The Kawartha Lakes region in Ontario is one of the best destinations to visit in the entire province. Whether you are planning your next family summer vacation, searching for an outdoor adventure, or are looking for the perfect place to fish or hike, Kawartha Lakes has something for everyone.

Located just 90 minutes North East of Toronto, Kawartha Lakes has countless communities, over 250 lakes and rivers, some of the best trails in the province, and everything in between.

If you are planning on visiting the Kawartha Lakes, here are five things you should consider doing.

1. Visit the Laveanne Lavender Farm

Located near Campbellcroft (right between Port Hope and Peterborough), the Laveanne Lavender Farm is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Kawartha areas during the month of July. You can visit the farm to see its breathtaking field of lavender in full bloom, admire the farm’s spectacular lavender labyrinth, or spend the day exploring the many different attractions the farm has to offer.

Laveanne Lavender Farm also hosts wreath-making workshops and yoga classes, has an outdoor bistro and gift shop, and much more. The best part? Admission is completely free! This is a great, all-day retreat that the whole family will love.

2. Go Fishing on Balsam Lake

Balsam Lake has some of the best fishing in all of Ontario. Known for its smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, muskie, and perch, Balsam Lake is ideal for any outdoor adventurer. You can also spend the day or weekend at Balsam Lake Provincial Park, where you can lay on the beach, go canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boating. You can also book your own campsite.

3. Cycle Through the Trans Canada Trail

Experience beauty, wilderness, and isolation on the famous Trans Canada Trail. Built on a former railway bed, this network of trails stretching all the way from Fenelon Falls to Rice Lake features all sorts of wildlife that make cycling through it a life-changing experience. From turtles to wild turkeys, eagles and hawks, the Trans Canada Trail is perfect for every nature lover out there. And if you don’t like cycling, it’s also a great place to go for a run or walk with the family.

4. Visit the Indian River Reptile Zoo

This not-for-profit charity is home to over 400 turtles, lizards, and snakes – many of them rescued. The zoo also has a climate-controlled educational center, ponds full of different species of crocodiles, and a large variety of outdoor amusement park attractions.

5. Ziplining in the Ganaraska Forest Centre

The Treetop Trekking activity center, located in the Ganaraska Forest Centre, offers agility courses featuring log bridges, ziplining, Tarzan swings, monkey cables, and Timberwolf, one of the most challenging aerial courses in the province.

Contact Southview Cottages Today!

Southview Cottages has been catering to guests for nearly 70 years. We understand the tradition of the family cottage experience and hold this tradition close to our hearts. Our cottages are home to over 1800 feet of shoreline and 50 acres of scenic countryside, right on the North Shore of Rice Lake. Each cottage is located right on the water’s edge – ideal for the perfect summer getaway. We also offer recreational activities for all ages, including fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. To learn more about the Southview experience, contact us today!