Hotels & Accommodation in Peterborough

Peterborough is a mid-sized Ontario city on the Otonabee River, positioned as the gateway to the Kawartha Lakes cottage country. Its accommodation scene reflects this dual identity: the city itself offers a practical mix of independent motels, chain hotels clustered along commercial corridors, a handful of B&Bs, and a growing short-term rental market. The downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods hold most of the character-rich options, while highway-side corridors provide straightforward, car-friendly budget and midrange choices. True luxury branded hotels are not present in Peterborough proper.

What is genuinely distinctive here is the proximity to cottage country, which means many visitors use Peterborough as a base while exploring Kawartha Lakes, the Trent-Severn Waterway, and surrounding townships. This pushes seasonal demand sharply upward in summer, when cottagers, paddlers, and cyclists converge. The city's heritage Victorian housing stock means a few well-established B&Bs and homestay-style rentals exist in older residential neighbourhoods, offering a more local feel than the chain properties.

The short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) market has grown meaningfully, particularly for family groups arriving for Trent University or Fleming College events, local festivals, and summer recreation. Dedicated hostels are not an established fixture in the city; budget-conscious solo travellers typically choose the lower end of the motel or B&B market. Travellers expecting a resort-style or full-service luxury experience will generally need to look at properties in the surrounding Kawartha Lakes townships rather than in Peterborough city limits.

Summer (late June – Labour Day) is peak season and demand is high city-wide. Book at least 4–8 weeks ahead for this period, longer for popular festival weekends. The Peterborough Musicfest summer concert series (typically July–August) and Kawartha Craft Beer Festival are known to spike local availability. Trent University convocation (typically late October/early November) and move-in weekends (late August/early September) tighten inventory near campus. Winter and shoulder seasons (November–April) offer the softest rates and easiest availability, though some smaller B&Bs and campgrounds close seasonally. Always confirm seasonal operating dates directly with the property.

• HST (13%) is added on top of quoted nightly rates; some properties also charge a Destination Marketing Fee — always check the total before confirming.
• Smaller B&Bs and homestays may require a deposit at booking and have strict cancellation windows; read the policy carefully.
• Air conditioning is not universal in older homes and heritage-style B&Bs; confirm if booking in summer.
• Elevators are not present in most smaller properties (B&Bs, heritage homes, older motels); if you have mobility requirements, confirm accessibility directly.
• Minimum stay requirements (often 2–3 nights) are common on Airbnb/VRBO during peak summer weekends and festival periods.
• Campgrounds and seasonal properties typically close October–April; verify exact open/close dates.
• Parking: downtown properties may not include free parking; confirm in advance.
• Pet policies vary widely — do not assume pets are permitted; always verify.
• Short-term rental regulations in Ontario municipalities are evolving; confirm the listing is compliant and licensed if relevant.

Book through well-established platforms (hotel direct, Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb, VRBO) and keep all payment on-platform. Be cautious of listings that ask you to pay via e-transfer, wire, or cryptocurrency outside the booking platform — this is a common fraud pattern. For B&Bs and independent properties found through local listings or social media, use a credit card for any deposits and confirm the property's physical address independently before arrival. Read recent reviews critically and note if review dates have long gaps.

Peterborough does not have a major commercial airport in the city centre; most visitors arrive by car via Highway 115 or Highway 7, or by Via Rail train (Peterborough station is close to downtown). The Peterborough Transit bus network covers major corridors but is limited in frequency and does not serve all accommodation areas. A car is strongly recommended for most travellers, particularly for reaching the Lansdowne/Highway 7 corridor, Chemong Road, or any surrounding township properties. Downtown accommodation is the most practical choice for those without a vehicle, as the core is compact and walkable. The Peterborough Lift Lock, Trent Canal trails, and Jackson Creek trail system are accessible on foot or by bicycle from central accommodations.

Families visiting Peterborough for summer recreation, the Kawartha Lakes, or university events will find vacation rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) the most practical option for groups — full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and laundry are widely available and typically more economical than booking multiple hotel rooms. Several chain hotels on the Lansdowne corridor offer standard family room configurations with pools; verify pool availability directly as it varies seasonally. Families with young children should confirm the absence of stairs or confirm bedroom layout before booking multi-story vacation rentals or B&Bs.

Peterborough does not have a well-established dedicated aparthotel or serviced apartment sector. For stays of a week or longer, Airbnb/VRBO monthly rates are the most practical route and often carry a meaningful discount over nightly rates. Some local property managers list furnished suites month-to-month; these are best found through local Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji listings, though due diligence is essential for off-platform arrangements. Fleming College and Trent University areas have furnished rental options that become available outside academic terms, though these are informal and require direct landlord contact.