Discover Peterborough and the Kawarthas from Peterborough Regional Airport

The Kawarthas region beckons with its network of sparkling lakes, historic sites, and outdoor adventures that are best explored with your own vehicle. From Peterborough's vibrant downtown core to the tranquil shores of Rice Lake, you'll find countless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Your rental car becomes the perfect companion for visiting local attractions like the Canadian Canoe Museum, exploring provincial parks, or taking scenic drives through rolling countryside dotted with century farms and artisan studios.

Peterborough Lift Lock and Trent-Severn Waterway

The world's highest hydraulic lift lock stands as Peterborough's crown jewel, raising boats an impressive 65 feet along the historic Trent-Severn Waterway. You can easily reach this engineering marvel from the airport, with convenient parking available near the visitor centre. The surrounding parkland offers walking trails and picnic areas where you can watch boats navigate this fascinating piece of Canadian history. Your rental car provides easy access to multiple viewing points along the waterway, allowing you to follow the canal system and discover charming lock stations throughout the region.

Petroglyphs Provincial Park and Indigenous heritage

Journey to one of Ontario's most significant archaeological sites, where ancient rock carvings tell stories spanning over 1,000 years. The park protects more than 900 petroglyphs created by Indigenous peoples, housed within a climate-controlled building for preservation. Driving through the scenic countryside to reach this cultural treasure offers glimpses of the Canadian Shield landscape. The park features interpretive trails and educational programs that deepen your understanding of Indigenous heritage in the Kawarthas region.

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park wilderness

Venture into Ontario's largest provincial park south of Algonquin, where rugged Canadian Shield terrain creates a pristine wilderness playground. The park encompasses over 37,000 hectares of forests, lakes, and granite ridges perfect for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife observation. Multiple access points allow you to explore different sections of this vast protected area, from family-friendly day-use areas to remote backcountry camping sites. Your rental car enables you to reach various trailheads and discover secluded lakes where loons call across mirror-still waters, making each journey an adventure into Ontario's natural heritage.

Rice Lake and Serpent Mounds Park

Explore the shores of Rice Lake, where ancient burial mounds created by Indigenous peoples over 2,000 years ago rise from the landscape. Serpent Mounds Park preserves these sacred sites while offering beautiful lake views and recreational opportunities. The drive along Rice Lake's perimeter reveals charming fishing villages and waterfront communities where you can stop for local cuisine or antique shopping. Swimming beaches and boat launches provide perfect spots for summer relaxation.

Warsaw Caves Conservation Area adventures

Discover Ontario's underground wonders at Warsaw Caves, where limestone caverns and underground passages create a unique geological playground. The conservation area features seven caves connected by scenic hiking trails that wind through mixed forests and across wooden bridges. Above ground, you'll find diverse ecosystems supporting rare plants and wildlife, while the cave system offers cool respite during summer months. Your rental car ensures comfortable access to this natural wonder, with ample parking near the visitor centre and trail entrances where guided tours and self-exploration opportunities await adventurous spirits seeking to uncover the region's geological secrets.