Canada's Most Walkable City 2009: Peterborough

by Jaimi Ruoho
November 26th, 2009

A small town with big pedestrian dreams, as if trying to lead the otherwise sprawling, subdivided region by example, Peterborough has long made its pretty lakes, rivers and woods accessible by foot.

A small town with big pedestrian dreams, as if trying to lead the otherwise sprawling, subdivided region by example, Peterborough has long made its pretty lakes, rivers and woods accessible by foot. Kids are taught to walk smart through initiatives like the lauded Active Safe Route to School that encourages safe walkways near schools.

Citizens then return the love, like the couple that paid for the construction of the public 4.2-km Parkway Trail.

As with most university towns, walkability is necessary. "The presence of Trent University students, with low dough but high cafe and pub social needs, help keep the sidewalks friendly and lively at night," says Farrow.

Insider Jaimi Ruoho's Peterborough Walking Tour

Jaimi Ruoho, communications officer and program manager at the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation, shares her walking tour of Peterborough

Distance: 3 km (not including cruise)

Time: 3 hours (including cruise)

This story was originally published in the August 2009 issue of up! magazine as part of the Canada's Most Walkable Cities 2009 feature, profiling 10 of Canada’s most pedestrian-friendly urban centres. Take a look at more of Canada's Most Walkable Cities in 2009.

Gallery (4 images)

Map

Javascript is required to view this map.
  1. Canadian Canoe Museum

    910 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough,
    Start at the Canadian Canoe Museum, head east on Romaine Street, then north on Crescent Street. Make sure to check out the Art Gallery of Peterborough as you pass by.
    http://www.canoemuseum.ca

  2. Del Crary Park

    George St. North, Peterborough,
    Continue through Del Crary Park, then hope on a Liftlock Riverboat Cruise for a journey up the Trent-Severn Waterway through the world's highest hydraulic lift lock.
    http://www.liftlockcruises.com

  3. Holiday Inn Gazebo Bar

    150 George St., Peterborough,
    Back on land, fuel up at the Holiday Inn Gazebo Bar, or continue north along the waterfront through Millenium Park and up to the end of Scotts Plains Park.
    http://www.holidayinn.com/waterfront

  4. Blue Tomato Art Shop

    168 Hunter St. West, Peterborough,
    Go left on Simcoe Street, then left on George Street North, and right on Charlotte to end up at the well-known Blue Tomato Art Shop, featuring emerging local artists.
    http://www.bluetomato.ca

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

Related Articles

Inside the Bell Lightbox

By Adam Trinh

The Toronto International Film Festival finally has a permanent home in the brand-new Bell Lightbox Theatre. Check out the many features of this super-cool new theatre. 

Canada’s Wonderland

By Corinne McDermott

Over 330 acres of thrill rides and fun awaits just 40 km north of downtown Toronto; Canada’s Wonderland is pushing 30 but shows no signs of slowing down.