Fred Anderson, Peterborough Musicfest offers free-admission concerts (thanks to our sponsors) every Wed. & Sat. at 8 pm from the end of June to the end of August in Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough ON. Our stage has hosted the likes of Tegan & Sarah, City and Colour, Our Lady Peace, Big Wreck, The Reklaws, 54.40, Sloan, Serena Ryder, k-os & more.
Jackson Park
Jackson Park is an oasis in the City. You can stand in the valley, among the trees, next to Jackson Creek, and feel like you’re away from the urban centre. The park is a long, meandering green space along a section of Jackson creek. At the eastern end of the park, a trail goes around a pond and there are open grassy areas as well as the historical Pagoda Bridge. The upper area of the park features playground equipment, picnic tables and a large wooded area. Heading west in the park, the trail connects to the Jackson Creek and Kiwanis Trail, a 4 km section of the Trans-Canada Trail that follows alongside Jackson Creek. Parking and washrooms available.
Art Gallery of Peterborough
The Art Gallery of Peterborough features art exhibitions, talks, a Gallery Shop, art workshops for all ages, Family Sundays and more. The Gallery is located in downtown Peterborough in Del Crary Park next to Little Lake.
Kawartha Downs and Speedway
Once the centre of a lumbering region, the Kawartha Lakes are known as a popular summer-resort region noted for canoeing, boating, and fishing. With a population just under 100,000 full-time
residents, families travel far and wide to come here to play, and KD (Kawartha Downs) offers just that.
Rogers Cove
Rogers Cove is a popular supervised beach. There are picnic tables, garbage cans, benches and washroom facilities. The Trans-Canada trail runs through the park with an information map located in the park. The trail connects Rogers Cove and Beavermead Park.
Peterborough-Lakefield Rotary Greenway Trail
Enjoy a 10km ride from Peterborough to Lakefield along the old CN line. Great scenic ride. The Lakefield Rotary Greenway railtrail is actually just a continuation of the paved Peterborough Greenway trail.
Peterborough Marina
The Peterborough Marina is located on Little Lake, adjacent to the Trent Severn Waterway, home to the famed Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site of Canada. The marina is ideally situated in the heart of thriving downtown Peterborough, offering specialty shops, fine dining, trendy cafes, pubs and nightclubs, live music and theatre. The marina is beside Del Crary Park home of
Peterborough Airport
The Peterborough Airport welcomes commercial and recreational pilots, visitors and business professionals to our user-friendly airport. Our newly expanded and upgraded airport has gone through an extensive renewal process supported by the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments – to better support and serve our existing businesses, airport users and to create new business opportunities for job creation. Fully serviced industrial and commercial lands are available airside and groundside.