Discovering Waterfront Parks: Peterborough & Beyond

1. Beavermead Park, Peterborough

Nestled on the southeast shore of Little Lake, Beavermead Park spans over 50 acres of diverse recreational spaces—trails, playgrounds, a sandy beach, volleyball courts, outdoor fitness equipment, soccer fields, and a pavilion. It’s also home to Beavermead Campground, where kayaks and canoes can be rented via Otonabee Conservation. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy paddling on calm waters, using shelters for picnics, and playing sports throughout summer.

2. Del Crary Park, Peterborough

On Little Lake’s west shore, just a short walk from downtown, Del Crary Park is famed for its marina, stage, picnic tables, and green spaces. The iconic Peterborough Musicfest—a free summer concert series—draws roughly 110,000 attendees annually and brings $4.3 million into the region. The park hosts fireworks, dragon boat celebrations, Canada Day festivities, and more. Do note: dogs are restricted May–Oct (except service animals).

3. Jackson’s Creek Park, Peterborough

Tucked along Jackson Creek, this tranquil green space offers winding trails, bird-watching opportunities, and scenic picnic spots revered by locals. Budget-friendly dates and conversations suggest it’s “a nice spot if you don’t want to travel far” (reddit.com). The creek has played a defining role in Peterborough’s growth, with trails now being enhanced through the Jackson Creek Diversion project.

4. Millennium Park, Peterborough

Millennium Park sits along the Otonabee River and is a perfect complement to Little Lake’s waterfront attractions. It features a boathouse café, art installations, and connects the Trans Canada Trail to downtown. Relax by the river, enjoy seasonal canoe and kayak rentals, and meander through the butterfly garden and sculptures.

5. Lakefield Beach & Waterfront, 13 km North

A serene escape awaits at Lakefield Beach (65 Hague Boulevard), just a short Rotary Trail ride from Peterborough. The locals are investing in accessibility—launch upgrades and assistive equipment since mid-2024 . This welcoming spot offers swimming, boating, and a lakefront playground—with beach pavilion rentals available.

6. Lindsay Waterfront & Scugog River

Venturing to Lindsay, you’ll find waterfront treasures like:

• Logie Park: paddle sport dock, lookout, splash pad nearby

• Rivera Park: boat launch, playground, picnic spots and trails lining the Scugog River

• Paddling experiences: from historic downtown to wetlands, via routes like Lindsay Memorial Park → Lock 33 or woodland-to-wetland journeys

7. Kawartha Lakes: Hidden and Accessible Gems

Further afield in the region, discover:

• Squirrel Creek Conservation Area: beach, creek-side picnicking, and baseball diamonds (otonabeeconservation.com) 

• Sandy Lake & Quarry Bay Beaches: peaceful, sandy family-friendly shores (thekawarthas.ca)

• Buckhorn / Northey’s Bay: charming stops along the Trent–Severn Waterway, ideal for boating and scenic vistas

🌞 Tips & Tricks for Your Park Adventures

• Bring a paddle – canoe/kayak rentals are available at Beavermead, Millennium, Del Crary, Lindsay, and Lakefield.

• Plan for events – Musicfest, dragon boat races, fireworks, and festivals enliven the waterfront seasonally.

• Pack essentials – sunscreen, snacks, water shoes, insect repellent—and bring bags for your waste.

• Accessibility matters – Lakefield upgrades in progress; Lindsay’s parks and splash pads include barrier-free features

• Explore by bike or paddle – trails like Rotary Trail, Trans Canada Trail, and Rotary Trail to Lakefield are popular, with picturesque stops along waterways (reddit.com).

Your Waterfront Itinerary

From Peterborough’s bustling Little Lake hubs to Lakefield’s accessible charm, Lindsay’s paddling routes, and Kawartha Lakes’ hidden gems, there’s a perfect waterfront spot for every mood—be it an active day out, a romantic picnic, or a family festival outing. With summer in full swing, lace up your shoes, fill your water bottle, and set out to explore the region’s vibrant waterside treasures!