Four Travellers. One Destination. Infinite Holiday Magic. 

There’s something special about the holiday season in The Kawarthas – the air feels crisper, the lakes shimmer with frost, and small-town streets glow under twinkling lights. It’s a place where the pace slows, connections deepen, and supporting local comes naturally. Whether you crave cozy simplicity, snowy adventure, mindful family travel, or cultural discovery, The Kawarthas offers days of holiday delight. Here are four festive itineraries to inspire your winter visit and remind you that the best gifts come from close to home.

For the Simplicity Lovers 

If your ideal holiday is all about cozy comforts, timeless charm, and savouring every moment, The Kawarthas is your perfect retreat.

Begin your day in Lakefield at Sunshrine Day Spa & Salon, where the soothing atmosphere warms both body and soul. Gift that special someone the perfect set of organic skincare products or plan that much-needed spa date, to reconnect.

Then, settle in at Chemong Lodge, a historic dining spot that’s as cozy as it is delicious. From their famed Sunday brunches to globally inspired Supper Club dinners, every meal is a celebration of community, comfort, and flavour.

As evening sets in, check in at The Village Inn, celebrating 20 years of welcoming guests (and pets) to the heart of Lakefield. Blending modern comfort with country charm, The Village Inn feels like home the moment you arrive. Enjoy a restful night in their cozy suites with a whirlpool tub and fireplace, wake to a continental breakfast in their newly renovated breakfast room, and take a morning stroll through the village streets.

For the Outdoor Explorers 

For those who find magic in the crunch of snow underfoot and the thrill of a trail ahead, The Kawarthas transforms into a winter playground.

Start your day at Kawartha Nordic, where more than 80 kilometres of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails weave through the forests of North Kawartha. Stop in at the chalet, where rental skis, snowshoes, and fat bikes await.

Between adventures, stop in at The Nutty Bean Café in downtown Lakefield – a beloved local hub where fair-trade coffee and homemade soups warm you from the inside out. Grab a bag of their beans for the coffee lover on your list.

When it’s time to rest, retreat to Honey Cove, a private glamping getaway nestled on a fourth-generation farm. Curl up by the fire, wander the trails, or create your own farm-to-table feast with one of their curated local food baskets. It’s the perfect place for rustic winter adventures, a reminder that some of the best gifts come wrapped in fresh air and starlight.

For the Purpose Driven 

Travel means more when it connects you to something bigger! The Kawarthas offers opportunities to connect with people, place, and purpose while making memories.

Begin your day at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, a registered charity that rescues and rehabilitates Ontario’s native turtles. Explore their education centre, meet ambassador turtles, and consider making a donation in a loved one’s name as a special holiday gift.

For lunch, stop at Wildflower Bakery, where the scent of freshly baked organic sourdough and pastries fills the air. Enjoy your meal with a cup of European-style hot chocolate, surrounded by local art and friendly faces.

Continue your journey to Elmhirst’s Resort on Rice Lake. This GreenStep Platinum-certified resort offers cozy lakeside cottages with countless ways to unwind. Enjoy dinner at their restaurants featuring ingredients grown onsite, relax by the bonfire, skate on the frozen lake, and reflect on a day filled with purpose, while knowing that your stay is sustainable.

For the Culture Seekers 

For those who travel to learn, connect, and be inspired, The Kawarthas offers a holiday rich in stories.

Begin your journey at the Whetung Ojibwa Centre in Curve Lake First Nation – a cultural landmark celebrating 50 years of sharing Indigenous art, crafts, and history. Wander the galleries, discover handmade treasures, and take a moment to learn, listen, and reflect.

Next, indulge in dinner at Cassis Bistro, where locally sourced ingredients meet French-inspired flair, tucked into a cozy corner of Lakefield. A softly lit meal here with Coquille Saint Jacques or Rainbow Trout Almondine makes for a memorable evening, or perhaps a gifted experience to share with someone special.

End your day at Shambhala Bed & Breakfast, a peaceful retreat surrounded by 44 acres of trails, ponds, and forest. After a restful night and a farm-fresh breakfast, admire the collection of art housed here, gathered from across the globe, and engage in fascinating conversation with your hosts.

A Season for Local Connections 

This holiday season, let The Kawarthas inspire you to shop local, support local, and visit local. From lakeside inns and bustling cafés to Indigenous art galleries and farm-to-table feasts, every stop tells a story, and every purchase supports the community that makes this region shine.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, you’ll leave with more than memories – you’ll carry the warmth of a place that always feels like home for the holidays.

Submitted By: Ryley Gutoskie,
The Kawarthas Tourism
www.thekawarthas.ca
Photo credits: The Kawarthas Tourism