The transition into summer in the Kawarthas is like nature’s game of tug-of-war. As the sunshine heats the cool forest floor, pockets of warm spring air rise up, brush your face and provide encouragement as you hike along. All the while, winter’s last touch tugs at your heals. Summer will prevail. TheKawarthaExperience
Nature never ceases to amaze. Marvel for a moment. Just how long would it take to build this beaver dam by hand without tools? Creature wonders of the Kawarthas. TheKawarthaExperience
Atop the Bobcaygeon Bridge of Heroes, looking East beyond the narrows, the azure sky and waters of Pigeon Lake merge triumphantly. This is a significant vantage point in the Kawarthas, just as the town of Bobcaygeon holds a special place in the hearts of all those who experience it. TheKawarthaExperience
The spring sky might be grey, but the lake still sparkles when the bow of a boat cuts through it. Boating is back in the Kawarthas. TheKawarthaExperience
While out for a hike in the Kawartha Lakes region be prepared to be enamored. Deep in the woods you will be surrounded by nature’s creativity. It is rich, meaningful and symbolic. TheKawarthaExperience
Contrasting elements scattered across the forest floor signal spring is here. The Trilliums are back in the Kawartha Lakes region. TheKawarthaExperience
There is a special spot nestled atop a wooded hillside in Fenelon Falls. Between the trees, the beautiful waters of Cameron Lake can be seen and a moment of clarity can be found. With its unique natural features and rich heritage, Fenelon Falls truly is “The Jewel of the Kawarthas”. TheKawarthaExperience
As springtime arrives in the Kawarthas, ice capped lakes begin to melt. Sparkling reflections of moonlight dancing across the water return to illuminate the darkness of the forest. The intention of the region’s original Aboriginal name, Ka-wa-tha, meaning “land of reflections” is renewed. TheKawarthaExperience
There is an old saying some may be familiar with. It goes something like, “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts”. Being naturally curious, I looked up its origin and learned this phrase in its various forms can be credited to a philosopher named Aristotle. That said, the phrase implies that when individual pieces of something are combined, as a whole they offer considerably better qualities. To me this phrase fittingly describes all the interesting and unique places which together, come to define a Kawartha Lakes experience.
The Kawartha Lakes area is rich with character. It is a tapestry of rural communities surrounded by stunning natural beauty, stitched together by fresh water lakes big and small. It is a place unlike any other.
I have ventured through a number of areas in Ontario and beyond over the years. I can say that compared to other regions, there is an ever present “WELCOME” vibe here. It always feels like you are home, even if you are just passing through.
In an article published in the Lindsay Advocate a few years back (May 10, 2018) https://lindsayadvocate.ca/whats-in-a-name-kawartha-lakes-vs-kawarthas the author, Ian McKechnie discusses the history behind the Kawartha Lakes region. Here he reviews how the official name and geographical definition has changed overtime for political reasons.
Now speaking day to day, how folks refer to the area more often changes depending on one’s vantage point within the region or personal preference really. For example some will affectionately use a broader, more casual regional label “The Kawarthas”, while others defer to the formal municipal label “City of Kawartha Lakes” or even just “Kawartha Lakes” and so on.
I’d like to share a key idea which surfaced for me after reading McKechnie’s article. Be it a romanticized ideal or not as he notes. The one truly unifying characteristic, the sum of the region’s parts as it were, is the exceptionally down to earth spirit that can be found living at the heart of any Kawartha Lakes adventure. No matter the label or where you roam here. TheKawarthaExperience
There are so many different ways to find serenity outdoors. Say good-bye to winter fun though, new spring adventures are just around the corner. No matter the activity, get closer to nature, the spirit of the Kawarthas and yourself. TheKawarthaExperience
TheKawarthaExperience