MEETINGS INSPIRED BY NATURE

HAVE SOME CITY WITH YOUR COUNTRY

LOCAL FLAVOURS TO SAVOUR

ONE-OF-A-KIND VENUES HIGHLIGHT HISTORY AND HERITAGE The Word is Out Your Meetings Matter Here

thekawarthas.ca/meetings 1 Making connections outside the meeting room. Centrally located between Toronto and Ottawa. Meeting and event space: classroom style (55) ~ theatre style (70) ~ banquet style (120) Flexible packages, attention to detail, and experienced staff will make your event a success. Contact Krista at 1-888-313-1118 [email protected] ~ Lakefield, ON

2 thekawarthas.ca/meetings beachwoodresort.com Come to Peterborough & the Kawarthas Just a short drive from the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa and Kingston, groups can escape these A gorgeous riverfront walk connects to larger cities and embrace the great outdoors in Millennium Park and winds its way downtown, Peterborough & the Kawarthas. incorporating facts about local history, public art and beautifully maintained gardens. The pathway continues through the city and This vibrant region is part of Canada’s still owner-operated, with welcoming connects with an impressive trail network that treasured Trent-Severn Waterway and is a hospitality and a friendly smile. There’s radiates throughout the countryside. unique blend of urban convenience with free Wi-Fi in the downtown core that Further north, groups can utilize the beautiful four seasons of cottage country ambience encompasses just over 20 city blocks, campus of Trent University, carved out of the on its doorstep. and the majority of meeting space, Canadian Shield and overlooking the banks Peterborough is compact and easy accommodations and restaurants can be of the Otonabee River. Conferences can also to navigate, making it a perfect choice easily reached on foot. be booked into Fleming College, Sutherland for groups looking for a quick getaway Close to the downtown business Campus, during the summer months. to relax, focus and recharge. The local district and many attractions, the Holiday Resort retreats are another popular option Peterborough Airport can be a convenient Inn Peterborough Waterfront boasts for groups looking for a little more seclusion. fly-in for private planes and charters, and newly renovated guestrooms and offers There are many in the region, including it’s only 15 minutes from downtown. ample meeting spaces, and the natural, Elmhirst’s Resort and Beachwood Resort. Both The city still has a small-town resort-like setting of the Best Western Plus are waterfront properties with meeting and vibe, even though it is a regional hub. Otonabee Inn is a welcoming retreat for conference facilities and locally inspired fine A majority of storefront businesses are business travellers. dining onsite.

Contents Inspirational Venues Get Off the Beaten Path 08 12

Authentic Tastes 05A Collaborative Place 10 to Meet

thekawarthas.ca/meetings 3 On The Cover The Art Of The Meeting Let our professional team direct you to Our Visitor Centre is the best venues, dining and experiences conveniently located in that our lively region has to offer. Downtown Peterborough and our friendly and knowledgeable staff Warm hospitality coupled with some of Ontario’s best are happy to help scenery and rejuvenating activities can inspire and your delegates have a focus your group. Let us help make your memorable memorable experience. meetings happen. Peterborough Musicfest at Del Crary Park. Free outdoor concerts Wednesday and Joe Rees Saturday evenings in July and August. Economic Development Officer T: 705.743.0777 x2138 PHOTO CREDIT E: [email protected] Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism thekawarthas.ca/meetings

PHOTO BY Justen Soule Printed by Ignite Magazine | Ignitemag.ca Printed in Canada | Copyright © 2018.

4 thekawarthas.ca/meetings A Collaborative Place to Meet PHOTO: BRADLEY BOYLE PHOTO:

Market Hall is a multifunctional space

Peterborough & the Kawarthas is ideal for small to mid-sized groups. Larger groups can also be easily accommodated within the city by utilizing a variety of venues located within close proximity to one another to hold general sessions and breakouts.

With plenty of hotel rooms nearby, venues meeting venues only a few short blocks from and hoteliers cooperate with one another to each other on the main street in downtown ensure your event has the flexibility of space Peterborough, with the ability to host larger and options it needs to work efficiently and groups for general sessions. Showplace has effectively. 647 fixed theatre seats, while Market Hall Groups appreciate the fact that they are the seats 226. Showplace also offers The Nexicom centre of attention when they visit the city, and Studio that seats 100, or holds 200 for a that area partners work together to ensure a reception. The theatre is fully licensed, and seamless experience. The concentration of bars, serves local libations. clubs, cafes and pubs in the downtown core are Market Hall had a $10 million renovation in perfect places for social gatherings outside of a 2011, and features a rare folding stage, optional conference, and the walkability of the city is an cabaret seating and professional theatre and added bonus. lighting systems. Market Hall is a designated Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and Heritage Building, wheelchair accessible, and the Showplace Performance Centre are large provides a hearing assist system.

thekawarthas.ca/meetings 5 PHOTO: MÉTIS NATION OF ONTARIO ONTARIO OF NATION MÉTIS PHOTO:

Traditional voyageur canoes landing at Beavermead Park

Case Study Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) 25th Anniversary Partners & Celebrations and Annual General Assembly (AGA) Collaborations Over 450 MNO delegates and guests we decided to hold our Assembly there. The attended the three-day gathering from Venue worked closely with Showplace to OPENING CEREMONIES/ August 17 – 19, 2018. Arriving by traditional provide our breakfast and lunches and were CULTURAL EVENTS voyageur canoes, leaders and special guests really good to work with.” Canadian Canoe Museum, / Trent-Severn Waterway, City of Peterborough, landed at the shores of Beavermead Park The group held a cultural day at The County of Peterborough on Little Lake in the heart of the city. The Canadian Canoe Museum showcasing assembly included a State of the Nation beading and fiddling workshops and the GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESENTATIONS address, business sessions and social events, Métis Games were held in the museum’s Showplace Performance Centre— including Métis dancers, music, games and an parking lot. The day ended at the museum Main Theatre evening boat cruise. with a seated dinner for 120. An alternate Showplace Nexicom Studio— Joanne Meyer, Chief Operating Officer of group of 58 people opted for a dinner cruise The Venue the MNO, based in Toronto, says Peterborough to experience the Peterborough Lift , the ACCOMMODATIONS was an inspiring choice for her group because highest hydraulic lift lock in the world and a Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront, the there was so much that the city had to offer National Historic Site of Canada. Meyer says, Quality Inn Peterborough, Comfort Hotel & delegates in terms of friendliness, dining and “everybody enjoyed the city, there is a relaxing Suites, the Super 8 Peterborough and local entertainment options. “It truly is a hidden feeling to being there, it’s like being at the resorts representing 2,400 room nights gem that I would not have discovered before lake when you’re actually in a city.” EVENING ENTERTAINMENT Peterborough Musicfest, City of Peterborough, “Everybody enjoyed the city, there is a relaxing Liftlock Cruises, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area and associated feeling to being there, it’s like being at the lake restaurants when you’re actually in a city.” — Joanne Meyer, chief operating officer of the MNO

6 thekawarthas.ca/meetings Higher Learning Another option to consider is Trent University, located just outside of downtown, for events and retreats during the summer months. There are four colleges with residences, dining halls and large outdoor areas with fire pits and seating for a summer campfire. The Student Centre was just completed in 2017 and features a licensed Atrium with gorgeous views of the river through floor-to-ceiling glass. A state-of-the-art Athletic Centre with gym, therapy pool and regulation sports field with stadium seating for 1,000 people makes the university a popular choice for sports team training. Fleming College operates conference space between May and August. Private accommodations are available within a six- person suite. Groups of up to 400 people can be hosted. Guests have access to the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre and the college is just 10 minutes to downtown. PHOTO: FLEMING COLLEGE FLEMING PHOTO:

Fleming College

Local Gifts Celebrating local art and talent, the city takes pride in artisanal gifts, perfect for delegates or speakers. Entrepreneurs support local creativity through their downtown stores. From accessories to jewellery, art, beauty products, decor, clothing or souvenirs of Peterborough & the Kawarthas, you’re sure to find a handcrafted gift that resonates with a sense of place. The Tumblehome gift shop at the Canadian Canoe Museum curates unique gifts including maps and books, all types of canoeing paraphernalia, outdoor gear, jewellery and decor items. Other go-to spots that carry a variety of locally-made gifts include the Art Gallery of Peterborough, the Whetung Ojibwa Centre, ZimArt Rice Lake Gallery, Flavour Fashion and Watson & Lou, to name a few.

Trent University

Meet Dine Stay

Phone: 1-866-290-6491 Where Exceptional Events Visit: www.trentu.ca/conferences Unfold With Ease. Inspirational Venues Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism is your local source to find the perfect meeting and event space. From galleries to museums, local clubs and outdoor pavilions, you’re only limited by your imagination for area venues to captivate your group. PHOTO: CANADIAN CANOE MUSEUM MUSEUM CANOE CANADIAN PHOTO:

Scan the QR Code to get a glimpse of the exciting new plans for the Rendering of the new Canadian Canoe Museum by the Peterborough Lift Lock Canadian Canoe Museum

Inspiring Canada by Canoe Peterborough’s Canadian Canoe Museum has the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft and has been declared a cultural asset of national significance. With incredibly exciting plans to build a new home for the museum, this fascinating collection will unite the craft with its natural element, the water, when it is built alongside the historic lift lock and the Otonabee River, and be big enough to showcase the entire collection. The architecturally stunning building will mimic the sinuous elements of a natural waterway, incorporating full views of the river through floor to ceiling glass. Artifacts Private Voyageur will co-exist with pre-function space and Canoe Tours at The Galleria, a wide hallway adjacent to the the Peterborough serpentine glass wall. A little over 7,000 sq. Lift Lock can be ft. of event space and the 3,800-sq.-ft. booked through Galleria will be available to groups in Spring The Canadian Canoe 2022, when the new museum is scheduled Museum. to open.

Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

8 thekawarthas.ca/meetings Team Building The region is a great choice for corporate retreats and team building activities. Camp Kawartha offers a range of programs that can be customized for your group. The Peterborough Axe Club, The Land Canadian Step outside Adventures and Escape Maze are other popular choices. the Big City The Mount Community Centre and Experience Meetings in The heritage building, just outside of the downtown core, has multiple rooms with Peterborough & the Kawarthas warm wood accents and a recently renovated community kitchen. This former convent and school also has the gothic Austin Doran Hall Affordable and accessible only (the former chapel) that can hold more than 200 people. 90 minutes from the GTA

Time to Play Sports groups coming to the city can take advantage of multiple lit turf fields, 20 arenas within 40 minutes of one another and if they’re staying for training, the ultra-modern sports facility at Trent University or the Peterborough Sports and Wellness Centre at Fleming College. PHOTO: BRIAN CRANGLE BRIAN PHOTO: Sports groups should check out specialized info at: thekawarthas.ca/sports Austin Doran Hall in The Mount Community Centre

Scenic Spaces

Area golf clubs are another option for groups that feature rooms to meet, with excellent food and beverage packages—and when the weather suits, the possibility to get in a game.

KAWARTHA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Optimal Group Size: 100

PETERBOROUGH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Optimal Group Size: 200 For more information on our meeting HERON LANDING GOLF CLUB and conference space contact: Optimal Group Size: 120 Nicole Mieske 1-800-373-5843 BAXTER CREEK GOLF CLUB Optimal Group Size: 150 Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn Meetings, seminars and training sessions 84 Lansdowne Street East, Peterborough, ON for smaller groups are a great fit in Studio Tel: (705) 742-3454 | www.bwotonabee.com YPQ, located at Peterborough Airport. Three separate rooms can accommodate from 80 theatre-style in the event space or up to 12 in the boardroom. Room rental includes Wi-Fi and audio-visual access. Heron Landing Golf Club thekawarthas.ca/meetings 9 Black’s Distillery Authentic Taste Surrounded by verdant Ontario farmland, the bountiful produce of local fields and farms are showcased by area chefs, brewers and distillers.

Peterborough & the Kawarthas vibrant production and seasonal cooking. Each restaurant scene is proud of their locavore tour lasts about three hours. A Taste of The heritage. You don’t need to try to find Kawarthas serves up food tours and tidbits of local flavours, they’re infused in menus local history. Plenty of local research went into throughout the region. designing the walks that take in local eateries Explore Peterborough’s local cuisine and downtown boutiques. These tours scene by foot and fork throughout the make for a great companion program while summer months with Farm to Table, a delegates attend meetings. Ask Peterborough walking tour of boutique food stores and & the Kawarthas Tourism about custom tours restaurants that highlights artisan food and dine-arounds.

10 thekawarthas.ca/meetings Wet Your Whistle The city boasts a variety of beverage options should your group prefer a liquid tour. Local brewers such as Smithavens Brewing Company, Olde Stone Brewing Company or Publican House Brewery serve up a variety of craft beers, with tours and tastings. Next to the brewery is The Publican House Brew Pub featuring a locally-sourced menu, spirits and wine. Black’s Distillery specializes in small batch spirits made with local organically grown grain, offering rye whiskey, gin and vodka. The distillery has a small retail store and offers tours, taste tests and even cocktail classes. Persian Empire Distillery features a unique meeting space which pairs perfectly with unique events. PETERBOROUGH WATERFRONT There are over 19 stops on the self-guided Brews, Bites and Barns Tour that visits local breweries, wineries, distilleries, farmer’s markets and restaurants and the scenic vistas of the surrounding region. thekawarthas.ca/brews

Butter Tart Tour A uniquely Ontario dessert, the luscious butter tart is the star of a tour that encompasses almost every iteration known to man—from ooey-gooey to firm and fancy— with or without raisins. The Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour directs you to over 50 locations that make the sweet treat, with no judgements about what type of tart is the best. For those who find themselves in downtown Peterborough, there are about a baker’s dozen shops and restaurants to visit to find your favourite. The lovely butter tart could also be added to your program as a delightful room drop, or as an item on a dessert menu.

thekawarthas.ca/meetings 11 Get Off the Beaten Path As part of your program, or after meetings are through, take advantage of all the great experiences that Peterborough & the Kawarthas have to offer.

The region is a four seasons playground and once in the city, you’re at the doorstep to Ontario’s magnificent cottage country. The region promotes an active and outdoors lifestyle, from cycling to paddling and just about everything in between, the great outdoors beckons. When the snow starts to fall, and the ice starts to freeze, activity options are plentiful, including ice fishing on Rice or Chemong Lake for the anglers in your group, ice skating on the Trent canal and invigorating days spent on the miles of groomed snowmobile, cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails.

#ELMHIRSTMEET Our conference rooms, dining areas and relaxed waterfront setting offer an ideal backdrop for any occasion. We offer individual, couple or small group cottage accommodation; combined with wonderful food, amenities for after hours and a wide range of Always Free activities.

Learn more about our Meet in the Kawarthas Packages. @ElmhirstsResort On the shore of scenic Rice Lake, a 90-minute drive east of Toronto. Open year round. Connect with Pamela: [email protected] 1-800-461-1940 or elmhirst.ca Canada’s Treasured Waterway The city is home to the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock, and the opportunities to tie it into group teambuilding are only limited by how much time you have to spend. Take a voyageur canoe through the lock or take advantage of a Lift Lock Cruise and rise 65 feet in the air on the Trent Canal. In the wintertime, groups can ice skate on the canal at the lift lock’s base. Novice to intermediate canoeists can tackle any one of the 10 Signature Paddling Routes, from an easy 6-km paddle to an overnight trip with multiple portages. Canada’s treasured Scan the QR Code to see what waterway is the perfect location to head out adventures await on Canada’s into unspoiled nature. Treasured Waterway

Immerse yourself in Canadian heritage as part of your next event. The Canadian Canoe Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft, offers capacity for 150. Our new museum, opening in 2022, will feature one of the largest event centres in the region with capacity for more than 300.

thekawarthas.ca/meetings 13 Visit a Sacred Site The nearby Petroglyphs Provincial Park has the largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings in Canada and is considered a sacred site. The Learning Place Visitor Centre teaches the traditions of the Nishnaabe people through the medicine wheel.

Shoreline

14 thekawarthas.ca/meetings Get your money’s worth. It’s Quality® time.

• Free hot, fresh & healthy breakfast • Free Wi-Fi • Meeting space • Free parking • Free long distance calling

Explore the Region About 20,000 years ago, most of Ontario was covered in thick glacial ice. When that ice retreated, the meltwaters formed the Warsaw Caves, about 30 minutes northeast of Peterborough. Modern day spelunkers (cavers) can explore the conservation area on foot and the seven caves formed by the shifting bedrock thousands of years ago. If above-ground is your preferred location, bring your bicycle and tour close to 300 kms of signed routes on the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Classics Road Cycling Routes. Six different routes take cyclists on winding rural roads, through quaint villages and small towns, past craft breweries and tantalizing cafes and bakeries. Butter tart anyone?

Quality Inn 1074 Lansdowne Street West Peterborough, ON K9J 1Z9 705.748.6801

Book your room with us today at QualityInn.com

thekawarthas.ca/meetings 15 Think INSIDE The Theatre

MEMorablE EvENtS StagED HErE Showplace sets the stage for creativity and event innovation with unique spaces and personalized service.

SpacES tEcHNology our tEaM locatIoN Meetings, book launches With state of the art Located in the and small trade shows; technology, world-class Heart of Downtown conferences and sound, lighting and Creative expertise. Peterborough, choose concerts; receptions, projection, we have all from a wide variety of weddings, celebrations of the technical equipment Exceptional culinary experiences and special events; we to make your meeting a and re-energize with a can host groups from success. Free Wi-Fi attention to detail. walk along the beautiful 100 to 600. is available. downtown waterfront.

ConTaCT uS Today To diSCuSS The poSSibiliTieS for your nexT live performanCe. 705.775.1600 | www.showplace.org #thinkinsidethetheatre 290 GeorGe St. N PeterborouGh

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