23/07/17 Trip to the Riverview Peterborough Zoo
- Kaylin M
- Aug 15, 2017
- 3 min read
Now that Blake is working in Toronto, it can be hard for us to spend quality time together. He had to move back in with his parents in Whitby, so whenever I go to visit him we usually are spending time either his parents or my parents. So, alone time between Blake and I is substantially limited. This weekend, we were able to steal a whole day together so we were adamant to make the most of the 30 hours we were getting.
It may not sound very fun, but we spent the morning going to Open Houses. We aren’t quite at the point in our lives where we are looking to buy a house, but we’ve always loved playing house, even for 20 minutes. The Peterborough realty market is slowing increasing due to the construction of the 407 highway connecting with the 115 (which leads to Peterborough for those that don’t know). We still have a few years before that happens, but we are hoping to be able to jump in before then. It’s nice to browse and see what our money will possibly get us in the next year or two.
Afterwards, we decided to go to the Riverview Park and Zoo on Water Street in the North/East End of Peterborough. It’s about a 5 minute walk from the Trent University Peterborough Campus and it’s free. Who doesn’t love free things?! We have been to the zoo a few times in the past year of living here and it continues to amaze us more each time we go. You would think that a free zoo would be a disappointing excuse for a zoo, but trust me when I say that it has earned its title.
Now I’m sure that there are some people who are anti-animal captivity, but the Riverview Park and Zoo strives to be a learning centre for wildlife and wildlife conservation. They are partnered with many wildlife conservation programs and actively encourage people to get involved. They are also accredited with the Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums organization to ensure that all animals are properly cared for.
They have a lot of different types of animals. You can go onto their website to see the list of animals at the zoo: http://www.peterboroughutilities.ca/Park_and_Zoo/Animals.
I mean, it’s not the Toronto zoo by any means, but it’s great for a free zoo! Here’s a few pictures of the animals that we visited on our July Sunday trip.
Hey it’s Franklin!
Got a chance to visit the King of the Zoo and witness him sitting upon his throne.
Sally the Camel had 2 humps!
Spot the Sloth!
Aside from the animals at the zoo, there is also a miniature train ride for 2$ that Blake and I rode for the first time. It’s a cute 10 minute ride that takes you across the dam extending over the Otonabee river.
While we were there, we got a chance to learn a little bit more about the Riverview Zoo. The park itself is filled with playgrounds, picnic areas, and gardens. One tidbit that I discovered while I was there was that the playground has equipment for physically challenged children. I feel that is so important to have accessibility for all children on the playground because every child is so unique!
As well, although the zoo thrives on donations and fundraising activities, the zoo is owned and operated by the Peterborough Utilities Group. I love that a local treasure is actually owned by Peterborough.
Finally, we ended our trip to the zoo by walking along the riverside path (I can’t remember the exact name of the path) that runs along the river’s edge of the zoo. It was quiet, private, and beautiful. We were so close to the water, I could have put my feet in if I had wanted to. Actually, I did try, but I stepped on probably the one loose rock on the path and Blake had to catch me before I fell into the river. Not to discourage you from walking along the path, just watch out for that rock. It was a peaceful end to a busy week (seriously though, look out for that rock) and an intimate moment between the both of us to share at the end of our day. It was beautiful, so I’ll end off this adventurous post with the river pictures that I took along our walk. I hope you get a chance to visit this park because it is definitely worth the trip and if you’re in town, make sure to drop in and say hi to us!
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