The Township of North Kawartha is a rural setting covering approximately 765 square kilometers and is dotted with small hamlets. It has been described as a jewel of Central Ontario and a gateway to the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, Petroglyphs Provincial Park and unspoiled freshwater lakes. The rugged landscape, and breathtaking scenery make this area an exciting destination for cyclists, hikers, and paddlers of all ages.
The Great Trail
Do you need a break from the indoors? Looking for more than just a quick jaunt? Then these trails are for you! The world’s longest recreational trail - which runs 23,000 kilometers across Canada - runs right through Peterborough & the Kawarthas on its way to the Pacific coast, previously called the Trans Canada Trail, and now The Great Trail. More information can be found by clicking here
Kawartha Hiking Club
The Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association is an association of 9 member clubs, stewarding a 500 km trail, stretching from Port Hope (Lake Ontario) at the southern terminus, to Devil’s Glen (just south of the Blue Mountains) at the western terminus. The trail winds through rolling farmlands and woods, follows quiet country roads, and small towns and villages. These trails are used for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The hikes range from easy to moderate, and everyone (including families, novice hikers, nature lovers, and those curious about hiking) is invited to come along. The Kawartha Section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail runs from Omemee to Moore Falls in Haliburton. In 2018 The Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
Kawartha Land Trust
Kawartha Land Trust is conserving the natural environment and enhancing the quality of life in the Kawarthas by accepting donations of land and/or interests in land, and engaging the community in support of this work to ensure that these lands are cared for, in perpetuity. Our natural environment is our natural capital. It constantly pays us dividends in clean water, clean air, healthy communities and vibrant economies. We must protect our natural capital to ensure that the services nature provides are sustained.
KLT owns and protects 17 properties (some of which are publicly accessible), and hosts community engagement and volunteer events. KLT envisions a future where the Kawartha Region is characterized by natural spaces and corridors that support healthy and representative ecosystems and landscapes. This deeply-connected landscape is founded on a mix of privately and publicly protected lands, private land stewardship, and a supportive policy framework. Nature connection is a form of recreation. It doesn’t need a clubhouse or arena, but it does require an investment in protecting land.
Kawartha Nordic Ski Club
Groomed ski trails, including 46 km of classic cross country ski trails and 27 km of skate cross country trails are offered by the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club. Other notable features include: a 2 km lit trail for night skiing, a snowshoe trail following a 9 km loop through beautiful Canadian Shield terrain, and four picturesque trail-side cabins equipped with wood stoves and first-aid equipment. Patrolled on weekends by the Canadian Ski Patrol. Pay-and-Display day passes available at the trails and yearly memberships also available. Trail passes and equipment rentals available at the trail (or self-serve after-hours). Season passes also available.
Snowmobile Trails
Paudash Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club has just over 300 km of amazing trails extending from Gooderham to near Bancroft, and from just north of Apsley to the south end of Algonquin Park. Trails connect to other great trails going in every direction. Visit the Paudash Trailblazers Facebook page for more information.
The Stoney Lake Snoriders Snowmobile Club club maintains over 225 kms of some of Ontario's most beautiful trails from Stoney Lake in the South, to Apsley in the North. They connect to Paudash Snowmobile Club trails in the north, Havelock Snowmobile Club trails in the East and Old Hastings Snowmobile Club trails in the north east. Visit the Stoney Lake Snoriders Facebook page for more information.
The Paudash Trailblazers Snowmobile Club and The Stoney Lake Snoriders Snowmobile Club are listed with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) as part of District 2 (Central eastern Region). General information on Snowmobile trails may be obtained through the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.
The County of Peterborough Active Transportation Master Plan
The County of Peterborough Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) report provides an outline of a staged plan for programs, policies and projects which will promote Active Transportation (AT). AT is defined by the Public Health Agency of Canada to be: “any form of human-powered transportation (such as) walking. cycling, using a wheelchair, in-line skating or skateboarding.”
The ATMP Vision Statement: “To promote leadership and community partnerships that make the County of Peterborough and its lower tier municipalities healthy, prosperous and sustainable, with active transportation as a key component of a safe, accessible, integrated transportation system linking where we live, work and play.”
In partnership with area municipalities (including The Township of North Kawartha) and in consultation with area stakeholders, the study developed and reviewed potential programs, policies and projects to promote AT and safety throughout the County.
