Where the Trent River winds through quiet countryside and vibrant small towns in the southern reaches of Peterborough County lies the Township of Asphodel-Norwood.
A township known for its world-famous fall fair, Asphodel-Norwood’s old barns and animal sanctuaries cement its legacy in The Kawarthas as a region that has grown and continues to flourish from agricultural roots. Woven throughout the township are antique shops and curated boutiques where hidden treasures and timeless gems tell the stories that have shaped the region and the people within it.
“Asphodel-Norwood is a very strong agricultural community that is also growing and very welcoming,” says Asphodel-Norwood Mayor Patrick Wilford, who has lived in the township for his entire 63 years. “Everybody always says hello.”
Morning in Norwood
Kick off your road trip in the northern edge of the township in Norwood, a charming village conveniently located between county roads on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Fuel up with a hearty homemade country breakfast or comforting diner favourites at the Norwood Café and Diner, a family-friendly, cottage-inspired restaurant that offers a diverse menu with everything from delicious sandwiches to turkey dinners and Indian cuisine.
Stroll just around the corner to County Road 45 and browse the one-of-a-kind finds at Vintage Inspired. With its eclectic mix of vintage treasures and upcycled and handmade goods, the boutique store is brimming with modern and antique home and cottage décor, gifts, and jewellery — each with a story to tell.
Fill out your fall and winter wardrobe at Legend Celtic-European Apparel & Gifts. There, you’ll find the coziest sweaters, hats, and scarves made by Irish fine merino wool, as well as Scottish tartan blankets, Celtic jewellery, and more.
Take a break from shopping and step into the family-owned Sweethearts Bakery to pick up cookie sandwiches, cupcakes, brownies, and any other sweet treats your heart and stomach desire. Sharing the space is The Knockout, where you’ll want to pick up a savory take-out lunch. Take a bite from a cheese-filled ooey-gooey “sammich” or warm up with their famous mac ‘n’ cheese.
Before leaving Norwood, take a short journey north on Highway 7 to continue the hunt for unrivalled gems at The Antique Barn, known as “The Oldest Barn in Town.” From vintage lighting and age-old paintings to antique candlesticks and other once-in-a-lifetime finds, you never know what treasures you’ll uncover at this ornately decorated barn store.
On select summer Saturdays, visit the Norwood Market for a taste of what The Kawarthas has to offer.
At this popular market, you can stock up on handmade goods from local artisans and fresh produce from local farmers while snacking on baked goods, sipping a coffee, and enjoying live music. There are reusable bags for sale at the market so you can load up on all the food, goods, and gifts you want!
Finish the morning by heading south on County Road 45 to Vanderview Farms, where farm-fresh vegetables, eggs, and sunflowers await. In the fall, celebrate the harvest season by wandering through the 11-acre themed corn maze, picking your own pumpkins, touring elaborate haybale displays, and more.
An afternoon with animals
Head northwest from County Road 40 to County Road 8 to Serenity Lane Animal Sanctuary, where more than 100 sheep, horses, cows, and pigs await your visit. Book in advance to get a guided tour to meet the animals — many of whom are rescues — and to hear stories about life on the farm.
Just a few minutes west, The Mane Intent is a picturesque destination to get you relaxed and in a state of mindfulness.
This century farm hosts equine-inspired wellness experiences that invite you to go on a unique journey of self-discovery in the peaceful presence of horses. Advance booking is required for the experiences, which range from those meant to calm and ground you to those that will get your creative juices flowing.
For a stop on your road trip the entire family will enjoy, visit Canada’s Dinosaur Park where the life-sized animatronic dinosaurs actually move and roar! The price of admission supports Canada’s largest not-for-profit reptile sanctuary, which is home to 200 reptiles from around the world — lizards, crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and turtles. While you’re there, visit the dinosaur museum, take a stroll on the Croc Walk, dig for fossils in the boneyard, grab a bite at the food truck, or have some family fun on the 18-hole mini-golf course.
To really put your golfing skills to the test, book a tee time at Oakland Greens Golf & Country Club, a championship Par 71 course known for its challenging holes, water hazards, and sand traps.
When visiting Apshodel-Norwood in the cooler months, head to the southern reaches of the township to the farm gate stand at Linlor Farm & Forest. On a 300-acre property with about 1,000 taps, this farm is run by fifth-generation maple syrup producers who will have pure maple syrup, maple butter, maple sugar, and other maple-filled products ready for you to take home.
A peaceful evening in Asphodel-Norwood
After your adventurous afternoon across the township, return to Norwood for a relaxed evening in The Kawarthas. A local favourite diner spot is Papa’s Pizzaland, which serves up classic and specialty pizza including some true originals like pulled pork pizza, poutine pizza, and taco pizza.
Enjoy your pie at the scenic Norwood Mill Pond and, after you eat, take a walk through the family-friendly Mill Pond Forest Trails, a system of short trails passing everything from riverbanks to open-air meadows, lookouts, and picnic spots.
Head further south in Asphodel Park, where the Ouse River flows through a park abundant with opportunity from sandpits and playgrounds to woodcarvings calling to be explored.
Not ready to end your journey in Asphodel-Norwood? Plan an overnight stay at Birdsall Beach Resort. More than 30 years old, this family resort and RV park sits on the largest natural beach on Rice Lake, and offers guests two private pools, a boat launch, a nine-hold par-three golf course, a volleyball net, an on-site store, and much more.
Another dreamy spot that’s been a staple for decades is the Dreamland Resort. Located on the Trent River, the resort is a great launching point to explore the township and Trent-Severn Waterway by boat, bike, or RV. Dreamland Resort offers both cottage rentals and transient full-service RV sites.
For a detailed itinerary of your road trip in Asphodel-Norwood, visit The Kawarthas Tourism website at thekawarthas.ca/asphodel-norwood-road-trip/.
Need more time in Asphodel-Norwood?
Plan a trip back to the township in July for the acclaimed Norwood Country Jamboree. Celebrating Canadian musicians and country music, the family-friendly jamboree offers four days of live music from a dozen musicians as well as lively open mic sessions, and onsite camping. What’s a better way to spend a summer weekend than camping and listening to good music?
For another lively celebration of community, return to the township during the Thanksgiving weekend to attend the world-famous Norwood Fair.
Called “the fair of all fairs” by Mayor Wilford, the annual tradition was established in 1868 and remains a family-friendly celebration of the township’s agricultural history. Attracting more than 45,000 people each year, the fair features a buzzing midway, helicopter tours, tractor pulls, car shows, sheering demonstrations, agricultural displays, livestock shows, live entertainment, and a festive community atmosphere.
“For more than 150 years, families have gathered here every Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate the agricultural community and have some good old-fashioned fun,” says Mayor Wilford. “Our legacy with the fair is something we’re very proud of. We invite visitors to come to the fair, but also to stay and explore and enjoy our community.”
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.
