City: Peterborough
Top Things to do in Peterborough
10 Things to Do in Peterborough That You Shouldn't Miss
Peterborough (/ˈpiːtərbrə, -bərə, -ˌbʌrə/ ( listen)) is a cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, England, with a population of 183,631 in 2011. Historically part of Northamptonshire, it is 75 miles (121 km) north of London, on the River Nene which flows into the North Sea 30 miles (48 km) to the north-east. The railway station is an important stop on the East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh.
Restaurants in Peterborough
1. Canadian Canoe Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
The Canadian Canoe Museum is a family-friendly museum exploring the canoe's enduring significance to the people of Canada and the World.
Reviewed By KathleenR_28 - Port Dover, Canada
I have visited Peterborough so many times but have always bypassed this museum ... I had thought that it was going to be a boring place.
My, was I so wrong!!! This place is awesome and amazing! They boast of a collection of hundreds of canoes, dating back to centuries ago, to the modern canoes. I personally enjoyed learning about the earlier versions of the canoe ... from the dugouts, to bark, to skin on frame ... what a feat of ingenuity these canoes are. There is a section where workshops on canoe-building are offered. I also learned that kayaks had already been in use as far back as centuries ago!!!
I cannot help but admire the passion of the people who made this museum what it is today. Bravo!
2. Whetung Ojibwa Art and Crafts Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By Debbie B - Peterborough
This place has something for everyone. They have such an array of collectables, clothing etc. They have different snack ideas for the children and adults alike. They have unique crafts made by locals.
3. Riverview Park and Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 699 reviews
55-acre zoo with mini-train rides, an F-86 Sabre Jet, a kid's water play park, many animals, and free admission and parking.
Reviewed By canadiandriver123 - Salmon Arm, Canada
Just the place for a leisurely stroll for children, the elderly and everyone in between. The zoo has a very reasonable entrance fee (by donation for those who aren't fiscally comfortable), ample parking area and boasts a pretty location beside the Trent River (part of the Trent-Severn waterway), with treed and therefore shaded play areas and parkland for those wishing to enjoy a picnic after visiting with a nice array of resident animal species.
Everything from delightful River Otters who seem to have a distinct liking for children among the viewing masses, to Cougars, Servals and even Camels. Dromedaries in Canada? Well, yes! The zoo also has some thoughtfully designed enclosures and perhaps a few that need more space and natural elements like rocks and branches, to offer the mammalian residents more privacy. I'm all for visiting a zoo, but not at the expense of animal safety or comfort.
Overall, this smallish but still impressive collection has done a fairly good job of bringing the interested public closer to animals they might otherwise never be able to see in the wild or indeed, in Canada.
There is a small concession stand beside picnic tables for the kids and those with a sweet tooth, to enjoy. My only other comment would be for parents (grandparents) to ensure their children (grandchildren) don't chase and stress the birds that gather about the tables. It's their zoo too. :-)
4. Peterborough Lift Lock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
Opened in 1904 and designated as a Canadian National Historic Site, this is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world.
Reviewed By TimnMartha - South River
We really enjoyed seeing the locks in operation. We watched from below and then again from the top side. The store has lots of merchandise and we got a great T-shirt. This is a really cool thing to see.
5. Petroglyphs Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
This park is home to nearly 1000 rock carvings that scientists estimate were drawn between 500 and 1000 years ago.
Reviewed By Robby G C - Toronto, Canada
When we entered the Petroglyphs Provincial Park, we had to drive for about 15 minutes before we entered the parking place. We headed to the Visitor Center and we were recommended to see a 15 minute movie. It helped us understand the First Nations. Afterwards, we visited the museum, which helped us understand why these petroglyphs were so important to the First Nations.
Then, we headed for the huge pavilion where all the Petroglyphs were protected against erosion. They had built this building around these carvings so that for many centuries later, people will still be able to admire the. This is the first time that a province (Ontario) worked together with the First Nations. Wow!
Before we entered we were warned not to take any pictures, as the First Nations looked these carvings as religious. There were so many carvings. It was amazing. There were some notices that explained some of the carving.
The one who could tell us the most was the person in charge of this pavilion. He knew everything about these artifacts, and artifacts from far away as well.
We were told that a First Nation woman walked every year around every Great lake to bless it. That same woman comes here every year as well.
Any First Nations can come in for free. After all, it is their land!
There are also lots of trails to explore and a lovely lookout of a lovely lake.
It is a must see. It’s quite amazing!
6. Indian River Reptile Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Indian River Reptile Zoo is unique in Canada and is one of the most modern and exciting specialized animal centers in the world! Here you can see snakes, lizards, monitors, alligators, turtles, crocodiles, and even special guest animals such as monkeys and more! The animals are housed in state of the art, climate controlled facilities which were specifically designed to house reptiles.we were first and only reptile zoo to be accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos & Aquariums (CAZA) and have remained accredited since that time. We are a non-profit charity.
Reviewed By William D
Indian River Reptile Zoo is an important producer of antivenin serum. The zoo is a serious conservation facility featuring a wide variety of reptile's, many of which are exotic. The zoo participates heavily in reptile rescue operations. It is not a typical roadside zoo. The staff are knowledgeable and dedicated educators, as well as zookeepers. The zoo is smaller than some would expect, since only some of the collection can be on display at any one time--so as to minimize stress on the animals. The animatronic dinosaurs are fun, particularly for children, and the croc barn is a must see.
7. Showplace Performance Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By YandRgirl - Peterborough, Canada
Always come to see Matthew Good. Excellent place to see a concert. So intimate here. This time he actually went to the lobby and sang to people there that were waiting to use facilities or getting a drink at the bar. He told the auidence he loves coming here because it is so intimate and he talks to the audience who are always very receptive.
There is a bar downstairs where you can get a drink before the concert starts. Also a bar upstairs.
Showplace and The Venue next door used to be movie theatres until the early 90's and late 80's.
8. Jackson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Erin F
Lots of trails: flat ones for easy walking/biking, and off-road ones for hiking or mountain biking. There are beautiful rivers, benches, a playground, frisbee golf and open space to do what you please.
A perfect outdoor attraction at all times of the year.
You can bike all the way to Omemee from the park.
Half way to Omemee is Doube's Trestle Bridge - a must see.
9. Peterborough Museum and Archives
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Larry F - Peterborough, Ontario
If you want a brief but thorough history lesson about Peterborough, this is the place to. Pay by donation and get ready to explore.
10. Hutchison House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Recovering_Hungarian - Peterborough, Canada
Well, it's no roller coaster, and the demographic does skew towards grey hair, so kinda' slow and low key, but a really nice historic home, all the old this and ancient that of bygone yesterdays... the volunteers and employees really do know their stuff... and the nice kids who volunteer to serve scones and tea on the patio are cute and earnest in their pioneer-ish garb. Actually, it's quite nice on a super sweltering summer day to sit in the shade and have scones, jam, cream and tea. It's a lovely oasis in a sketchy neihbourhood... you step out of another century into the urban blight of a dying industrial town, but the Gardens / grounds / home / patio are indeed an oasis. Bravo, Hutchison House!
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