Major city · Canada
Lindsay
Give Lindsay one night, two at most: a small Kawartha Lakes town of about 20,000 with a theatre, a jail museum and river trails. Skip it as a base without a car.
Lindsay is the business and culture centre of the City of Kawartha Lakes, 43 km west of Peterborough and about 130 km from Toronto by Highway 401 and Highway 35. It is a compact downtown of locally owned shops, a restored 1892 theatre and an 1863 jail museum, sitting on the Scugog River where the Trent-Severn Waterway's Lock 33 lets boats moor downtown. Most travellers see it as a half-day stop between Peterborough and Fenelon Falls, or a single night while touring the Kawarthas by car.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep, plus the third weekend of September for the Lindsay Exhibition
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, snow), late summer for blue-green algae warnings on local lakes
- Airports
- YYZ · YPQ · YTZ
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Lindsay911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Lindsay Transit+1 705 324-9411
- Kawartha Lakes Taxi+1 705 880 8800
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Lindsay, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyLindsay is a low-crime small town; the real risks are winter driving, deer on Highway 35 after dark…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1 705 324-9411 Lindsay Transit · +1 705 880 8800 Kawartha Lakes Taxi
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYYZ Toronto Pearson (About 1 h 45 min–2 h by car via Highway 401 and Highway 35; no direct rail link to Lindsay).
- Getting aroundcheckLindsay Transit runs four routes inside the former town, daily 7:00–22:00 (check fares).Lindsay Transit runs four routes inside the former town, daily 7:00 AM–10:00 PM (check fares).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Street or quick mealBreakfast plate at a dinerC$12–18 (≈ US$9–14)
- BeerDraught beer in a brew pubC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- Museum or sight ticketOlde Gaol Museum adult admissionOpen June to early October, Tue–Sat 10:00–16:00Open June to early October, Tue–Sat 10:00 AM–4:00 PMC$5 (≈ US$4)
- Budget bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomC$70 (≈ US$55)
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomC$95 (≈ US$70)
- High-end bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomC$130 (≈ US$95)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YYZ Toronto Pearson (About 1 h 45 min–2 h by car via Highway 401 and Highway 35; no direct rail link to Lindsay) · YPQ Peterborough Airport (Small regional field about 40 min away; limited scheduled service, check) · YTZ Billy Bishop Toronto City (About 2 h by car; check)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Feb
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Mar
not flagged
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Apr
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (65°F)65°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)
Jul
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
not flagged
6°C (42°F)42°F (6°C)
Dec
not flagged
−1°C (31°F)31°F (−1°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Lindsay: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
12 rd
Feb
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−11°C (11°F)11°F (−11°C)
10 rd
Mar
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−7°C (20°F)20°F (−7°C)
10 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1°C (33°F)33°F (1°C)
11 rd
May
18°C (65°F)65°F (18°C)
7°C (44°F)44°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jun
23°C (74°F)74°F (23°C)
12°C (53°F)53°F (12°C)
11 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (58°F)58°F (14°C)
10 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (56°F)56°F (14°C)
11 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C)
11 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (38°F)38°F (4°C)
12 rd
Nov
6°C (42°F)42°F (6°C)
−2°C (29°F)29°F (−2°C)
12 rd
Dec
−1°C (31°F)31°F (−1°C)
−8°C (17°F)17°F (−8°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Lindsay Transit runs four routes inside the former town, daily 7:00–22:00 (check fares). Downtown is walkable in 15 minutes end to end. Outside town there is almost no public transport, so a car is close to a necessity for the lakes, conservation areas and neighbouring towns.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Fenelon Falls
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Highway 35 north by car, about 30 min
Lock 34, the falls and a short main street; pair it with Bobcaygeon.
Bobcaygeon
goDoor to door: About 35 min
Highway 36 north-east by car, about 35 min
Lock 32 in the middle of town; go early on summer weekends.
Door to door: About 45 min
Highway 7 east by car, about 45 min
Lift lock and canoe museum; a full day if you add the Trent-Severn.
Buckhorn, Lakefield and Stoney Lake
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Highway 28 north-east by car, about 45 min
Lake country and Petroglyphs Provincial Park access; car needed.
Door to door: About 2 h
Highway 35 south to Highway 401, then west by car
Doable as a long day, but traffic on the 401 makes it a poor day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown Kent Street
Walk to the gallery, theatre, restaurants and the river; the Kent Inn is here.
Angeline Street South
Highway-side motels and the Days Inn near Fleming College; you need a car for everything.
Lindsay Street South
Budget motels near the golf course, about 2 km (1.2 mi) from downtown.Budget motels near the golf course, about 1.2 mi (2 km) from downtown.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain hotel room1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Car, fuel and parking, one day1 × C$45 · check | C$45 |
| Ken Reid Conservation Area parking1 × C$4 | C$4 |
| Olde Gaol Museum adult admission2 × C$5 | C$10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$30 · check | C$60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$57 |
| Trip total≈ C$313 per person per day, bed included | C$626≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax is added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Breakfast plate at a diner | C$12–18 (≈ US$9–14) |
| Fish and chips | C$16–24 (≈ US$12–18) |
| Draught beer in a brew pub | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Olde Gaol Museum adult admissionOpen June to early October, Tue–Sat 10:00–16:00Open June to early October, Tue–Sat 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | C$5 (≈ US$4) |
| Ken Reid Conservation Area parking | C$4 (≈ US$3) per day |
| Lindsay Exhibition adult day passThird weekend of September; ride-all-day pass C$42 | C$15 (≈ US$11) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Blue-green algae can bloom on Kawartha lakes in late summer and early fall: do not swim, drink or let pets into water with a bloom.
- Poison ivy grows throughout Ken Reid Conservation Area and other wooded trails: stay on the path.
- Most shops and the Olde Gaol Museum close by late afternoon; plan the museum before 16:00.Most shops and the Olde Gaol Museum close by late afternoon; plan the museum before 4:00 PM.
- Outside Lindsay there is little public transport: without a car you are limited to town.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Lindsay Transit
- +1 705 324-9411
- Kawartha Lakes Taxi
- +1 705 880 8800
Pocket card
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LindsayLindsay
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Lindsay Transit+1 705 324-9411
- Kawartha Lakes Taxi+1 705 880 8800
Embassy
No embassies in Lindsay; the US consulate general is in Toronto, and most other countries keep embassies in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Lindsay Transit single ride: check locally; routes run 7:00–22:00 dailycheck locally; routes run 7:00 AM–10:00 PM daily
- Taxi across town: about C$10–15 (≈ US$8–11) (check)
- Ken Reid Conservation Area parking: C$4 (≈ US$3) per day
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Sorry — Sorry / Excuse me
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
English is the working language; a few French speakers in the region.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Lindsay. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep, plus the third weekend of September for the Lindsay Exhibition · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, snow), late summer for blue-green algae warnings on local lakes · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YYZ: drive times field-checked, no-rail fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Kent Street downtown, the river and Lock 33, Ken Reid Conservation Area.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Olde Gaol Museum, Kawartha Art Gallery, Academy Theatre box office) and eat pages with last orders.
- Blue-green algae and poison ivy fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about Lindsay
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