Peterborough

Travel Guide

A large dam with two towers, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.
A canal with ducks, a bridge, and a road.
A boat on a calm river, surrounded by lush green trees and a stone tower in the background.
A calm lake at sunset with a boat and dock.
A calm lake at sunset with a boat docked on the right.

Wander through historic sites, lively performances, and natural parks while exploring the charm of Peterborough and its surroundings.

Peterborough is an ideal destination for outdoor, romantic travelers. You can explore the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site, visit the Cathedral of Saint Peter-In-Chains, or enjoy performances at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre. For activities, consider catching a game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, watching a show at the Showplace Performance Centre, or shopping at Lansdowne Place. Additionally, the area features natural attractions like Wolf Island Provincial Park, known for its scenic outdoor experiences, and Emerald Isle, which emphasizes eco-friendly tourism.

While you're in Peterborough, take time to wander its nearby areas, each with its own character. Indian River is known for outdoor and romantic experiences, making it a great spot for couples. Selwyn and Lakefield are also popular for their scenic outdoor activities, with Selwyn featuring Fairy Lake and the Selwyn Conservation Area, while Lakefield offers Lakefield Park and McLean Berry Farm among its attractions. These nearby areas provide a diverse range of experiences for visitors looking to explore.

The best time to visit Peterborough is from June to September, when the weather is mild and mostly dry, with temperatures ranging from 62 to 69°F. This period is often sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration. However, be aware that summer can also be busy, with more visitors in the area. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting outside the peak summer months when crowds are thinner.

Comfort Inn & Suites Peterborough Kawarthas

Comfort Inn & Suites Peterborough Kawarthas

3 out of 5
1209 Lansdowne St W Peterborough ON
$87 nightly
The price is $103 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$103 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Peterborough. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
Comfort Inn & Suites Peterborough Kawarthas
Motel 6 Peterborough, ON

Motel 6 Peterborough, ON

2 out of 5
133 Lansdowne Street East Peterborough ON
$77 nightly
The price is $91 total per night from Nov 18 to Nov 19
$91 total
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Peterborough. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The staff is very friendly. We found the room on the third floor much cleaner and fresher than the one on the second floor, which smelled like cigarettes. But it’s reasonably priced and fine for an overnight or two."

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2026

Motel 6 Peterborough, ON
Peterborough Inn & Suites Hotel

Peterborough Inn & Suites Hotel

2.5 out of 5
312 George Street N. Peterborough ON
$72 nightly
The price is $85 total per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$85 total
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Peterborough. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,174 reviews)
"Clean, inexpensive, in downtown. It’s ok."

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2026

Peterborough Inn & Suites Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Luxury Modern Apartment in Downtown Century Home - 2 Bedroom, Free parking x 4

Luxury Modern Apartment in Downtown Century Home - 2 Bedroom, Free parking x 4

Peterborough ON
Stay at this apartment in Peterborough. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Publican House Brewery and Peterborough ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"Excellent location and fantastic space. Everything was walkable and it was fantastic to have parking. The host was flexible when our plans changed. Will definitely try to stay here again."

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2026

Luxury Modern Apartment in Downtown Century Home - 2 Bedroom, Free parking x 4
Peterborough Zen Retreat

Peterborough Zen Retreat

Peterborough ON
Stay at this cabin in Peterborough. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and Netflix. Popular attractions Kinsmen Civic Centre and Kinsmen Park are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"Such an amazing, quiet & relaxing place to stay while in town. Much better than a hotel, I would highly recommend staying here if you are in the area!"

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2026

Peterborough Zen Retreat
King Comfort Retreat

King Comfort Retreat

Peterborough ON
Stay at this apartment in Peterborough. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Publican House Brewery and The ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay at this property. The home was very clean, comfortable, and exactly as described in the listing. The location was convenient, and the property had everything we needed for an enjoyable and relaxing visit. Communication with the host was easy, and check-in and check-out were ..."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2026

King Comfort Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Peterborough attractions

Frequently asked questions

Is Peterborough worth visiting?
Peterborough is worth visiting for its diverse culinary scene, offering Italian and Asian dining options. Travelers can also explore key attractions such as Trent University and catch events at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, making for a well-rounded trip.
When is the best time to visit Peterborough?
The best time to visit Peterborough is from May through September. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering a cooler travel experience.
What is Peterborough known for?
Peterborough is known for its Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site, a unique engineering marvel. Travelers can also explore Trent University and the Peterborough Memorial Centre. As a riverside city on the Otonabee River, it offers a pleasant setting and a place where you can find Italian food.
What is a good itinerary length for Peterborough?
A good itinerary length for Peterborough is one to two days to see highlights like the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site and Trent University. An extended stay of three to four days allows more time to explore, catch an event at Peterborough Memorial Centre, or try an Interactive Mystical Tarot Card Experience. See Peterborough Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Peterborough?
Peterborough offers unique historic sites, local landmarks, and engaging experiences for travelers:


How do I plan a trip to Peterborough?
To plan your trip to Peterborough, search for flights and hotels on Expedia. Book activities like the Interactive Mystical Tarot Card Experience and visits to Trent University or Peterborough Memorial Centre in advance. Consider a rental car for exploring. Remember to pair outdoor plans, such as visiting Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site, with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Peterborough?
In Peterborough you can find Thai cuisine, with dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum. Travelers also have options for Italian, Mexican, and other Asian flavors such as Chinese and Japanese. Additionally, North American comfort foods and Mediterranean dishes are available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Peterborough?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Peterborough by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Peterborough with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Peterborough trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Peterborough?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Peterborough can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Peterborough trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Peterborough trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Peterborough trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Peterborough trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Peterborough?
If it's your first trip to Peterborough, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Peterborough hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Peterborough hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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