Things to Do in North Kawartha — The Ultimate Outdoors Escape

Tucked away in the heart of cottage country, North Kawartha is one of those places that still feels wild, peaceful, and untouched.

Whether you’re looking for ATV adventures, fishing, paddling, hiking, campfires, or simply a quiet place to unplug, this area offers the perfect mix of outdoor recreation and small-town charm.

Here’s your guide to some of the best things to do while exploring North Kawartha and the surrounding area.

Explore the ATV & Side-by-Side Trail Systems

North Kawartha is a hidden gem for ATV and side-by-side riders. Endless backroads, forest access roads, and organized trail systems weave through rugged Canadian Shield landscapes, lakes, and dense forests.

One of the most popular riding areas nearby is the The Land Between Trails, offering scenic rides through wilderness terrain perfect for both casual riders and experienced trail enthusiasts.

Expect:

• Scenic lake lookouts

• Mud runs and rocky climbs

• Wildlife sightings

• Trail-side stops for lunch or photos

• Access to surrounding communities and backcountry areas

Spring through fall offers excellent riding conditions, with peak colors arriving during September and October.

Fish Some of Ontario’s Best Lakes

If fishing is your thing, North Kawartha delivers. The region is packed with clean lakes and hidden fishing spots known for:

• Bass

• Lake trout

• Walleye

• Pike

• Panfish

  

Popular nearby lakes include:

• Chandos Lake

• Jack Lake

• Stoney Lake

Whether you’re fishing from a dock, canoe, boat, or shoreline at sunset, the area offers an authentic Canadian outdoors experience.

Visit Petroglyphs Provincial Park

One of the most unique attractions in the region is Petroglyphs Provincial Park — home to the largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings in Canada.

The park also features:

• Beautiful hiking trails

• McGinnis Lake (Ontario’s only meromictic lake)

• Forest wildlife

• Scenic picnic areas

It’s a perfect mix of history, nature, and exploration.

Paddle Through Quiet Lakes & Creeks

North Kawartha is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Calm waters, hidden shorelines, and peaceful creeks make for incredible day trips on the water.

Some favorite paddling spots include:

• Eels Creek

• Stoney Lake

• Jack Lake

Early mornings often bring mirror-like water conditions and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.

Discover Hidden Swimming Spots & Beaches

During the summer months, locals and visitors spend countless hours cooling off in the region’s lakes and rivers.

You’ll find:

• Sandy public beaches

• Quiet rocky shorelines

• Hidden swimming holes

• Warm shallow bays perfect for families

Many cottage roads also lead to small public lake access points that feel like private escapes.

Go Hiking & Wildlife Watching

Nature lovers will appreciate the endless hiking opportunities around North Kawartha.

Expect:

• Dense pine forests

• Canadian Shield rock landscapes

• Wetlands and wildlife habitats

• Scenic lookout points

Keep an eye out for:

• Deer

• Moose

• Beavers

• Loons

• Bald eagles

The area becomes especially beautiful during the fall color season.

Experience Off-Grid Cabin Life

One of the biggest draws to North Kawartha is the ability to disconnect from busy life and reconnect with nature.

Off-grid cabins and camps offer:

• Star-filled night skies

• Campfires under the trees

• Quiet mornings with coffee by the lake

• No city noise or traffic

• A true wilderness experience

It’s the perfect destination for couples, families, ATV groups, hunters, anglers, and outdoor adventurers.

Visit Local Markets & Small Towns

Take time to explore nearby communities like:

• Apsley

• Buckhorn

You’ll find:

• Small-town restaurants

• Ice cream shops

• Local markets

• Outdoor outfitters

• Friendly cottage country atmosphere

Summer weekends often include community events and local vendor markets.

Enjoy the Night Sky

With very little light pollution, North Kawartha offers incredible stargazing opportunities.

On clear nights you can often see:

• The Milky Way

• Meteor showers

• Satellites

• Northern lights during active periods

A campfire and clear northern sky might end up being the highlight of your entire trip.

Plan Your North Kawartha Adventure

Whether you’re coming for a weekend getaway or a full outdoor vacation, North Kawartha offers something for every kind of adventurer.

From ATV trails and fishing to campfires, paddling, and peaceful lakeside mornings, this is cottage country at its best — wild, scenic, and unforgettable.