City of Peterborough

About Peterborough: The Electric City

The City of Peterborough blends a thriving arts, culture, and entertainment scene with the breathtaking natural landscapes of the famed Kawartha Lakes region.

This relaxed and friendly community offers the perfect environment for students who want both an ideal place to study and a chance to make lasting memories with new friends at the city’s trendy restaurants, cafés, pubs, and festivals.

Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, foodie, or all of the above, Peterborough is a wonderful place to live, study, and gain valuable work experience.

Arts and Culture

Peterborough is a vibrant, multicultural community with more than 140 arts and culture organizations, including theatres, art galleries, museums, historic sites, and other performance spaces.

On our campus alone, you’ll find the Wenjack Theatre and Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space with live theatre, dance, and music. You will also find the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre Trent’s Traill College in downtown Peterborough, a new hub for arts and culture in the city.

Many famous artists visit Peterborough for performances, and also come to Trent. The University has brought distinguished individuals to campus to lecture and perform, including luminaries such as Dr. David Suzuki, Canadian authors Alistair MacLeod and Yann Martel, and jazz vocalist Diana Panton.

The Music Scene

Peterborough has a thriving music scene, including hosting some of the largest free concert events in Canada: the Peterborough Music Festival and Peterborough Folk Fest. Every year a host of bands—famous and those with cult followings--bring the city to life with a range of music genres, from rock to blues to hip hop to folk. Music festivals such as the September Downtown Jazz Festival also attract big-name headliners.

Shops and Boutiques

Peterborough is a hub of local retail activity – with shops, stores, and boutiques unique to the city. Head downtown to explore everything from vintage and second-hand clothing, handmade beauty products, plants and green décor, locally crafted art, and more. You can browse for treasures amongst the stacks in “booksellers’ row,” purchase handmade candles or soaps, buy organic produce at the Farmer’s Market, or spend Saturday afternoon at one of the malls.

Places to Eat

Peterborough has a phenomenal culinary scene. No matter what you are craving — Mexican, Indian, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Thai, Belgian, or even new-world cuisine — you can find it in downtown Peterborough in the busy Bistro District on and surrounding Hunter Street.