Collaboration Across Peterborough County Brings the First of ‘The Kawarthas Quest’ to Life
Peterborough County Economic Development and Tourism, together with each township, has been working collaboratively on an innovative new program to support local small businesses, strengthen tourism, and showcase the unique character of our communities. The result is The Kawarthas Quest - a fun and engaging series of community-based experiences that will roll out across the County over the next few months. This app-based initiative will drive foot traffic into retail storefronts. Participants will use the Driftscape app or website to discover new locations and different activities across the County.
The very first adventure launches in partnership with the Township of Selwyn: the Lakefield Scavenger Hunt. This interactive event invites both residents and visitors to journey through downtown Lakefield, discover its vibrant small businesses, and experience the community in a whole new way. Built together by Selwyn Township and Peterborough County Economic Development, the Lakefield Scavenger Hunt sets the
stage for future adventures across the region.
Your Quest Begins Here: Lakefield Scavenger Hunt
The Lakefield Scavenger Hunt kicks off on Friday, October 24, 2025, and welcomes participants of all ages to enjoy Lakefield in a fresh, interactive way. Powered by the Driftscape app, the hunt features 11 participating local businesses, each with a hidden clue waiting to be discovered.
Participants should visit TheKawarthas.ca website to get a link to the game! The journey will start at the intersection of Concession and Queen Streets, with free parking available along the street or at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre (20 Concession Street). Designed to be completed on foot in about two hours, the scavenger hunt offers the perfect outing for families, friends, and curious explorers.
At each participating business, participants will spot the official Lakefield Scavenger Hunt sign. By flipping the sign, they’ll find a unique answer to enter online, which unlocks both a reward and the location of the next stop. Those who complete all clues and correctly answer the questions will be entered into a draw for an exciting prize.
Small Businesses, Big Community Spirit
More than just a fun activity, the Lakefield Scavenger Hunt is part of a broader County wide economic development initiative. By encouraging people to explore downtown Lakefield on foot, the program supports local shopping, increases visitor spending, and highlights the businesses that bring character and vitality to the community.
Through consultations with local businesses, we heard that year-round experiences and promotion are key to the success of their businesses, and initiatives like the Lakefield Scavenger Hunt help provide opportunities to engage customers throughout the seasons.
"The Kawarthas Quest for Adventure is a perfect example of how our eight townships can collaborate to create engaging experiences that benefit residents, visitors, and local businesses alike. By showcasing the unique character of each community, encouraging people to explore and shop locally, and highlighting the vibrancy of our towns, we are not only strengthening the economic vitality of Peterborough County but
also demonstrating that our region is a place full of opportunity for visitors, entrepreneurs, and investors."
- Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County
"Our staff were thrilled to partner with Peterborough County Economic Development and Tourism on The Kawarthas Quest for Adventure, and we are happy to host the very first scavenger hunt right here in Lakefield. This initiative is a wonderful way to bring residents and visitors into our downtown all year round and to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Selwyn Township. By working together with the County and local
businesses, we are not only supporting our economy but also creating fun, engaging experiences that showcase what makes our community so special."
- Sherry Senis, Mayor of Selwyn Township
"Working together with the township staff and local businesses, we are creating experiences that not only bring people into our communities but also highlight the unique character of each town across Peterborough County. The launch of our first scavenger hunt in Lakefield is an exciting step in The Kawarthas Quest for Adventure - a collaborative effort to drive local economic prosperity, foster connections, and showcase the creativity, charm, and spirit that make our communities so special. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to journey through our downtowns, discover, and support the amazing businesses that make Lakefield and The Kawarthas such a vibrant place to live and visit."
- Sarah Budd, Manager of Community Development, Peterborough County
A County-Wide Adventure
The Lakefield Scavenger Hunt is just the beginning. Kawarthas Quest will continue to roll out new adventures across all eight townships of Peterborough County, showcasing the diversity and charm of each community.
