DESTINATION

Peterborough

Riverview Park and Zoo, covering 20 hectares (50 acres), is at 1230 Water St. N. A small zoo with more than 40 animal species, a miniature railway that operates during the summer, a children's playground and splash pad, orientation center and picnic area are in the park; phone (705) 748-9301, ext. 2304.

Peterborough's history is evidenced by the 19th-century houses in the residential section and the more than 2,000-year-old Iroquois burial ground in Serpent Mounds Park, 10 kilometres (6 mi.) east on Hwy. 7, then 14 kilometres (9 mi.) south on CR 34. Note: The park currently is closed for renovations.

Peterborough's cultural offerings include the Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George St. N., offering musical and theatrical performances year-round; phone (705) 742-7089 for information or (705) 742-7469 for tickets. The Peterborough Theatre Guild entertains audiences in July and August from their home at 364 Rogers St.; phone (705) 745-4211.

Local produce can be enjoyed year-round courtesy of the farmers market held each Saturday at Morrow Park, Lansdowne and George streets. Recreational activities include boating, bicycling, fishing, golfing and swimming in the summer, while winter offers downhill and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Kawartha Downs and Speedway, 15 kilometres (9 mi.) southwest of the city in Fraserville at 1382 CR 28, offers harness racing year-round and seasonal NASCAR racing; phone (705) 939-6316.

Note: Policies concerning admittance of children to pari-mutuel betting facilities vary. Phone for information.

Visitor Centers

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism 1400 Crawford Dr. Peterborough, ON K9J 6X6. Phone:(705)742-2201 or (800)461-6424

Shopping

More than 500 specialty shops and boutiques as well as shops specializing in antiques and crafts can be found in downtown Peterborough. Lansdowne Place, at 645 Lansdowne St. W., has more than 100 shops and services, including Old Navy. Whetung Ojibwa Gallery, on Curve Lake First Nation 20 minutes north of town, offers authentic First Nations arts and crafts.