One of the best parts about being in Kawarthas Northumberland is easy access to a wide range of beautiful, diverse hiking trails. And there’s no better time to hike than fall, when the bugs have died down and the leaves are on full display. To help you choose your next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of several trails that showcase the best of season.

If you’re a canoeist, you know the feeling. You’ve in harmony with your surroundings after a long day’s paddle. The sun is low in the sky, your arms are pleasantly tired, and you’ve earned a hearty meal. Instead, you strap your canoe on the roof of a car and spend an hour or two on the highway, undoing much of the relaxation you worked to achieve in the process.

The leaves are changing, the crowds have departed, and the Trent-Severn Waterway feels like it’s all yours. Boating the TSW in September and early October has different feel than the height of summer, and it’s a well worth experiencing whether it’s your first trip or an annual tradition.

The beauty of Kawarthas Northumberland has always inspired artists, and the many studio tours throughout the region are proof. We spoke to three artists who draw directly from the local landscape to learn about their process—and picked up a few ideas for outdoor exploration in the bargain.

Drive through Kawarthas Northumberland this fall, and you’re bound to see some quintessentially rural scenes—sunny cornfields, horses standing in the pasture, chickens pecking around the barn.

If you’ve ever been tempted to stop for a longer look, you’re in luck. The region is packed with agritourism experiences that can offer you farm-to-table cuisine, unique entertainment, or a chance to mingle with the animals at a sanctuary. We’ve compiled a list of some suggested destinations thank will give you insight into what country life’s all about.

If you’ve never heard the term before, “soft adventure” is a pretty inclusive concept. It refers to the more accessible end of the activity spectrum—think day hikes, bicycle trails, and flatwater paddling, as opposed to whitewater rafting or mountain climbing.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to switch up the pace or you’re relatively new to outdoor exploration, our soft adventures provide routes of a manageable length with access to nearby amenities. You’ll still feel like you’re in the lap of nature, and our varied geography means Kawarthas Northumberland has excellent offerings on land and on the water.

Kawarthas Northumberland is home to over 330 lakes and rivers, many of which are connected by the historic Trent-Severn Waterway. This means that there are plenty of scenic paddling routes to enjoy. Although the region isn’t known for long portage routes, you can certainly find many options for day paddles. You can also combine locations over several days to experience a variety and have a cross regional adventure dropping in and taking out in various locations.

There are so many good reasons to go bikepacking! For some endurance athletes the day comes when a desired ride is so long that it simply can’t be done in one day, which is a good reason to consider a multi day cycling adventure. For others, the appeal of bikepacking is that a trip can be savored at a leisurely pace, while taking the time to sample a region’s hospitality and scenery. Whether wilderness adventure or luxurious leisure appeals to you, carrying just what you need on your bike gives a sense of freedom that many of us have not experienced since childhood.