Peterborough: Trails, Art and the Trent-Severn Waterway

Peterborough is the largest urban centre on the Trent-Severn Waterway, a National Historic Site of Canada. The city offers different focuses for a stay: trails through Peterborough, contemporary art, museums and the waterway. If you’re looking for a hotel in Peterborough, you can use these themes as a starting point for planning your time in the area.

Compare trails by length and route

The section of the Trans Canada Trail, also known as The Great Trail, within the city of Peterborough is 10 kilometres long and runs east to west through the city. The Rotary Greenway Trail also covers 10 kilometres within Peterborough and runs from Little Lake north to Trent University, then along the Otonabee River to Lakefield. The 10-kilometre figure refers to the section within Peterborough; the route continues beyond it to Lakefield.

The Parkway Trail is 4 kilometres long and connects Jackson Park with Riverview Park & Zoo. The Crawford Trail covers 2 kilometres and is in the south of Peterborough. Based on the stated lengths, the Parkway Trail is twice as long as the Crawford Trail. It also connects two named destinations, while the Crawford Trail is distinguished by its location in the south. Together with the two 10-kilometre city sections, these trails offer a comparison of different lengths and routes.

Trail lengths may change as a result of future trail work, and connections may also evolve through projects. Check current route information before planning.

Experience the Trent-Severn Waterway

From Peterborough, you can experience the Trent-Severn Waterway on the water or on land. Options on land include scenic waterfront trails, parks and local beaches. When planning, you can choose between the waterway itself and the waterfront areas with their trails, parks and beaches. This perspective on the water and shoreline complements the city trails with a distinct landscape experience.

Art, museums and collections

The Art Gallery of Peterborough is a public gallery of contemporary art in Peterborough, Ontario. It presents exhibitions, events and programs year-round. If a particular offering is important to your trip, check current dates, as the program changes over time.

The Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough preserves the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and human-powered watercraft. For travellers interested in the vessels as well as the waterway, the collection offers a distinct thematic focus.

The Peterborough Museum & Archives offers exhibitions and events year-round. The institution accepts group bookings for guided tours. If a tour like this is part of your plans, take the group booking into account as you prepare for your visit.

Animals at Riverview Park & Zoo

More than 150 animals representing over 40 species live at Riverview Park & Zoo in Peterborough. The Otter Exhibit has two pools, a waterfall and a slide, as well as outdoor areas where the animals can move around, play and hide. The exhibit’s features may change; check current information before your visit.

For the broader travel overview: Peterborough County.