Experience the Magic of Local Shopping with The Kawarthas Holiday Digital Passport

Peterborough County, ON – Peterborough County Economic Development and Tourism, in collaboration with all eight townships, is proud to launch the second initiative in The Kawarthas Quest series: the Holiday Magic Digital Passport.

Following the success of the Lakefield Scavenger Hunt, the first Quest, the Holiday Magic Digital Passport brings a festive new way for residents and visitors to enjoy the spirit of The Kawarthas while supporting the small businesses that shape our communities.

Using the Driftscape app or mobile browser, participants can take part in a joyful, interactive holiday experience that supports local businesses while creating lasting memories. And this year, shopping local doesn’t just feel good - it pays off. The Holiday Magic Digital Passport rewards those who choose to shop across Peterborough County with points, ballots, and the chance to win exciting prizes throughout the season.

How It Works

Holiday outings now come with added magic:

·         Visit participating businesses and enter their secret password to earn points.

·         For every 10 points, receive one ballot for the multiple weekly gift card draws; and the grand prize.

·         Collect more points and earn more ballots for more chances to win – including the grand prize of $1,500 in gift cards, to be drawn January 7, 2026.

The Holiday Magic Passport transforms your holiday shopping into something rewarding, festive, and community focused.

Critical Dates

·         Collect Points until December 24, 2025

·         Submit ballots for weekly draws beginning November 24, 2025.

·         Deadline for ballot submission for grand prize December 31, 2025

·         Grand Prize draw January 7, 2026

Small Businesses, Big Holiday Spirit

The Holiday Magic Passport isn’t just a fun holiday activity, it's part of The Kawarthas Quest, a broader economic development effort focused on strengthening small businesses and fostering community connection throughout the 8 Townships that make up Peterborough County.

By encouraging people to take in the magic of The Kawarthas, the program helps ensure that holiday spending stays where it matters most: close to home, supporting the people and shops that anchor our communities.

"There’s something truly special about holiday shopping in The Kawarthas - the decorated storefronts, familiar faces, and the joy of finding the perfect gift close to home. The Holiday Magic Digital Passport brings that experience to life, encouraging all of us to embrace the season, share time with loved ones, and support the local businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities."
                                                - Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County

A Kawarthas-Wide Celebration

With more than 50 participating businesses across all eight townships, the Holiday Magic Passport showcases the variety and character of The Kawarthas - from cheerful boutiques and handcrafted treasures to cozy cafés and festive treats.

The program embraces the growing desire for experiential shopping, strolling through our quaint towns, making holiday memories, and enjoying the warmth of local hospitality with friends and family by your side.

Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, seasonal décor, or a fun outing with loved ones, the Holiday Magic Passport offers a joyful way to take in the holiday spirit and support local at the same time.

"The Holiday Magic Passport is a great example of how collaboration across The Kawarthas creates real benefits for our residents, visitors, and local businesses. By choosing to shop in our communities this season, people are helping strengthen our economy and celebrating what makes each township unique."
                                            - Sarah Budd, Manager of Community Development, Peterborough County

Part of The Kawarthas Quest

The Holiday Magic Digital Passport is the second feature experience in The Kawarthas Quest, a growing series of fun, interactive activities designed to highlight the people, businesses, places, and stories that define The Kawarthas.

Each Quest encourages residents and visitors to take in a different aspect of life in The Kawarthas — from vibrant downtowns and local businesses to seasonal celebrations and family-friendly adventures. More Kawarthas Quest experiences will roll out across all eight townships in the months ahead.

For more information, please contact:

Tracie Bertrand
General Manager, Tourism and Communications
tbertrand@ptbocounty.ca
705-743-0380 ext. 2502