Peterborough and the Kawarthas Real Estate Guide
Peterborough & the Kawarthas has long been a Canadian favourite destination for cottagers and those looking for a quieter life all year long. It’s made up of two main areas, the City of Peterborough in Victory county and The City of Kawartha Lakes – which is comprised of several small neighbouring towns, hamlets and villages that amalgamated under one municipality in 2001. Kawarthas real estate opportunities abound.
With a large number of seasonal residents, this area heats up in the summer, without the gruelling traffic woes of the trek up the 400. The region boasts a vibrant experience for visitors and year-round residents, with exceptional accommodations, foodie experiences, festivals, beaches and attractions as other popular regions like PEC, with a bit less fanfare. This is a destination that, in some regards, flies under the radar…in a good way.
The City of Peterborough is the largest urban area in the Kawartha’s region. This city, though small in size packs a big punch with a thriving live music scene and bustling arts community. This is likely due, in part, to the presence of both Flemming College and Trent University. Peterborough often appears on Canada’s Best Places to Live lists, and it noted to be one of the best places to retire in Canada. But it just one part of the Kawarthas region.
There are also smaller communities of The City of Kawartha Lakes, each with its own charm. Don’t let the term town or hamlet fool you into thinking this area is too quiet. Kawartha Lakes has a growing population of more than 75,000 residents along with 31,000 seasonal transplants. All told, more More than 1.45 million residents live within a one-hour drive of Kawartha Lakes. And during the summer months, an additional 1.6 million people visit annually. This is particularly good news for those looking to buy and rent Kawarthas real estate.
Of course, you can’t talk about The Kawarthas without mentioning the beautiful waterways that lace the region together. Known as “The Land of Shining Waters”, The Kawartha Lakes are a series of interconnected series of lakes of various sizes. They range from 2 to 83 km2 and include Katchewanooka, Clear, Stony, Lovesick, Lower Buckhorn, Buckhorn, Chemong (including Upper Chemong), Pigeon, Little Bald, Big Bald, Sturgeon, Cameron, Scugog and Balsam. They drain through the Otonabee and Trent rivers to Lake Ontario. On the west side, Balsam Lake also drains into Lake Simcoe.
These bodies of water are part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, managed by Parks Canada. This 386 km route of interconnected rivers, lakes, locks and canals, which makes for some of the best boating in all of Canada. Five of the locks in this waterway are in Kawartha Lakes; including the largest lift lock in the world, in Peterborough. Not only is this an essential part of the history of the area, but it also draws tourists from around the world.
Getting there is an easy 90-minute drive from Toronto or 2.5-hour drive from Ottawa, much of which can take place over regional highways. For those who opt for the scenic route, the stunning countryside views and laid back pace do not disappoint.
Related: How to Buy a Cottage in Ontario