There are places we visit simply to see, and then there are places that invite us to slow down, look more closely, and discover the beauty in things that might otherwise go unnoticed. The Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario is one of those special places.
I’ve been fortunate to enjoy cottage life in the region for many years, giving me the opportunity to explore its lakes, forests, backroads, and small communities—and, of course, to photograph the many quiet and beautiful moments I’ve discovered along the way.
Located northeast of Toronto, the Kawarthas are a beautiful collection of lakes, rivers, forests, wetlands, rolling farmland, small communities, and winding country roads. For a landscape photographer, it is a region filled with possibilities—not necessarily the dramatic vistas we might associate with some of Canada’s more famous destinations, but quieter scenes that reward patience and careful observation. I hope you get a chance to visit and explore!
24-105mm lens; 1/160 sec.; f/16; ISO 100; Aperture mode
The Beauty of the Ordinary
The Kawarthas are filled with these simple photographic opportunities. A lone tree standing beside the water. Mist rising from a lake at sunrise. Reflections of autumn foliage. An old barn surrounded by fields. A canoe resting along the shoreline. I love getting up early, long before sunrise, and heading out to these simple vistas, where the landscape seems to be waiting for that perfect photographic moment. At any time of year, there’s a sense of anticipation—the light, the weather, and the scenery can come together to create a little bit of magic just around the corner. This photo was taken at Balsam Lake early one morning while the fog still lingered in the air. None of these scenes are complicated, but they can become powerful photographs when we take the time to see them.
16-35mm lens; 1/40 sec.; f/11; ISO 160; Aperture mode
Water, Reflections and Light
With hundreds of lakes and waterways throughout the region, water naturally becomes one of the central themes for photography. Early morning is particularly rewarding. When the wind is calm, the surface of a lake can become almost mirror-like, reflecting the surrounding trees and sky. The softer light of sunrise also brings a sense of tranquility that is difficult to reproduce later in the day. Here’s a favorite place of mine by a boat launch on Balsam Lake.
24-105mm lens; 1/250 sec.; f/5.6; ISO 100; Aperture mode
Exploring the Back Roads
One of the pleasures of photographing the Kawarthas is simply driving. The region’s roads take you through forests, farmland and small communities, often revealing unexpected photographic opportunities around every corner. I have always enjoyed this kind of photography—the anticipation of not knowing what might appear next. This weathered farmhouse caught my attention as we were driving towards the Town of Bobcaygeon. The important thing is to remain curious. Photography isn’t always about finding the famous location. In fact, some of my favourite photographs have come from stopping somewhere that wasn’t on the itinerary.
16-35mm lens; 1/30 sec.; f/22; ISO 125; Aperture mode; Tripod
Autumn in the Kawarthas
If there is one season that makes the Kawartha Lakes particularly appealing to photographers, it is autumn. The forests come alive with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows, while the lakes provide a beautiful counterpoint of blue and green. Burleigh Falls is one of those special places I discovered near the town of Lakefield. The “falls” are actually more accurately described as a cascade or rocky chute rather than a traditional vertical waterfall. This photograph was taken from the banks along Old Burleigh Road, where the rocky shoreline provides numerous opportunities to explore different compositions. With the rushing water, exposed Canadian Shield rock, and surrounding autumn foliage, it is a wonderful location to slow down and look for those often-overlooked photographic opportunities.
iPhone; 1/60 sec.; f/2.4; ISO 640
Looking for the Story
Miners’ Bay Lodge is one of those places we came across on our way to the town of Minden. Located in the Haliburton Highlands, this historic, family-oriented lakeside resort has a fascinating history that makes it much more than just another cottage resort. The property dates back to the late 1800s, when David Galloway operated a sawmill and general store here. That rich history is part of what gives Miners’ Bay its unique character and old-fashioned cottage-country charm. We stopped here for dinner, and I was fortunate to capture this photograph at a moment when the cars out front had cleared away. Sometimes, getting the photograph you envision is simply a matter of being patient and waiting for the right moment.
24-240mm lens; 1/400 sec.; f/11; ISO 100; Aperture mode
Photographing in Changing Weather
Another reason I enjoy the Kawarthas is the way weather can transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary. This may look like an ordinary small lake in Coboconk, but when the fog rolls in at sunrise, the landscape takes on an almost magical quality. The mysterious mist and reflections of the surrounding trees create a quiet, dreamlike atmosphere that simply isn’t there on a clear day. Weather is one of the landscape photographer’s greatest creative tools. Fog can simplify a scene and create a sense of mystery, while an approaching storm can add drama and energy to the sky. A sunny day may produce beautiful reflections, but an overcast morning can create an entirely different mood. So, don’t put your camera away simply because the weather isn’t perfect. Some of my most atmospheric photographs have been made immediately before, during, or just after a storm.
24-240mm lens; 1/160 sec.; f/11; ISO 100; Aperture mode
Slow Down and Look
Perhaps the greatest photographic lesson the Kawarthas offer is the importance of slowing down. In our increasingly fast-paced world, we are often tempted to move from one location to another, collecting photographs along the way. But landscape photography asks us to do something different as we take in the beauty and observe the light. Look at the small details as well as the big picture. The Kawartha Lakes Region rewards that approach. Its beauty isn’t always immediately obvious. It reveals itself gradually to those willing to spend time exploring.
16-35mm lens; 30 sec.; f/7.1; ISO 2000; Manual mode; tripod
A Photographer’s Invitation
For photographers living in Southern Ontario, the Kawartha Lakes Region makes a wonderful escape from the city. It is close enough for a day trip, yet far enough away to feel like you have left the urban landscape behind. Bring your camera, but don’t arrive with a rigid checklist of photographs you must make. Instead, give yourself permission to explore. Follow a country road. Stop beside a lake. Walk through a forest. Find an old building. Watch the sunrise. Stay for sunset. Most importantly, be open to the unexpected.
The Finishing Touch
For this Kawartha collection, I decided to experiment with different fine art media using the Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta paper. This bright white, cellulose-based FineArt inkjet paper is especially tailored for FineArt use. The felt structure of the paper has a lovely soft feel to it and produces a stunning three-dimensional quality and depth. There’s a Glossy FineArt sample pack that allows you to try out 8 different types of glossy medias. (2 sheets of each) Why not give it a try!
Ps – Be sure to visit us at the Amplis booth at the Toronto ProFusion Expo 2026, November 11–12!
ProFusion is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, discover emerging technologies, and gain insight into the latest industry trends.
We’ll be presenting both days on the Main Stage with: The Journey of an Image: From Capture to Print
Join us as we explore the creative and technical journey of a photograph—from the moment of capture to the finished fine-art print. Hope to see you there!
Peter Dulis