If you’re planning to do your holiday shopping at a mall, big box store, or online this year, here are seven reasons why you might want to change your plans and shop in Downtown Peterborough instead.
1. Win up to $2,500 in Downtown Peterborough gift certificates
Starting today (November 16th) until Tuesday, January 5th, more than 100 businesses in Downtown Peterborough are participating in this year’s Holiday Shopping Passport program. See our interactive map and list of participating businesses.
Pick up a Passport booklet at one of the participating downtown businesses and, for every $10 you spend, the business will stamp a box in the passport.
Once you have 20 stamps (worth $200 in spending), your completed passport gets entered in one of four draws for gift certificates for businesses in Downtown Peterborough.
You can enter as many completed passports as you want — so the more you spend, the better your chances.
Three early bird draws, each for $500 in downtown gift certificates, will be held on Wednesdays in December (December 9th, 16th, and 23rd). A grand prize draw for $1,000 in downtown gift certificates, will be held on Wednesday, January 6th.
2. Find unique and meaningful gifts
With almost 150 businesses located in Downtown Peterborough, there are lots of choices for unique and meaningful gifts — especially for those hard-to-shop-for people on your list.
You can find vintage and cutting-edge fashion, antiques and collectibles, cheese and hand-made chocolate, artisan gifts, music, and much more.
You can also find gift certificates for downtown restaurants and personal services like beauty salons and spas — or perhaps a tattoo.
3. Finish all your shopping at once
With such a range and variety of businesses in Downtown Peterborough, you can find virtually everything you need within a few city blocks.
Whether you’re an organized shopper or a last-minute shopper, you can get all your shopping done in a single trip.
And if you’re not sure what to buy, walking the streets of Downtown Peterborough provides a perfect opportunity for lots of inspirational window-shopping.
4. Get great customer service
Businesses in Downtown Peterborough can offer a level of personal attention you won’t usually find online or when lost in the crowds of the malls or big box stores.
Staff can help you with any questions or special needs you have, whether it’s buying a gift or making a return. Often the owner of the business is in the store, stocking the shelves or working the cash register.
5. Take a relaxation break from shopping
With all the restaurants, cafes, and pubs in Downtown Peterborough, you have lots of options to take a much-needed break from shopping.
Enjoy a quick bite, a take-out lunch, or a sit-down dinner — or even a holiday drink or two (unless you’re driving, of course).
More than 20 cafes and restaurants are participating in the Holiday Shopping Passport program, so make sure you get your passport stamped when you pay for your meal.
6. Park for free for two hours and help a local charity
Beginning on “Black Friday” (November 27th) and continuing for the month of December, you can park for free for two hours in Downtown Peterborough.
The City of Peterborough will donate any money you put in the parking machines to Kawartha Food Share.
And, if you don’t drive, Downtown Peterborough is well served by public transportation, with the Peterborough Transit terminal located in the downtown core.
7. Shop local to strengthen the community
Last but not least, when you buy something at a business in Downtown Peterborough, you are supporting the local economy and strengthening the heart of Peterborough.
Not only do small businesses employ almost half of all Canadians, but most business owners in Downtown Peterborough also live here — so more of the money you spend at their businesses circulates back into the local economy.
Local businesses are more likely to buy local services and stock local products, supporting other local businesses. They also provide support and donations for local events, sports teams, and charitable causes.
Downtown Peterborough businesses participating in the Holiday Shopping Passport program
View a larger version of this map.
| Business | Address | Telephone | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Hair Salon | 171 King St., Peterborough K9J 2R8 | 705-742-9092 | Beauty, Salons & Spas |
| Alypsis Inc. | 191 Hunter St., Peterborough K9H 2L1 | 705-749-1894 | Furniture, Décor & Housewares |
| Angela Mark | 231 King St., Peterborough K9J 2R8 | 705-742-7315 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Avant-Garden Shop | 165 Sherbrooke St., Peterborough K9J 2N2 | 705-743-0068 | Flowers & Gardening |
| Banana Service | 205 Sherbrooke St., Peterborough K9J 2N2 | 705-957-2657 | Specialty |
| BioPed | 445 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R6 | 705-743-1447 | Health & Fitness |
| Boater's World | 190 George St. N., Peterborough K9J 3G6 | 705-745-3029 | Specialty |
| Books n' Things | 372 Water St., Peterborough K9H 3L6 | 705-876-0944 | Music & Bookstores |
| Brant Basics | 296 George St. N., Peterborough K9J 3H2 | 705-748-2291 | Specialty |
| BrickHouse Grill and Bar | 123 Simcoe St., Peterborough K9H 2H3 | 705-874-7474 | Restaurants |
| Brio Gusto | 182 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9H 3P9 | 705-745-6100 | Restaurants |
| Burgandy's Hair Salon | 154 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 7L4 | 705-876-1266 | Beauty, Salons & Spas |
| By The Bridge | 382 Water St., Peterborough K9H 3L6 | 705-775-5050 | Restaurants |
| Cahill's | 134 Hunter St. W., Peterborough K9H 2K8 | 705-745-5245 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Canadian Lease Abstractor | 459 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R6 | 1-888-226-2568 | Business Services |
| Charlotte Anne's Restaurant | 390 Queen St., Peterborough K9H 3J6 | 705-742-2944 | Restaurants |
| Charlotte Jewelers Ltd. | 341 George St. N., Peterborough K9J 3P9 | 705-743-3551 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Charlotte's Web | 180 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-749-9470 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Christensen Fine Art | 432 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R5 | 705-876-9623 | Art Galleries |
| Chumleighs | 339 George St. N, Peterborough K9H 3P9 | 705-876-0255 | Specialty |
| Cottage Toys | 180 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-741-2150 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Curated | 203 Simcoe St., Peterborough K9H 2H6 | 705-917-3630 | Antiques & Collectables |
| Curry Village | 306 George St. N. , Peterborough K9J 8B6 | 705-742-1432 | Restaurants |
| Custom Copy | 171 King St., Peterborough K9J 2R8 | 705-743-8700 | Business Services |
| Dan Joyce's | 87 Hunter St. W, Peterborough K9H 2K5 | 705-743-8131 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| DoDo | 404 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R5 | 705-748-3636 | Cafés & Coffee Houses |
| Dohjo Muay Thai | 304 George St. N., Suite 201, Peterborough K9J 3H3 | 705-931-2011 | Studios & Schools |
| Dolce Vita | 413 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R4 | 705-743-3339 | Restaurants |
| Dreams of Beans | 138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough K9H 2K8 | 705-742-2406 | Cafés & Coffee Houses |
| Earth Food Store | 406-1/2 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R5 | 705-740-2313 | Health & Fitness |
| Elderberry Clinic | 190 Charlotte St., Unit K, Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-740-2054 | Health & Fitness |
| Electric City Gardens | 373 Queen St., Peterborough K9H 3J7 | 705-749-1909 | Restaurants |
| Elements | 140 King St., Peterborough K9J 7Z8 | 705-876-1116 | Restaurants |
| Flavour | 383 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R2 | 705-741-0016 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Fontaine Source For Sports | 384 Queen St., Peterborough K9H 3J6 | 705-742-0511 | Sporting Goods |
| Frame It For U | 426 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R4 | 705-748-2951 | Furniture, Décor & Housewares |
| Freshii | 234 Hunter St. W., Peterborough K9H 3V9 | 705-874-3532 | Restaurants |
| Gentry Apparel | 377 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R2 | 705-743-9242 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Glow Maternity Studio & Apparel | 188 Hunter St. W., Unit 10, Peterborough K9H 2L1 | 705-775-4569 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Green Street | 237 George St. N., Peterborough K9J 3G7 | 705-775-4545 | Transportation |
| GreenUp | 378 Aylmer St., Peterborough K9H 3V8 | 705-745-3238 | Specialty |
| Hi Ho Silver | 392 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R3 | 705-742-8903 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Hobie's Sports Ltd. | 186-1/2 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-745-7770 | Sporting Goods |
| Hock Shop | 409 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R4 | 705-741-2274 | Specialty |
| Iceman Games | 390 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R3 | 705-775-3666 | Toy & Hobby |
| Island Cream Caribbean Cuisine | 227 Hunter St., Peterborough K9H 2L1 | 705-743-8398 | Restaurants |
| Jack's Hot Spot | 395 Water St., Peterborough K9H 3L7 | 705-775-5225 | Toy & Hobby |
| John Roberts Clothiers | 321 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 6Z4 | 705-748-5212 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| K & C Costumes | 364 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R3 | 705-748-3524 | Specialty |
| Kawartha Candle Company | 196 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-743-0366 | Furniture, Décor & Housewares |
| Kingan Home Hardware | 167 Simcoe St., Peterborough K9H 2H6 | 705-745-7963 | Specialty |
| Knock on Wood and More | 440 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R5 | 705-749-3150 | Furniture, Décor & Housewares |
| Lakeshore Designs | 427 George St., Peterborough K9H 3R4 | 705-748-3875 | Furniture, Décor & Housewares |
| Larry Electric Motor Service Ltd. | 164 Sherbrooke St., Peterborough K9J 2N3 | 705-743-3167 | Specialty |
| Laurie Jones and Company | 165 Sherbrooke St., Peterborough K9J 2N3 | 705-748-5000 | Beauty, Salons & Spas |
| Lili's Convenience | 232 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-876-8838 | Grocery & Convenience |
| Master Hair Cutters | 349 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3P9 | 705-876-9939 | Beauty, Salons & Spas |
| Mind Over Matter Tattoos & Body Piercing | 230 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-743-1191 | Specialty |
| Minh's Chinese Groceries | 430 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R5 | 705-748-4264 | Grocery & Convenience |
| Moondance | 435 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R4 | 705-742-9425 | Music & Bookstores |
| Mountain Beauty Supply | 424 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R5 | 705-742-6551 | Beauty, Salons & Spas |
| My Left Breast | 203 Simcoe St. #3, Peterborough K9H 2H6 | 705-876-3333 | Specialty |
| Natas Cafe | 376 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R3 | 705-745-2233 | Cafés & Coffee Houses |
| Needles in the Hay | 385 Water St., Peterborough K9H 3L7 | 705-740-0667 | Specialty |
| Needleworks | 186 George St. N., Peterborough K9J 3G5 | 705-742-3337 | Specialty |
| Nielsens Watches & Jewellery | 406 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R5 | 705-742-9881 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Pammett's Flowers | 208 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-742-5093 | Flowers & Gardening |
| Pensieri Shoes | 373 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R2 | 705-876-9558 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Peterborough Inn & Suites Hotel | 312 George St., Peterborough K9H 3H2 | 1-866-446-4451 | Hotels |
| Peterborough Photo Service | 188 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-742-2062 | Photography & Studios |
| Pettigrew Spa | 224 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-745-0889 | Beauty, Salons & Spas |
| Pipe Dreamz | 416 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R5 | 705-749-3070 | Specialty |
| Pita Pit | 347 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3P9 | 705-745-9119 | Restaurants |
| Plush Boutique | 384 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 2H6 | 705-741-1812 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Publican House Brewery | 300 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2V5 | 705-874-5743 | Liquor, Wine & Beer |
| RADIANT Boutique | 194 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 5G9 | 705-775-2194 | Beauty, Salons & Spas |
| Red Stone Nail Salon | 174 Charlotte St., Unit D, Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-742-2525 | Beauty, Salons & Spas |
| Runner's life | 174 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-876-8960 | Sporting Goods |
| Sam's Place | 188 Hunter St., Peterborough K9H 2L2 | 705-876-1900 | Restaurants |
| Sarges Army Surplus | 291 George St. N, Peterborough K9J 3H3 | 705-741-0811 | Specialty |
| Save Our Soles | 388 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R3 | 705-741-1812 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Shish-Kabob Hut | 220 King St., Peterborough K9J 7T4 | 705-745-3260 | Restaurants |
| Simple | 370 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 2H6 | 705-740-0443 | Specialty |
| Simply Delicious Bistro and Bakery | 191 Charlotte St. Peterborough K9J 2T7 | 705-874-2489 | Cafés & Coffee Houses |
| T-Elle Boutique | 351 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3P9 | 705-743-5305 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| The Art School of Peterborough | 178A Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-742-3221 | Studios & Schools |
| The Cheese Shop | 158 Brock St., Peterborough K9H 2P4 | 705-745-9221 | Specialty |
| The Guitar Boutique | 182 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9H 3P9 | 705-740-0080 | Music & Bookstores |
| The Nutty Chocolatier | 345 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3P9 | 705-740-1780 | Specialty |
| The Pasta Shop | 165 Sherbrooke St., Peterborough K9J 2N2 | 705-745-6080 | Restaurants |
| The Tankhouse Pub and Restaurant | 295 George St. N., Peterborough K9J 3H3 | 705-743-2717 | Restaurants |
| The Toy Shop | 176 Hunter St. West, Peterborough K9H 2L2 | 705-742-6294 | Toy & Hobby |
| The Whistle Stop Cafe | 141 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T6 | 705-740-2036 | Restaurants |
| Thin City Longboard | 410 George St. N.,Peterborough K9H 3R5 | 705-775-5664 | Sporting Goods |
| Things from Mom's Basement | 192 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T8 | 705-874-0885 | Antiques & Collectables |
| Tonic Hair Studio | 446 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R7 | 705-748-4608 | Beauty, Salons & Spas |
| Tribal Voices | 179 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T7 | 705-876-7714 | Furniture, Décor & Housewares |
| Turnbull Cafe | 170 Simcoe St., Peterborough K9H 2H7 | 705-775-2233 | Cafés & Coffee Houses |
| Under One Sun | 386 George St. N., Peterborough K9H 3R3 | 705-868-2339 | Clothing, Footwear & Accessories |
| Villa Auto Wash | 422 Aylmer St., Peterborough K9H 3W1 | 705-745-4334 | Transportation |
| WildRock | 169 Charlotte St., Peterborough K9J 2T7 | 705-745-9133 | Sporting Goods |
| YoYo's Yogurt Cafe | 188 Hunter St. W., Unit 8, Peterborough K9H 2L2 | 705-742-0707 | Cafés & Coffee Houses |
