Peterborough

Discover what's on their table.

Say Hello to Peterborough – where the bounty of nearby Peterborough County farms is served up by talented chefs who draw inspiration from a diverse palette of global flavours. This vibrant city punches above its weight when it comes to fresh flavours offering an unforgettable mix of local markets, top-rated restaurants, and craft breweries.

Explore Peterborough’s Farmers’ Markets

Looking for the freshest ingredients? Start at Peterborough’s year-round farmers’ markets, where local farmers, artisans, and chefs come together. Beyond the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker, at the markets you will find:

Locally-grown produce, meats, and other bountiful ingredients from Peterborough County farms
Craft beer and other beverages from local producers
Gourmet coffee roasted to perfection
Pastries and baked goods made by talented chefs
Award-winning maple syrup, honey, and preserves

You’re apt to run into a local chef or two at the market as they source fresh ingredients for their seasonal menus. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of the Peterborough community.

Hunter Street Café District: A Foodie’s Paradise

From the market, head to Hunter Street Café District, home to over 30 dining establishments. Enjoy a diverse selection of cuisines, including:

St. Veronus – A Belgian beer café with authentic European fare
La Hacienda – Flavours and incredients fresh from Mexico (including cooking classes)
Karma’s Café – Try the Tibetan momos or noodles with lime leaves
Sam’s Place – Meats that are cured, smoked and sliced in-house crafted into delicious one-of-a-kind sandwiches

Even the city’s pubs and sports bars highlight local flavours, featuring meat from Peterborough butchers, produce from local farms, and craft beer from Ontario breweries.

Peterborough’s Craft Beer & Nightlife Scene

Looking for the best craft breweries near Peterborough? Try:

100 Acre Brewing Company – A family-owned brewery offering craft beers, cornhole, ‘brew-chre’, pond skating, and pop-up food vendors like FeastON®-certified Lowlands Fire Food
- Bobcaygeon Brewing Company Innovation Lab – try the latest brews from Bobcaygeon crafted right here in Peterborough
Publican House – delicious pizzas, sandwiches and mains served up alongside mainstay brews like the Paddler’s Ale and Kawartha Lakes Brewing’s Raspberry Wheat Beer

Beyond the Table: Must-See Attractions in Peterborough

Peterborough is more than a foodie hotspot—it’s also the largest city on the Trent-Severn Waterway, one of the New York Times’ top travel destinations for 2025. Don’t miss:

The Canadian Canoe Museum – A stunning new waterfront attraction, and home to the world’s largest collection of canoes and kayaks
Art Gallery of Peterborough – Featuring contemporary Canadian and Indigenous artists
Peterborough Lift Lock – A National Historic Site of Canada, an engineering marvel, the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock
Riverview Park & Zoo – A family-friendly gem, Canada’s only accredited free zoo
Peterborough Musicfest – Canada’s longest-running, free admission summer concert series. Wednesday and Saturday nights in July and August in Del Crary Park on the shore of Little Lake.
Peterborough Museum & Archives – Uncover the city’s rich history, including Indigenous heritage, Irish roots, literary legends and more.

Plan Your Visit to Peterborough, Ontario

Whether you’re a foodie, craft beer lover, or culture seeker, Peterborough is the perfect getaway. Experience farm-to-table dining, top restaurants, local breweries, and waterfront attractions all in one trip. Visit hellopeterborough.ca to start planning your trip!

Exploring the Region?

Here are a few great places to start.

Highly Recommended

By the Culinary Tourism Alliance Crew

Start your day at Hard Winter Bakery for a perfectly flaky croissant or grab a hearty breakfast sandwich from Silver Bean Café inside the Canadian Canoe Museum—a must-visit attraction showcasing the world’s largest collection of canoes and kayaks. If you’re heading out for a picnic, stock up on fresh finds at the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market.

For lunch, indulge in Spanish flavours with paella at Fresh Dreams or explore the rotating lineup of food vendors at 100 Acre Brewing Co., where wood-fired pizza, and Caribbean jerk chicken, pair perfectly with farm-fresh brews. Beer lovers should also stop by Publican House Brewery for a Square Nail Pale Ale or a perch sandwich on their spacious patio.

Craving comfort food? Grab a Dirty Burger—a local favourite for classic, juicy burgers done right, or enjoy a perfectly poured pint at Ashburnham Ale House, known for its hearty pub fare. For plant-based eats, The Night Kitchen serves up some of the best vegan pizza in town, while Sam’s Place is the go-to for top-tier deli sandwiches made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Whether you’re sipping, snacking, or exploring, the City of Peterborough serves up something delicious at every turn for all to enjoy!