Lakefield
Along the shores of the Trent-Severn Waterway, Lakefield offers a gentle pace and friendly locals
The Lakefield area is alive with events, shops and eateries, offering something for everyone. Immerse yourself in local culture at a festival, feast on home-grown cuisine, birdwatch at Imagine the Marsh—and more.
This kiosks offers recommendations close to this community, many within walking distance. Use the links below to find attractions and amenities near you. Browse the Explore Further section or ask tourism centre staff for recommendations from the wider region.
TOP THINGS TO DO
WANDERLIGHT ALPACA EXPERIENCE
There’s something magical about alpacas, and you’ll learn exactly why when you visit Wanderlight. Book a private tour and get a chance to learn more about these amazing animals, or visit wanderlightalpaca.ca and keep an eye out for unique special events.
Address: 874 Lynch’s Rock Road
STROLL, SHOP, AND SOAK UP SMALL TOWN CHARM
Lakefield, a picturesque village in The Kawarthas, offers the perfect blend of outdoor activities and small-town charm. This destination is the ideal escape for those seeking tranquility and charm along the Otonabee River.
Stroll through its historic downtown, pick up a sweet treat at The Chocolate Rabbit and Enticing Cakes Bakery, browse the shelves of Happenstance Books & Yarn, fill your table with fresh produce from the Lakefield Farmers’ Market, or pick up a little something for the cottage at Cottage Toys. With its unique shops and vibrant community events, Lakefield has some of the best small-town magic in The Kawarthas.
Address: 289 Caves Road
BIKE THE LAKEFIELD TRAIL AND THE ROTARY GREENWAY TRAIL
Riding the quiet trails around Lakefield is the perfect way to explore the area. If you’re arriving without a bike, not to worry: just use the Selwyn Township Bike Share program. It’s only $5 for for 4 hours of riding time, and $10 will cover the entire day. Pick up your wheels from the Lakefield Marina at 1 Water Street.
Check the Explore the Outdoors section of this page for trail suggestions.
EXPLORE BY KAYAK OR CANOE
If travelling by water is more your speed, kayak and canoe rentals are readily available too.
Pick up your rental from the Lakefield Campground (65 Hague Boulevard) courtesy of Otonabee Conservation and paddle the Otonabee River and Katchewanooka Lake. The Lakefield Marsh is home to fascinating biological diversity, and visiting by paddle power provides a unique vantage point.
There’s plenty more fun to be had in the Lakefield area—just scan the QR code below to browse more listings.
Where to Eat
| Canoe and Paddle: 18 Bridge St |
| Cheeky Duck Vineyard: 1786 Youngs Point Rd |
| Hobart’s Lighthouse: 2281 Mccrackens Landing Rd |
| Cassis Bistro: 27 Queen St |
| Jack’s Family Restaurant: 1 Strickland St |
| Lakefield Restaurant: 107 Queen St |
| The Loon: 150 Queen St |
| The Nutty Bean Cafe: 33 Queen St |
Explore the outdoors
Lakefield Beach & Playground
The sandy beach and playground are perfect for summertime fun, making this a top destination for local families as well as travellers.
A short walk around the peninsula will bring you to the Imagine the Marsh lookout, where you’ll get a quiet view of the wildlife from the Doug Sadler Viewing Tower.
Access Point: 65 Hague Boulevard
Isabel Morris Park/Selwyn Skateboard Park
Just across the water from Lakefield Beach, Isabel Morris Park is central to the village and a popular spot for picnics and community activities. Skateboarders can also enjoy the nearby facilities at Selwyn Skateboard Park.
Access Point: 20 Concession Street
The Lakefield Trail
The Lakefield Trail is a 8.5 km trail which, after meandering through the Village, connects to the Trans-Canada Trail via the Rotary Greenway Trail. All sections of the this multi-use trail are fully accessible with historical interpretive signs that take you back in time, as they tell the story of Lakefield’s notable literary past and canoe building heritage.
Cyclists or ambitious walkers can take the trail further south, following the Otonabee River to Trent University and Peterborough.
For more information, visit lakefieldtrail.ca.
Access Point: (multiple locations; easily accessed via Water Street)
Imagine the Marsh Conservation Area
A lookout tower provides the ideal view across Katchewanooka Lake. Visitors here can both enjoy the tranquility of the marsh and learn about the important ecological function wetlands play.
Access Point: D’Eyncourt St
Selwyn Beach Conservation Area
This conservation area on the northeast shore of Chemong Lake is best known for its excellent swimming, provided by a gently sloping sandy beach. It also offers a boat launch and docking facility, a large picnic shelter, group camping area, and hiking trails.
For more information, visit otonabeeconservation.com.
Access Point: 2251 Birch Island Road
More outdoor adventures:
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Lakefield Literary Festival
The Lakefield Literary Festival brings top authors from around the country for a two-day celebration of the literary arts. The festival runs July 18 and 19 in 2025.
Visit lakefieldliteraryfestival.com for more info.
Address: Isabel Morris Park, 20 Concession St
Lakefield Jazz Festival
The Lakefield Jazz Art Craft Festival invites you, your friends and family to come to a breezy day of outdoor summer living beside Lakefield’s scenic Otonabee River, to enjoy a wide variety of Jazz music, colourful works for sale by artisans and crafters, local food and beverage vendors!
Address: Isabel Morris Park, 20 Concession St
Leahys Farm & Market
For over 45 years, the Leahy family has run a landmark farmstand on their farm right outside the bustling village of Lakefield. Take your time to enjoy all the wonderful colours and smells of local produce and baked treats. Have a seat in their picnic area to nibble on a butter tart and enjoy live music al fresca. In the autumn, traverse their corn maze and pick your perfect pumpkin right from the field.
Visit www.leahysfarmandmarket.ca for more information.
Address: 3267 Hwy 28
McLean Berry Farm
McLean Berry Farm is a family-owned and operated strawberry and vegetable farm located in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes Area of southern Ontario. Special events and hours vary by season—visit mcleanberryfarm.com for details.
Address: 2191 16 Line
Lock 26 and the Lakefield Marina
Only a 10 minute walk from charming downtown Lakefield, Lock 26 is a must-see spot boaters, cyclists, and drivers alike. For over 100 years, this lock station has been lifting a variety of watercraft over 16 feet, so that they may continue their journey along the historic Trent-Severn Waterway. Further upstream, the Lakefield Marina provides a perfect spot rent a bike, pick up a snack, grab a map of the Trent-Severn Waterway, and depart your vessel to explore Lakefield.
Lock 26: 14 Hill St
Lakefield Marina: 1 Water St
Visitor Services
The Kawarthas Tourism Info Hub
Located in the heart of downtown Lakefield, The Kawarthas Tourism welcomes you to their regional Info Hub – where you will find maps and regional guides, washrooms, and knowledgeable tourism advisors who are ready to help! We are pet-friendly and offer water for your furry friends.
2025 Season Hours:
- Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
- Open on Saturdays starting June 28th, 2025
- We are closed for stat holidays
Address: 12 Queen St
Lakefield Marina
An excellent resource for boaters along the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Lakefield Marina offers wifi, full-service slips, showers and washrooms, and more. Cyclists looking to access the bike share program can also find bicycles for rent here.
Address: 1 Water St
Lakefield Library
The Lakefield Library is a centrally located community resource and a link to town’s literary history. It’s also home to the SPL Makerspace, which provides education and resources to encourage the creative use of technology. Visitors are free to pop in and use the water bottle filling station.
Address: 8 Queen St
Explore Further
Communities throughout Kawarthas Northumberland welcome visitors to experience their top attractions, local businesses, and natural beauty. Visit the Itineraries page to help plan your visit.
View Regional Itineraries
BOBCAYGEON
CAMPBELLFORD
Fenelon Falls
Lindsay
Buckhorn
City of Peterborough
Hastings
Explore Further
Scan the QR code below to visit the local tourism site from you own device.