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Bailey's Bay
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Glen Ross Lock
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At 15 metres tall, the Kirkfield Lift Lock is the second tallest in the world.
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Trent Sererin Lock
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Victoria Rail Trail
By Jessica Moran, photos courtesy of Parkbridge Communities and the city of Kawartha Lakes
The name "Kawartha" comes from the area's First Nations Peoples, in whose language it means "land of shining waters". The moment you see the sun dancing off the gentle ripples of the water, you'll see for yourself.
Located just 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, the City of Kawartha Lakes and its many charming communities are nestled amongst beautiful lakes, winding rivers, scenic farmland and pristine wilderness. With over 250 lakes and rivers throughout vast stretches of panoramic beauty, the Kawartha Lakes offer visitors a wealth of leisure activities year round.
Pristine beauty awash with colourful skies and scenic vistas is only the beginning of your journey throughout rural Kawartha Lakes. Take a path in any direction along waterways and back roads to any of the charming and historic communities. The City of Kawartha Lakes is comprised of 17 municipalities linked by the Trent-Severn Waterway.
See and Do
There are a wide variety of activities in the Kawartha region to enjoy year-round. Enjoy theatre and music at the historic Academy Theatre for Performing Arts or discover the rich history by touring museums and historic sites. Pamper yourself at an exquisite inn or resort, or get back to nature and stay at a quaint waterfront cottage. Spend leisurely days in historic towns browsing quaint boutiques or finding hidden treasure in antique shops. Explore the charming communities year round and celebrate local culture at agricultural fairs, seasonal festivals and art studio tours.
For an extensive listing on area attractions visit: http://thekawarthas.ca/see-and-do/
The Sights
Covering 386 km (240 miles) through an impressive chain of rivers and lakes linked by over 40 locks and excavated canals, Trent-Severn Waterway is one of Canada's most beautiful and impressive waterways. The system extends from the Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. The Trent-Severn is a world-famous tourist destination thanks to beautiful boating and attractions like the locks.
Confirmed as the second highest lock in the world (15 m, 49 ft lift) and the highest point along the Trent-Severn, the Kirkfield Lift Lock #36 is a particular point of interest. Completed in 1907, the lock was a technological marvel at that time. The giant hydraulic lock looms abruptly from the surrounding farmland and offers a breath-taking view and photo opportunity. Guided and self-guided tours are available.
Golf
The Kawartha Lakes region is a golfers paradise, with more courses than you can shake a stick at… pun fully intended. More than 15 golf courses in the area offer a diverse range of exceptional playing for golfers of all skill levels, from first time duffers to avid golfers, everyone can enjoy a day on the links. Play your cards right and you could integrate a tour throughout the lakes region, putting in a round per day over a two-week period.
Hiking
Smacking a little white ball around a field not your thing? The Kawartha Lakes region is just as popular amongst hikers and cyclists. Over 800 km of trail systems are spread throughout the region like a spiders web. The Victoria Rail Trail Corridor and the Kawartha section of the Trans Canada Trail are particularly recommended as they wind through wetlands, fields and forests around the lakes.
Live Music
Anyone into live music will want to look in on Lindsay’s Concerts in the Park series that runs from the beginning of July to the end of August. Every Sunday afternoon and Wednesday evening, a select music group will perform a 2-hour show at the Frank Banks Gazebo in Victoria Park, Lindsay. A wide variety of musical groups will fill the warm summer air with the sweet sounds of big band, blues, jazz, classic rock, folk, country and even pipes and drums. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy free live music!
Where to Stay
There are many nearby accommodations that surround the Kawartha Lakes. Our favourite RV friendly resorts include:
Bailey’s Bay Resort is situated on the shores of beautiful Chemong Lake.
Enjoy a sunny day at the beach, relax in the hot tub, or play a round of mini golf. Bailey's Bay offers a wealth of recreation activities, including two heated pools, kids wading pool, tennis court, recreation hall, and much more. The resort is a mere 10 minutes outside Peterborough and offers spacious full service sites and RV cottage rentals with breathtaking views of the lake. Visit: http://www.parkbridge.com/properties/en-ca/Pages/home.aspx?pbCommunityId=BBR
Lonesome Pine Resort is situated on the sandy shores of Pigeon Lake.
You will find all the most popular resort amenities at your doorstep including a sandy beach, two salt-water pools, two playground areas, volleyball and basketball courts, and much more. With direct access to Buckhorn Lake and Chemong Lake, launch your boat and explore the many beautiful waterways that are home to an abundance of muskies, perch, crappies and bass.
The resort hosts many planned activities and events for children and adults throughout the season such as games and crafts, movie nights, a fishing derby, kids Easter egg hunt, and Lonesome Pine Halloween. Visit: http://www.parkbridge.com/properties/en-ca/Pages/home.aspx?pbCommunityId=LPR
Melody Bay Resort is one of the newest and most exclusive resorts in the Kawarthas, situated on the shores of Upper Buckhorn Lake, they offer vacationers an extended seasons from April 1 to November 15. Whether you’re a Canadian Snowbird or a family looking to create lasting memories at a perfect summer retreat and weekend getaway, Melody Bay caters to all ages. Melody Bay also offers the luxury of seasonal RV sites with stunning views all summer. Visit: http://www.parkbridge.com/en-ca/rv-cottages/Melody-Bay