Area Attractions

Burleigh Falls delineates where the Canadian Shield begins, or where the glaciers of the last ice age came to a halt about 20,000 years ago. You'll notice that trees to the south are mainly deciduous and trees to the north are mainly coniferous. To the north is the rock of the Canadian Shield exposed by glaciation. To the south is the debris that was pushed in front of the glaciers, and forms the Oak Ridges Moraine and the area known as the Land Between. 

Over the past decade Camp Kawartha has taken a leadership role in fostering stewardship and environmental awareness. This is an accredited, award-winning, not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to the promotion of the highest standard of programming. Established in 1921, Camp Kawartha has expanded into a year-round facility, offering day and overnight summer camps for children ages 4-17, curriculum-linked outdoor and environmental education programs for students in grades K to 12, and facility rentals for meetings, workshops, group retreats, and conferences. Camp Kawartha also offers workshops on environmental education, sustainable living, and is working with the entire community to foster stewardship at each and every stage of a child’s development.

The Canadian Canoe Museum is a unique national heritage centre that explores the canoe’s enduring significance to the peoples of Canada, through the world's largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft. This is an engaging, family-friendly museum with more than 100 canoes and kayaks on display. Visitors will enjoy interactive, hands-on galleries, a scavenger hunt, model canoe building and puppet theatre for children. The museum’s holdings now number more than 600 canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft. Together they span the country from coast to coast to coast and represent many of the major watercraft traditions of Canada.

The museum’s artifacts range from the great dugouts of the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest to the singular bark canoes of the Beothuk of Newfoundland; from the skin-on-frame kayaks of northern peoples from Baffin Island in the east to the Mackenzie River Delta in the northwest to the all-wood and canvas-covered craft manufactured by companies with names like Herald, Peterborough, Chestnut, Lakefield and Canadian. Over the years paddled watercraft from as far away as Paraguay and the Amazon have helped the Museum expand its reach and scope to include International examples.

Located just north of Apsley on County Road 620 is a great beach with a long, gradual slope into deeper waters which is ideal for children and families. There are washrooms, change rooms, a swim raft, and a large picnic area. This beach is maintained by the Township of North Kawartha, is free to the public and a great place to spend those hot summer days. Additionally, swimming lessons are available. 

The Coe Hill Riders ATV Club is a not for profit organization that was formed in 2018, and is a proud member of the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicles (OFATV). The Club consists of a group of volunteers dedicated to bringing responsible, recreational, family-oriented riding to North Hastings and North Kawartha.

A trip to Bancroft is not complete without seeing the spectacular cliff that dominates the west end of town, on Hastings Street North (Highway 62). Toward the end of the cliff, look for Eagle's Nest Road. This steep, winding road will take you to the lookout at the top of the Eagle's Nest for a breathtaking, panoramic view of the York River Valley below. The riot of colour in the Fall, from this vantage point, must be experienced.

Located, just outside Apsley, The Eyrie is a Birds of Prey centre with the goal of instilling in the public a respect, sense of wonder, and knowledge of raptors. While working towards eventual goals of having a facility open to the public and a rehabilitation centre, the current focus is on educational outreach.

Run by husband and wife team Matthew and Kristin Morgan, a respect for the welfare of their animals is a first and foremost priority in all that they do. And they are constantly learning and adapting, to try and be the best caretakers possible.

Founded in 2019, The Eyrie (which is named after the term for a raptor’s nest) the Morgans currently have 23 raptors covering 10 different species, including a saker falcon, American kestrel, bald eagle, black vulture, Eurasian eagle-owl, and a Harris’s hawk. 

Their services include commercial pest control services, and on-site demonstrations and photography sessions. However, the primary focus is on planned visits - going into schools, libraries, fairs, festivals, and museums to provide educational demonstrations, and share their knowledge with the public. 

The seasonal splendour of North Kawartha is a must see no matter what your mode of transport - motorized or foot powered, two wheels or four, paddle or outboard. The region offers more than ample space to accommodate cyclists and canoeists, cars and ATVs. It also features roads that are considered among the best motorcycle touring routes in Ontario, if not the entire country. Motorcyclists will particularly want to check out this Fall Colours Motorcycle Tour for a hint of what to expect. A wealth of information about riding in the area known as The Highlands, can be found by clicking here.

Idyllic, rural, and quintessentially Canadian, each year the 4th Line Theatre Company presents Canadian plays – written by and about Canadians; small town stories or broad national sagas that touch a nerve in all of us. 

4th Line Theatre’s mandate is to preserve and promote our Canadian cultural heritage through the development and presentation of regionally-based, environmentally-staged historical dramas.

For 30 seasons 4th Line Theatre has been bringing history to life on the barnyard stages of a rustic 5th generation farm in Millbrook Ontario, between Peterborough and Port Hope. Founded in 1992 by Robert Winslow, this outdoor theatre company is committed to preserving our Canadian cultural heritage through the development and presentation of environmentally-staged historical drama. 4th Line has developed and presented 42 original plays based on regional history and culture. 

Come and experience southern Ontario's largest forest. Straddling the Municipalities of Northumberland County, Peterborough County, City of Kawartha Lakes and Regional Municipality of Durham, the Ganaraska Forest offers the best in outdoor recreation. Today the Ganaraska Forest is a living example of how the principles of integrated resource management can be used to balance many different uses of forested lands on a sustainable and ecologically sound basis. The Forest is home to the Ganaraska Forest Outdoor Education Centre, which includes public washrooms and shower facilities for Forest users.

With hundreds of kilometres of trails, the Ganaraska Forest provides year-round opportunities for a variety of activities. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and nature appreciation are popular activities throughout the Forest. Motorized activities such as off-road motorcycle riding, ATVing and off-roading  are permitted in the West Forest and East Forest only. Snowmobiling occurs on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile opened trails only. The Central Forest is maintained as a passive use area and is where cross country ski and snowshoe trails are located.

The Ganaraska Forest is at a pivotal moment in its history. The largest block of continuous forest in Southern Ontario, it is a huge expanse of 11,000 acres that represents one of the most successful conservation projects ever undertaken in central Canada.

The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority's overall goal is the conservation, restoration, development, and management of natural resources on a watershed basis while providing for the public enjoyment of the lands it oversees. The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) was formed in October 1946 under the Conservation Authorities Act and is one of the oldest conservation authorities in Ontario.

Established in 2003 by Sarah Quick and James Barrett to provide the Kawartha Lakes with a producing professional theatre company, in 2006 Globus became the company in residence at the Lakeview Arts Barn. Once a working cattle barn, the Lakeview Arts Barn, is now a comfortable and contemporary 150 seat theatre with an attached restaurant - providing patrons with the option to enjoy a dining experience prior to each show (reservations essential).

For more than 20 seasons Globus Theatre has offered an eclectic and thoroughly entertaining mix of comedy, music & drama throughout the summer; and murder mysteries, plays, comedy nights and panto at other times of the year.

Do you need a break from the indoors? Looking for more than just a quick jaunt? Then these trails are for you! The world’s longest recreational trail - which runs 23,000 kilometres across Canada - runs right through Peterborough & the Kawarthas on its way to the Pacific coast, previously called the Trans Canada Trail, and now The Great Trail. More information can be found by clicking here.

South of Glen Alda and about 11 km east of Apsley is a unique, 400 acre, conservation area known as The Gut. A dramatic turn in the Crowe River forces the water over a falls, becoming a rugged gorge where the river has carved its way through thirty meters of Precambrian rock. The fissure that forms the gorge is over 30 meters high and varies from 5 to 10 meters in width. This Conservation Area features walking trails, a parking lot, a look-out area, and a stairway down to the gorge. The gorge presents a breathtaking glimpse of this unique terrain. 

The Haliburton Sculpture Forest, in Glebe Park in the Haliburton Highlands, is a unique outdoor collection of sculptures by Canadian and international artists. The trails in the Sculpture Forest—for walking and bike riding in spring, summer and fall, and skiing in the winter—provide changing perspectives of the forest and the sculptures in each of the seasons.

The Sculpture Forest experience, which is unstructured and unscripted, is ideal for families looking for an interesting outing, for those who enjoy outdoor trails, and for people looking for a unique artistic experience. A Sculpture Forest map is available here, and at the entrance to the Sculpture Forest.

The Indian River Reptile Zoo is the only reptile facility in Canada to be an accredited member of the Canadian Association of Zoological Parks & Aquariums. Established in 1998., in 2001, the zoo became a training facility for all Canadian Federal Wildlife Officers as well as several other government agencies. The zoo focuses its efforts on the protection of the world’s reptile species. Today the Indian River Reptile Zoo is the leader in its field - actively participating in internationally-regulated conservation programs and is primarily devoted to education.

View over 200 reptiles in climate controlled conditions. Each enclosure presents reptiles in their natural setting and features specific information about each species. These animals act as ambassadors for their species, allowing visitors to safely get close to reptiles that they would not likely see in the wild.

The zoo is situated on 44 acres of unique landscape. Take a nature walk, enjoy the trail and learn about the famous Norwood Esker, a gravel ridge left behind by our last retreating glacier over twelve thousand years ago. Enjoy the opportunity to dig for real dinosaur bones or see the displays, life-sized skeletons, skulls, 2 life-sized dinosaurs, and several giant structures of Belmont Rose Pink Granite, including a replica of Stonehenge.

Located 16 km east of Peterborough on Highway 7; 2206 Hwy #7 County Rd 38, Asphodel-Norwood, K0L 2B0 

Just south and west of Apsley, this massive provincial park is a 375-square-kilometre (145 sq mi) area of preserved wilderness and recreational areas. It is located to the north and east of the main belt of the Kawartha lakes, primarily in the township of North Kawartha. The Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Provincial Park is the largest single area of preserved land in the southern part of the province (excluding Algonquin Park, parts of which are in northern and southern Ontario). 

The park was expanded from its original size of 18.6 square kilometres (7.2 sq mi) to its current size in June 2003. It was previously a mostly-wilderness tract enclosing Bottle Lake and Sucker Lake, and accessible primarily by canoe, many by portage routes only. It now encloses many more small lakes as well as all of Anstruther Lake, and has many cottages and access roads.

As of May 2011 the park officially became operational and ministry permits for camping and parking are now required. Campsites are designated and provided with picnic tables, fire rings and thunder boxes. The Kawartha Highlands Signature Site is a great place for camping, hiking, canoeing, hunting, mountain biking, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. 

The Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association is an association of 9 member clubs, stewarding a 500 km trail, stretching from Port Hope (Lake Ontario) at the southern terminus, to Devil’s Glen (just south of the Blue Mountains) at the western terminus. The trail winds through rolling farmlands and woods, follows quiet country roads, and small towns and villages. These trails are used for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The hikes range from easy to moderate, and everyone (including families, novice hikers, nature lovers, and those curious about hiking) is invited to come along. The Kawartha Section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail runs from Omemee to Moore Falls in Haliburton. In 2018 The Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association celebrated its 50th Anniversary.    

Kawartha Land Trust is conserving the natural environment and enhancing the quality of life in the Kawarthas by accepting donations of land and/or interests in land, and engaging the community in support of this work to ensure that these lands are cared for, in perpetuity. Our natural environment is our natural capital. It constantly pays us dividends in clean water, clean air, healthy communities and vibrant economies. We must protect our natural capital to ensure that the services nature provides are sustained. 

KLT owns and protects multiple properties (some of which are publicly accessible, such as the Stony Lake Trails), and hosts community engagement and volunteer events. KLT envisions a future where the Kawartha Region is characterized by natural spaces and corridors that support healthy and representative ecosystems and landscapes. This deeply-connected landscape is founded on a mix of privately and publicly protected lands, private land stewardship, and a supportive policy framework. Nature connection is a form of recreation. It doesn’t need a clubhouse or arena, but it does require an investment in protecting land.

Groomed ski trails, including 46 km of classic cross country ski trails and 27 km of skate cross country trails are offered by the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club. Other notable features include: a 2 km lit trail for night skiing, a snowshoe trail following a 9 km loop through beautiful Canadian Shield terrain, and four picturesque trail-side cabins equipped with wood stoves and first-aid equipment. Patrolled on weekends by the Canadian Ski Patrol. Pay-and-Display day passes available at the trails and yearly memberships also available. Trail passes and equipment rentals available at the trail (or self-serve after-hours). Season passes also available.

What was once a thriving family farm, Kawartha Settlers’ Village is now home to a fascinating collection of over 20 historic homes and buildings. Experience what life was like for pioneers in the Kawarthas as you stroll leisurely through the Village and discover artifacts from 1830 – 1935.

The Village was established in 1990 and today is operated by the Kawartha Region Arts and Heritage Society, as a place where people come to experience the culture, heritage, and history of the Kawartha region.

Each July, on a weekend close to Margaret Laurence's birthday (July 18, 1926), Lakefield celebrates its rich literary heritage and showcases many current Canadian authors. The Festival was created to celebrate the work of Catharine Parr Traill, Susanna Moodie and Margaret Laurence, among others, all of whom lived and wrote in Lakefield.

Since 1967, it has been the mission of Lang Pioneer Village to preserve and authentically recreate the history of Peterborough County and strive to provide visitors with an accurate and interactive view of the life of a 19th-century settler in rural Ontario. Costumed interpreters tell the pioneer story as they demonstrate traditional chores, trades and pastimes. A living history museum nestled along the banks of the historic Indian River. Featuring over twenty-five restored and furnished buildings constructed between 1825 and 1899.

Ontario has some of the oldest rocks on Earth. It is made up of ancient Precambrian igneous and metamorphic rock, and overlain by younger sedimentary rocks and soils. About 61% of the province is covered by the Canadian Shield, and all of North Kawartha Township is within the Shield. 

Hard-rock mining has taken place in the province for about 150 years, due to the World-class mineral deposits that are found here. Ontario produces more than 30 different metal and non-metal mineral products, and is responsible for a major percentage of Canada's nickel, gold, copper, and platinum-group metals production. 

The extraction of metallic minerals is concentrated in Northern Ontario (much of it due to a massive meteor strike), while the southern portion of the province produces salt, gypsum, lime, and structural materials (sand, gravel, stone), along with some uranium and petroleum. Many of the structural materials deposits are a result of glaciation. 

Specifically, in our area, Bancroft is known by mineral enthusiasts from around the world, and is widely respected as a classic Canadian mineral locality name, the "Mineral Capital of Canada". Bancroft is known internationally for having significant deposits of a rare "fine" form of sodalite. First discovered in 1811 in Greenland, sodalite typically occurs in much coarser or more massive forms, but only became important as an ornamental stone in 1891, when these vast deposits of fine material were discovered in Ontario.  

Discover the history of mining in the area, learn about mineral collecting, or explore over 400 local specimens, all on display in the 1200 square-foot showroom of the Bancroft Mineral Museum. For hobbyist rock collectors, other area sites that may be of interest, can be found by clicking here.    

Significant quarries at Blue Mountain and Nephton, near Havelock, produce high-quality nepheline syenite used in the production of glass, ceramics and polymers.

In 1866 gold was discovered on the farm of John Richardson. The next year the Richardson Mine became the site of Ontario’s first gold mine, and the town of Eldorado was founded. Although the Richardson mine ceased operation not long after it opened, it spurred a small gold rush to the area and a number of other small mines were established. This is part of an area known as the Miner's Loop.

The Marmoraton Mine, possibly one of the most successful in the area of Marmora, was started when a very large deposit of magnetite ore was discovered under 120 feet of limestone, in 1948. The first of the iron ore was shipped in 1955, by owners Bethlehem Steel Mills of New York. The site would be mined for more than 20 years creating a huge open pit more than a half-mile long and 700 feet deep. 

Hands down, Peterborough and the Kawarthas have some of the best and most diverse fishing in Ontario. So, it's no surprise that Peterborough is home to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and their Hunting and Fishing Heritage Centre. The Centre has a large collection of Canadian Wildlife displays, impressive dioramas, warm water fish aquarium, a record fish wall, airgun and arrow ranges, and a beautiful amphitheatre. 

Click here for "Twelve Signature Paddling Routes" as suggested by Peterborough & The Kawarthas.

“Can you hear it? Can you feel it? The flow of water? The flow of life within you? Its spirit moves all through Peterborough & the Kawarthas. Dip your paddle deep into time. Travel along the routes of the voyageurs in a canoe crafted by hand, the vessel that was created by the First Nations. The vessel that helped create the nation we call Canada. That we’ve honoured with its own museum.”

Paudash Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club has just over 300 km of amazing trails extending from Gooderham to near Bancroft, and from just north of Apsley to the south end of Algonquin Park. Trails connect to other great trails going in every direction. Visit the Paudash Trailblazers Facebook page for more information. The Paudash Trailblazers Snowmobile Club is listed with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) as part of District 2 (Central eastern Region).

Just south of Apsley, is with a feature which no other lake in Ontario enjoys, Jack Lake is surrounded by a 57 square mile, no hunting area, known as the Peterborough Crown Game Preserve most of which is crown land. This area is ideal for nature lovers, artists, photographers and cross-country skiers. Click here for information regarding Recreational Activities on Crown land.

A festival that offers eight weeks of free admission concerts that showcase renowned musicians in a beautiful gathering place at the end of the rapids (Nogojiwanong) on the shores of picturesque Little Lake.

The uniqueness of the festival is born of this place; the once mighty electric city transformed by grit and determination into an even mightier creative city. The summer sees Peterborough sparked alive by the blossoming of its natural landscape, the fruits of which are found at the farmer’s markets, along the waterways, in the forests and campgrounds.

Add to that a thriving downtown that sees music spill out of pubs and clubs and mix with the delicious smells of the dynamic indie-restaurant scene. This all sets the stage for the many exciting festivals that kick the season into high gear. At the forefront, is Peterborough Musicfest.

The Petroglyphs Provincial Park is located about 21 km southeast of Apsley, at the end of Northey's Bay Road. It has the largest collection of ancient First Nations petroglyphs (rock carvings) in Canada, representing aspects of spirituality. Originally two to three inches deep, the 1200 carvings were made using ancient rock hammers to cut out human figures, animals, reptiles, and a dominant figure (possibly, the Great Spirit itself).

The stone is generally believed to have been carved by the Algonquian or Iroquian speaking people between 900 and 1100 AD., if not somewhat earlier. Today, the First Nations people of Ontario call the carvings Kinomagewapkong, meaning "the rocks that teach" or "The Teaching Rocks". 

The location of the site was kept hidden from non-First Nation people until 1954, when it was rediscovered accidentally by a prospector (Everett Davis) of the Industrial Minerals of Canada. The immediate area of the petroglyphs has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

According to the Learning Center, while the glyphs are important, they are not the primary reason this site is sacred. The rock site itself is a sacred place, and today is a place of pilgrimage for local Ojibwe people. The deep crevices in the rock are believed to lead to the spirit world, as there is an underground trickle of water that runs beneath the rock which produces sounds interpreted by aboriginal people as those of the Spirits speaking to them.

And speaking of water, don't forget to visit bright, blue/green,, McGinnis Lake – one of only a handful of meromictic (layers of water that don’t intermix) lakes in Canada.

Located southeast of Apsley, at 1986 Northey's Bay Road, 11 km in from Highway 28. This is a small, roped off, swim-only, shallow beach, which is ideal for children and families. There are washrooms, change rooms, and a picnic area. This beach is maintained by the Township of North Kawartha, is free to the public and a great place to spend those hot summer days. Additionally, swimming lessons are available. 

Riverview Park and Zoo is a unique, recreational facility for people of all ages. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, ride the train through the park or visit the animals.

It all began in 1933 with Ross Dobbin. Ross Dobbin was the General Manager of the Peterborough Utilities Commission (PUC). He was given two alligators during an American Water Works Association conference in Florida.

Over the next 30 years, orphaned and injured animals were donated and Riverview Park & Zoo was created. The facility grew in popularity within the community, turning it into what it is today.

Since the late 1960s, the PUC has assumed full responsibility of operations to provide a modest base funding, allowing the zoo to remain free to the public every day. Riverview Park and Zoo is Canada's only free Accredited Zoo and Aquarium (CAZA) facility. With over 25 exhibits and 40 animal species, visitors can learn more about their favorite animals and how to protect and conserve them in the natural world.

The Park and Zoo has over 55 acres of beautiful scenery on the Otonabee River. There are picnic tables and grassy areas throughout the Park and Zoo, and a one kilometer walking trail winds along the shore of the Otonabee. The F-86 Sabre jet located at the south end of the zoo was donated as a memorial by the Royal Canadian Air Force, and was flown in the Korean War. The miniature train ride is an 1860 locomotive replica. Located under the sabre jet, the train track is over two kilometers in length and the ride is approximately ten minutes long. There is a disc golf course at the north end of the park. Bring a frisbee to play the 9-hole course. The totem pole at the entrance is a symbol of diverse heritage and friendship among our communities.  

Directions to 1230 Water Street, Peterborough.  

About 20 km north of Apsley, Silent Lake Provincial Park is largely undeveloped, allows no motor boats or electric motors, and is well-suited to canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, hence the name Silent Lake. The park features over 19 kms of hiking and mountain-biking trails, two sandy beaches, and a beautiful look-out point over Silent Lake. 

Silent Lake has two campgrounds (Pincer Bay and Granite Ridge) located in forested settings. There are two loops of semi-wilderness, walk-in sites in the Pincer Bay Campground, as well as one loop in Granite Ridge. Designated parking lots are less than 500 metres from the walk-in sites. Granite Ridge Campground offers a small number of reservable, electrically-equipped, campsites. Outside of the winter season, there are ten, rustic, one-room, camp cabins available to rent. 

In the winter months, Silent Lake offers car-accessible, plowed, electrically-equipped, campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. There are more than 40 kms of groomed, cross-country, ski trails. For those who want to enjoy the park experience in winter, but desire a little more comfort, there are eight yurts available to rent.

The Stoney Lake Snoriders Snowmobile Club club maintains over 225 kms of some of Ontario's most beautiful trails from Stoney Lake in the South, to Apsley in the North. They connect to Paudash Snowmobile Club trails in the north, Havelock Snowmobile Club trails in the East and Old Hastings Snowmobile Club trails in the north east. Visit the Stoney Lake Snoriders Facebook page for more information. The Stoney Lake Snoriders Snowmobile Club is listed with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) as part of District 2 (Central eastern Region)

The Trent Severn Waterway is a National Historic Site. Comprised of a series of inter-connected lakes, rivers and canals, it stretches almost 400 kms, connecting Lake Ontario with Lake Huron. Burleigh Falls is home to Trent Severn Waterway Lock Station 28.    

An engineering marvel, Lock Station 21 on the Trent Severn Waterway is one of two hydraulic lift locks on the Waterway and Lock 21 is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world. It is also a National Historic Site. Opened with great fanfare in 1904, the Peterborough Lift Lock towers almost 20 m (65 ft) above the Trent Canal. Powered by gravity, it lifts two counter-balanced, bathtub-like chambers over an elevation that once would have required several locks to achieve. Located in Peterborough at 353 Hunter Street East.

Lock 'n' Paddle is an annual event that celebrates this national historic site by inviting hundreds of canoes and kayaks to paddle along the Trent-Severn Waterway towards the world’s tallest hydraulic lift lock, where the two tubs will be packed full as everyone is sent 65 feet in the air. Click here to view the event as it happened in 2019 and visit parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/activ/eclusez-pagayez-lock-paddle for rules and guidelines.

Tweed & Company Theatre is a registered charity, and is a creator and producer of original Canadian musical theatre, as well as quality professional grassroots regional theatre. Tweed & Company owns and operates the Marble Arts Centre in Tweed, and operates the Bancroft Village Playhouse. The company has been active since the fall of 2009, and has produced five large-scale original Canadian musicals, as well as countless other Canadian and international productions. 

Nestled in the valley of the Indian River, the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area has 15 kms of trails through a truly unique landscape, offering a range of recreational opportunities the entire family or an organized group can enjoy. These activities include camping, caving (spelunking), hiking, kayaking/canoeing, fishing and swimming. Wear clothes you don’t mind dirtying, sturdy, close-fitting shoes, bring a flashlight (or a headlamp) and enjoy this natural underground playground, including the ice cave where the ice doesn't even melt in July!  You can spend a couple of hours or the entire day exploring the caves. 

The Warsaw Caves Conservation Area takes its name from a series of seven caves found in the park. The caves are cavities in the limestone rock which underlies the whole area. The Indian River, which flows through the area, disappears beneath the ground as it falls into underground channels caused by the collapsed limestone layers around the caves. The limestone layers are a result of glacial melting at the end of the last ice age, about 12,000 years ago. Fast flowing water has worn passages and kettles in the soft limestone, but once the ice was gone the flow lessened, and the ground gradually rose when relieved of the weight of the ice. Because of this, the upper caves are no longer submerged. A unique underground adventure located at 289 Caves Road, Warsaw.

For 22 years Westben has been about bringing people together through music, and experiencing it in a natural setting. Westben is where the best of music and nature spring to life! Nestled amongst the peaceful hills of Northumberland County, near Campbellford, Westben’s original performance venue is a custom-built, timber-frame barn.

The Barn seats 400 and combines state-of-the-art acoustics with a rustic yet sophisticated atmosphere. On sunny days from June to September massive walls and doors roll away allowing music to waft over the surrounding meadow. In 2022 Westben built two new outdoor venues. Willow Hill is a natural grassy amphitheatre that seats up to 500 people, and the new Campfire venue, an intimate gathering for 50 people.

Performances at Westben’s open-air summer festival range from Bach to Broadway, opera and symphony to jazz, folk, fiddle, Indigenous, rock, and comedy. Westben offers interactive one-of-a-kind experiences with music and nature, in the neighbouring Nature Reserve.

Westben’s Digital programs include concerts, podcasts, musical moments and more, available on Westben’s Online Services. Westben’s International Performer-Composer Residency is an international gathering of creative risk-takers, whose practice involves some combination of both composition and performance. These 50 artists from around the world, collaborate for a month, digitally creating new works and hosting public workshops.

Whetung Ojibwa Centre at the Curve Lake Reservation is an exciting introduction to the area's indigenous population.  The Centre offers a spectacular collection of Native crafts, as well as Fine Art, Jewelry, Moccasins, Leather Work, Sculptures and much more from Curve Lake First Nation, and from across Canada.  New and different items are constantly being added to the collection.