Peterborough is the gateway to the Kawarthas, part of the Trent-Severn Waterway lake district and the center of a recreational area extending from Rice Lake in the east to Lake Simcoe in the west.
Peterborough was founded in 1818 when a sawmill was built on the river here. The area around it has many traces of Indian settlements.
This park is home to a fabulous display of petroglyphs which date back to between 500 and 1000 years ago. The petroglyphs are enclosed in a glass structure to protect them from the elements.
The collection of The Art Gallery of Peterborough began in 1974. Exhibits include paintings, sculptures, works on paper and photographs; with the emphasis on Canadian artists. The gallery features a permanent collection and changing exhibitions.
Address: Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent Street, Peterborough, ON K9J2G1, Canada
Phone: 1 (705) 743-9179, Fax: 1 (705) 743-8168
Hours:
July 1 to August 31: 9am-5pm; Sun:11am-5pm; Wed:9am-8pm; Sat:11am-5pm
September 1 to June 30: 11am-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
The Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough is all about the history and heritage of the canoe. The Collection Centre houses the Museum's entire collection of 600 craft. Canoes and kayaks from across Canada, as well as watercraft from around the world are featured.
Address: Canadian Canoe Museum, 910 Monaghan Road, Peterborough, ON K9J5K4, Canada
Phone: 1 (705) 748-9153, Fax: 1 (705) 748-0616
Hours:
10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Good Friday - Christian
It is worth taking a trip just 20km / 13mi along the TransCanada Highway from Peterborough to Lang Century Village Museum which is a reconstruction of a 19th C pioneer village. The old mill, dating from 1845 and in full working order, is particularly interesting. There are displays of the old craftsmen's tools in, for example, the mill, smithy, and sawmill, etc.
Lang Pioneer Village is an "outdoor museum" featuring more than 25 restored and furnished buildings built between 1820 and 1899. The Village is interpreted by costumed villagers portraying authentic 19th-century pioneer life in rural Ontario.
Lang Grist Mill at Lang Pioneer Village, Keene ON.
Address: Lang Pioneer Village Museum, 470 Water Street, Peterborough, ON K9H3M3, Canada
Phone: 1 (705) 295-6694, Fax: 1 (705) 295-6644
Hours:
May 24 to June 17: 10am-3pm; Closed: Sun, Sat
June 20 to September 5: 10am-4pm; Closed: Sun, Sat
September 6 to September 16: 10am-4pm; Closed: Sun, Sat, Sun, Sat
Tips: Family admission (2 adults, up to 4 youth). Premium admission charged for special events.