Peterborough & the Kawarthas is home to iconic experiences, timeless attractions, and tasty treats around every corner! Ready to eat your way through this beautiful region? Check out these 7 must-try bites:
1. Hard Winter Bakery: Croissants
Where: 133 Hunter Street East, Peterborough (view map)
Established in 2014, Hard Winter Bakery is a sourdough bakery located in East City, Peterborough. Locals flock to this beloved neighbourhood spot to grab their daily bread, scones, and sweet treats. The menu rotates frequently, but some items are always available, like the super-fudgy flourless brownies. Popular items sell out fast, so it’s worth waking up early to snag a Hard Winter croissant; one flaky bite and you’ll be transported directly to Paris.
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2. The Canadian Canoe Museum + Silver Bean Cafe: Breakfast Sandwich
Where: 2077 Ashburnham Dr, Peterborough (view map)
The Canadian Canoe Museum is a must-visit while in Peterborough: this beautiful, brand-new facility houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft, all beautifully displayed in thoughtful exhibits on two floors. Down by the water, canoes and kayaks are available for rent so you can try your hand at paddling.
The lobby is home to Silver Bean Cafe’s year-round location (their other spot in Millennium Park is seasonal). If you’re feeling snacky, grab one of their handcrafted beverages and a pastry or butter tart. Hungry for more? The best-selling breakfast sandwich comes on your choice of multigrain bagel, everything bagel or croissant, so you can fuel up before exploring the museum grounds.
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3. 100 Acre Brewing Co.: Rotating Vendors
Where: 390 Ashburnham Dr, Peterborough (view map)
100 Acre Brewing Co. is a family-operated farmhouse brewery located on the family’s 100-acre homestead in Peterborough. On the beer side, they focus on traditional styles that require time and care to be their best, while also being creative and experimental as nature intended. Throughout the summer, they host a rotating crew of food vendors in their outdoor kitchen, such as burgers by Wildside, pizza by Lowlands Fire Foods, jerk chicken by Murray’s Caribbean Cuisine, and much more. Click here for the 2024 schedule!
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4. Fresh Dreams: Paella
Where: 373 Queen St, Peterborough (view map)
Fresh Dreams is a vibrant restaurant focused on Spanish and Mediterranean gastronomy in Peterborough. Owners Monica and Alvaro hail from Madrid, Spain, and the menu covers a range of Spanish and Galician cuisines. Make a reservation on Wednesdays or Saturdays to try their classic paella with shrimp, chicken, vegetables and rice seasoned with saffron to give the dish its signature golden hue. Note: this restaurant is cash only (they also accept e-transfer).
5. Lakefield Bakery on Queen: Scones
Where: 127 Queen St, Lakefield (view map)
At Lakefield Bakery, Baker “T” (Theresa) takes her work seriously! Her family were bakers in Holland before immigrating to Canada, where they became bakers in Whitby in the 1950s. Today, the bakery carries a range of artisan bread and pastries, including many gluten-free options. They whip up fresh batches of their flaky scones in a variety of flavours every morning. Pro tip: Take your treats down to the picnic tables at the marina to enjoy a nice moment by the water.
6. The Cheesy Fromage: Cheese
Where: 25 Queen St, Lakefield (view map)
The Cheesy Fromage is a fine cheese & wine shop in Lakefield. They offer cheese, charcuterie, and a wide range of wines, beers, and fine foods for sale. You can also dine in and enjoy a cheese plate or charcuterie board with a glass of wine or an Ontario craft beer! Their cheese offerings change frequently, but you’ll find delicious rarities from Ontario, Canada, and across the globe. Their charcuterie suppliers include Il Tagliere, Blue Danube, and two local favourites: Flannigan’s Butcher Shop and Franz’s Butcher Shop.
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7. Leahy’s Farm: Baked Goods
Where: 1213 Block Rd, Douro-Dummer (view map)
Located just outside the village of Lakefield, Leahy’s Farm & Market is open seasonally from May to October. At any given time, the farm shop displays are overflowing with fresh Ontario fruits and vegetables, meat from their farm, and prepared foods and cheese from local purveyors. In the baked goods section, you’ll find breads, pies, danishes, and their famous gooey butter tarts, the perfect ending to any summer meal!
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Ready to start exploring Peterborough & the Kawarthas? Start planning today!
