Peterborough

Peterborough is a city and county seat of Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada, about 125 kilometres northeast of Toronto. According to the 2021 Census, the population of the City of Peterborough was 83,651. Wikipedia.
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Peterborough Trip Planner

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Top attractions in Peterborough

Riverview Park & Zoo
1. Riverview Park & Zoo
4.6
(4398)
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Kid-friendly destination with a playground, splash pad & mini-train ride, plus 25+ animal exhibits.
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Great spot for families, but plan ahead for the train ride! Riverview Park & Zoo is a hidden gem for families! The best part? Free admission and parking, which makes it a super budget-friendly day out. The zoo is small but well-kept, featuring over 40 species including monkeys, otters, camels, and meerkats. Perfect for younger kids who won’t get tired walking too far. There’s also a huge playground, splash pad, picnic areas, and scenic riverside trails. The grounds are very clean and shady—great for hot days. Definitely pack a lunch though, as there’s no working concession stand on-site as of 2025. **A heads-up: on weekends, the line for the miniature train can be 1.5 to 2 hours long, even if you already have tickets. Tickets are only $2 per person but often sell out by 4 PM, even though the train is advertised to run until 6 PM. So if the train is a must-do, buy your tickets early and expect a bit of a wait.** Overall it’s a great place to spend a few hours with kids. Just plan ahead and come early—especially if you want that train ride!
The park is amazing for a day out with family. The kids play area has different sections for different age groups. The splash pad is also very nice for the kids to enjoy. The zoo area is great with a lot of animals to see. I had never seen a sloth before. The parking and zoo are free here. They do accept donations though. All in all a great place to see a lot of things and relax in the park.
I really enjoyed my visit to the Peterborough Zoo. It’s such a nice place to spend a few hours, and the best part is that it’s free to enter. The zoo is not huge, but it has a really good variety of animals, and everything is well looked after. The enclosures are clean, and you can tell the staff care about the animals. My favorite part was watching the monkeys and the big cats – they were so fun to see up close. The walking paths are easy to follow, and there’s plenty of space to just relax and enjoy nature. It’s also a great place for kids, with the playground and picnic areas making it feel more like a family park than just a zoo. Parking was easy, and the whole place felt safe and welcoming. Overall, it’s a hidden gem in Peterborough and definitely worth visiting.
Riverview Park and Zoo is such a great spot, and the best part is that it’s completely free! The zoo itself is pretty good with a nice variety of animals, but what really stood out for us were the kids’ play areas. They’re awesome — lots of space to run around and different structures to explore. My 3-year-old especially loved the long slide, which quickly became the highlight of our visit. It’s a perfect family outing spot with a good mix of animals, green space, and fun for the kids. Definitely worth checking out!
Nice park and zoo in Peterborough. Perfect place to bring your kids and family. There are kids play area, water splash pad, zoo and ample parking. Lots of picnic tables as well if you plan to have lunch or dinner after some exciting moment with your kids. This park also has a free zoo with lot of animals to see. Kids will love it for sure. Donation to the park is appreciated as they have to maintain everything for free. The park and every place was maintained very well. Everything was clean. The splash pad water was not too cold which was good and convenient for the kids. There is a parking and access area towards the river but the parking was closed when we visited. Overall very pleased and definitely recommended.
Great place for kids especially. Different kind of animals. Entrance is fully free just the train ticket cost $2 which is worth it. They have water pad for kids to have fun. A lot of vending machines too if you wanna buy some snacks or drinks. After that they have llama 🦙, snake 🐍 and different kind of animals. As it was hot day so most of the animals were hiding but i really recommend everyone to visit once. Plenty of free parking and if you wanna do picnic it’s a good spot too. They have play area with slides,swings also. Full entertainment packet for kids.
Such a wonderful place for families! The splash pad, playground, and zoo are all free to enjoy thanks to the generosity of donors and the community. It’s rare to find a place like this where you can see animals, let the kids play, and enjoy a relaxing picnic—all without an entrance fee. The park is clean, well-maintained, and full of shade for a summer day. We’re so grateful for the donations and support that keep this place running. It’s a true gem in Peterborough. Highly recommend visiting and, if you’re able, consider making a donation to help keep it free for everyone.
Disappointed their Snack Shack is gone.. but my sons had a blast otherwise. Highly recommend to make sure you pack your own snacks and drinks. The splash pad is a must on hot days! There was a bit of a line up for the Bathrooms/change rooms but nothing crazy terrible. Love this zoo.
Trent-Severn Waterway, Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
2. Trent-Severn Waterway, Lock 21 - Peterborough Lift Lock
4.7
(1280)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Boats are raised 65 ft. by this massive canal lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
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It's a good place to understand how a lock works and learn Canadian history. Good for family, students and tourists. The scenery around the lock is also beautiful, especially in fall, wothy to spend some time walking around and enjoying a picnic. The visitor center nearby will closed in fall and winter. when it open, you can use the washroom inside and learn more about the hydraulic locks. See the beautiful pictures I took in fall 2019
Fascinating piece of Canadian engineering and history. Watching the boats pass through the lock system is both relaxing and impressive. The area is well-maintained, perfect for a peaceful stop, picnic, or short walk. A great spot to learn about how the waterways connect Ontario's lakes and rivers.
I recently visited the Peterborough Lift Lock, and it was a fascinating experience. The surrounding park is perfect for a picnic, and the nearby visitor center offers informative exhibits and a short film about the Trent-Severn Waterway. Climbing the stairs to the top provides a panoramic view of the area, making it a must-see spot for anyone in the region
A beautiful structure and fun place to be at the annual paddle and lock event in July! Would come again but maybe in a canoe or a comfortable kayak (not a playboat kr white water kayak) as you may be sitting in this for 3-4 hours (specifically for the paddle lock event) depending on crowd sizes and line ups to get up and down the lock!
This year it was on my birthdate n i loved every minutes of my day with a girlfriend then boat cruise with lunch included deluxe motor coach from kingston to peterborough even canadian canoe museam
What an absolutely amazing experience. I've seen photos but when you see this structure in person you realize the photos just don't do it justice.
Travel the beautiful Trent-Severn Waterway. Or the Rideau System on the Kawartha Voyager. It's great multi-day river and lake cruising. Search Ontario Waterway Cruises!!!
Really cool place to see but the visitor center was closed when we arrived. The scale of the lift is not obvious until you are up close. You can walk to the lock and go up the stairs to see it from the top. All in all, with the history of has, worth the visit.
The Canadian Canoe Museum
3. The Canadian Canoe Museum
4.7
(954)
Museum
Gift shop
Heritage museum with hundreds of historic canoes, kayaks & related artifacts, plus kids' activities.
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Visiting The Canadian Canoe Museum was an unforgettable experience! From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the incredible collection of canoes, kayaks, and paddled watercraft from all over the world. Each piece tells a unique story, beautifully connecting Canada’s history, culture, and traditions with the present. The exhibits are interactive and engaging — perfect for visitors of all ages. I loved being able to immerse myself in hands-on displays and learn about the craftsmanship behind canoe building. The museum does a fantastic job blending storytelling, art, and education. One of the highlights was the opportunity to experience on-the-water adventures. Paddling right outside the museum added a whole new level of connection to what I had seen indoors. The outdoor spaces are stunning, peaceful, and thoughtfully designed to complement the museum experience. Overall, The Canadian Canoe Museum offers a perfect mix of history, adventure, and fun. Whether you're passionate about paddling or just curious about Canada’s rich heritage, it’s definitely worth the visit
An awesome museum worth every minute! It's amazing to see such a great collection of canoes through history - ones from famous stories, famous people, and monumental events. Learng about canoe culture is particularly interesting seeing as I'm a travelling Australian. Go check it out.
We loved the tour! It's easy to spend about 2 hours in their stunning new home. With about 100 canoes on display and another 1000 or so in storage, there is alot to see. The history, the craftsmanship, the variety, the stories of the original owners and their adventures add up to a uniquely Canadian experience, well worth a visit!
Beautiful new museum and exhibit overlooking Little Lake in Peterborough! Very comfortable and chill atmosphere. Took the afternoon tour with the kids and felt like they were able to get a lot more out of the exhibit. Very kid friendly with video, listening stations, scavenger hunt, and drawing pages.
Darn! What a nice museum here in Peterborough Ontario. I found out afterwards that this town was the birthplace so to speak of the canoe. So it’s no wonder the Canoe Museum is here in Peterborough. It’s such a nice museum and lots of facts and figures to explore throughout. The only gripe I have is that I thought the price was maybe a little much for what they have but honestly it is worth it if you want to learn the history of the canoe. 👍😎
I really wanted to love this place. With a really curious mind who can be interested in almost anything and a love of canoes (been canoeing since I was 8 years old and own my own cedar-strip canoe built for me), I still found the exhibits pretty dry and the labeling not engaging. The best part of my visit was seeing the canoe vault.
Fascinating museum showcasing both the mastery and beauty of the canoe, but the history of the indigenous peoples and their journeys. Also an astounding piece of architecture, using natural materials to perfection.
What a wonderful experience! Anyone who has paddled or who has an interest in Canadian history with find something valuable here. We really enjoyed it. Plus the butter tarts in the café are amazing !
Whetung Ojibwa Centre
4. Whetung Ojibwa Centre
4.8
(1035)
Native american goods store
Museums
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First visit to the Whetung Ojibwa center on September 14 approximately 2:30pm. Great friendly and helpful staff on site with a wealth of knowledge on the history, culture and items within the establishment. It was amazing to see all of the arts, artifacts, carvings and everything in between. Don't let the size of the building fool you, it's a lot larger than you think & make sure you visit downstairs. There are 2 separate staircase that lead to different areas and be sure to visit the museum on lower level.
A treasure trove of indigenous art from jewellery, paintings, decor, etc. using various mediums. Artist on site executing their craft add to the authenticity of the pieces. Get your cheque book out to buy art that is unique. P.S.: cheap gas is available on the way to the centre at 2-3 large locations.
Such a cool place to visit! We went today and it was way bigger than expected, the artworks were so beautiful and they had the coolest shop filled with so many different things to buy! We're definitely coming back to visit.
This store is simply incredible, whether in person or shopping on line it is a must for shoppers looking to buy anything indigenous in a good way and with reciprocity. As an ally it is really important to me to know I am purchasing and supporting indigenous artisans. Whetungs carries a wide array of artists, and products. From bead work jewelry, quill work, wood work, clothing, shoes, ribbon skirts and shirts in all sizes, ceremonial items, sacred medicines, and so much more. It’s an amazing place run by local curve lake First Nation people.
A beautiful cultural spot that showcases authentic Indigenous art, crafts, and history. The collection is impressive, from handcrafted jewelry and carvings to paintings and traditional items. The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, making the visit both meaningful and educational. A must-stop if you're exploring the Curve Lake area.
Have a good chat with the owner Michael, and get some knowledge of the history of the store. Very nice place, lots of well made hand crafted arts, souvenirs. Come to support the local community.
I very much enjoyed my visit here. They have so many amazing products and items that it’s difficult to not buy anything. I walked out with a few quality items. It’s a little bit out of the way but it’s worth the visit. 👍😎
September 14, 2024 recently visited Whetung Ojibwa Centre after a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Pickering. We spent over two hours exploring the center, which features a stunning collection of Indigenous crafts, including dreamcatchers, jewelry, moccasins, paintings, and much more. The center also offers a museum, totem poles, and sculptures that provide insight into the Curve Lake First Nation and other Indigenous groups across Canada. One of the highlights for me was the beautiful selection of crystals, accompanied by a detailed guidebook. I ended up purchasing a bear claw, three Every Child Matters t-shirts designed by Freddy Taylor, a Residential School Survivor and Curve Lake First Nation member, along with some candy sticks for my kids. My friend gifted me a gorgeous porcelain mug featuring a design by artist Leah Marie Dorion, symbolizing the "Breath of Life"—a reminder that our breath is sacred and our words carry the power to impact the world positively. If you're looking for a peaceful and enriching day trip filled with beauty, positivity, and a deeper appreciation for life, I highly recommend visiting Whetung Ojibwa Centre. Be sure to check their website for special events—I’m already looking forward to visiting again!
Canada’s Dinosaur Park
5. Canada’s Dinosaur Park
4.5
(1642)
Temporarily Closed
Amusement park
Zoos & Aquariums
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We have gone here so many times and it is an amazing place all of the kids love it ages 2-13! It's a blast and it's educational too! There are many things to enjoy outside and indoors. There is a lot of walking but it's very worthwhile. It is an amazing spot especially because there is not much in the area. Fun reptiles fun dinosaur models! And we love that it supports the work the reptile sanctuary does.
Great experience! Our 4 yr old grandson was excited to see all the reptiles .. snakes, alligators/ crocodiles!! We were under the impression this was a drive through however that is no longer an option. There are roads, gravel to walk through the Dino creatures so recommend good walking shoes. They also have a museum Dino displays building , some Dino’s are robotic, make noises. I’ve added a few photos of just some of the many photos we took! I can’t show all its many fine features this place offers! Price was decent for the experience, would recommend this to anyone passing through ! Clean washrooms upon entering the check in. Not much in the way of spots to stop and rest during the walk of the Dino layout. For younger kids a wagon is a great option as our grandson found it too much so we are glad we brought ours. Staff were very friendly and helpful! There is a mini putt at the entrance and a food truck was also available. Inside has the typical visitor gifts to purchase! And a small ice cream bars to purchase! We grabbed our treat when we departed! Thanks for a great experience!!
Fantastic place!! I went with my 3 year old, this place is also a non-profit reptile sanctuary! I have never veen so close to a black mamba or cobra before!! The dinosaurs were huge the walking path was smooth enough for a stroller. You are able to bring food and there are picnic benches throughout.
Awesome afternoon! The kids really enjoyed all the moving and still dinos! Bring good shoes, lots of walking. Amazing to see all the rescued reptiles, alligators, crocodiles, tortoises, snakes and more! Highly recommend if you love dinosaurs!
A Hidden Gem in Bancroft: Canada’s Dinosaur Park 🦕❤️ If you’re looking for a unique and heartwarming experience in Ontario, Canada’s Dinosaur Park in Bancroft is an absolute must-visit. This isn’t just a fun roadside attraction—it’s a passion-powered, non-profit sanctuary for rescued reptiles and a full-blown dinosaur museum rolled into one. From the moment you arrive, the care and dedication of the team is obvious. Every rescued reptile here—from snakes and lizards to turtles and dragons—has a name, a story, and a forever home thanks to the people behind this incredible organization. You can feel the love and respect they have for every creature in their care. The dinosaur exhibits are also impressive—especially considering they’re entirely funded by donations and run by volunteers. It’s part museum, part educational experience, and part walk-through time machine. Kids and adults alike will love the life-sized dino sculptures and fossil displays, and there’s plenty of interactive elements to keep you engaged. ✨ What makes this place truly special: • It’s 100% non-profit, so every dollar supports animal care and education • You get to meet real, living reptiles up close (safely!) • The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate • It’s perfect for families, school trips, or curious adventurers of any age Whether you’re a reptile enthusiast, a dino lover, or just looking for something cool to do off the beaten path, Canada’s Dinosaur Park is worth the trip. Support a local cause, learn something new, and leave with your heart full. 📍 Located in Bancroft, ON 🦖 Visit them, donate if you can, and spread the word—this hidden gem deserves all the love.
We stopped at Canada’s Dinosaur Park on our way from Toronto to Quebec thinking it would be a fun break for our 4 year old who loves dinosaurs but it was honestly a letdown. These are basically large toy models that move slightly with sound effects that are too low to really impress. They no longer have a drive thru option just a walk thru which takes around 20 minutes to complete. They do have a section with live animals like snakes, turtles and alligators which was a bit more interesting. But overall my son got bored just a few minutes in and we expected more for the price we paid. $25 per adult and $15 per child feels too steep for what is offered. Something like $10 and $15 would be more reasonable. If you are local maybe try it once but I would not recommend making a special trip just for this. It is not worth a long drive.
My kid loved it here. Something different and I thought the trailer would be short but it wasnt. Time we'll spent and they are a non profit organization and take care of the animals with what they make there. Check them out, you won't be disappointed.
Canada Dinosaur Park is a very nice place to visit, especially for families. The entrance fee is reasonable, so it doesn’t feel overpriced compared to other attractions. The life-sized dinosaurs and displays are fun and engaging, and it’s a great spot for kids to explore and enjoy. That said, the park could use a bit more maintenance in certain areas. Some of the installations are starting to look a little worn, and a bit of upkeep would really help make the experience even better. Overall though, it’s a good outing that balances fun, affordability, and a unique theme.
Showplace Performance Centre
6. Showplace Performance Centre
4.6
(467)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
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Last weekend we enjoyed the show “Road Apples” with friends, outstanding!! The band was well seasoned with the Tragically Hip’s signature sound and style. Each song was an absolute trip back in time perfectly well done! Ticket price was reasonable, would see them again at Showplace! Clean & friendly volunteer venue, thank you! Hopefully “Road Apples” will be back by demand next year!
This is a nice venue with good acoustics, but the seats are pretty narrow. Great employees, friendly and helpful.
Went to see Classic Seger, amazing show. The venue is very organized and the staff & volunteers were friendly and helpful. we had a fantastic evening.
Have enjoyed many wonderful performances at this venue. Great acoustics. Cozy atmosphere. Friendly staff.
It’s an intimate setting for all types of performances. The staff and/or volunteers are extremely helpful, cheerful, and delightful. I once asked if they had an ATM, the volunteer instead of telling me the directions actually took me down some stairs and to show me the ATM. Ordering tickets was a breeze!!! Great place!! The quality of the seats, however, are not the greatest. Still great place to go.
Saw a cover band, Queen. It's a kind of music. Band put on an absolute great show. Super band would go see them again in the future. The venue itself was good the only thing was when they opened the doors at 7:00 all the partons where huddled in the entrance with not much room to move until the opened the seating part of the venue. Other than that, a great time was had by all.
Saw a concert by Justin Hayward last night. Excellent concert. Excellent accoustics. Sound volume was perfect. Not to loud or too quiet.
Staff is friendly and helpful. The Jersey Nights show was great and this venue offers many great shows. There really isn't a bad seat in the house.
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Other notable attractions

Publican House Bar & Grill
Temporarily Closed
Restaurant
Food & Drink
Beavermead Park
Park
Fun & Games
Peterborough Museum & Archives
Museum
Archive
Notable museum providing a range of historical collections & exhibitions, plus educational programs.
Kawartha Downs Events
Event venue
Sights & Landmarks
Jackson Park
Park
Nature & Parks
Sprawling green space with a streamside walking path, plus a quaint bridge with a pagoda roof.
Hutchison House
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Historic residence built for a 19th-century physician featuring period-furnished rooms & gardens.
Wild Water & Wheels
Permanently Closed
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Art Gallery of Peterborough
Art gallery
Shopping
Gallery showcasing contemporary works by local & internationally known artists, with kids' programs.
Lansdowne Place
Shopping mall
Shopping
Airy, bi-level shopping center offering 75+ retailers, a children's play area & a food court.
Mario Cortellucci Hunting and Fishing Heritage Centre
Association / Organization
Visitor Centers

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Weather in Peterborough

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Monthly temperature highs and lows in Peterborough
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