A short distance from Toronto, Kawartha Lakes has become a home-buying hotspot over the last few years – and for good reason. Around here, you’ll find scenic ambience, great homes and properties, and plenty to do. There are truly not many places quite like it!
Considering a move to Kawartha Lakes or planning a day trip? In this blog, we’ll touch on everything you need to know, from how far Kawartha Lakes is from Toronto to what you should do when you get here! Let’s get started.
Interested in homes for sale in Kawartha Lakes? Check out our featured listings.
Where is Kawartha Lakes?
On the map, the City of Kawartha Lakes is located a short distance north of the Greater Toronto Area (aka the GTA) and just east of Durham Region. However, if you type Kawartha Lakes in your GPS or look it up on a map, you might notice that there’s no individual town with this name – so, why is that?
Unlike your traditional city, Kawartha Lakes is a spread-out collection of communities that all belong to a single municipality and therefore, share the same local government. This unique setup is beneficial, as residents can enjoy the laid-back, quaint atmosphere of their specific communities while still having access to the amenities, services, and degree of convenience typically found in a small or mid-sized city.
With all this in mind, your experience getting to and from Kawartha Lakes from Toronto will be different based on which specific community you are travelling to.
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How Far is Kawartha Lakes From Toronto?
In terms of physical distance, Lindsay, Ontario (Kawartha Lakes’ largest community and home of the local government) is about 135 kilometres from downtown Toronto, while Bobcaygeon, Ontario (the next largest community) is about 165 kilometres away.
If you’re heading to Kawartha Lakes, the easiest way to get here is by car. While there are some public transit options in and around Kawartha Lakes (we’ll get to those later), driving is the fastest and most efficient way to get around – especially if you want to explore multiple communities when you arrive.
Driving to Kawartha Lakes from Toronto, the simplest route is typically to take the 401 or 407 east, then briefly connecting to Highway 115 before heading north on Highway 35. This drive can take anywhere from 90 minutes to a little over 2 hours, depending on traffic and your specific destination.
Can You Commute to Toronto From Kawartha Lakes?
A major benefit of residing in Kawartha Lakes is its close distance to the GTA. In fact, some residents commute to the city daily for work. It’s a fairly reasonable commute if you’re driving, but there are also solid transportation options.
From Peterborough, you can take a bus to Oshawa GO train station, where you’ll find regular rail connections to Downtown Toronto. Alternatively, you can catch a Via Rail train from the nearby communities of Port Hope or Cobourg.
Things to do in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes isn’t your typical city – and that’s what makes it so special. Sure, it may have a small town, down-to-earth feel, but it’s far from boring.
If you’re stopping by for a visit (or considering making a home here), you’ll want to check out the local lifestyle.
Enjoy the Water
Whether you’re into swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking, ice skating in the winter, or all of the above, Kawartha Lakes is an outdoor recreation paradise. There are more than 250 lakes and rivers found in Kawartha Lakes – so there’s no shortage of fun to be had.
Arts & Culture
Like its neighbour, Port Perry, Kawartha Lakes is also a fine arts hub! There’s a good blend of events, concerts, and theatre performances to check out at one of many dedicated venues – including unique gems like Bobcaygeon’s Globus Theatre. Every summer, the City plans a few ‘movie in the park’ nights, which are an especially big hit with families.
Local Festivals
Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, Kinmount, and Lindsay each host their own fairs and exhibitions during the summer months. There’s also Maple Weekend, which is a two-day festival dedicated to Kawartha Lakes’ maple syrup heritage and industry.
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Moving to Kawartha Lakes?
From the great homes to the truly unbeatable quality of life, there’s a lot to love about living in Kawartha Lakes. That said, moving to a new area and the right home can be challenging, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the local landscape. As long-standing Kawartha Lakes real estate agents – and proud locals, we’re here to help you!
With more than 175 years of combined experience in our local market, we know everything there is to know about homes in Port Perry, Durham Region, and Kawartha Lakes. Whatever you’re looking for, we can help you find it.
Looking to buy or sell a home in Kawartha Lakes? We’re here for you. Call 905-985-7300 to reach our team or send us an email at hello@liveplayinvest.com.
Book a Meeting
Whether buying or selling a home in Port Perry and the surrounding area, our team has you covered. Book a call with us today to get started.
