If you’re visiting Peterborough for the first time, you might be wondering… where do you even start?
So I asked the people who know it best — locals.
I posted on social media:
“If someone was coming to Peterborough for the first time, where are you sending them?”
Here’s what they said 👇
☕ Coffee Shops You Can’t Miss
Start your day with one of these local favourites:
- Silver Bean Café — right on the water, one of the most scenic coffee spots in the city (with a second location inside the Canadian Canoe Museum)
- Cork & Bean — downtown staple with great energy
- East City Coffee Shop — cozy, community-focused vibe (great breakfast too!)
🍳 Breakfast & Casual Eats
Looking for something easy and satisfying?
- The Queensway Restaurant — classic breakfast spot locals love
- Sam’s Place Deli — simple, fresh, and reliable
- Copper Spoons – hidden gem for incredible breakfast
🍽️ Lunch & Dinner Spots
When it’s time to sit down and enjoy a great meal:
- Gerti’s
- St. Veronus Café and Tap Room — Belgian-inspired food + beer
- The Only Café — a longtime local favourite
- The Ostrich Club — a more elevated dining experience
🌿 Things to Do in Peterborough
There’s more than just great food here:
- Canadian Canoe Museum — a must-see and uniquely Canadian experience
- Riverview Park & Zoo — free, family-friendly, and beautifully maintained
- Peterborough Lift Lock — one of the most iconic landmarks in the area
- First Five Club Peterborough – A calm, thoughtfully designed play place for little ones — and the people raising them.
✨ Local Favourites & Hidden Gems
A few more spots that came up again and again:
- By the Bridge
- Salti Yoga — if you’re looking to move, reset, or try something new while you’re in town
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here for a weekend or thinking about making a move, Peterborough has a lot to offer — and this list is just the beginning.
The best part?
Every single recommendation came from people who live here and love it.
👇 Your Turn
Did we miss your go-to spot?
Send me a message or comment on social — I’d love to keep building this list.
Tara Meldrum, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Electric Realty, Brokerage
tmeldrum@cbelectricrealty.ca
www.tarameldrum.com
Looking for a First-Time Home Buyers Guide? Check it out here.