Things to do in Bobcaygeon, Ontario
If you’re planning a getaway to the Kawartha Lakes vacation region, make sure Bobcaygeon is on your itinerary. This charming town—situated on three islands where Sturgeon and Pigeon Lakes meet—is packed with small-town charm, history, outdoor activities, and great eats.
Here’s a guide to help you discover a variety of things to do in Bobcaygeon, Ontario.
Start with a Bobcaygeon breakfast
The perfect way to kick off a day of discovery is to begin with breakfast. Bobcaygeon boasts a few appetizing options for the most important meal of the day.
- Daylight Diner: Breakfast is served all day at the Daylight Diner. Pancakes, French toast, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, ham, bacon (including peameal bacon), sausages, and fresh seasonal fruit are all on the menu.
- Wheatsheaf Café: Wednesdays to Sundays, from 8:00 to 11:30 am, the Wheatsheaf Café whips up breakfast. Eggs Benedict, breakfast burritos, peameal bacon melt and breakfast classics like omelettes, buttermilk pancakes, eggs & bacon, and breakfast sandwiches.
- Jaclyn’s: Jaclyn’s has an extensive breakfast menu. Everything from classic breakfast fare to 10 types of Eggs Benedicts, avocado toast, Philly breakfast wrap, Belgian waffles and crepes.
Discover Bobcaygeon on bike
One of the best ways to explore Bobcaygeon in the Kawarthas Lakes is on two wheels. Head to the visitor centre near Lock 32 where you can rent bikes by the half-hour or for the day. They also offer complimentary pocket maps and brochures to help guide your route.
Pedal through the town to enjoy scenic waterfront views or take a peaceful escape into nature along a nearby trail. One of my favourite routes is the boardwalk leading from the locks to Bobcaygeon Beach Park. It’s a family-friendly spot with a shallow-entry beach, playground, snack bar, and plenty of space for a picnic.
Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the town’s waterways and lakes
Bobcaygeon’s unique geography makes it a wonderful destination if you’re a paddler. With rivers, canals, creeks and lakes all connected, there’s no shortage of water to explore. You can rent kayaks, canoes, paddles, and lifejackets from Buckeye Surf’s Rental Shop.
The Bobcaygeon Town Route is a leisurely paddle with shoreline stops where you can pause your trek for shopping and dining. For a more peaceful, nature-immersed experience, try the Nogies Creek Route, where you might spot loons, herons, bald eagles, or even a beaver. Both routes offer a relaxing way to soak in the village’s natural beauty.
Learn about the history of Bobcaygeon
The area of Bobcaygeon was first settled back in 1833. In 1876 it was officially recognized as a village by Victoria County. Having been around for almost 200 years, naturally there’s a lot of history to what is affectionately known as the “Hub of the Kawarthas.”
Lock 32
Start your historical journey at Lock 32. Constructed in 1921, it was the first lock built in the Trent-Severn Waterway. Time your visit right and you might even catch the nearby swing bridge in action as it opens to let larger boats pass.
Boyd Heritage Museum
Dive deeper into the past at the Boyd Heritage Museum, which tells the story of Mossom Boyd—a 19th-century lumber tycoon.
In 1833, while only a 19-year-old man, Boyd arrived in Bobcaygeon. Initially his goal was to become a farmer but he started working in the lumber industry instead. He went on to become a self-made lumber mogul.
The museum is housed in the former Boyd Lumber Office which was built in 1889. It contains many artifacts from the business and the Boyd family’s personal lives.
Each piece has a story to tell, including the mounted Buffalo head. This is “Napoleon,” a buffalo that was purchased in California by Mosson Boyd Jr. He cross-bred Napoleon with cattle, eventually producing a hybrid animal he called a “catalo” which was ¾ domestic cow and ¼ buffalo.
Kawartha Settler’s Village
For a firsthand taste of what life was like through Bobcaygeon’s history, visit the Kawartha Settler’s Village. Here you’ll find over 20 historic buildings from various eras of the town’s history.
My personal favourites are the schoolhouse and the fire station. With its desks and many authentic artifacts the schoolhouse makes it easy to imagine what being a student back in the day must have felt like. And the fire station is home to a variety of impressively restored fire trucks.
Kawartha Settler’s Village also hosts a variety of impressive events throughout the year including a craft beer festival, art show, scavenger hunts, Festival of Trees and more. Be sure and check the events page on their website when you’re visiting Bobcaygeon to see what’s on.
Take time for a treat or two
Your trip to Bobcaygeon wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a few local treats. Here are four destinations to consider and why.
Trent Lakes Cheese
Trent Lakes Cheese is an awesome shop which boasts a delectable selection of small-batch, artisan cheeses from Canada and around the world. One to definitely try is the onion cheese. Have cheese questions? You’re in the right place. Kim, the personable owner, is a wealth of cheese knowledge and is always happy to share it.
Old Dog Brewing Company
The Old Dog Brewing Company is a Bobcaygeon-based microbrewery. The beer is good and the names of each of their products are even better—they’re all named after a breed of dog. ‘Yellow Lab Lager’ and ‘Single Malt Scottie Ale’ are just a few of the brews they offer.
The brewmaster here is always experimenting too so if you enjoy trying new tastes be sure to ask what their latest test batch is.
Cake by the Lake
Cake by the Lake specializes in creating to-die-for cheesecakes. Here you’ll find classic flavours like raspberry swirl and blueberry as well as irresistible originals such as key lime, peanut buttercup and s’more cheesecake. Good look deciding what to buy!
Bobcaygeon Bakery
Another baked-goods destination that locals and visitors rave about is the Bobcaygeon Bakery. This is the spot if it’s fresh baked bread, cinnamon buns, coffee cake, pies and pastries that you crave. It’s definitely the go-to-spot for Portuguese custard tarts. They make great cookies too—one everyone should try at least once is their Compost Cookie which is a combination pretzels, cornflakes, chocolate and caramel!
Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream
If you’ve never been to Bobcaygeon before then you must include a visit to one of the most iconic sites in the Kawartha Lakes—the Kawartha Dairy. This is the place where famous Kawartha Dairy ice cream is made. A family-owned and -operated business, it was founded in Bobcaygeon back in 1937.
Head over to the store at the manufacturing facility and order yourself a cone or cup of ice cream. The menu features many creative choices including Campfire S’mores, Constellation, Dockside Cappuccino, Moon Mist, Cotton Candy, Nanaimo Bar, Moose Tracks and Sugar Shack Maple.
Get a dose of retail therapy
If you enjoy doing a little shopping while on a getaway, Bobcaygeon will definitely satisfy your urge.
Bigley Shoes and Clothing
Bobcaygeon is home to one of the most famous retailers in the Kawartha Lakes, Bigley Shoes and Clothing. This company has been in business since 1911. If your closet can never have enough pairs of shoes, you’re going to love shopping at Bigley. They have over 40,000 pairs of shoes to choose from.
It’s also the place to shop if you need a new bathing suit and or outfit. But that’s not all they sell. Bigley also carries jewelry, accessories, home décor and kitchen gadgets. In other words there is a lot to explore at Bigley Shoes and Clothing
Douglas + Son
If it’s some cool Bobcaygeon swag that you seek, head over to Douglas + Son. They create and sell Bobcaygeon themed t-shirts, long sleeve shirts and hats. And if you’re searching for some unique pieces to style your cottage or home, you’ll want to check out their collection of vintage items such as cameras, bottles, and artwork.
More outdoor activities to enjoy in Bobcaygeon
Take a hike
Commune with nature by going on a hike. There are a number of hiking trail options in town and in the area. Here’s a brief introduction to each one.
In-town trails
- John Eakins Walkway: John Eakins Walkway is a 1-km trail that follows along the Trent-Severn Waterway. The starting point is at Bobcaygeon’s Lock 32. It’s a flat, easy stroll that’s suitable for the whole family. There is also a washroom, playground and beach area along the trail.
- Kawartha Settler’s Village Trail: A second, in-town option for a hike is the Kawartha Settler’s Village Trail. The trail is located around the perimeter of the Village and is a nice, leisurely 1-km loop. The walk is serene and relaxing as you wind your way past tall trees, and beautiful flowers and vines.
Just-outside-of-town trails
- Bobcaygeon Wilderness Park: Located a few minutes north/east of the village, this park is great for young families or groups with older people in their group. It offers a 0.5-km loop trail that is flat and wide. Along the route are interpretative signs that provide insightful, educational information.
- Dunsford Nature Trail: Want a hike that’s a little longer? Drive approximately 15 minutes south of Bobcaygeon on Highway 36 to the Dunsford Nature Trail. The trail varies in the materials that are underfoot but overall it is flat. This hike takes you through wetland and forest. It’s a great trek if you want to hear and see birds, butterflies and frogs.
- Gamiing Nature Centre: This conservation destination is approximately 15 minutes south of Bobcaygeon. It features a series of eight small trails; if you decide to hike all eight you will cover 7 km. Each trail provides its own unique experience; for example The Glacier Trail leads to glacial deposits, while The Lakeview Trail takes you to Pigeon Lake.
Chill at the beach
Enjoy a beach day at Bobcaygeon Beach Park. Situated within the town, it offers a nice, shallow entry beach with sand and picnic tables. There is also a large play park, washroom facilities, snack bar, covered eating area and large paved parking lot right next door.
Tee up a round of golf
Another way to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air in Bobcaygeon is to play a round of golf at Eganridge Golf & Country Club. This is a 9-hole parkland-style course. Every hole is relatively short making the course suitable for a wide range of golfers. You can walk the course or rent a cart.
In addition, if you want to work on your game there is also a driving range, putting green and pitching/chipping area.
Try shore fishing
Don’t forget to pack your fishing rod and tackle. With Bobcaygeon being situated on three islands, there are lots of shoreline locations where you can drop a line. You may reel in a smallmouth bass, walleye/pickerel, perch, pike, rock bass or possibly even a muskie.
If you don’t have a fishing license you can pick one up at Smith & Son’s Bait & Tackle or Pirates Cove Tackle & Variety.
Take in a live performance
During July and August, Concerts in the Park take place every Thursday evening at Lock 32 Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, enjoy a picnic, and tap your toes to music performed by talented local performers. It’s a lovely way to wind down a day in Bobcaygeon.
Just 15 minutes south of town is the Globus Theatre, housed in a converted barn. This intimate venue offers professional productions—from comedies to dramas—plus, if you like, there’s a delicious, pre-show three-course meal. Reservations are required.
Places to grab a bite in Bobcaygeon
For lunch or dinner, Bobcaygeon has a variety of restaurants that will answer that pang in your stomach.
Wing House: Satisfy your desire for wings and cold beer at the Wing House. With over 150 flavours to choose from, deciding what to order will be a challenge. Best thing, the Wing House is open 7 days a week, with deals on specific nights and special dine-in specials on Monday to Thursday and on Sunday.
The Grilled Cheese Hideaway: For a quick bite, a scrumptious choice is The Grilled Cheese Hideaway. This is Bobcaygeon’s destination for gourmet grilled cheese. A few suggestions from the menu: grilled cheese with apple chutney or the “ain’t do big dill” sandwich.
Amici Pasta Bar: Pasta person? Make plans to dine at Amici Pasta Bar where their pasta is made in-house. Want a suggestion? Their squash ravioli and gnocchi will have you wanting seconds. They also have fire roasted pizza and vegan and vegetarian options too. Afterwards treat yourself to one of their iced lattes.
Just for the Halibut: In the mood for seafood? Just for the Halibut taphouse & grill is the place. Scallops, shrimp, salmon, pickerel, whitefish, and haddock or halibut fish chips are all on the menu. Plus, it includes pasta, burgers, soups, salads, and classic pub fare.
Graz Restobar: If you’re with a group that requires an eclectic menu, Graz Restobar will meet your expectations. Their menu includes items such as grilled octopus and mussels, to braised beef and a pork belly bowl. They also have crafted cocktails and live music on the weekends.
Royal Moose Grill & Waterfront Patio: If your preference is to relax by the water while having lunch or dinner, make your way to the Royal Moose Grill & Waterfront Patio. Walk up or boat up to their patio which happens to be the largest in the Kawartha Lakes.
Enjoy the view of the Bobcaygeon River as you sip on a beverage and savour your meal. A few recommends include: Double Decker Nachos; Chicken, Mango & Avocado Salad and the Crispy Bobcaygeon Chicken.
Conclusion
With its charm, rich history, water-bound activities and bounty of restaurant options, Bobcaygeon is a rewarding destination in the Kawartha Lakes vacation region. Whether your planning to visit for a day, weekend or week, Bobcaygeon has everything you need to for an enjoyable escape.
Discover Buckhorn, just 20 minutes away
If you’re staying in the Kawarthas for more than a day or two, another place to check out that’s close to Bobcaygeon is Buckhorn, Ontario. To get a head start of what to see and do read our article “Things to do in Buckhorn, Ontario.”
Feature Photo Credit: TripAdvisor