Peterborough, Ontario is a beautiful city located on the Otonabee River and is often referred to as the Gateway to the Kawarthas. People commonly think of Peterborough as cottage country. The city was named after Peter Robinson who was a politician who was vital in the first immigration to the city. In the past Peterborough was nicknamed The Electric City because in 1884 it became the first city in all of Canada to have electric street lights. The population of Peterborough as of 2016 was 81,032. Peterborough is also a county and encompasses communities such as Cavan-Monaghan, Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Trent Lakes, Asphodel-Norwood, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen and Kawartha Lakes.
Some of the major attractions in Peterborough are:
- Trent Canal
- Peterborough Lift Lock 21 (the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world at 65 feet)
- Lift Lock Cruises
- Peterborough MusicFest in Del Crary Park (free summer concert series since 1987)
- Riverview Park and Zoo (free admission)
- The Canadian Canoe Museum
- Peterborough Museum and Archives
- Art Gallery of Peterborough
- Farmers Market
- Trent University
- Centennial Fountain on Little Lake reaches 250 feet and is Canada’s highest jet fountain
- Indian River Reptile Zoo
- Kawartha Downs and Speedway
Downtown Peterborough has many great shops and restaurants, as well as a beautiful waterfront. Go fishing on the river, try kayaking on Little Lake, camp and swim at Beavermead Park, take a sight-seeing cruise on the Liftlock Cruises, walk one of the many trails. Peterborough has so much to offer!
