Welcome to The Enchanted Forest In Peterborough and The Kawarthas

spelunker (spi-luhng-ker) - a person who
explores caves, especially as a hobby; a caver. 

The Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground take its name from a series of seven caves found in the area. Upon arrival, you will be given a Spelunkers Guide to the Caves that will walk you step by step through the series of caves.

These caves were formed over 12,000 years ago.

Yep, you read that right – 12,000 years ago, but the beginning starts long before that. There is talk about glacial meltwater from Lake Algonquin. Wisconsin Ice Age, Paleozoic Era. It’s mind-boggling all these points in history left us today an epic exploration to discover called Warsaw Caves.

The history is fascinating, and all the details can be found in the brochure upon arrival or if you’re curious to learn more click here: Otonabeeconservation.com.

Numerous years ago I completed all the caves, and I think it’s fair to tell you that this time around I completed only cave #6. I love being at the finish line cheering on the kids as they come out one by one, with my husband pulling up the rear; that’s what makes me happy.  You do you the best you can and if that’s Spelunking them all up, by all means, have a blast.

It’s good to know the spaces are tight, some places are high, it’s cold, wet and yep, there may be a bug or two along the route. Use the caves at your own risk and most importantly be safe. They are a blast and a highlight to our summer every year!

Pro tip when you go Spelunking: 

• Wear long pants and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Closed-toed shoes with a good sole are must-haves. It gets very slippery inside the caves with condensation build up on the limestone.
• You’ll need a flashlight or headlamp (which can be bought at the front gates.)
• You will require a partner or group to go spelunking aside.th.
• It gets relatively busy late morning, early afternoon, and to avoid the crowds you may want to set your alarm for early arrival.

The Kettle trail is windy, rocky, uneven, and again feels very magical. You’ll stumble upon the Indian River and this cute little spot to take a break.

The hiking trail has smaller Kettles which you will have to keep your eyes open. When you feel like you’ve gone too far, you’ll see this gem of a Kettle, which is a popular location on the property for capturing the perfect Instagram shot!

Again, be careful these natural features create uneven terrain and can be hazardous if you’re not careful.

You can rent the canoes at the front gate, which include, paddles, safety kit, and life jackets. I highly suggest you paddle the Indian River. It is so beautiful, peaceful, you see lily pads and frogs along the route sunbathing and Great Blue Herons catching fish. It’s a great way to spend the morning. Be sure to grab the details brochure at the front gate before you head out or check it out here: Otonabeeconservation.com 

Pro Tip: If you canoe into the town of Warsaw located at #9 on the map, it’s about a 4 hour round trip. Warsaw has Peterborough and The Kawartha’s best buttertarts! Which brings me to number five on my list of reasons to visit Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground the buttertarts!

I’m so glad you asked. I love the crispy flakey homemade crust that forms over the edge. The thick, sweet, gooey inside. No matter what you buy, buy extra; trust me one is not enough.

Petroglyphs Provincial Park

No trip to Peterborough and The Kawartha is complete without a visit to Petroglyphs Provincial Park. This Ontario Park is a day-use only park. There are no overnight camping facilities here. Petroglyphs Provincial Park is the largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings (petroglyphs) in Canada! Whoa! Yes, and it’s located about 45 minutes from downtown Peterborough and 20 minutes from Warsaw Caves Conservation and Campground.

While you are here, you must visit the Learning Place Visitor Centre to learn about the traditions of the Ojibway (Nishnaabe) people, but you can see the Indigenous rock carvings (petroglyphs) inside the specialty made building that is preserving them for generations to come.

Plus, on-site, there are many hiking trails with learning opportunities along the way. And I’d highly suggest packing a snack while you overlook McGinnis Lake. It’s bright blue/ green and one of only a handful os meromictic (layers of water that don’t intermix) lakes in Canada. Note: you cannot swim in this lake, it’s just for viewing.

We don’t live in Peterborough and The Kawartha’s, but we are neighbors, and we explore our neighbor’s backyard very often. The Kawartha’s is lined with many hidden gems we love to explore. Besides for the ones mentioned above, a few places that come to mind that we enjoy on a Saturday are. A stop in Lakefield bright and early to hit up Overstock Liquidation Center (we bought my bike here recently and saved $500+ on it!). It is followed by a morning stroll at the Peterborough Farmers Market; which is one of the biggest ones around. Paired with a stop for ice cream at the Central Smith Creamery or lunch back in Lakefield at the Two Fat Greeks French Fry Truck.

We haven’t even uncovered the foodies’ paradise in Peterborough! 

Check out TheKawarthas.ca for more things to do! 

You may like to read this article: Silent Lake Provincial Park. 
Another article I've written from The Kawarthas: Elmhirst Resort.
Here is Ten Way Viamede is Boldly Different.
Foodies, don't miss reading this piece: Mount Julian Restaurant.

Thank you for reading In R Dream Canadian Blog.

Thank you, Peterborough and The Kawarthas, for the invite. As always, these are our opinions and this, and all reviews are written with honesty from our heart.