Seating along the Scugog River and only 90 minutes away from Toronto, Kawartha Lakes comprises over 250 lakes and rivers, as well as a variety of beautiful communities, each with their own charm. The town’s advantageous location allows residents enjoy a cottage country lifestyle, locally-grown food, and create lots of memories to last a lifetime while having easy access to the Greater Toronto Area.
The growth of Kawartha Lakes has been partly thanks to the Trent Canal – a waterway that connects the town’s vibrant communities – as well as the work done on the Scugog and Sturgeon lakes.
The Kawartha Lakes Lifestyle
The Kawartha Lakes offer a unique quality with its masterful blend of cottage lifestyle, farm freshness and urban comfort. No other communities in Ontario offer the best of rural, urban and lakeside living like the Kawartha Lakes; from galleries and theatres to museums and microbreweries, the town is set up to offer its residents an important balance between work and life.
Landmarks and Recreation in the Kawartha Lakes
The Kirkfield Lift Lock – the second highest hydraulic lift lock in the world – is a historic and impressive structure situated at the peak of the Waterway at 256.20 meters above sea level. Although the lift lock has been significantly altered since it was originally designed by Canadian engineer Richard Birdsall Rogers, it is a sight of attraction for pleasure boaters. Visitors to this place can walk around the canal grounds or climb to the top of the lift lock to enjoy the view as it lowers or lifts boating traffic on the waterway.
The Pontypool Grain Elevator is another impressive landmark. Built in 1918, the Pontypool Grain Elevator is one of two freestanding elevators in Ontario. There is strong hope that renovation work can be done on the elevator and it can be declared a historic site and tourist attraction.
Kawartha Lakes has an abundance of recreational opportunities fueled by the culture and nature of the town. With several parks, trails, lakes and rivers, there are lots of things to do, especially when it comes to outdoor recreation.
Retail and Shopping in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes is filled with lots shopping and dinning options to make for a wholesome experience. Some of the town’s most popular shopping centers include Curious Bear Marketplace and Lindsay Square Mall. From country markets, specialty shops and fashion boutiques to trendy cafes, there is something for every resident or guest in the Kawartha Lakes.