The weather is finally warm, and it is time to get outside! I’ve always thought one of the best things about Peterborough County is the opportunities we have for great outdoor activities, especially through spring, summer and fall. Along with the beautiful weather comes the busiest part of the spring real estate market. So please excuse this blog post, as it’s almost a month late – I’ve been busy.
Around the Kawarthas there are endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The Rotary Trail is one of my favourite features of Peterborough, allowing people to travel from one end of the city to the other, on a scenic, slow traffic route. It’s truly something unique to our city and I never miss a chance to endorse it to newcomers that I am working with. The trail provides safe travel for those who commute by bike, or by foot, and encourages more recreational cycling and strolling for pure enjoyment of the outdoors.
For avid cyclists there are lots of group rides and opportunities to learn the ins and outs of bike maintenance through shops like Wild Rock and B!KE. Conservation walks are a great way to hike/walk and learn through exploring the protected areas and parks that surround Peterborough.
As a true Pisces, I’m also drawn to water. There is certainly no shortage of lakes and rivers in our county. Unlike other areas, you don’t need to own a cottage to enjoy the water around here. With kayak, canoe and SUP board rental locations all around, it’s easy to get into the water in the city. Just take a paddle down the Otonabee river to Little Lake, or head further north to any one of our neighbouring lakes and launch a boat. You can also head to Jones’, Selwyn or Sandy Beach with your crew to soak in a perfect bluebird day.
The Peterborough Yoga Festival is a great day even at Del Crary Park that celebrates all things yoga. Make like all the other yogis and head here for classes and vendor booths throughout the park.
For people of all ages there are many chances to take part in sports in the area. Sports in PTBO don’t stop when the Petes’ season ends. Whether it’s those little tykes in their first soccer jerseys that hang to their ankles, ballgames at East City Bowl, or adult ultimate frisbee there always seems to be organized fun for everyone.
For the young ones, splash pads are always a happening spot on these warm weather day. The City has upped the ante with some great new locations in the past few years. The one at Rogers Cove offers a nice view of the lake and an opportunity for a short stroll over to Ecology Park and Beavermead. Another great option for the kiddos, is to spend the day at the Peterborough Zoo, strolling along visiting the animals and of course riding the train.
Foodies in town can take advantage of multiple farmers markets these days in PTBO, with two markets now on Saturdays and one on Wednesday. You can also take a scenic drive and hit up the markets in Lakefield and Millbrook too! Summertime in Peterborough is truly something to experience, from The Craft Beer Fest, Taste of Downtown, Ribfest and the Peterborough Musicfest there’s always an event to head to! You can also support your local downtown at some of our amazing restaurants, bars and cafes, and relax on their patios with good company.
The heart of PTBO never fails to shine during this time of year with upcoming fundraisers like The Dragon Boat Festival at Little Lake (which is held this year June 9). There are numerous Charity Golf Tournaments, Relay for Life, Walk for Arthritis and Mudemoiselle Peterborough are also being held soon. Get involved and give to great causes in the community.
No matter what your jam is you’re bound to find a way to get outside and have some fun in Peterborough County. There are plenty of places to explore and new things to try with familiar and new faces. Make like it’s 1987 grab your bike, put down your devices and get outside! I hope to see you out there!
