Stroll through downtown Peterborough, whose Victorian streets are alive with one-of-a-kind stores, independent merchants and the latest eateries. Smaller towns, such as Lakefield and Millbrook, offer a taste of shopping in a traditional village setting. And out of town, the road leads to dozens of possibilities: artists’ studios, antique barns, and much more. Blend that with the area’s long, storied history of brewing connected to Canada’s Treasured Waterway with today’s growing number craft beverage makers and you have the perfect pairing for a mouthwatering experience. Take a piece of Peterborough & the Kawarthas home with you.
Day 1: Vintage, Vodka & St. V’s
Nostalgic Journey
1118 Trans Canada Hwy 7, Peterborough
Nostalgic Journey offers antiques, vintages and collectables with over 40 vendors.
Black’s Distillery
9 Hunter St E, Peterborough
Black’s Distillery uses local grains to make fine spirits. Black’s signature Heritage Vodka is made from the locally developed (circa 1842) Red Fife Wheat. Tasting room, retail and tours are available. A great first stop to shop and grab a treat to enjoy in your room.
Peterborough Northern Originals at Flavour Fashion
383 George St. N. Peterborough
A unique clothing line available exclusively at Flavour Fashion in downtown Peterborough, gifts don’t get more original than this.
St. Veronus Cafe and Tap Room
129 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
Old world–style tavern with dark wood walls serving Belgian comfort food & wheat beers on tap.
Cork & Bean
382 George St. N. Peterborough
Savour your sweet tooth at Cork & Bean! What makes Cork & Bean unique? Cork & Bean is licensed, they have a great selection of craft beer, wine, whisky and more if your version of dessert is a little bit different.
Day 2: Bennies, Bevvies & Buying Local
Rare x Tyler Scott Fried Chicken
166 Brock St, Peterborough
Rare is a Feast On Certified Restaurant committed to locally sourced ingredients. They have spent years building amazing relationships with the top farmers and growers in Peterborough & the Kawarthas. Simply put, Rare believes great conversation, exquisite drink and high quality food are the three ingredients that make a Rare experience. Now open for brunch.
Kawartha Country Wines
2452 Peterborough County Rd 36, Buckhorn
A picturesque, family-owned winery specializes in innovative fruit wines, cider, vinegars, and gourmet preserves. Their delicious creations are all made using locally grown, farm-fresh fruits that are processed with the highest standards to produce premium award-winning wines. Nestled in the heart of the Kawarthas, they are an ideal cottage country destination to visit during your next day trip, vacation or family outing.
Whetung Ojibwa Centre
875 Mississauga St, Curve Lake
Whetung Ojibwa Centre offers a spectacular collection of Native crafts as well as fine art, jewellery, moccasins, leather work, sculptures and much more from Curve Lake First Nation and across Canada.
Canoe & Paddle
18 Bridge St. Lakefield
The Canoe & Paddle is a proper English Pub beside the river in downtown Lakefield. Combining our three favourite things – craft Ontario beer, fresh pub grub and live music, The Canoe & Paddle hopes to be a focal point for the community by celebrating the rich canoeing heritage of the Kawarthas and offering a warm and friendly social atmosphere. Whether you want to relax with a pint after a long day, celebrate with your friends or grab some of the best fresh food around, The Canoe & Paddle is the local hole by the water that you’ve always wanted!
Watson & Lou
383 Water St. Peterborough
Watson & Lou have cheerfully wacky gifts and one-of-a-kind goods for everyone. Their collection includes jewellery, textiles, embroidery, ceramics, personal care products, paper goods, home decor, and a kids section too. In addition to the boutique, Watson & Lou offers a shared studio space and hosts regular workshops, so visitors can kick-start their creativity or learn a specialized skill in a fun, collaborative environment with informative, hands-on instruction.
Publican House Brewery & Pub
300 Charlotte St, Peterborough
Publican House Brewery is a craft brewery creating some of the finest and most interesting brews in Ontario. Attached to the Brewery is the Feast On Certified Publican House Brew Pub. Nestled in the 150-year old building that inspired their brands, the pub focuses on local ingredients. Don’t forget get to check out their retail store next door for lots of gift ideas!
Day 3: Boutique Buys & Homemade Pies
Modern Makers Market
657 Chamberlain St. Peterborough
The Modern Makers market is a storefront market that brings local small businesses from around Canada into a store front for an easier shopping experience that takes away the hassle of shipping.
Tumblehome at The Canadian Canoe Museum
910 Monaghan Rd, Peterborough, ON
The Tumblehome Shop is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience curated by The Canadian Canoe Museum, where you’ll find a wide selection of canoe themed clothing, artisan crafts, jewelry, books and housewares with a special focus on local and Canadian-made goods.
Millbrook Mercantile
28 King St. E., Millbrook
Nestled among a number of charming storefronts along Millbrook’s King Street, Millbrook Mercantile is a unique retail store that features a farmers’ market feel.
The Valley Shoppe
36 King St. E. Mllbrook
An artisan style market that is entirely Canadian and handmade everything, from jewelry, children clothing, skin care and so much more. The Valley Shoppe is proud to provide products that are produced and packaged with the planet being number one, and allow you to make the same choices when choosing the products carried in store.
The Pastry Peddler
17 King St E., Millbrook
It’s in the name, The Pasty Peddler is a shared enthusiasm for baking and cycling with a family history of amazing bakers. They share their favourite treats and family recipes with all. Don’t forget to take sweet treats to go!
Accommodations with a View
Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront
150 George St. N, Peterborough
Rest up for your exciting tour ahead at the newly renovated, Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront which is ideally situated along the Trent Severn Waterway in the downtown business and shopping district. The Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront is Stay Safe Certified.
Beachwood Resort
3043 Beachwood Dr, Lakefield
Beachwood Resort has been welcoming guests for over 90 years. Situated on 1400’ of prime Lower Buckhorn Lake shoreline, their location offers the best of both worlds, experience a ‘Kawartha cottage getaway’ with the amenities of home.
Elmhirst’s Resort
1045 Settlers Line, Keene
Elmhirst’s Resort is an all season, cottage resort and conference facility. It offers a spa and a host of activities for the whole family. There is a large working farm with animals raised and produce grown on site. These foods, known as Elmhirst’s Own, are solely for consumption by their Feast On Certified restaurant. They also maintain partnerships with local suppliers to round out their menu offerings and reflect their commitment to sustainability. When visiting keep an eye out for, Angus Beef, turkeys and Pekin ducks, Fiddleheads, Greenhouse herbs and harvested vegetables featured seasonally.
Elmhirst’s Resort has been awarded the Safe Travel Stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council.
