Olde Gaol Museum🏛 museum
Museum housed in a former jail building in Lakes.
🌐 oldegaolmuseum.ca🕒 May-Oct: We-Su 10:00-16:00
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Kawartha Lakes
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Kawartha Lakes
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Book cottages and campsites well in advance for the summer months, as the region is highly popular.
- Explore the Trent-Severn Waterway; renting a boat is the best way to experience the chain of lakes.
- Insect repellent is essential in the spring and early summer for mosquitoes and black flies.
- In winter, the area is great for snowmobiling and ice fishing on the frozen lakes.
🍽 Food
🍽
Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream
An absolute must-try local staple. Grab a huge scoop at parlors, especially in Bobcaygeon.
🍽
Butter Tarts
A classic Canadian sweet treat found freshly baked in almost any local bakery.
🍽
Fresh Pickerel (Walleye)
Look for lakeside restaurants serving meals made with freshly caught local fish.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Antiques in Bobcaygeon
Browse pleasant antique shops and artisan boutiques in the small downtown areas.
🛍
Farmers' Markets
Find fresh maple syrup and local crafts at the weekend markets in Lindsay or Fenelon Falls.
🧘
Victoria Rail Trail
A peaceful, traffic-free path for hiking or cycling through nature.
🧘
Non-motorized Lakes
Rent a canoe and paddle on one of the smaller, quiet lakes away from the main boat traffic.
Water temperature…
Kawartha Lakes is a sprawling single-tier city in central Ontario, established in 2001 through the amalgamation of numerous smaller communities within the former Victoria County. Geographically, the region is defined by an intricate network of over 250 lakes and rivers that form part of the historic Trent-Severn Waterway. This canal system, connecting Lake Ontario to Lake Huron, makes Kawartha Lakes a premier destination for boating and recreational tourism. The city lacks a single urban core, instead consisting of several primary population centers including Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, and Fenelon Falls. The local economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and services catering to the large seasonal population of cottage owners. Culturally, the region is noted for its lively arts scene and heritage sites that preserve the history of early settlers and the era of canal construction. The surrounding landscape features extensive conservation areas and hiking trails that attract visitors year-round.
- Location: Canada
- Top sights: Olde Gaol Museum · Kawartha Art Gallery · St. Mary's Catholic Church
- Nearby: Clarington (12 km)
- Population: ~20.354 (2019)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -7 | -2 | 5 | 12 | 18 | 22 | 21 | 17 | 9 | 2 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 42 | 41 | 48 | 53 | 57 | 54 | 52 | 49 | 50 | 61 | 50 | 49 |
Geography
Facts
- Kawartha Lakes was officially incorporated as a single-tier city on January 1, 2001.
- The Trent-Severn Waterway spans a total length of 386 kilometers across the region.
- Lindsay is the largest population center and the administrative seat of the municipality.
- There are over 600 kilometers of groomed snowmobile trails within the city limits.
- The Old Gaol in Lindsay, built in 1863, now serves as a local history museum.
- Bobcaygeon is home to the first lock ever built on the Trent-Severn system in 1833.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kawartha Lakes (4)
Kawartha Art Gallery🏛 museum
Art gallery in the Kawartha Lakes region.
🌐 thelindsaygallery.com🕒 Tu-Sa 10:00-16:00
Frequently asked questions
What is Kawartha Lakes?
A vast municipality in Ontario, known for its 250+ lakes and as a popular cottage country destination.
What is the main activity in Kawartha Lakes?
Boating, fishing, and relaxing at waterfront cottages.
Which town is the hub of Kawartha Lakes?
Lindsay is the largest town and serves as the commercial and administrative hub.
Are there any historic sites?
Yes, such as the Old Gaol Museum in Lindsay or the historic town of Fenelon Falls.
Is there good hiking?
Yes, the Victoria Rail Trail has kilometres of paths for hikers and cyclists.
Kawartha Lakes: where is it located?
Kawartha Lakes is located in Canada.
Kawartha Lakes: what is there to see?
Highlights include Olde Gaol Museum, Kawartha Art Gallery, St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Kawartha Lakes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kawartha Lakes: why is it worth visiting?
Kawartha Lakes is a sprawling single-tier city in central Ontario, established in 2001 through the amalgamation of numerous smaller communities within the former Victoria County.
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