3 Best Landmarks in Peterborough, ON

“Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site features exhibits on the Peterborough lift lock, the Trent-Severn Waterway, and more. Richard Birdsall Rogers designed this lift lock, which was the highest hydraulic boat lift globally for many years. The structure of the site is particularly fascinating. Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site includes the immediate upper and lower canal cuts and essential barriers integral to the locks' construction and operation. This historical landmark operates using water and gravity, with the Lift Lock serving as a practical example of a seesaw mechanism. Additionally, many lock stations and villages along the Trent-Severn Waterway are conveniently located, making them ideal destinations for picnics, hikes, and visits to lock stations all in a single day.

“Hutchison House is owned and operated by the Peterborough Historical Society. Each year, approximately 7,000 visitors explore this museum, which accepts the Canadian Cultural Access Pass. The museum team serves Scottish tea to their visitors. For those unable to navigate the stairs, a guided tour is available via video on the main level. Hutchison House provides wheelchair accessibility to the terrace, the historic 1840s open-hearth kitchen, a bookshop, and an accessible washroom. This landmark is committed to engaging the public through outreach and program initiatives that reflect the diverse and complex history of the community.

“Peterborough Public Library occupies the old fire hall site and offers triple the floor space of the previous Carnegie building. The Library provides a full range of services, including a current circulating collection of books, CD audiobooks, music, DVDs, and magazines. Peterborough Public Library's reference collections feature local history resources, electronic databases, and microfilm tailored to meet the community's information needs. The Library also hosts programs such as reading clubs for the public. Internet access is available via the Library's workstations, and visitors can obtain library cards.