Explore Apsley

This sweet town has charmed many cottagers and enticed them back summer after summer. Its stores always carry more than you would expect, surprising sshoppers with a vast selection of gifts, treasures for children and creativity pieces that you never expect in a small town.

This has become an even more popular stop over the years, thanks to the opening of Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. Its dramatic stone cliffs, array of hiking trails and breath-taking paddling routes have earned this area thousands of new fans. 

Novices can begin on the Serpentine Loop in the northeast corner of the park. It opens your eyes to great fishing, nice swimming spots and a chance to see water birds and beavers close up. There are 25 back-country campsites along this route alone. You start at Anstruther Lake and carry on through Rathburn, North Rathburn and Serpentine Lakes. Alternative routes will take you to Copper Lake, Anderson Lake or scenic Rock Lake. Book your campsite in advance if you are going overnight.

The Southern Ponds, Long Loop and Sucker Lake routes are also worth a try. Find out details on the list of 10 Signature Paddling Routes published by Peterborough Kawarthas Tourism.

Another worthwhile outdoor adventure is time spent at The Gut Conservation Area. Watch for signs off Hwy. 504, although they can be tricky to find.

This 400-acre site is worth the search. Pack good walking shoes or boots for the trails and a stairway down to the gorge, plus the lookout. The namesake Gut is a large breath-taking gorge carved out by the Crowe River. The fissure is 30 metres high and five to 10 metres wide.

Treats & Eats

• Swiss Bear Restaurant & Bakery

Things to do

• Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park
• The Gut Conservation Area
• Marvel Rapids Golf Course
• Owenbrook Golf Course
• The Land Canadian Adventures

Where to Stay

• Apsley Inn & Restaurant
• OYO Hotel Apsley
• Long Lake Cottages & 
• Trailer Park
• Harbour Ridge Cottages