An interactive scavenger hunt in Lakefield is the first of a series of community-based experiences that Peterborough County Economic Development and Tourism will be launching over the next few months, together with the county’s eight townships, with the aim of supporting local small businesses, strengthening tourism, and showcasing the unique character of communities across the county.
The first experience in The Kawarthas Quest for Adventure series is the Lakefield Scavenger Hunt, created in partnership with the Township of Selwyn, which invites residents and visitors to head to downtown Lakefield, discover its small businesses, and experience the community in an entirely new way.
The county announced the launch of the Lakefield Scavenger Hunt on Friday (October 24), the same day that Queen Street in downtown Lakefield reopened following the October 9 fire that devastated the Kawartha Home Hardware building.
Powered by the Driftscape app, the all-ages Lakefield Scavenger Hunt features 11 participating local businesses, each with a hidden clue waiting to be discovered. Beginning at the intersection of Concession and Queen Streets, with free parking available along the street or at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre at 20 Concession Street, the hunt is designed to be completed on foot in about two hours.
At each participating business, adventurers can flip over the official Lakefield Scavenger Hunt sign to find a unique answer to enter into the Driftscape app, unlocking both a reward and the location of the next stop. Participants who complete all clues and correctly answer the questions will be entered into a prize draw.
To begin your adventure, visit The Kawarthas Tourism website at thekawarthas.ca for instructions and a link to download the free Driftscape app for your mobile device (a web app is also available).
“Our staff were thrilled to partner with Peterborough County Economic Development and Tourism on The Kawarthas Quest for Adventure, and we are happy to host the very first scavenger hunt right here in Lakefield,” says Selwyn Township mayor Sherry Senis in a media release from the county.
“This initiative is a wonderful way to bring residents and visitors into our downtown all year round and to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Selwyn Township. By working together with the county and local businesses, we are not only supporting our economy but also creating fun, engaging experiences that showcase what makes our community so special.”
Following the Lakefield Scavenger Hunt in the Township of Selwyn, Peterborough County Economic Development and Tourism will continue to release new experiences in The Kawarthas Quest for Adventure series to showcase communities in the county’s other townships of Asphodel-Norwood, Cavan Monaghan, Douro-Dummer, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, North Kawartha, Otonabee-South Monaghan, and Trent Lakes.
“The Kawarthas Quest for Adventure is a perfect example of how our eight townships can collaborate to create engaging experiences that benefit residents, visitors, and local businesses alike,” says Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark.
“By showcasing the unique character of each community, encouraging people to explore and shop locally, and highlighting the vibrancy of our towns, we are not only strengthening the economic vitality of Peterborough County but also demonstrating that our region is a place full of opportunity for visitors, entrepreneurs, and investors.”
According to the county’s media release, local businesses says that year-round experiences and promotion are key to their success, and initiatives like the Lakefield Scavenger Hunt help provide opportunities to engage customers throughout the seasons.
“Working together with the township staff and local businesses, we are creating experiences that not only bring people into our communities but also highlight the unique character of each town across Peterborough County,” says Sarah Budd, the county’s manager of community development.
“The launch of our first scavenger hunt in Lakefield is an exciting step in The Kawarthas Quest for Adventure — a collaborative effort to drive local economic prosperity, foster connections, and showcase the creativity, charm, and spirit that make our communities so special. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to journey through our downtowns, discover, and support the amazing businesses that make Lakefield and The Kawarthas such a vibrant place to live and visit.”
For future experiences in The Kawarthas Quest for Adventure series, check thekawarthas.ca and follow The Kawarthas Tourism on Facebook and Instagram.
