Parks and Trails | City of Peterborough

A vibrant City along the scenic Trent-Severn Waterway, Peterborough's natural spaces are abuzz with the activity of everyday life.

With over 100 parks and 36 km of multi-use trails, there’s room for you to carve your own path here. Some local favourites including cycling along the Otonabee River from the downtown core to Trent University's campus (and beyond), enjoying a peaceful picnic under the shade of a maple tree in Nicholls Oval Park, or chasing the sunset while paddling on Little Lake.

Families can find playgrounds, splash pads, and sports fields to keep active, while nature lovers can stroll through urban forest trails or relax by the water. From a morning dog walk to a weekend game of beach volleyball, our parks and trails are here for every moment.

Parks and Pavillions

Explore 100+ parks in the City of Peterborough, learn about park and pavillion rentals, and how we can work together to keep our green spaces clean and safe.

Trails and Cycling

Explore active transportation, hiking trails, and cycling routes throughout the City. Learn about developments that enhance the connectedness of pedestrian routes.

sprayer spouting water in the splash pad

Beaches, Splash Pads and Wading Pools

Find a place to cool off on those hot summer days! Peterborough has six splash pads, two beaches, and three supervised wading pools.

Community Gardens

Fresh, healthy community gardens to fuel a healthy and vibrant community. Learn how to join an existing community garden, start a new garden, and how allotment gardening works in Peterborough.

Off Leash Dog Park

Looking for a spot for your furry friend to roam? Learn about Peterborough's off-leash dog park.

Skateboard Park

22 ramps in an 8,400 square foot area. Peterborough's skateboard park, located in Bonnerworth Park, is open from May to November.

*Note: Skateboard Park is currently closed*

Outdoor Skating

Discover outdoor skating in Quaker Foods City Square or at volunteer-maintained neighbourhood rinks.

Peterborough Parks and Trails by the Numbers

Looking to explore the number of ways you can get active here in the City of Peterborough? Here in the City, we have:

100+ Parks

362 hectares of parkland and over 100 neighbourhood, community and regional parks.

36 Kilometres of Trails

A growing network of trails and bikeways, including the Trans-Canada Trail, to connect our community and make Peterborough more walk and bike friendly.

57 Playgrounds

City parks have playground equipment, including accessible play structures.

Sport Facilities

Access 51 softball/baseball diamonds, 31 soccer fields, 42 tennis and basketball courts, and beach volleyball courts.

Water Play and Swim

Across the City you can cool off on hot summer days with three wading pools, seven splash pads and two supervised beaches.

Campground

Opportunities to camp in the City at Beavermead Park and Campground.

Sightseeing cruise boat approaches marina coming off of Little Lake in Peterborough. Marina, Holiday Inn hotel and Del Crary Park are in the background.

Trent-Severn Waterway

Peterborough is the largest urban centre along the historic and iconic Trent-Severn Waterway a National Historic Site of Canada.

Experience the waterway by water or by land from scenic riverfront trails, area parks or local beaches.

Trent-Severn Waterway

Centennial Fountain

The Centennial Fountain was installed in Little Lake just upstream from Lock 19 for Canada's centennial birthday on July 1, 1967. This project was support by General Electric, local business owners, and local engineers who volunteered their time.

The fountain operates from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. between May and October. The fountain lights turn on at 8 p.m.

Public Washrooms and Water Refill Stations

Need to access a washroom or refill a water bottle while visiting a City park?

Addresses, hours and accessibility information for all available facilities can be found below, in a mix of park locations and City operated facilities. Water refill stations are available at several locations, including the Peterborough Public Library, the Marina and Eastgate Park. Tap water at all municipal washroom facilities is from the City's regular water supply.

City Hall

500 George St. N. | 705-742-7777

Available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed statutory holidays.

Main entrance to City Hall has an access ramp and power door operators. Accessible washrooms are available on the second floor of City Hall via stairs or an elevator.

Peterborough Public Library

345 Aylmer St. N. | 705-745-5382

Available during regular hours:

Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Power door operators at entrance. Elevator access is available to lower level where washrooms are located. Washrooms are accessible and include power door operators and safety alarms. Water refill station also available.

Peterborough Marina

92 George St. N. | 705-742-0050

Available during office hours:

From June 19 to September 4: Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday to Sunday (including Canada Day July 1, Civic Holiday Aug. 2 and Labour Day) from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
From September 5 to October 9: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday to Sunday (including Thanksgiving) from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Entrance to washroom does not have an automatic door operator. Washroom is accessible. Water refill station is available.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

Museum Drive at 300 Hunter St. E. | 705-743-5180

Available during regular hours:

Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and most holidays: 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Automatic doors at Museum entrance. Washroom is accessible.

Social Services Office

178 Charlotte St. | 705-748-8830

Available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Closed statutory holidays.

Public washrooms are open seasonally in City parks from mid-May to Thanksgiving, subject to weather conditions and the need to winterize each facility. Parks Operations crews start opening the washroom buildings daily between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. in a sequenced rotation. Closing of each facility starts just before dusk and is usually concluded for all facilities one hour after dusk. Tap water in public washrooms at municipal parks is from the City’s normal water supply.

Note: Jackson Park and Millennium Park washrooms are closed by 5 p.m. daily.

Ashburnham Memorial Park: Accessible washrooms are available at the Peterborough Museum and Archives during their regular hours (Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Weekends and most holidays 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
Beavermead Park: Accessible washroom available; building entrance does not have an automatic door opener.
Bonnerworth Park: Building has an automatic door opener and an accessible washroom.
Bowers Park
Del Crary Park (Seasonal/Events Only): Visitors to Del Crary Park can use the washrooms near the Art Gallery during events. Washrooms are available seasonally at the Peterborough Marina during hours of operation.
Eastgate Park
Jackson Park: Washroom facilities are located in parking lot off Parkhill Road near the playground.
King Edward Park: Building entrance has zero-step access, power door operators and accessible washroom.
Millennium Park: Power door operators at entrance. Accessible washrooms are available.
Nicholls Oval Park: Building entrance has zero-step access and accessible washrooms.
Riverview Park and Zoo: Entrance to building has power door operators. Accessible washrooms and an accessible changeroom are available.
Rogers Cove: Entrance to building has power door operator. Accessible washroom stalls available.

Outdoor water bottle filling stations are available at City facilities in the following locations:

Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.
Eastgate Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.
Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N.
Beavermead Park public washrooms, 2011 Ashburnham Dr.

Members of the public are also able to refill a water bottle inside the following City facilities during hours of operation:

Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.
Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way
Social Services office, 178 Charlotte St.

Note: Where accessible washrooms are identified, the amenity includes a barrier free path of travel to washroom; minimum door width of 864 mm (34 inches); grab bars; accessible sink, faucet, soap and towel dispensers; and automatic/power door operators where listed.

Concerns about public washrooms in parks can be directed to our Recreation and Parks Services team by calling 705-742-0050.

Community Litter Clean-up Events

When we work together, we can make a big difference!

Get involved and join your neighbours and friends to help keep Peterborough litter-free. Let’s work together to clear garbage and recycling ensure our neighbourhoods, local parks, green spaces, and trails are beautiful and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Visit our Litter page to learn more and organize a litter clean-up.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

Promote your business or brand with a customized sponsorship profile presented with City programs, facilities, and events.

Visit our Corporate Sponsorship page to find out about our current opportunities.