When Sarah’s birthday came around, I knew I wanted to do something special. She’s always appreciated experiences more than material gifts, and I had already given her an early present, so the idea of a trip felt perfect. The challenge was that I needed to plan something memorable but budget-friendly.
Initially, I considered cave exploring at the Bonnechere Caves, but after checking the costs and availability, I realized it wasn’t feasible during this time of year. Still, I knew we could save it for a later adventure. With Sarah’s and my shared love for all things spooky, I found inspiration in the Haunted Ontario books, and I shifted gears to explore some eerie locations in the province.
I decided on Peterborough, with a detour to Port Perry to visit two haunted spots mentioned in the book—The Jester’s Court and Ghost Road. I also had plans to take Sarah to Petroglyphs National Park, but when she injured her knee from working on a film set, hiking was off the table. So, instead, I opted for something a bit easier on her legs: the Peterborough Canoe Museum.
We got an early start, giving us the chance to explore two quirky roadside stops. The first was an art store with stunning wood carvings and clay pieces, where I bought Sarah a necklace. Then, we stumbled across a Western-themed shop that felt like stepping back into time.
Once in Peterborough, we arrived early enough to check out a local art gallery. It was a great introduction to the city, and Sarah captured most of it on her phone, since I was busy driving. After checking into the hotel, we relaxed a bit before heading to dinner at Jester’s Court in Port Perry.
The restaurant had an old-world charm, and although our waitress wasn’t too impressed when I mentioned the ghost stories in the Haunted Ontario book, the food was great. I had pierogis and deep-fried pickles, while Sarah enjoyed a salad, sneakily grabbing a few of my pickles.
After dinner, we headed to Ghost Road, a place steeped in eerie legends. The main story is about a man on a motorcycle who crashed and died in the 1950s, and there are also tales of children’s spirits and an old farmer. We spent a few hours there, hoping to catch something out of the ordinary, discussing strange lights we saw in the distance. The atmosphere was undeniably spooky, especially as night fell, and the lack of lights and nearby houses added to the mystique.
The next morning, we started with a mini photoshoot before heading to the Peterborough Canoe Museum. The museum was far more impressive than we expected, with interactive exhibits and a collection that showcased the rich history of canoeing across the globe. Sarah was inspired enough to consider bringing her homeschooling community there for a field trip.
As for me, the museum reignited a long-time goal: to buy a canoe and spend time exploring the Rideau Canal. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while, and I’m planning to make it happen next spring, with Sarah by my side to capture the adventure in photos.
In the end, what made the trip truly special was the balance between planned activities and spontaneous moments. I had a few key places in mind, but we left plenty of time to fill with unexpected discoveries, like art galleries, thrift shops, and quirky stops along the way. Spending uninterrupted time with Sarah, after a busy few weeks of fleeting interactions, was the best part of all. The trip reminded me that sometimes the best memories come from those unscripted, laid-back experiences, when you’re just enjoying the moment with someone you care about.
Peterborough is a gem, and if you’re looking for a place to explore art, history, or a touch of the supernatural, I highly recommend visiting. Whether it’s the Justice Court, Ghost Road, or the Canoe Museum, you’re bound to find something that sparks your curiosity.
Sarah took most of the pics for this blog as I was driving and need to learn to take more pictures.
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