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. Choose one route or combine them to extend your trip. The routes were designed with one beginning where another one ends to make it easy to continue on to see even more of our area's beauty.
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. Download the basic map or explore individual routes for more detailed directions.
South Route
Route Colour: Orange
Communities: Omemee to Lindsay, through Bethany
Total Distance: 52 km
Total Driving Time: 53 minutes
South East Route
Route Colour: Green
Communities: Lindsay to Bobcaygeon Loop
Total Distance: 64 km
Total Driving Time: 52 minutes
North West Route
Route Colour: Pink
Communities: Lindsay to Fenelon Falls
Total Distance: 69 km
Total Driving Time: 58 minutes
North East Route
Route Colour: Purple
Communities: Fenelon Falls to Bobcaygeon, through Kinmount
Total Distance: 77 km
Total Driving Time: 68 minutes
Detailed Route Guides
Choose one or all routes and download the detailed guide for detailed driving directions, areas of interest, and tips for making the route your own.
Total Distance: 52 km
Ideal For: Combining a hike with your trip and driving through rolling hills and farmland views
Experience the colours of the season as you drive through rolling hills and the abundant farm fields of Kawartha Lakes. Begin in the small highway town of Omemee and head down towards Bethany, before looping back up and ending just outside of Lindsay. As you make your way back up toward Lindsay, stop at the end of Pigeon Creek Road for an amazing lookout experience.
Turn this into an adventurous trip by pairing it with a hike to the Fleetwood Creek Natural Area Lookout Trail or Emily Tract. At the end, hop on the Victoria Rail Trail for more scenic views or get back on HWY 7 and continue on with the South East Route up to Bobcaygeon.
Top Stop: Stop at the end of Pigeon Creek Road for an amazing look-out experience.
Total Distance: 64 km
Ideal For: Lakeviews, shopping, and a family outing with a stop in Kawartha Settlers' Village
Discover the beauty of the fall colours reflecting on the peaceful water as you make your way through the heart of Kawartha Lakes. Drive along the lakesides of Sturgeon and Pigeon Lakes, stopping in bustling Bobcaygeon for a bite to eat or a walk around the shops. Make it a fun-filled family trip by visiting Kawartha Settlers’ Village to experience what life was like for the pioneers in the Kawarthas. On your way back to Lindsay, take a moment in Verulam Park and beach, right on the edge of Sturgeon Lake to take pictures, stretch your legs, or enjoy an autumn lakeside picnic.
Finish your day with the Legends of Lore walking tour through historic downtown Lindsay or continue on the North West Route to experience the fall colours on Balsam and Cameron Lakes. The South East Route is filled with opportunities to experience the arts and culture of Kawartha Lakes with experiences for all ages to enjoy.
Top Stop: Stop at the Verulam Park where the views of the lake are beautiful in the fall.
Total Distance: 69 km
Ideal For: Off-highway driving to see the waterways and lake views - the best parts of Kawartha Lakes
Take the scenic route up around Balsam Lake from Lindsay to Fenelon Falls for the ultimate fall drive. With beautiful views of the waterways and lakes of the region, this route is one you don’t want to miss. Get off the main highways to see the lush trees, rich with colours of the season as you make your way north from Lindsay towards Kirkfield. Take some time under the canopy of mature trees at the St. Thomas Cemetary to stretch your legs before you continue on the drive.
Pass by the Balsam Lake Dry Stone Wall as you make your way around Balsam Lake and stop for a hike or picnic at one of the area’s Provincial Parks. Finish your trip with a walk through downtown Fenelon Falls or along the Garnet Graham Beach Park to get a view of the beautiful colours of the forests surrounding Cameron Lake
Top Stop: Stop at the St Thomas cemetary to indulge your senses with big trees and bigger colours.
Total Distance: 77 km
Ideal For: Experiencing the small-town charm of Kawartha Lakes with majority highway driving
Experience the small town charm of Kawartha Lakes with this scenic drive from Fenelon Falls, through Coboconk, around Shadow Lake to Kinmount, and back down to the Bobcaygeon area. Enjoy the scenery as you drive beside the lakes and waterways of the region and along the trails, forests, and nature reserves. Stop for a picnic or walk around the Kinmount Heritage Museum down the Burnt Riverside to the Austin Sawmill Heritage Park before heading back down toward Bobcaygeon.
Take a detour from Kinmount to Furnace Falls for a scenic stop or follow the Burnt River along the forests and farmlands to experience the beauty of the region in fall. Head into Bobcaygeon or finish the loop back in Fenelon Falls.
Top Stop: Stop at the Kinmount Heritage Museum along the river and walk to the Austin Sawmill.
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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