This beautiful waterfront city in ON is an artsy escape on cottage country's doorstep

Just 90 minutes northeast of Toronto by car, you can immerse yourself in a charming city surrounded by history and art, right on the doorstep of farms, lakes and nature that make The Kawarthas cottage country so special.

This dreamy destination is Peterborough, Ontario. Nestled on the Trent-Severn Waterway, it is a fantastic place to visit in fall when it's still warm enough to go paddling, but the local farmers markets (taking place Wednesdays and Saturdays through October) are flush with fresh, local produce you don't want to miss out on.

The local farmers markets are a great way to connect with the community. Courtesy of City of Peterborough

In fact, paddling should be high on your to-do list in Peterborough. After you're done exploring the Otonabee River (or perhaps ascending the world's highest hydraulic lift lock) in your own or a rented canoe or kayak, you can drop in at the Canadian Canoe Museum to learn more about its iconic collection and hands-on programming.

Time your visit right, and you can experience the First Friday Art Crawl, when galleries and studios welcome newcomers and aficionados alike to experience the local art community and connect with artists, curators and the locals.

Art fans will love visiting Peterborough. Courtesy of City of Peterborough

Another not-to-miss event is the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour, taking place September 27 to 28, it is a free, self-driven adventure that's a perfect add-on to your road trip itinerary.

Peterborough boasts a bustling downtown where you can shop your heart out and refuel at one of more than 40 great eateries, like Ashburnham Ale House or Gerti's.

Peterborough is also where you'll find the cherished Riverview Park and Zoo — Canada's only free-admission accredited zoo. Stop by for a tranquil stroll and say "hi" to the otters, sloths, emus and more that call the zoo home.

When you hop in the car to head out to Peterborough, you'll be amazed how far it can transport you from the bustle of Toronto, even though you only drove for an hour and a half.

To learn more about Peterborough and plan your idyllic autumn escape, check out ptbotourism.ca.

Peterborough has been known since time immemorial as Nogojiwanong "the place at the foot of the rapids" and is located on Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations.