Exciting Weekend in Peterborough Itinerary: A Great Summer Getaway
Are you looking for a fun summer weekend getaway in Ontario that has a mix of urban fun with a dose of nature? I have the perfect place for you – Peterborough!
This is one place that surprises me every time I visit. From interesting stories and events at the Canadian Canoe Museum to gardens and trails minutes from downtown, this place has the perfect blend to feed your curiosity. Add in all the cozy cafes, bookstores and vintage shops, and you’ve got the ideal cozy destination!
So, if you’re on the hunt for where to go this summer in Ontario, my weekend in Peterborough itinerary offers the perfect escape.
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What to do on Friday
To maximize your time, I recommend spending two nights in Peterborough. And thanks to its location; you can easily head there after work on a Friday. As Toronto to Peterborough is 1.5 hours, or if you’re coming from the Barrie or Kingston area, it’s roughly 2 hours.
Dinner at One Fine Foods
Start your trip with a fantastic dinner at One Fine Foods. Serving up modern Italian cuisine, the vibe is elevated but approachable.
You’ll want to go hungry as there’s a list of great appetizers and desserts to pair with your main. With large portion sizes, you’ll be rolling out of their full. I was so thankful my friend and I split the appetizer and dessert, or I’d be bursting at the seams.
One Fine Foods is known for their pizzas, but with everything made from scratch, fresh pasta and chef with a keen eye for detail, everything on the menu is a winning choice.
Need recommendations? We ordered the arancini to split, which was the best I’ve ever had, and the butterscotch caramel cake for dessert. For my main, I went with the lasagna, that was delicious. I loved the crispy outer noodles and the sauce!
There’s also a gourmet market, where you’ll find prepared meals, fresh breads and a butcher!
Insider tip: Consider packing a cooler, so that you can bring some of the goods home!
Check into Your Hotel
Next, head over to your hotel to check in. You’ll need a solid night’s sleep for the fun weekend ahead. There are a number of great hotels in Peterborough. I share a couple of great options below.
Things to do in Peterborough on Saturday
Coffee at Kit Coffee
I love to start my morning with a great cup of coffee and you’ll find that and more at Kit Coffee. This adorable little cafe is all about crafting small batch pastries using as many local ingredients as they can to pair with their perfect espresso beverages.
As one of my favourite coffee shops in Peterborough, it’s a little ray of sunshine downtown. With its yellow awning covering a cute little Parisian-esque patio, striking leaf mural and pops of plants throughout, you’ll want to sit and linger.
I love that they sell locally made products too, like stickers, cards, coffee beans, and drinks from other Ontario small businesses like Collingwood Kombucha and County Bounty Sodas. Plus, don’t miss their house made bagels and spreads. And don’t worry, they’ve got vegan and gluten free options too.
It’s the perfect start to any day in Peterborough!
Visit the Farmer’s Market
Another must early morning activity is to visit the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market. It takes place 8am – 1pm on Saturday and Wednesday. During the summer you can find the outdoor market at Quaker Foods City Square.
I love a good farmers market and this is definitely one! You’ll find a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to mushrooms and baked goods to hot foods like pierogies and empanadas.
If you loved baked goods, stop at Barn Door Bakery and Buns & Sweets. I couldn’t resist the cute sun cookies from Buns & Sweets, which was perfect on the overcast day I was there. For jam lovers, I highly recommend checking out Warner Farm. This Niagara farm brings fruit like apples as well as jams that come in all sorts of unique flavours like mint,
Insider Tip: If you didn’t get a chance for a coffee yet, or are like me and can’t resist another cup, there’s a local coffee roaster. Carolina’s Colombia sells both brewed coffee and bags of beans.
Go Shopping
Did you know that downtown Peterborough is filled with great shops? I didn’t know until my recent trip when I spent more time exploring the shopping scene.
As someone who’s always trying to be more sustainable with my purchases, I loved that the city has plenty of great places to shop.
It turns out there’s a number of incredible vintage shops in Peterborough. Each one is a vibe! And there’s an adorable local artisan shop too!
My top picks for where to shop:
- Watson & Lou – fun and quirky items made by local artisans throughout Canada. The shelves lined with everything from candles to stickers, and they sell gift boxes full of cool treasures.
- Statement House – this consignment shop has the coolest items, from vintage dresses and jewellery to one-of-a-kind statement pieces.
- The Neighbourhood Vintage – for a fun, colourful and youthful mix of clothing, this vintage shop has it all, including the decor to match.
Tip: Don’t forget to pack a reusable shopping tote!
Lunch at Sam’s Place
A great spot for lunch downtown is Sam’s Place. I loved this restaurant as soon as I entered. It has a retro diner feel and wrapping around the seating is a shelf full of fun and quirky vintage salt and pepper shakers.
On the menu is a mix of sandwiches, soups, salads, and sides. The best part is that they source their meats from a local butcher and even a few of their ‘Samwiches’ are named after the butcher and family.
Freshness is in every bite! Along with the local meat, their bread is preservative free, soups are handmade, and all of their sides are made daily. Plus, they source most things everything locally.
Need recommendations on what to order? My friend and I shared an ordered of the Mike Taylor and Italian Club, both were delicious!
Insider tip: If you’re looking where to park in downtown Peterborough, there’s a handy parking lot right next door to Sam’s.
Browse Bookshops
I’m a big reader and can’t resist a local bookshop! So, if you love bookstores too, then spend the afternoon browsing Peterborough’s bookshops.
I think By the Books PTBO is one of the best used bookstores in Ontario! This downtown shop has a huge and diverse selection of books. I found three books on my to-be-read list in my first few steps inside. Also, I love the owner’s excitement for the books, and knowledge of where everything was. The best part – the fun genre labels, like Stressful Reads (for books by authors like Stephen King and James Rollins).
Another must-visit is Take Cover, which is located in Peterborough’s East City neighbourhood. This independent bookstore has an interesting selection that ranges from new releases to classics. I also love the Trent Alumni shelf, with authors like Yann Martel and other authors that are Trent graduates. They also host various events, like author talks, signings and more.
Dinner at Capra Toro
There is a long list of great restaurants in Peterborough and Capra Toro is one of them. Serving up wood oven pizzas and other tasty Italian dishes, Capra Toro also has a friendly staff to help you choose what to eat and drink.
I loved the decor as soon as we entered! With a massive PASTA sign, quirky art as well as a blend of exposed brick and black walls, it was a vibe.
After sitting next to the pizza maker, we all couldn’t resist ordering pizzas. Watching him toss the dough and feed it into the wood-fired oven made it feel like dinner and a show.
What to order? I had the margherita, I can’t resist a classic pizza and it was delicious. But I also got to try the Rocco’s Pie, which had a mix of meats and spicy honey, it was also very tasty!
Insider tip: If you’re keen on this restaurant or another downtown one, be sure to make reservations when dining out on Saturday night to avoid having to scramble to find a place to eat.
What to do on Sunday
Coffee at Cork & Bean
Start your Sunday morning off right at the Cork & Bean. This iconic coffee shop downtown has a cool esthetic, with exposed brick walls blending with an industrial and modern interior. But it still has a cozy vibe.
Order up one of their coffees and an awesome baked good. Or if you’re feeling hungry, try one of their breakfast menu items, like the waffles.
Explore the Canadian Canoe Museum
A getaway to Peterborough isn’t complete without a visit to the Canadian Canoe Museum!
The museum features a collection of over 600 canoes and paddle-driven watercraft. But it’s so much more than a bunch of canoes! To me, it feels like a wonderful blend of history and art. Learn about the evolution of canoe culture and hear the stories from the people behind them.
One thing I love about the museum is that it offers numerous unique experiences. Throughout the year, they host a speaker series with different guests, various workshops like how to craft your own paddle, and guided tours. Plus, you can even jump aboard a Voyageur canoe and paddle the lake.
Insider tip: This summer, a must-visit temporary exhibit to check out is Canoe Perspectives. It includes a selection of pieces from the largest private collection of original Canadian art featuring the canoe, spanning nearly 200 years.
Lunch at Railyard Cafe
Going on the transportation theme, from the canoe museum head over to the Railyard Cafe for lunch.
Located in Peterborough’s East City neighbourhood, the restaurant pays homage to the area’s rich rail history. Next door to the restaurant is the Rotary Greenway Trail, which was built on the former railbed of the Cobourg and Peterborough Railway.
The Railyard Cafe is a great spot for brunch or lunch. The menu has all sorts of great options like sandwiches, pizzas, salads and more. I was craving a quick bite and ordered the Mac n’ Cheese Bites and they were delicious!
Perfect for the summer, they have a large patio that looks over the trail and would be a great spot to enjoy your lunch.
Hike the Nature Trails
If you’re looking for hiking trails in Peterborough, head over to the Nature Trails at Trent University’s Wildlife Sanctuary. This hidden gem is a short 10-minute drive from downtown and offers a quiet trail network.
There are 3 main trails starting from the main parking area, ranging from a short and easy roughly 2 km walk to a scenic nearly 4 km hike. Making it a place to go whether you want a quick nature stroll or a longer adventure.
It’s also an amazing spot for bird watching! I observed 24 different bird species along the Red Trail alone. With a diverse mix of ecosystems, from cedar forest to marsh, you’ll find a variety of species in the park.
Trail lengths:
- Red Trail – 1.9 km
- Yellow Trail – 2.6 km
- Blue Trail – 3.7 km
Visit Gardens Plus
Another hidden gem that’s near the trails is Gardens Plus. This enchanted garden centre makes for the perfect last stop on your weekend in Peterborough itinerary.
Gardens Plus is a short 10-minute drive from downtown and a favourite local spot to buy plants to bring home. They have a selection of Hosta, native plants, and other easy to care for perennials. As owner Dawn says, she wants you to ‘spend more time enjoying your garden and less time working in it.’
I loved following the trail from the driveway, that weaves through the garden and trees, and leads to the back greenhouses where all the wonderful plants are.
More Things to add to your Weekend in Peterborough
If you’re looking for more things to do during your weekend in Peterborough, I’ve got more amazing places to add to your itinerary.
Enjoy a Performance
Love live music? Then you need to enjoy a performance at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre!
Originally built as the city’s market hall, this iconic building in downtown Peterborough makes a statement with its clock tower. It’s now masterfully restored and home to a 350-seat venue that Chad, the CEO, says has ‘one of the best sound systems in the province.’
The Market Hall puts on shows by numerous artists, with emphasis not just on big names but talented local musicians too. One thing that is part of their ethos is offering memorable and authentic shows, for both the artist and audience alike.
Along with live music, they host the Peterborough film festival (ReFrame), live theatre performances and other community events.
Whether you’re looking for a fun night out, or a great alternative to a Toronto show, be sure to check out their list of upcoming shows. I have it on good authority that they host many of the same artists that play Massey Hall. So, you can enjoy the same great show without the crazy price tag.
Do a Lock Cruise
Running from mid-May through the middle of October, hopping aboard a Lock Cruise is one of the top things to do in Peterborough in the summer!
This 2-hour sightseeing cruise takes you out on Little Lake and through part of the iconic lock system that Peterborough is known for. Plus, you’ll be regaled with entertaining commentary along the way.
A staple attraction in the city, you can choose from one of three tours running daily in the summer. Tours depart at 10:30 am, 1 pm, and 3:30 pm in the summer.
Stroll Jackson Park
I’m always looking for the Trans Canada Trail when I’m travelling and when I found out that part of it went through Jackson Park, I knew I had to visit.
Jackson Park is a large green space in the heart of the city. It has shaded trails, which are perfect for summer strolls, a pond that’s a fun picnic spot, and a scenic bridge.
If you’re looking for a little outdoor recreation during your trip, the Jackson Creek Trail is ideal for walkers and cyclists. Don’t have a bike? You can rent a bike from Wild Rock Outfitters in downtown Peterborough. The trail, which is a section of city’s Trans Canada Trail, is an easy 4.5 km.
My favourite park highlight was the historic Pagoda Bridge. Situated at the southern end of the pond, it spans Jackson Creek. Originally built in 1895, it is definitely a gem to see.
Visit the Hutchison House
One of the hidden gems in Peterborough is the Hutchison House. Sitting minutes from downtown, it’s one of the oldest limestone houses in the city.
The museum gives you a peek inside what life was like in the 1800s in Ontario. And it’s one of the best places to explore history in Peterborough. Wander through the Victorian parlour, kitchen, and doctor’s study.
It was home to one of the town’s first doctors, John Hutchison. Even his cousin, engineer and inventor Sir Sandford Fleming, lived in the house briefly. You can see one of his original maps of Peterborough in his room.
For those visiting in July and August, you can book one of their Scottish Teas! This cozy experience pays homage to the ancestry of Hutchison and Fleming.
Where to Stay in Peterborough
Best Western Plus
On my recent trip I stayed at the Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn. Rooms are clean and spacious, and beds are comfortable. You’ll find a coffee maker, microwave and fridge in your room. Plus, the breakfast is included and features classic continental offerings as well as a couple of hot items.
Highlights include a pool and some rooms have a walkout patio that looks onto the Otonabee River. And it’s a short 20-minute walk to the Canadian Canoe Museum, with most of the way being part of the Trans Canada Trail.
Holiday Inn
On past trips I’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront. It has many of the same room amenities as well as two pools. While breakfast is a paid option, the hotel does has an on-site restaurant.
This is a great option if you’re looking to stay close to downtown Peterborough. It only takes a few minutes to walk into downtown, via George Street or along the Trans Canada Trail that runs behind the hotel and along the river. Plus, the Lock Cruise leaves from next door.
Disclaimer: This post was created in partnership with Peterborough Tourism, but as always, all opinions expressed are my own.
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