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Adventurous Days, Restful Nights
Beauty abounds throughout Kawarthas Northumberland in fall. How does a visitor choose where to go, and how to take it all in? We’ve developed this series of three mini-itineraries to help you decide. Each one uses a cottage resort as your home base, with recommendations for nearby attractions. You’ll have plenty of time to relax and unwind in the evenings after exploring the best the region has to offer.
Option 1: Culture and Coziness in the Kawarthas
In 2026 Beachwood Resort celebrated 100 years of welcoming guests, and its clear what’s kept people coming back. The beauty of Lower Buckhorn Lake, the cozy cottages and rooms, and the relaxing grounds all speak for themselves. Nature trails, watercraft, and the exceptional chef-prepared cuisine of on-site restaurant Frederick’s seal the deal.
Once you’ve booked in, however, there’s plenty to tempt you further afield. All the options below are a short drive from the property, just long enough to enjoy the beauty of the fall foliage on some of the region’s most scenic backroads.
On your first full day, Wanderlight Alpaca Experience is a lovely, restorative way to explore the great outdoors. Ramble over the rolling hills of a farm in the company of inquisitive, soulful alpacas, or book an “Alpaca Quest” for an escape-room style adventure with an alpaca walk built in.
After your tour, stroll through the village of Lakefield. As the one-time home of Margaret Laurence and other literary luminaries, this Trent-Severn Trail Town has a unique cultural pedigree, as you’ll see when you drop into quaint shops like Happenstance Books & Yarns and enjoy a coffee at the always welcoming Nutty Bean Cafe.
That evening, if Frederick’s is closed or if you’re looking for something different, Cheeky Duck Vineyard is superb. Enjoy sustainably produced meals of exceptional quality, prepared by a trained chef and served with fine wine.
For the second day of your stay, we recommend Petroglyphs Provincial Park. As the site of the largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings in Canada, there’s an incredible cultural and historical learning opportunity here. Better yet, hiking trails branching off from the Visitor Centre provide a natural space to appreciate the season and reflect on what you’ve seen.
Option 2: Leaf Lovers' Paradise in Northumberland County
Sunset Retreat on Rice Lake is the perfect base of operations to explore Northumberland County in fall. A colourful ridge is visible from the dock and the beach, and paddling alongside it in one of the resort’s kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards is a great way to enjoy the season in all its glory. When you’re ready for a rest, you can enjoy the view from your spacious, comfortable cottage deck.
Once it’s time to set out for the day, naturally one of the most appealing things to do during your visit is to cruise along the Rice Lake Scenic Drive. The views along the southern lakeshore are reliably beautiful, and never more spectacular than in fall.
On your return trip, you’ve got some incredible options to get out and stretch our legs. For a short-but-stunning hike, try Peter’s Woods Provincial Nature Reserve Trail. As the sole surviving stand of old-growth forest along the Oak Ridges Morraine, you’ll likely spend the kilometre hike gazing up at the impressive canopy. For a longer excursion, Northumberland County Forest is also very nearby. Its 45 km of trail offers as much glorious fall hiking as you could want.
If you work up an appetite or a thirst, you’re well-served in this area. It’s just a short trip to the Trent-Severn Trail Town of Hastings, where you can dine beside the water in the relaxed atmosphere of McGillicafey’s Pub and Eatery. Just outside Hastings, have a pint of craft beer on the patio of Focal Brewing Co., or bring some cans back for a tasting at the cabin.
If you’re departing on a Sunday, don’t miss the Roseneath Carousel. This lovingly restored 1906 fairground attraction is still running today, accompanied by the vintage strains of a Wurlitzer organ.
Option 3: Peace and Calm in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes’ slogan is “Quietly Incredible,” and it’s apt. In the town of Coboconk you’ll find a winning combination of rural quiet and nearby attractions. Book your stay at The Saucy Willow Inn & Cottages and enjoy the waterside views and well-kept gardens. When you’re ready to venture out, you’ll be walking distance to any amenities you might need.
Begin your stay by strolling through Coboconk—another Trent-Severn Trail Town, if you’re sensing a theme. The Trent-Severn connection here is especially profound because Coboconk is the Fresh Water Summit, the highest point in North America from which a boater can circumnavigate the globe. A visit to MacFABkitchen and MacFABcabin is probably in order, where you’ll find chic accessories for the kitchen and home, respectively.
Birders especially will want to visit Carden Alvar. This globally rare ecosystem, characterized by shallow soil on a bed of rock, is home to uniquely adapted species and has a feel all of its own. If you prefer a few more ups and downs on your hikes, Balsam Lake Provincial Park is also nearby. For committed hikers, the Cation Wildlife Preserve and Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park can offer a whole day’s worth of outdoor exploration. Fuel up for your trip at quirky Quaker Oaks Farm.
Of course, if you’re traveling with kids, you might find the natural landscapes a little too peaceful. In that case, you can always head to Coboconk Go-Karts & Mini-Putt for some more immediate thrills before heading home.
