Spend less time planning and more time exploring by choosing one of our favourite Kawartha Lakes scenic drives as a starting point to experiencing this beautiful region.
Touring the rural routes in Kawartha Lakes is a great way to get off the highway and see what makes us so special. Be sure to stop into our many country stores, farm stands and cafes – meet the locals and share your stories.
Combined with our Arts & Heritage Trail and the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour the Kawartha Lakes scenic drives create an experience to remember.
Discover our Pre-Planned Routes
Our 4 scenic drives in Kawartha Lakes each feature a spectacular stretch of vibrant colours, breathtaking views and unexpected hidden gems along the way.
Every route is different, so drive, cycle, or ride as many as you can.
By following one of our pre-planned routes, you get the most out of your experience. We take you through the many communities that make up Kawartha Lakes, recommend stops at our top attractions along the way, and introduce new and exciting things to see and do on the way.
Plain Historic
Route Colour: Purple
Communities: Lindsay to Kirkfield to Sebright
Total Distance: 156 km loop
Lovely Lakesides
Route Colour: Red
Communities: Lindsay to Bobcaygeon to Fenelon Falls
Total Distance: 72.4 km
Farm to Shield
Route Colour: Orange
Communities: Bobcaygeon to Kinmount to Norland to Coboconk to Rosedale
Total Distance: 62.2 km
Rolling Hills
Route Colour: Green
Communities: Omemee to Bethany to Lindsay
Total Distance: 57.7 km
PLAIN HISTORIC (Purple Route)
Communities: Lindsay to Kirkfield to Sebright
Total Distance: 156 km loop
This loop starts and ends in the bustling village of Lindsay with lots of dining, shopping and attractions to choose from. It takes you into the northwest region of Kawartha Lakes past rich farms bordered by ancient trees, along the Cardan Alvar Important Bird Area and through delightful villages dotted with bake shops and artisan studios.
Points of Interest:
- Kirkfield Lift Lock – On the Trent-Severn Waterway, Lock 36 is the second highest hydraulic lift lock in the world.
- Quaker Oaks Farm – Stop in for their famous stuffed olives and to explore the farm and store, truly a hidden gem in Kawartha Lakes.
- Balsam Lake Stone Walls – 3km of stone walls commissioned by George Laidlaw (1828 – 1889).
LOVELY LAKESIDES (Red Route)
Communities: Lindsay to Bobcaygeon to Fenelon Falls
Total Distance: 72.4 km
This lakeside scenic drive is not a loop; you will need to double back to return to the start or stop off the route where ever you choose. This drive brings you to the towns of Lindsay, Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls where you will find endless places to explore including museums, dining and shopping. Be sure to stop for Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream along this route for an authentic taste of Kawartha Lakes.
Points of Interest:
- Sturgeon Point Church – This historic site is remarkable and with its unique octagonal design, it is a must see.
- Lakeview Arts Barn – Home of the Globus Theatre, situated outside the village of Bobcaygeon offering memorable entertainment and experiences.
- Lindsay’s Old Mill – Steeped in history, the Mill at Old Mill Park in the town of Lindsay is a great site for a stroll along the river and picnic.
FARM TO SHIELD (Orange Route)
Communities: Bobcaygeon to Kinmount to Norland to Coboconk to Rosedale
Total Distance: 62.2 km
This drive in the northeastern corner of Kawartha Lakes brings you back to nature and our agricultural heritage. The increasingly frequent outcroppings of rock on County Road 49 signify the end of the fertile farmland to the south. In fall, stands of scarlet maples, yellow poplars, rusty oaks and green cedars make this drive especially lovely. When you reach the village of Norland, watch for a sign on Hwy 35 for Elliot Falls, the perfect site for a picnic.
Points of Interest:
- Austin Sawmill and Train Museum – A must see attraction in the village of Kinmount.
- Canada’s Fresh Water Summit – Canada’s highest body of fresh water from which one can circumnavigate the world.
- NatureCures – Nature experience and farm fresh destination.
ROLLING HILLS (Green Route)
Communities: Omemee to Bethany to Lindsay drive
Total Distance: 57.7 km
This route allows you to explore the Southern region of Kawartha Lakes through the stunning Bethany hills. Ski Hill road takes you past the Cham Shan Temple site where the largest Buddhist Temple outside of China will be constructed and then to Devil’s Elbow Ski and Snowboard Area a winter favourite in Kawartha Lakes. Explore the village of Bethany and the old stone houses along the way, finishing the route with a stop at Doube’s Trestle Bridge on the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail.
Points of Interest:
- Doube’s Trestle Bridge – Remarkable sightseeing opportunities for trail users on the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail.
- Williams Design Studio – Visit the secret garden, explore the studio and meet the artisans.
- Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden Site (Cham Shan Temple) – Future site of the largest Buddhist temple complex outside of China, currently under construction.
Explore more in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes is home to a vibrant arts, culture and heritage community. We offer a wide variety of heritage buildings, historic sites, museums, theatres and galleries. Our villages are home to many talented artists, musicians and performers.
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