Nestled in southwestern Peterborough County, Selwyn Township brings together nature and community with its rolling countryside and sparkling lakes and its charming small towns including Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Ennismore, and Young’s Point.
Known for the hospitality of its friendly and welcoming residents, Selwyn Township offers ample outdoor adventure opportunities from trails and beaches to the Trent-Severn Waterway, delicious dining experiences, accommodation options for the entire family, and boutique shops that draws thousands of visitors to The Kawarthas all year long.
“Selwyn Township is where nature meets community, blending into experiences for people of all ages,” says Selwyn Mayor Sherry Senis. “Whether it’s the winding waterways, the charming villages, or the buzz around events like PolarFest, there’s a true sense of belonging. You can spend a fall afternoon walking one of the many trails with the leaves crunching underfoot or gather in February while neighbours dip into frigid waters for a good cause. Selwyn is a place that feels both grounded and alive, no matter the season.”
Launch from Lakefield
Kick off your adventure through Selwyn in the historic Village of Lakefield along the Otonabee River. Order a high-quality breakfast at The Nutty Bean Café, a neighbourhood favourite that uses locally sourced products and brews organic, fair-trade coffee which can be enjoyed in the country-chic dining room or on the “best verandah in town.”
Coffee in hand, it’s time to check out the many small businesses that make up the Queen Street strip — and maybe pick up a souvenir or two! Take a moment to appreciate Selwyn’s many talented at Ecco Art Gallery and Studios and Divine Craft, or get stocked up on books, gifts and home décor at Happenstance Books & Yarn and Stuff Store. Find the trendiest fashions at The Classy Closet by Sue and truly unique fashions from Tragically Hipp Fashion Gallery. Get summer ready by shopping quality swimwear at Sunblockers and water and cottage lifestyle products from Cottage Toys.
A local business that has built a tasty legacy in The Kawarthas, The Chocolate Rabbit is a one-stop shop for satisfying your sweet tooth, whether you like chocolate animals, fudge, truffles, cookies, or other treats (make sure to try their famous Mudbugs). To round out your gourmet snacks for the day, head to The Cheesy Fromage for a variety of cheese, wines, chocolates, and charcuteries, or Lakefield Bakery on Queen, where you’ll find croissants, cookies, muffins, cupcakes, butter tarts, and so much more all made by a trained chef.
Continue your shopping spree by heading north on Peterborough County Road 28 to Lockside Trading Company, a multi-award-winning home retail and design business in Young’s Point. With a focus on Canadian-made goods and brands, this store attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year. You can even get a specialty coffee or ice cream from Lockside’s new Steamer’s Café & Ice Cream Parlour.
Choose your Afternoon Adventure
With so much to do, there are many ways to spend an afternoon in Selwyn. As Mayor Senis says, “Selwyn offers the kind of escape that doesn’t feel far from home, but still gives folks the space to breathe in the fresh air.”
After leaving Young’s Point, head west on Peterborough County Road 20 towards Ennismore to kick off the afternoon with lunch at Jesse’s Tap & Grill, which has been serving up high-quality burgers, pastas, grilled meats, and pizzas for more than 25 years.
For more shopping, head into Craftworks at the Barn, located on Peterborough County Road 1, where you’ll find a collection of handmade and crafted Mennonite furniture and the largest unique collection of giftware and home décor in The Kawarthas. Downstairs, more than 40 vendors are set up in the Antiques Market, waiting for you to discover one-of-a-kind pieces that are retro, vintage, or just plain unusual.
Or spend your day outdoors at McLean Berry Farm, where blueberries, strawberries, pumpkins, tomatoes, sweet corn, and plenty more produce grows. From pick-your-own strawberries in the spring to PumpkinFest in the fall, there’s always something going on at this family farm.
During the warmer months, head to Selwyn Beach Conservation Area, a place known for its sandy beach and picturesque swimming. Visiting in the winter? Lace up your skates at the 400-metre Ontario Speed Skating Oval, which offers free public skates daily with skate rentals available on-site. Keep your eyes open for their popular annual candlelight skate early in the new year.
No matter the season, Mayor Senis also suggests exploring Selwyn’s hiking trails.
“Selwyn trails offer something for everyone, whether it’s the Lakefield Trail where urban meets rural living, the Ennismore Waterfront Park Trail for the nature lover, or the Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield Trail for serenity,” she says.
“The trails weave through the heart of the township, along the Otonabee River, through forests and open space. In the spring, wildflowers peek through. In autumn, the trees put on a show of colour. Winter welcomes snowy backdrops. It’s a favourite for walkers, cyclists, families, and anyone looking to take a breath and reconnect with nature and themselves.”
Settle in for a relaxing evening in Selwyn
After an adventurous afternoon exploring Selwyn Township, start your relaxing evening with a hearty meal at Chemong Lodge in Bridgenorth. At the historic restaurant overlooking the water of Chemong Lake, you’ll find a gourmet menu of handcrafted dishes inspired by seasonal ingredients from classic recipes to famous southern smoked barbeque. If you’re sticking around a while, be sure to check out their famed Sunday brunch buffet or see what other events they have — rib nights and international nights are regularly on the calendar.
Finish the day with a refreshingly cool treat from Central Smith Ice Cream whose roots in The Kawarthas date back to 1896. Whether you prefer it in a cone, in a sundae, or in a milkshake, the local creamery boasts more than 61 deliciously creamy flavours to choose from.
If you’re not ready for the adventure to end, check in at The Village Inn in Lakefield, a country-style inn that blends the comforts of modern living with the charm of the historic homes of Lakefield. A year-round getaway, The Village Inn is family friendly — and inviting to pets — while also offering a cozy setting for romantic excursions.
For a more secluded escape, check in to The Forest Hill Lodge, an intimate cottage resort located on the shores of Lovesick Lake. Originally one of Ontario’s oldest fishing camps, The Forest Hill Lodge offers a range of amenities suitable for the whole family, from swimming, canoeing, and fishing on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Regardless of where you go, Mayor Senis says you won’t forget your road trip in Selwyn Township.
“A road trip through Selwyn is one of those drives you remember — rolling past stunning lakes and rivers, historic stone buildings, fields of pumpkins and apple orchards, and trails that seem to invite you into the forest,” she says.
“Stop for a walk, grab a bite at one of the incredible restaurants, and chat with the locals. Visitors will feel like they’ve stumbled onto something special with quaint villages and that small-town welcoming feel. Selwyn creates the unforgettable experiences by blending community and nature, and turning everyday moments into cherished memories.”
For a detailed itinerary of your road trip in Selwyn, visit The Kawarthas Tourism website at thekawarthas.ca/selwyn-road-trip/.
Plan a return visit to Selwyn to experience a local festival
Looking forward to another visit to Selwyn? Plan your trip around one of several annual festivals that make the township a destination in The Kawarthas no matter the season.
PolarFest is an exciting family-friendly tradition like no other. The annual winter festival offers something for everyone, from ice carvings, polar paddles, fireworks, charity hockey games, and for those truly brave — or crazy enough — the polar plunge that raises funds for local charities. A beloved part of the event is the Lakefield Chocolate Creations Festival which sees a range of businesses getting innovative by crafting chocolate-themed concoctions that you won’t want to miss.
The Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival is a celebration that invites the community to come together for an afternoon of jazz music, vibrant artworks for sale, and local food and beverage vendors — all on the scenic shores of the Otonabee River.
You can explore Lakefield’s rich literary heritage at the Lakefield Literary Festival, a 30-year-old annual celebration that’s rooted in Lakefield’s literary heritage including famous Canadian writers Margaret Laurence, Catharine Parr Traill, and Susanna Moodie. Highlights of the festival include literary talks and discussions, author readings, and a free children’s tent.
Celebrate more of Selwyn’s heritage at the annual Ennismore Shamrock Festival. This long-standing tradition that celebrates the hamlet’s largely Irish history and heritage was first held in 1967 to mark Canada’s centennial year. The ever-popular family-friendly event features truck and tractor pulls, petting zoos, live music, bouncy castles, lawn games, delicious treats, and more.
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.
