The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Peterborough

This guide features 3 family-friendly hiking trails around Peterborough, Ontario. These routes offer a great way to explore the region's natural beauty with your family.

The trails around Peterborough, Ontario, offer a mix of landscapes. You can expect lush parks, scenic trails along tranquil waterways, and paths that follow former rail beds. Many routes, like the Jackson Creek Kiwanis Trail, are multi-use and relatively flat, making them suitable for families. Some areas, such as the Trent University Wildlife Sanctuary, feature trails that snake around forests and over hills.

While all routes in this guide are rated moderate, many sections of trails in Peterborough are suitable for beginners and families. The Jackson Creek Kiwanis Trail, for instance, follows a former rail bed, offering a relatively flat and accessible path. Jackson Park itself has attractive trails that are generally easy walking. For pushchair-friendly options, look for paved or well-maintained gravel paths, often found along sections of the Trans Canada Trail or Rotary Greenway Trail.

Many trails in Peterborough offer interesting sights. For example, the Jackson Creek Kiwanis Trail passes through Jackson Park, which features a large pond and a covered bridge. You might also encounter historic structures like Doube's Trestle Bridge, a historic railway bridge that is now part of The Great Trail. The Scenic River Road Trail leads towards the charming town of Lakefield.

Yes, there are options for circular walks. The "Hiking loop from Peterborough" is a great example, offering a 7.7 km loop that starts and ends in the city. Additionally, many parks and conservation areas, such as the Trent University Wildlife Sanctuary, feature various loop trails of different lengths.

The family-friendly hikes in this guide vary in length and duration. The shortest route, "Hiking loop from Peterborough," takes approximately 2 hours and 1 minute to complete. The longest, "Scenic River Road Trail – Trent University to Lakefield," is about 3 hours and 53 minutes. These durations are estimates and can vary based on your family's pace and stops.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many popular parks and conservation areas in Peterborough, such as Jackson Park and Harold Town Conservation Area, offer designated parking facilities. For specific routes, it's always a good idea to check the route details on komoot for information on starting points and parking options.

Peterborough has a public transit system that can provide access to various parts of the city and some trailheads. For example, trails originating near Trent University or within the city center, like the Hiking loop from Peterborough, are often reachable by bus. We recommend checking the Peterborough Transit website for current routes and schedules to plan your journey.

The komoot community rates the family-friendly trails around Peterborough with an average score of 3.0 stars. Hikers often praise the region's diverse natural landscapes, tranquil waterways, and well-maintained paths, making them enjoyable for all ages. The accessibility and scenic beauty are frequently highlighted.

Many trails in Peterborough offer opportunities for wildlife observation. The Jackson Creek Kiwanis Trail, part of the Trans-Canada Trail System, is known for nature viewing. The Trent University Wildlife Sanctuary and Miller Creek Wildlife Area are also excellent spots for observing local flora and fauna, including various bird species and small mammals, in their natural habitats.

Peterborough, Ontario, offers a "natural playground" year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, especially white trilliums on trails like the Lady Eaton Drumlin Trail. Summer is ideal for enjoying lush greenery and tranquil waterways. Autumn provides stunning fall foliage, while winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on many of the same trails, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland.

Many trails in Peterborough are close to amenities. Jackson Park, for instance, is a popular spot for picnics. The Scenic River Road Trail leads to Lakefield, a charming village with cafes and shops. It's always a good idea to pack snacks and water, but you'll find options for refreshments in or near the city center and surrounding towns.