KAWARTHA LAKES- One hundred and fifty years ago, Bobcaygeon incorporated as a village. Over the preceding generation, the settlement had grown up around the rapids between Sturgeon and Pigeon Lakes. The community’s name was derived from an Anishinaabe verb that captured how the water flowed around the rocks—English speakers would say it is a rapid. In that era, most local families lived on farms, while lumbering was the primary source of off-farm employment. The village was home to sawmills, including Mossom Boyd’s, which had expanded from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful in Canada. The construction of Bobcaygeon’s locks began in 1833. Steamships connected the settlement to other communities like Buckhorn, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay and Port Perry. The Bobcaygeon Road ran north from the village, facilitating travel on foot, by horse or ox to the logging camps and farms of Haliburton. In that era, it would take more than a day to travel from Lindsay or Peterborough to the camps or farms of Haliburton, so Bobcaygeon was home to hotels such as the Forest House and Alexander Orr’s Temperance House.
Over the last century and a half, Bobcaygeon has become a very different community. Today, many people associate it with Kawartha Dairy or Tragically Hip’s hit song. It is a community that includes many people who enjoy waterfront life in the Kawarthas, and many retirees. “This anniversary is a chance to celebrate everything that we have accomplished,” explains volunteer Maureen Lytle. Steering committee chair John Bick adds: “Bobcaygeon evolved from an early recognition that it was blessed with an abundance of waterways, timber resources and natural beauty.”
“The 150th Anniversary of Bobcaygeon’s incorporation as a village is being recognized throughout 2026,” John says. “A steering committee of sixteen local citizens, some with deep roots in the community and others who have come here in recent times, has been planning events for the year. The committee has been collecting memories from residents about growing up or living in Bobcaygeon, especially from the last 50 years since the Centennial celebrations of 1976.”
“I think it is important and interesting to reflect on some of the people and activities that have been a part of our journey,” Pieter Van Oudenaren remarks. “We have many people move to Bobcaygeon, and thoroughly enjoy the people and makeup of this place, and they want to know this history.” Pieter’s father, Harry, moved to Bobcaygeon from Holland in 1950, knowing only one phrase in English: “Good day sir, nice to meet you.” He took a great interest in his new community and became a keeper of the community’s history. To celebrate the anniversary, his memories of Bobcaygeon are being shared.
Bobcaygeon was incorporated in June 1876 and the village will be celebrating the sesquicentennial on June 13. Festivities kick off at the Beach Park at 10 am with a family fun zone featuring Browning Reptiles, Be a Rockstar! with Marky Monday, tie dye t-shirt making, paddle painting, a scavenger hunt, Mista Banana Balloona Mana, the Great Marble Maze and many more fun, educational activities. At 2 pm, the parade begins at Joseph Street headed to the arena. Once it arrives around 3 pm, the opening ceremonies will take place. There will be live music all afternoon and evening featuring the Thermostats, Jesse Byers, Kelly Burrows and the Limestone Cowboys. The dance will end at midnight.
Many Bobcaygeon residents are looking forward to this celebratory event. “It’s a great opportunity for a lot of people to get together and see old friends, like a homecoming,” Maureen remarks. John adds, “Saturday, June 13 will be a day of reunions, of reminiscing, and a reaffirmation that Bobcaygeon has a rich history, a vibrant present and a promising future.” Whether you grew up in Bobcaygeon, live there or just appreciate the community, we hope to see you at the sesquicentennial celebrations!
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum and was written by Glenn Walker.
If you want to make a donation to the museum, you can e-transfer to: curator@maryboro.ca or mail a cheque to :
Maryboro Lodge Museum
Box 179
50 Oak Street
Fenelon Falls, ON
K0M 1N0
