A Student's Guide to Peterborough

Are you a new student taking your journey in learning to new heights at Fleming College, Trent University or the Seneca School of Aviation this year? Or maybe you’re a proud parent of a child heading to post-secondary soon, and excited to help them navigate a new home-away-from home.

In Peterborough, students and alumni of the local university and college communities infuse a lively and fun vibrancy into our local community. Ready to get started? Here’s our guide to Peterborough as a student.

Caffeination Station: Coffee Shops that Fuel Study Sessions

Silver Bean Café (Canoe Museum Location)

Nestled in the atrium of The Canadian Canoe Museum (home to the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft), you can find a gem of a coffee shop perfect for a latte, a cup of tea, a snack or a quick lunch.

Staying through the summer? Be sure to check out their Millennium Park location – just steps from downtown with a “cottage in the city” vibe – this location is open May to October.

Kit Croissanterie and Café

A favourite downtown spot for espresso-based beverages, London Fogs, lattes, and of course deliciously flaky croissants. You’ll appreciate their cozy aesthetic for study sessions and hang outs.

The Only Café

This Hunter Street institution has been in business for more than 35 years. The Only is well-loved by students, faculty and locals, and known for hearty breakfasts, stunning outdoor mural, eclectic décor, and sandwiches.

Hatch at the Riverview Park and Zoo

Recently opened bird‑friendly café, conveniently located to the Trent University Symons Campus, offering a breezy take‑away stop during a stroll.

Treat Yourself and Define Your Personal Style

Whether you’re looking for recreational reads, some houseplants to make your residence room a bit more homey, or vintage finds to build out the back-to-classes wardrobe of your dreams, we have you covered.

Book Stores

Downtown Peterborough has some incredible used bookstores including Knotanew Book Store, Mark Jokinen Books, and By the Books. A favourite indie book store is Take Cover Books located across the Hunter Street Bridge in Peterborough’s East City. They are well-known for their author events, and their monthly Film Club and Book Clubs.

Plant Shops

Looking for that dorm room décor or a plant baby that you and your housemates can nurture together? Some favourite local plant stores include Plant Goals, Tiny Greens, and Sweet Fern Floral.

International Grocery Stores and Food Finds

Whether you’re looking to snag a little taste of home, or perhaps looking to tap into a global palette of flavours, some great stops include:

Minh’s Chinese Grocery: a downtown staple since 1980 – this family-run spot provides authentic Asian groceries and holds a weekly TGI-Thursday event with fresh foods ready for pickup

Goodies on Mews: affordable groceries including many Middle Eastern products

Spice Bazaar or Bhojan by Indian Peacock: wide variety of Indian and South Asian products and competitive prices

The Food Shop and One Fine Food: Gourmet food items, ready-to-eat items, and local, fresh produce

Also, be sure to check out either of the Farmers’ Markets that take place year-round on Saturdays (on Lansdowne near the Memorial Centre, or downtown in Quaker Foods City Square)

Make Some Time for Fun

Study breaks give you the opportunity to give your brain a break and also to create some new memories with friends you’ll make along the way. Here are some ideas to get out and explore:

• Enjoy live music at venues like Market Hall, Sadleir House, Peterborough Memorial Centre or at downtown pubs and restaurants
• Play around at the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge or at Lift Lock Escape
• Get inspired with arts events including gallery exhibit openings and the monthly First Friday Art Crawl that showcase local galleries, studios, and art in unexpected places
• Hit the trails for a hike, take your bike for a spin on the Trans-Canada Trail (and other active city routes), or rent a canoe or kayak and head out on the water
• Staying for the summer? Don’t miss well-loved festivals and events like Peterborough Musicfest, Lock & Paddle at the Peterborough Lift Lock, and Peterborough Folk Festival.

Peterborough blends small-city coziness with a culture that is built in authentic ways by the students who forge a connection to the community: affordable cafés, boutique shopping, international eats, free music festivals, and scenic waterways. Share your favourite student gems with us ptbotourism@peterborough.ca.