In central Peterborough County, all sorts of hidden rural treasures can be found by following the winding roads through the farmland, drumlins, and diverse landscapes of the Township of Douro-Dummer. It’s said that “all roads lead to Douro” and, with the township’s Irish roots, those roads have some stories to tell.
This year, people from near and far are visiting the community of Douro to mark the 200-year anniversary of the arrival of 60 Irish settler families to the region in 1825, with many descendants of these families still residing in the area today.
Along with the township’s rich culture and heritage, the dramatic formations of the Warsaw Caves, the serene Indian River, and Clear Lake and Stoney Lake along the Trent-Severn Waterway are a few of the attractions that draw visitors back to Douro-Dummer time and time again.
“Whether you enjoy summer outdoor recreation or winter outdoor recreation, you can get out and experience nature,” says Douro-Dummer Mayor Heather Watson. “It’s so interesting to look at the topography of the region and see water, Canadian Shield, and farm fields all mixed and mingled with small little hamlets.”
“But also there’s so much to do when it comes to appreciating the arts, culture, and heritage of our community. There’s just so much to see and explore.”
Morning: Eats and ecology
Kick off your road trip in the southwestern corner of the township at Kawartha Sweets and Eats, located off Highway 28 and easily accessible from county roads in all directions. This take-out spot made its claim to fame by serving Kawartha Buttertart Factory tarts, but the scones, cookies, pies, and baked goods are just as satisfying for your sweet tooth.
Right next door, you’ll find The Little Frozen Yogurt Company where creamy frozen yogurt or premium ice cream piled with decadent toppings awaits. If you’ve forgotten to stock up on snacks, drinks, sunscreen, or any other essentials for your Douro-Dummer road trip, they also have you covered. You’ll want to plan a return trip — and start working on your putt — because this roadside destination will be unveiling an all-new mini-golf course in 2026. From butter tarts to frozen yogurt to family activities, it’s a hole-in-one.
For a hearty lunch, head over to the Douro Arena to indulge in slow-smoked meats from Mammoth Barbeque. As its name suggests, the food truck’s menu is colossal, complete with brisket, ribs, pulled pork, blackened chicken, and even — for the inner child in you — Dino Nuggets.
After lunch, take a short drive along County Road 8 and down Douro 5th Line to find the Robert Johnston Ecoforest Trails, which feature five kilometres of family and pet-friendly trails through forests and wetlands as well as a drumlin — an elongated tear drop-shaped hill formed by glacial ice. With names like the Wildlife Trail and the Birdwatching Trail, these trails will bring joy to the nature lovers in your crew.
Nature lovers also won’t want to miss a visit to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, located on Television Road just east of the City of Peterborough. This registered charity is committed to protecting and conserving Ontario’s native turtle populations and their habitats by operating a turtle hospital, conducting research, and running educational and outreach programming.
Learn about at-risk turtle species and what you can do to help them at the Education Centre, and don’t forget to stop at the store to shop a variety of turtle merchandise as a souvenir of your road trip through Douro-Dummer.
Afternoon: Agriculture and the Great Outdoors
From shopping local foods to a one-of-a-kind agritourism experience to exploring caves or paddling down a river, there are many ways to spend an afternoon outdoors in Douro-Dummer.
Head north on Highway 28 and you’ll be greeted with an abundance of farmlands and farm animals that make up Leahy’s Farm & Market. At this 45-year-old landmark, you’ll find locally grown produce and beef, freshly made baked goods, fresh cut flowers, and stunning views. The farm is also home of Canada’s Juno award-winning musical family Leahy, whose Celtic music proudly reflects their Irish heritage.
Just a few minutes around the corner, you can make some new furry friends at Wanderlight Alpaca Experience, a year-round destination like nowhere else in Ontario. Not only can you go on private walks through acres of rolling hills with an alpaca by your side, but you can join the alpacas for stargazing, dining, parties, and even to do an outdoor escape maze. Be forewarned: it might not be easy to say goodbye to these gentle, intelligent animals at the end of your adventure!
Whether you prefer to spend your time outdoors swimming, casting a line, paddling, or even spelunking, Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground has it all. Having celebrated 60 years of being open to the public last year, this park gets its name from a series of seven limestone bedrock caves formed thousands of years ago during the last ice age.
The conservation area also has 15 kilometres of trails weaving through forests and across open limestone plains, with a lookout offering scenic views of potholes, kettles (a depression caused by glaciers), and the Indian River valley.
“You get this appreciation for the strength of Mother Nature,” says Mayor Watson. “It’s great for connecting with places within the Canadian Shield that you can’t typically access by car or trail. It’s so peaceful and always great to be out and exploring it.”
Explore another one of Mayor Watson’s favourite spots in the conservation area by renting a canoe or kayak and going for a beginner-friendly paddle down the Indian River through the Indian River Descent Route.
“You’ve got the caves on one side so it feels expansive but constrained at the same time — there’s that cool juxtaposition,” she says. “It’s a nice, easy paddle and not busy with jet skis and boats, so it’s great for a novice paddler. If someone is a little bit more seasoned, they can go further down the channel and go right through Warsaw and beyond. There’s just so much of that untouched ruggedness you will see.”
For a pre-planned getaway with some friends, a camp for the kids, or a group or team-building retreat, check out the facilities at the award-winning Camp Kawartha & Outdoor Education Centre located on Clear Lake. This non-profit organization offers a broad range of year-round programming, workshops, and community development to foster stewardship and showcase sustainable living.
Evening: A peaceful lakeside night in Douro-Dummer
To round out a family-fun afternoon of exploring, have dinner on the shores of Stoney Lake at Hobart’s Lighthouse, accessible both by car and by boat. Enjoy an extensive menu of options from burgers and sandwiches to pastas and vegetarian dishes to pair with a local brew or specialty cocktail. With a lakeside patio offering views of the passing boats, this restaurant is suitable for everything from family dinners to intimate date nights.
Not ready for your fun in Douro-Dummer to end? Whether you prefer to stay in contemporary resorts or private accommodations, the township has something for you — and it likely comes with lakefront views.
Pine Vista Resort is a four-star, family-owned destination with views overlooking the scenic Stoney Lake. From abundant gardens to towering pines, this resort is a nature-lover’s dream combined with modern conveniences. As an extra special perk, all guests of the resort will receive complimentary passes to the exclusive Wildfire Golf Club.
For a pet-friendly option, check out the award-winning Lake Edge Cottages, which, as you might guess from the name, is right on the water’s edge at Lake Katchewanooka. With naturalized shorelines, rainwater collection, extensive recycling programs, and energy-efficient technology, this resort makes sustainability a priority without compromising on quality or comfort. You can enjoy watercraft and family-friendly outdoor games and activities — and don’t miss out on taking a scenic cruise of the lake with Captain Steve!
Another welcoming accommodation in the township is Clearview Cottage Resort, an LGBTQ+-friendly retreat destination that’s been family owned for more than 50 years. Located on the water between Stoney and Clear Lakes, Clearview Cottage Resort provides all guests with access to beach volleyball, a bonfire, a boat launch, a sandy beach, and much more.
An all-new accommodation option in The Kawarthas, Englewood Villas gives you year-round access to recently rebuilt and modernized villas with panoramic views of Lake Katchewanooka. Each villa comes with a full kitchen and a furnished deck with a barbeque to ensure Douro-Dummer feels like your home away from home.
For a detailed itinerary of your road trip in Douro-Dummer, visit The Kawarthas Tourism website at thekawarthas.ca/douro-dummer-road-trip/.
Want to see more of Douro-Dummer?
You’re in luck, because there’s plenty more to do in Douro-Dummer regardless of the season. Here are just a couple of reasons to plan a return visit.
Get a taste of the vibrant community of Douro at the Douro Doings festival, held annually over the Labour Day weekend. For 95 years, this celebratory festival has been a destination full of family fun featuring baseball games, a 10-kilometre run, a car show, children’s races, a tug-of-war, a home-cooked community meal, and the quilt raffle — one of Mayor Watson’s favourite parts of the weekend.
“The people who make the quilts are so incredibly talented and put so much effort into creating these quilts that are significant to the community,” she says. “Every year there’s 20 or more quilts available, and it’s quite a frenzy and badge of honour to win one. I have not won one yet, but I’m hoping one year will be my year!”
For a festive holiday tradition, visit the township during the annual Douro-Dummer Santa Claus Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Taking place on the last Saturday of November, the parade goes through the Hamlet of Warsaw, located in the centre of the township. The parade concludes with a tree lighting ceremony at Millennium Park, complete with cookies, hot chocolate, festive carols, and visits from the holly jolly man himself.
Road Tripping in The Kawarthas is a partnership between kawarthaNOW and the Peterborough County Tourism and Communications Division, created to showcase the unique and distinct townships of The Kawarthas.
This series supports the regional Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) campaign by inviting locals and nearby neighbours to rediscover the places, people, and businesses that make this region unforgettable. Every visit to The Kawarthas supports our local economy — and adds another chapter to your Kawarthas story.
Visit The Kawarthas Tourism at thekawarthas.ca.
