girls enjoying a summer day out itinerary in Buckhorn, Ontario in the Kawartha Lakes

Itinerary: Girls Summer Day Out in Buckhorn, Ontario

Hey ladies! If you’re looking for a fun summer day out with your besties this summer, Buckhorn, Ontario is a wonderful spot.

Nestled in the Kawartha Lakes region, Buckhorn is the perfect mix of charm and lakeside fun.

From fresh baked goods and unique boutiques to local lore, splash-worthy activities, and wining and dining, Buckhorn offers a great range of things to do on a days outing with the girls. Check out our suggested itinerary.

9:00 AM: Start with a breakfast treat at Bikini Beans Café

First things first, you need coffee! Head over to Bikini Beans Café, where the coffee is freshly brewed. Or if you’re a latte girl, a tea lover, or into fresh juice, they’ve got you covered too. Treat yourself to one of their mouth-watering breakfast bites like a delicious cinnamon twist, buttery croissant, bagel, or even avocado toast. A stop at this café is on point for fueling up before the fun begins!

9:30 AM: Shop at the Boathouse Boutique

You won’t have far to go to do a little shopping because the Bikini Beans Café is housed in the Boathouse Boutique. It’s a cute spot for picking up a summer outfit or finding chic home décor pieces. This place is owned by Lakeshore Designs, the official decorator for those stunning Princess Margaret Lottery home and cottage prizes, so you know Boathouse Boutique has impeccable taste.

10:00 AM: Embark on the Ultimate Buckhorn Tour

Ready to stretch your legs and do some sightseeing? Drive over to the Adam & Eve Rocks parking lot which is the starting point of the Ultimate Buckhorn Tour.

Just $5, this unique thing to do in the Kawartha Lakes is a self-guided tour that features 17 points of interest and is full of quirky history and fun facts about the area. You won’t believe some of the stories and characters that have called Buckhorn home. The tour is only 2.5 km and you take the tour by using your smartphone as your guide.

11:30 AM: Discover a find at Style Your Nest

After getting your history fix, it’s time for more shopping! Pop over to Style Your Nest and check out more one-of-a-kind home décor items. With items ranging from wall art and furniture to ceramics and jewelry, this is your chance to get that perfect piece for your living room or cottage.

12:00 PM: Ponder the works at GeorgeyGirl Art Studio

Take home an original piece of art from GeorgeyGirl Art Studio. This local artist creates vibrant hand-painted acrylic scenes on canvas and glassware.

No matter what piece you pick it’s sure to inspire conversation. And if there are any pet lovers in your party, you can even commission a pet portrait of your four-legged friend painted on glass.

12:30 PM: Enjoy pizza by the water’s edge

Now it’s time for a lunch break and trust me—you’re going to want to cross the street to Pizza Alloro and order the Chicken Caesar pizza. It’s a local favorite and a must thing to try when visiting Buckhorn!

Get your pizza to-go and head next door to Ode’naang Park, where you can sit at a picnic table by the water and watch the boats cruise by on Upper Buckhorn Lake. There’s nothing better than pizza, good conversation, and a picture-perfect view.

Oh, and don’t forget to snap a pic of you and your friends seated in the park’s giant red Kawartha chair before you leave!

1:30 PM: Hit the water

What’s a summer day without a water adventure? You’ve got two options here, depending on what your group is into.

Option #1: Tubing down a 1-km lazy river, the Mississauga River to be exact. The water runs at a relaxing, leisurely pace and is suitable for all ages. If you don’t have a tube or floatie you can buy one at The Loft, a store located beside the Home Hardware in Buckhorn.

Then head north on County Road 36 for a couple of minutes and, on your right, you’ll see an access parking lot for the Kawartha Highlands Signature Park. Pay for parking and head down the trail to the river’s shore and drop in your tube.

When you’re done your run on the river, the exit point is just after the bend where there’s a big boulder. Walk back along the trail and do it all over again.

Option #2: Stand-up paddle boarding on Sandy Lake. Located just a 6-minute drive from Buchhorn at A. Shearer Park on Lakehurst Road, the water of Sandy Lake is so clear and turquoise it looks like something straight out of the Caribbean. It’s the reason why it’s one of the most visited things to do in the Kawartha Lakes.

Paddle boards can be rented from Nadura SUP. Call ahead to book your rental. Afterwards, relax on the beach and soak up the sun and beautiful view.

3:30 PM: Winery tour at Kawartha Country Wines

No girls’ day is complete without a little wine, right? Just a few minutes north of Buckhorn, you’ll find Kawartha Country Wines. They have over 40 fruit wines made from locally grown fruit, plus ciders and wine coolers.

Book their private 45-minute tour (note: this must be done 24 hours ahead) and you’ll get to sample eight different wines, ciders or coolers. Plus, you’ll get a keepsake glass to remember the day.

5:30 PM: Dine by the water at Bellys Restaurant

Hungry? Head to Bellys Restaurant, a laid-back spot with a chill, island vibe and a waterside view of Big Bald Lake.

Grab a seat on the deck or at a picnic table and order from an eclectic menu that includes Mexican Street Corn, Jerk Chicken Baos and Crab Rangoon Dip. And to add even more to the easy, breezy summer atmosphere, there’s live music starting at 6:00 PM.

7:30 PM: Ice cream at Mariloo’s

Finally, wrap up the day back in Buckhorn by indulging in a sweet treat at Mariloo’s Ice Cream & Milkshakes. With 50 flavors of ice cream, and specialty milkshakes and decadent sundaes, you’re in for a challenge choosing!

A girls summer day out in Buckhorn: a great time and great memories

From shopping, sightseeing and food to lakes, wine and sweet decadence, Buckhorn, Ontario has everything you need for a fun-filled day with your lady friends. Use this itinerary for inspiration, FaceTime the girls, and book this fun thing to do in the Kawartha Lakes on your calendars.