Bobcaygeon is a community around the City of Kawartha Lakes, central east of Ontario. It is around 2 hours drive from Toronto along 3 routes : via Hiway 401 then 115; through Hiway 407 then 115 or 7; or taking Hiway 404 then 48.
After the drive, first thing to do is have ice cream at the Kawartha Dairy. Although a lot of people relate Kawartha to Minden, ON where a large depot and dairy bar is located, Kawartha originally started in Bobcaygeon. All ice-cream and dairy products are still produced in this small town using milk from the local farming region. The modest retail store is smaller than the one in Minden and is located at 89 Prince St West. There is a small parking space and a few seats outside. When we were there a constant flow of people just kept coming. But the wait was not long.
Next, to burn off the ice cream calories – take a walk along Bolton Street, Canal Street and King Street where you will find beautifully painted canoe paddles. A total of 71 canoe paddles are hanging on the street poles some with equally beautiful flower baskets. I am sure you will have fun taking photos just like I did.
Click here for my other post on the Bobcaygeon’s Canoe Paddles.
Third stop – witness the old-fashioned Swing Bridge in action. When a boat crosses Bolton Street over the Trent-Severn Waterway the bridge swings to make way. How cool is that! This happens often during the summer months and there are benches along the waterway so you can watch in comfort.
The bridge “tucked” to one side as it gave way to passing boats.
Swing Bridge back to normal position with pedestrians crossing.
And fourth, a trip to Bobcaygeon is not complete if you do not visit Bigley’s Shoes and Clothing. Operating since 1911, the store occupies the whole corner of Bolton and Canal Street West. It boasts of the largest selection of shoes for men, women and children. It also has clothes, accessories, swimwear, even kitchen items. A department store in a cottage country atmosphere.
4 cool things to do in Bobcaygeon all in a day.
Bobcaygeon, Ontario – August 12, 2018
