
A Trail Town Along the Trent-Severn Waterway
National Historic Site of Canada
Lakefield
Welcome to Lakefield
Nestled on the shores of the Trent-Severn Waterway, Lakefield has a gentler pace and friendly locals; inspiring people to visit for generations. The area is alive with events, shops and eateries, offering something for everyone. Treat yourself, pick up daily supplies or access services – all are easily found in Lakefield. There are many ways to explore the Village, walk the Lakefield Trail, kayak along the waterway, or access the bike share program at the marina to cycle through historic downtown. Immerse yourself in local culture at our festivals, events and productions. Feast on home-grown cuisine. Bird watch at Imagine the Marsh or show your skill at the skateboard park.
With most accommodations a short stroll from the water’s edge, surrender to tranquility after an exhilarating day of exploration. Come see for yourself what Lakefield and area has to offer!
Discover Lakefield

Plan for Fun on the Water
Situated at the mouth of Katchewanooka Lake, the Lakefield Marina offers full-service slips, wifi, and more. Get your boating and fishing trip started here.

Expand Your Literary Horizons
Foundational Canadian writers Margaret Laurence, Catherine Parr-Traill, and Susanna Moodie all called Lakefield home. The Lakefield Literary Festival carries the artistic tradition into the present. Browse authors on the festival site.

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry
You're spoiled for choice among Lakefield's excellent food options. With its twenty draft taps and quality pub fare, the Canoe & Paddle is a local favourite among beer lovers.

Take the Long Way Home
With four out of six Kawartha Classics Road Cycling Routes passing through Lakefield, this town is a dream for cyclists who appreciate the beauty of quiet backroads.

Prepare for Adventure
Need to gear up for an expedition? Whether it's boats, camp supplies, hiking essentials or Nordic skis, Lakefield's Adventure Outfitters has you covered with gear sales and rentals.

Explore Further
There's more to Lakefield than you can see in one visit or even one season. Discover more attractions like the Speed Skating Oval, historic walking tour, and local shopping highlights here.
Lakefield Community History

Settled in 1831 by Colonel Samuel Strickland, the village of Lakefield is often considered the gateway to cottage country in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.
Nestled in its downtown core sits Christ Church, built in 1853, which now serves as a seasonal museum that houses area artifacts and items related to the writings of famed residents Susanna Moodie and Catharine Parr Traill (sisters of Lakefield’s founding father); and Margaret Laurence. This museum is one of nearly forty historical locations in the village, including Lakefield College School, Hillside Cemetery, Reydon Manor and the sites of former wooden boat and canoe manufacturers.
Originally sustained by the sawmill industry, Lakefield is now a prosperous community supported by small business, specialty retail and tourism, along with international companies.
Trail Town Friendly Business Directory
Festivals and Events around Lakefield to watch for...
Ontario Speed Skating Oval (Winter, Outdoors, Weather Permitting)
Recreational and speed skaters enjoy this 400-metre track. Some candlelight skates.
PolarFest (February)
Family festivities with ice carvings, a night hike, sleigh rides and the Polar Plunge.
Lakefield Farmers’ Market (Thursdays from mid-May to October)
Local farmers, talented artisans and food vendors.
Lakefield Fairy & Dragon Festival (June)
Princess fairies, dragons, sword fighting Knights, and even a dragon making sculpture contest!
Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival (July)
Enjoy the arts on the water’s edge while savouring local food and beverages.
Lakefield Literary Festival (July)
Events celebrating the rich literary heritage of the area and showcasing many current Canadian authors. All ages event.
Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour (September)
Enjoy a rich diversity of arts and crafts. Take this self-drive tour throughout the region to visit the studios of local artists.
For more information visit


