With spring here, many local businesses are gearing up for the warmer months ahead which is sure to bring an influx of tourists to the area.
About eight months ago, the County of Peterborough launched a brand new tool to help visitors navigate the area and better find attractions, locations, and events they are interested in.
The Peterborough County economic development team created and launched the Kawarthas interactive Visitors Map online on August 26, 2025.
Ryley Gutoskie, communications coordinator, said that the map was created to enhance how people discover and experience The Kawarthas, which encompasses all of Peterborough County.
She said that it was designed as an intuitive, user-friendly planning tool that brings together local businesses, attractions, and essential amenities in one place, making it easier than ever for visitors, locals, and seasonal residents to explore the region and plan meaningful trips.
Gutoskie told the Herald, “We’re very encouraged by the performance of the map in its first six months, surpassing our initial benchmark for engaged user visits which demonstrated strong interest and a high level of meaningful interactions. It has supported increased engagement with our region’s tourism offerings and provided valuable insights into how people are planning their visits. This data is helping us continue to evolve the platform to better meet visitor needs.”
When the Herald asked what those benchmarks were and how the new tool had performed over the first six months, Tracie Bertrand, general manager of tourism and communications, said that metrics are used internally to guide ongoing improvements, inform strategy, and support decision-making across our tourism and economic development initiatives. No data or metrics from the map was provided to the Herald.
Gutoskie did go on to say that heading into the 2026 tourism season, the County plans to keep the map up and going for residents and visitors with updates and improvements coming.
“The map was designed to be a living, evolving platform. We are continuously refining the user experience. As we head into the 2026 tourism season, users can expect even more up-to-date content and enhanced functionality.”
Gutoskie explained that the map has a wide range of searchable layers from outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to amenities like public washrooms, EV charging stations, and boat launches. The map has information that should allow users to customize their trip to the area whether that be a simple day trip or a longer stay. The map covers popular attractions and hidden gems across all eight townships and two First Nations within Peterborough County.
“The map is fully searchable, mobile-friendly, and regularly updated, making it a reliable, go-to resource for planning a visit to The Kawarthas. As seasonal experiences and new businesses are added, users are encouraged to check back often to get the most current information.”
For those who can’t access the online tools, Gutoskie said that there will still be physical locations where visitors can learn more about the area.
Rather than one centralized hub for tourism, the County plans to have outlets within each of the municipalities.
Last year, the County terminated their lease with the Township of Selwyn for the Old Post Office which was located downtown Lakefield. Within the building, the County facilitated tourism operations and information which serviced 500 visitors from June to August alone. This however, did not justify the associated annual lease and facility costs according to Bertrand.
While there is no longer a physical presence in Lakefield, Gutoskie said that visitors and residents looking for tourism information offline can still do so.
“While the interactive map is a key digital tool, we recognize the continued importance of non-digital options. Visitors can still access tourism information through printed maps and materials, available through our Mobile Visitor Services staff over the summer months, at each of the eight township offices, and by connecting directly with select local businesses and tourism operators throughout the region. Visitor Services also continues to be available by phone, or social media and email, when Wi-Fi and data permits.”
While the County is keeping some physical spaces for information open during the main tourist season, they have made the switch to more of an online presence. This make the Kawartha interactive map even more valuable for tourist.
Gutoskie explained, “This map reflects Peterborough County’s commitment to innovation and collaboration, developed in partnership with our GIS team. It complements existing tools like thekawarthas.ca and ensures we’re meeting travellers where they are while continuing to showcase all that makes The Kawarthas a sought-after destination. Further, this project reinforces our commitment to ensuring each of the eight townships is represented in a way that highlights its individual character, offerings, and experiences.”
To learn more, visit www.theKawarthas.ca
