Located along the north shore of Rice Lake and extending north into fertile farmland, the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan in The Kawarthas is a destination known for its natural beauty and welcoming spirit.
The township offers visitors a wide range of enriching experiences, from those rooted in rural tradition to those that will get the heart pounding. Whether embracing an outdoor adventure, learning about the area’s history and culture, or relaxing in a picturesque landscape with a glass of wine in hand, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Otonabee-South Monaghan.
“Otonabee-South Monaghan is a place where the past and present come together,” says Otonabee-South Monaghan Mayor Joe Taylor. “With deep roots in agriculture, many of our farms have been in the same families for generations, and we take great pride in preserving that history.”
“I’m proud of what visitors can discover here — from hands-on farm experiences and the popular Pumpkin Fest to charming venues and cozy places to stay, plus the historic Hope Mill, a rare 1800s water-powered sawmill still in operation today.”
Morning — Sweet stops and great shops
For a delicious start to your day, begin your road trip in the southwestern corner of the township at beloved Doo Doo’s Bakery in Bailieboro. Dine on a savory quiche at this country bakery or take a sweet cookie on the road — but whatever you do, don’t miss out on the bakery’s famous butter tarts. These tarts have been awarded ribbon after ribbon after ribbon, including several from the Royal Canadian Winter Fair and Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival. Now that’s a sweet way to energize for a day of adventure!
Next, head east to Rolling Grape Vineyard, the first grape-to-glass vineyard experience to open in The Kawarthas. On a family farm, this boutique vineyard offers much more than wine tastings and private tours. Salsa parties, line dancing nights, live music, artisan markets, creative workshops, and afternoon teas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the special events going on at this scenic location. While you’re there, grab a bottle of wine made with Ontario-grown grapes or stop into the restaurant for a taste of the rich and diverse menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Seeking some friendly competition with family or friends? Head north off Peterborough County Road 28 to Escape Maze where adventures and entertainment await. Located on a family farm alongside the Otonabee River, Escape Maze is a destination of fun for all ages, equipped with escape rooms and escape trails, outdoor laser tag, and disc golf. Maximize your fun by pitching a tent or staying overnight in Escape Maze’s cabins or an old-timey caravan right along the river.
For a special shopping experience, head to the northern region of the township to Nostalgic Journey on Highway 7, where you’ll find a haven of antique and vintage gems. From eclectic decorations and retro clothing to rare coins and whimsical artwork, you never know what you’ll find in the aisles stocked by more than 50 diverse vendors.
Whether you spent your morning solving puzzles or browsing collectables, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite you can satisfy at Muddy’s Pit BBQ, a seasonal barbeque joint that’s been a Keene favourite for 16 years. Open from April to December, this laid-back shack serves up high-quality meats smoked on site with custom outdoor smokers that only use log hardwood. Visit this not-to-be-missed meat-lover’s oasis on Sundays during the summer to enjoy live music from popular local musicians.
Afternoon: History and hands-on adventure
Begin your afternoon by driving north on Heritage Line (Peterborough County Road 34) to Lang Pioneer Village Museum, an award-winning destination in The Kawarthas where both 19th-century settler history and Indigenous culture and history come to life. Comprised of more than 30 restored, recreated, and relocated buildings, this living history museum offers live demonstrations, costumed interpretations, and immersive programming along with special family-friendly events throughout the year.
A must-see feature is the Aabnaabin Camp, delivered through partnership with Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations. The area represents a Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg (Mississauga Anishnaabeg) hunting or ricing camp during a time when settlers were moving into the traditional territory.
Continue learning about the history of The Kawarthas by heading just up the road to another 19th-century relic: a restored water-powered sawmill. Built circa 1835, today The Hope Mill is a seasonal volunteer-run educational destination where you’ll find free guided tours and sawing demonstrations and where you can even purchase handmade wooden gifts or lumber that was milled on site. Feeling crafty? Try your hand at building your own birdhouse to bring home as a road trip souvenir!
To extend your afternoon of outdoor education, just minutes around the corner you’ll find Harley Farms. Join a walking tour to learn how pigs, sheep, and cattle live on this working farm where raising livestock naturally and humanely are a priority. Call ahead to enquire about booking one of the farm’s drop-in activities, like hand-feeding goats and bottle-feeding lambs.
If you recognize the farm or animals, it might be because Harley Farms has been the backdrop to many film and commercial projects, including Subaru commercials and episodes of the Hannibal TV series. Don’t forget to shop the farmgate store on your way out for an assortment of meats, free-range eggs, fresh vegetables, and more.
For a thrilling afternoon adventure, head northeast to Peterborough Kartway where you can get behind the wheel to challenge your friends and family. With family, single, and dual carts available, this track is fun for people of all ages and everyone from seasoned racers to first timers.
Settle in for a peaceful evening in Otonabee-South Monaghan
After an afternoon of learning and adventure, it’s time to unwind by heading west to Farmhill Weddings and Events, a breathtaking venue with rolling hills, friendly alpacas, and relaxing vibes. In addition to weekly live music throughout the summer, Farmhill hosts regular special events and parties from country nights and Mother’s Day celebrations to St. Paddy’s Day parties and Galentine’s Day gatherings.
To wrap up the day, settle into a farm-to-table fine dining experience on the shores of Rice Lake at Elmhirst’s Resort. The menu represents the finest ingredients that have been cultivated, raised, or produced right on the 240-acre property.
Extend your stay in one of the lakeside cottages at the resort, which offers an assortment of year-round amenities including pools, ice skating, a spa, an escape maze, and more. In addition to being frequented by travellers from around the world, this family-owned and operated accommodation is renowned for its impressive dedication to sustainability, as recognized by its Platinum Certification with Greenstep Sustainable Tourism.
Combine your overnight stay in Otonabee-South Monaghan with a round or two of golf at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort on the north shore of Rice Lake. Along with a course suitable for all skill levels with stunning views from each hole, this family-friendly resort offers cottage accommodation and lots of activities beyond golf, including a swimming pool, splash pad, multi-sports court, watercraft rentals, free entertainment, live music, and family activities including fireworks displays.
Prefer an off-grid experience? Stay at Honey Cove, a year-round cabin and glamping experience where a river, forests, and farm fields are waiting to be discovered. On a fourth generation working farm overlooking the Indian River, Honey Cove combines cozy comfort and secluded, rustic charm for an Instagram-worthy night in nature. Opt for a relaxing night in, or explore one of the many seasonal adventures available onsite including walking and snowshoe trails, farm tours, maple tree tapping, and produce picking. You can even purchase a locally and seasonally curated food basket to create your own farm-to-table experience using the outdoor BBQ, smoker, or pizza oven.
Need more time in Otonabee-South Monaghan?
Make the most of your time in Otonabee-South Monaghan by returning for the Keene Pumpkin Festival, a local favourite autumn tradition.
Throughout the day, enjoy the decorated pumpkin pyramid and be impressed by the giant pumpkin weigh-off — which includes gourds that weigh more than 1,000 lbs! With a kids’ zone complete with a bouncy castle and face painting, as well as a petting zoo, vendor market, mini bale maze, quilt raffle, antique car and tractor show, and so much more, this festival is a celebration of the best of country hospitality and offers something for everyone.
Spend more time learning about the history of The Kawarthas by returning to Lang Pioneer Village Museum during their annual special events, including the Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show in June, the Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show in July, the Corn Roast in August, Applefest and Spooky All Hallows’ Eve in October, and Christmas by Candlelight in December.
However you choose to spend your time in Otonabee-South Monaghan, there is so much to be discovered.
“Surrounded by rolling drumlins, fertile fields, lush forests, and the sparkling waters of Rice Lake and the Otonabee and Indian Rivers, Otonabee-South Monaghan is a place to experience — and one that just might inspire you to stay longer than you planned,” Mayor Taylor says.
For a detailed itinerary of your road trip in Otonabee-South Monaghan visit The Kawarthas Tourism website at thekawarthas.ca/otonabee-south-monaghan-road-trip/.
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.
