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Annual prize recognizing communities “making memories on the water” launched in tandem with new show spotlighting Ontario’s boating destinations

“We genuinely believe that some memories can’t be made on land,” said Steven J. Bull, Executive Producer and Host of Water Ways TV. “Peterborough & the Kawarthas caught our eye in 2024 by welcoming the newest base for world’s largest fleet of luxury houseboats, Le Boat, while also opening the stunning new waterfront Canadian Canoe Museum which houses the world’s largest collection of paddled watercraft. These incredible boat-based attractions add to the already storied history of the region which features the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock and some of the most beautiful and popular waters along the entire 9,500 kilometre-long ‘Great Loop.’ This certainly sets the bar high!”

Peterborough & the Kawarthas is known for its blend of vibrant city experiences, rolling hills of centuries-old farmland, and the lakes and rivers that shape one of Ontario’s favourite cottage country destinations. The region has been shaped by its connection to water – with the historic Trent-Severn Waterway winding through its communities. By car, it is located just 90 minutes northeast of the Greater Toronto Area and 3 hours from the nation’s capital in Ottawa.

“As 2024 Water Ways Destination of the Year, Peterborough & the Kawarthas will have an entire episode dedicated to its waters in the new series coming this September,” added Bull. “Ontario is a fitting launch for our slate of new regional shows (with Florida and the Pacific Northwest planned for 2025) and will celebrate destinations from Toronto to Temiskaming, and experiences from wakesurfing to walleye fishing, yachting to kayaking. If you’re floating, you’re boating and we want to share your stories!”

Hon. Neil Lumsden, Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, commented on the significance of this recognition for Peterborough & The Kawarthas, saying, “This recognition appropriately celebrates Peterborough & the Kawartha’s thriving boating culture, which has for decades motivated locals and visitors alike to take to its waters to explore the region’s natural beauty and wealth of recreational opportunities on offer. I am proud that Waters Ways: Ontario will showcase the best boating destinations across our province and the small business owners and operators that continue to connect us to the water, benefitting local economies and reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a choice destination for endless adventure.”

Rick Layzell, CEO of Boating Ontario Association, expressed his enthusiasm for the new series, stating, "Boating Ontario is proud to support the new Water Ways: Ontario TV series. With an unprecedented content plan ready for execution, Water Ways: Ontario is set to shine a positive light on the exceptional recreational boating opportunities across our incredible province. Boating Ontario members have a ground floor opportunity to engage with this new series and benefit from the
anticipated consumer engagement."

"It is truly an honour for the region to receive the first-ever Destination of the Year award from Water Ways TV," said Joe Rees, Director of Tourism with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. " As the official destination marketing organization for the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County, our team works diligently to position the waterway and recreational boating at the heart of our story. 2024 is an incredible year for Peterborough & the Kawarthas and this recognition couldn't have arrived at a more celebratory moment for our sought-after destination.”

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Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) is the lead regional economic development agency for the City and County of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1998, PKED is a not-for-profit organization that is funded to deliver economic development and tourism services through a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Peterborough and the County of Peterborough and is governed by a volunteer board of directors made of up to 13 members of the local community, including Chief Administrative Officers for the County and City of Peterborough.

Peterborough & the Kawarthas is located on Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, known collectively as the Williams Treaty First Nations, which include Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.