Category: Outdoor Activities

32 Sensational September Events in South Eastern Ontario

Sweet September! Fall is just around the corner and South Eastern Ontario has so many brilliant events to usher in a new season. Move beyond back to school and experience local farms, live music, cycling, studio tours, stargazing and even some classic good times at fall fairs. Read on for 32 events to look forward to this September.

Bay of Quinte

1.Belleville Downtown Blues Fest

Get your toes tapping at this epic blues fest that takes over Downtown Belleville on Saturday, Sept. 9! With workshops and special performances in market square and on the main stage it’s sure to be hit. Admission is free with donations of cash or food to Gleaner’s Food Bank, Quinte.

2. Open Farm Day at Dahlia May Flower Farm

Ever wanted a behind-the-scenes peek at a working flower farm? This is your chance! Dahlia May Flower Farm is opening up its private two acres flower fields for guests to roam and appreciate the blooms on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With the freedom of self-guided tours on the farm, visitors can take photos and enjoy a pop-up flower shop on site stocked with field grown flowers. There is an admission fee of $19.95 and kids under 12 are free.

3. Belleville Porchfest

This free, family-oriented event sees porches in the city sparkle with live music on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Presented by the Rotary Club of Belleville, join in for a neighbourhood celebration of music where East Hill residents perform on front porches to an audience that moves from house to house. Belleville Porchfest is now in its 14th year and has become a beloved fall event. Enjoy a tune or two!

Prince Edward County

4. Live in the County

Love live? Prince Edward County is worth checking out. The County has a swoon-worthy live event scene from laugh-out-loud comedy to soul-shaking music, and from thought-provoking art to inspiring dance. Take a look at the sensational September live events coming up in the County that will warm your heart and cool your jets.

5. PEC Studio Tour

The numbers don’t lie: more than 40 artists in 30 studio locations celebrating the brilliance of local artists during the 30th year of the Prince Edward County Studio Tour. The free tour sees studios open their doors to the public Friday, Sept. 22 to Sunday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Map out a route and have fun exploring art in the County!

6. Film & Food at Littlejohn Farm

Entertaining and engaging short documentaries, accented by a delicious meal embracing local Canadian ingredients inspired by the film! Little John Farm in partnership with Beyond Culinary Canada, is bringing together Film & Food on Sept. 24, 2023 – showcasing Ontario Wines and Ontario Farms with guest speakers, Rebecca Mackenzie from Culinary Tourism Alliance, Magdalena Kaiser rom VQA and Dan Sullivan of Rosehall Run Vineyard and Winery.

Lennox & Addington

7. Discover L&A Ride

An unforgettable route and fun stops along the way make the Discover L&A Ride a favourite cycling event! Set this year for Saturday, Sept. 9, this cycle tour of Lennox & Addington is in its 7th year and welcomes thousands of cycling enthusiasts to enjoy the local food, wine tastings, live music and post-ride brews at MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company.

8.Wynn Farms Corn Maze

Be enchanted by this years’ corn maze theme at Wynn Farms!  Each year, the theme changes, but the quality and challenging fun for visitors of all ages remains the same. September is a busy month at Wynn Farms with the flower farm still blooming, the apple orchard in full swing and the corn maze delighting visitors. For a special treat, look here for Moonlight Maze days on Fridays and Saturdays throughout September.

9.Stargazing at the Dark Sky Viewing Area
You’ll have stars in your eyes! See the night sky as it was 100 years ago – remarkable views await at Ontario’s most southerly point to offer a clear night sky unobstructed from light pollution! From dusk til dawn, the Dark Sky Viewing Area opens up a world of wonder. The popular laser-guided stargazing tour on September 15 and 16 at 8:30 p.m. is a great way for novice stargazers to get to know the night sky, or reserve a spot to get up close with the moon on Sept. 23! That’s when Tim Trentadue will be at the Dark Sky Viewing Area to teach visitors about the moon and provide a look at the surface of the moon through his high powered telescope.

10.Pick your own
Local orchards are bursting with apples! Discover the sweetness of September in L&A County the apple by attending some family events happening during the harvest season. Be sure to visit the horses at Spring Meadow Farm while picking, a farm that has been operating since 1969. Try an apple cider donut! At Janssens Orchards the passion for apple is everpresent – especially growing heritage varieties. Of course, Wynn Farms is also the apple of your eye, with apple picking at the orchard and fun family activities on the calendar throughout the fall.

Frontenac

11.Open Farm Days

Celebrate farming and food in Frontenac and Kingston! From Sept. 1 to Oct. 15, 2023 learn about farms first hand by touring local farms with the farmers themselves! Walk to rows of veggies and flowers during harvest or enjoy a delicious culinary experience. Get a deeper understanding of where food comes from and appreciate the connection to the land.  Join Haymakers Coffee Co.’s roaster and creator for a hands-on roasting session, or get up close to grazing animals during a walking tour at Maple Ridge Farm. Experience a hopyard at harvest at the Wolfe Island Hopyard or visit the participating farms, markets and greenhouses to chat with local growers. See all the Open Farm Days events and plan your month!

Looking for more to do in Frontenac? Check out 25 things to do in South Frontenac!

Kingston

12.Katarokwi Indigenous Art & Food Market

Springer Market Square comes alive with local Indigenous art and music every Sunday in September from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Marvel at handcrafted art, jewellery and clothing and savour freshly made food complemented by different artist demonstrations each week.

13.Kingston Fall Fair

Set for Sept. 14 to 17, the Kingston Fall Fair is sure to delight young and old. Celebrating 191 years, the Kingston Fall Fair is synonymous with autumn in the city. Look for a large midway, games, agricultural exhibits and demonstrations, monster trucks, demolition derby, motocross thrill riders, live entertainment, the popular Country Singing Showdown competition and much more! See the full schedule and plan to attend.

14.Kingston WritersFest

Known as one of the top festivals in the country, Kingston WritersFest tells its tale from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2023.The lineup for the 15th annual festival if exciting no matter if your go-to genre is food writing, fiction, social issues or spoken word. The aim is to inspire and engage at this readers’ and writers’ festival. More than 60 top Canadian and international authors offer readings, conversations, performances and even master classes in 45 events during the five-day festival. Discover the lineup!

15. Art After Dark
Light up the night with Art After Dark, when galleries and art-enthusiastic businesses in downtown Kingston showcase stunning art for a super night of art, live music, shopping and connection. Be inspired on Friday, September 29 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Art After Dark!

1000 Islands Gananoque

16. Lyndhurst Turkey Fair

Gobble gobble! The Lyndhurst Turkey Fair struts into town on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is set to make you shake a tail feather! This free day of family fun sees thousands of people come to Lyndhurst to experience free Voyageur canoe rides, antique cars, prize draws, silent auction, pony rides, petting zoo, crafts, a reptile show and so much more!

17.Furnace Falls Farm Fall Harvest Feast of the Fields & Concert

Savour everything that the fall harvest is offering at the Harvest Feast of Fields & Concert at Furnace Falls Farm featuring Dead Root Revival with Tom Savage. Attend the dinner and show or just the concert only on Sept. 16. The show takes place inside the large and beautifully refurbished rustic barn. The venue is an experience unto itself!

 18. Pump Gan Fest
Pumpkins galore! Carving, crafts, goodies and more take over Town Park in Gananoque on Sept. 30, 2023 to celebrate the orange sign of autumn. Join in the family fun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. put on by the Gananoque Lions Club.

 
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways

19. Cloud 9 Electronic Music and Eco Art Festival
 Experience a multi-sensory celebration of a sustainable future! Now in its second year, the festival at No. 9 Gardens in Rideau Lakes is organized by youth, for youth to foster inspiration and creativity. On Saturday, Sept. 9 the day will be filled with live music, workshops, local food vendors, a pop-up craft and merch market, an outdoor eco-art exhibit and the chance to contribute to an interactive mosaic sculpture. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect – be sure to get tickets early as only a limited number are available.

20. Leeds Grenville Fibre Extravaganza
Fibre is good for you! On Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Fibre Extravaganza, visitors will find handspun and dyed yarns, specialized tools and accessories, and local producers experienced in spinning, weaving, rug hooking, felting, and more. Shop for beautiful hand-dyed fleeces, yarns, and wool and rediscover the timeless crafts of knitting, crocheting, and more. Find the Extravaganza at the North Grenville Municipal Centre in Kemptville. Admission is $7 or bring a dozen crocheted/knit poppies or a scarf, toque, socks or mitts and save $2 on your entry.

 21. Fall in Love with Maple North Grenville
 Enjoy a fall drive and then immerse yourself in a sugarbush forest experience, complete with a pancake breakfast, maple syrup production tours, live music and more! Happening on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kemptville Campus, Agroforestry Centre and hosted by On The Bend Sugar Shack and the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association. Be sure to reserve your table!

22. Westporch Festival
This popular event returns for another year where front porches become a showcase for regional artists, musicians, activities and treats. Set for Saturday, Sept. 23 in Westport, it’s a free outdoor walking tour of the village with fabulous live music enlivening 15 porches with entertainment throughout the day.  Experience this village-wide, family-friendly, happy event by taking a look at the artists performing and planning to attend. Tips, donations and purchases are welcome.

 

Brockville

23. Tincap Berry Farm Sunflower Stroll and Pick Your Own Pumpkins

  1. Sunny days are here again! The Tincap Berry Farm is bringing the sunshine this season with its sunflower strolls in mid-September. Fall photo ops and pick-your-own sunflower area make this an experience to remember. Cut a stem or a pail of blooms to bring home! Also look for the perfect pumpkin in the pick-your-own pumpkin patch to make your home festive for fall – or for carving legendary jack-o-lanterns! Stay tuned for available dates for both.

24. Hall’s Apple Market Pick Your Own

Nothing says fall like picking apples. Hall’s Apple Market is ready to welcome your family for the traditional pick your own experience with some surprises! Pick your own opens Sept. 2 2023 and runs until Thanksgiving. The kids can enjoy a playground, wagon rides, fresh cider, exploring a country store, and savouring baked goodies. The farm is even dog-friendly if leashed, so your furry friend doesn’t have to miss out!

25. Fulford Place Ghost Tours

The spooky season is almost upon us! Head over to Fulford Place in Brockville for ghost tours Sept. 6 and 13, as well as throughout October in this historic mansion along the former millionaire’s row. Stories swirl of after-hours hauntings here – discover what secrets lay behind the big doors of Fulford Place! Be sure to reserve your tickets.

SDG Counties

26. Iroquois Apple Fest

How do you like them apples? We like them a lot, actually! The Iroquois Apple Fest is a bushel of fun for the whole family. With a night parade, “cutest apple dumpling” baby contest, Iroquois’ Got Talent competition, baking contests, chicken dinner, live music, car show and much more, it’s bound to be a good time on Sept. 16. An apple a day…

27. Wood Fest at Wood Brothers Brewing

Beer. Live music. Food. Need we say more? It’s going down on Sept. 23 from noon until 10 p.m. Be there or be square.

28. Harvest Wine Tasting and Food Pairing at Tranquility Acres

Touring of the property, meeting the farm animals, and enjoying live music and bar service while shopping local vendors in the afternoon, followed by a wine tasting and food pairing and a buffet, music and dancing! Sounds like an epic day.  Combine that with playing lawn games, roasting marshmallows, and making an afternoon of it at Tranquility Acres, before the ticketed pairing event begins in earnest at 7 p.m.


Cornwall

29. Akwesasne International Pow-Wow

Witness the best Native dancers, drummers and artisans from the region during this vibrant cultural experience! Taking place Sept. 9 to 10, 2023 at the A’nowara’ko:wa Arena on Cornwall Island, the Akwesasne Pow-Wow is the place to enjoy a one-of-a-kind music and dancing, to shop the beautiful creations of talented First Nations artisans and enjoy great food and great company.

30. Eastern Ontario Garlic Festival

One day festival celebrating the stinking rose! If you’re a garlic enthusiast, join in the fun at the Eastern Ontario Garlic Festival on Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cornwall Civic Complex to meet garlic growers, taste wares from food artisans, enjoy live music, learn from workshops, as well as have some family fun, dinner and even dancing on the waterfront! The Garlic Gala will round out the day from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. providing a farm to city culinary experience.

31. Shorty Jenkins Classic

A curling bonspiel like no other! See world-class curling in a small-town club setting. The Shorty Jenkins Classic welcomes world champions, Olympic athletes and top athletes from Canada, the US and Europe. It’s happening Sept. 20 to 24, 2023 and this year is welcoming some of the world’s best women’s curlers – including the four-time defending world champions – as well as a men’s lineup that includes world champions, Olympic gold medallists and top four ranked teams in the world! Be at the Cornwall Curling Centre to see it all go down.

32. Apples and Art Studio Tour
Be inspired by art in the spaces it’s created! The Apples and Art Studio Tour encourages visitors to meet the artists, chat and see their work in a natural setting across Cornwall and SDG Counties. This two-day event is taking place from Sept. 23 to 24 and features artists working with batik, sculpture, acrylic and oil, serigraphy, watercolour, wood, graphite on paper, metal jewellery, glass, body painting, 3D printing and so much more! Take a look at the brochure to plan your self-guided route.

September is sure to be a smash hit with creative events in abundance like the harvest in South Eastern Ontario.

10 Ways to Paddle in South Eastern Ontario

Paddles up! There’s still lots of summer left to make memories on the water in South Eastern Ontario. Hit the fabled rivers and lakes in the region by paddling to experience nature up close and personal. With pristine water, unique scenery and friendly local communities along the way, South Eastern Ontario is a paddler’s dream.

1000 Islands Rideau Waterways

1. Locking through the Rideau Canal

One of the best things about Rideau Lakes is, of course, the lakes! Get a new perspective on the outdoors while hitting the water on a canoe, kayak or SUP excursion. Rideau Lakes has many paddling routes that showcase the wonderful waterways that give the region its special character. Did you know that visitors come from all over the globe to witness the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rideau Canal in action? Rent kayaks or canoes from Rideau Tours in Chaffey’s Lock, Pattison’s Paddles in Newboro or Rideau Classic Rental in Portland and be sure to experience a lock on the historic Rideau Canal along the way – either locking through or by a portage and picnic. Get your paddle on to experience it for yourself.

2. Kemptville Creek

Grab your paddle and make a splash paddling Kemptville Creek to wind your way through North Grenville in the Rideau region. Use the launch in Anniversary Park, then explore more than 5 km of waterway running from the Rideau river, past Ferguson Forest Centre and into to downtown Kemptville. Tie up at the docks at Rotary Park downtown for a post-float brew at O’Heaphy’s Irish Pub, or dinner at the fushion Cajun restaurant, Salamanders, or Hyde Smokehouse and Bar. Don’t have a boat? No problem. Visit Drifters Outdoors in Kemptville to rent a kayak or SUP! North Grenville is made for waterway adventure.

3. Upper Rideau Lake

Upper Rideau Lake is one of the biggest along the Rideau Canal and is a favourite for boating and paddling. The lake is known as one of the most stunning spots in the region. The scenic town of Westport is at one end and Newboro’s renowned fishing to the south. Couple that with the ancient Narrows Lock at the east end and the massive cliffs of Foley Mountain overlooking the north shore and it adds up to a picture perfect paddling day

Frontenac County

4. Frontenac Outfitters

Created by paddlers, for paddlers! Frontenac Outfitters is well known for its 30-plus years as one of Canada’s largest on-water paddlesports centres. Specializing in new and used kayak, canoe and SUP sales and rentals, Frontenac Outfitters is also a teaching facility with a full complement of courses and workshops running into fall. Its location at the entrance of wilderness park, Frontenac Provincial Park, makes it even sweeter. Slow down and enjoy nature with wooded and waterfront campsites available at Frontenac Outfitters, too. They’re known as the experts for a reason!

With 160 km of looped and well-maintained backpacking and hiking trails, Frontenac Provincial Park is an exceptional spot for wildlife viewing, interior camping, and backcountry exploring. As Ontario’s most southern wilderness park, it also includes 22 beautiful lakes with great paddling, fishing and swimming opportunities – and all interior campsites are accessible by hiking trail, too.

Prince Edward County

5. Cabin Fever Kayak

We’ve got a fever – and the only prescription is more kayak! Cabin Fever Kayak launches boats in the quiet and scenic Black River in Prince Edward County, known for its calm waters and wildlife galore. It’s like a choose-your-own adventure: paddle one way and the river winds for about 6 km to the town of Milford – or take the other direction and head in the other direction and go under a bridge where the river opens into a small bay on Lake Ontario. Look here for Macmahon Bluff – a 240-acre rocky headland unlike any other in eastern Ontario, rising about 100 feet above the water and inhabited by rare plants! The cure for cabin fever: explore someplace different and embrace the beauty in nature!

Bay of Quinte

6.Dip your paddle

Get out on the water with kayak, canoe or SUP rentals in the Bay of Quinte area!  The Trenton Rowing and Paddling Club, Quinte West has social events throughout the summer for water enthusiasts of all skill levels. From evening group paddles to paddle potlucks, the club also has stand-up paddle boards, canoes, and kayak rentals available during July and August. Also look for Seven Paddles, Quinte West which is offering weekend kayak and canoe rentals at the boat launch in Centennial Park. Happy paddling!

1000 Islands Gananoque

7.1000 Islands Kayaking

Want epic river paddling on the St. Lawrence? Weave among the grand islands with 1000 Islands Kayaking! Perfect for those looking for an adventure, 1000 Islands Kayaking has all the equipment and instruction you need to set off. Share an intimate guided tour of the islands by kayak to explore the magnificence in a new way. Check out the intriguing channels of the Thousand Islands and find something to fascinate you around every bend: sunken ships, historic castles, and a landscape steeped in history. Glide through the water with a 1000 Islands Kayaking guide or set out on your own, paddling at your own pace to discover the inlets, opulent cottages, and island life surrounded by nature. Look here for guided camping tours, too!

 

Lennox & Addington

8.Get on the water and land a great time

With more than 100 lakes for you and the fam to explore and stunning views awaiting – the water is calling your family this summer in Lennox & Addington. Self serve kayak and SUP rentals are available through Kayakomat to get you enjoying the water in no time. Make a splash with time on the lake in L&A County!

Kingston

9. Explore the Kingston shoreline

Unwind and enjoy a hot summer’s day by dipping your paddle along the Kingston shoreline! Hit the water with Ahoy Rentals for canoeing, kayaking or SUPing – and even sailing. Enjoy the beautiful blue waves of Lake Ontario on a skippered sailing charter aboard a 26’ sailboat with no sailing experience required. Or, cool off with Trailhead in Kingston this summer! Rent SUP boards or kayaks, and even take a lesson. Included is everything you need to enjoy an evening on the water. Did you know there are six great beaches in and around Kingston from the urban Gord Edgar Downie Pier to the rocky pebble beach at Lake Ontario Park they’re ready to help cool off the heat of late summer.

SDG Counties

10.Mike and Jenny’s Paddle Fit

All ages and skill levels are  welcome here! Families enjoy Mike and Jenny’s Paddle Fit – getting the whole crew out on the water in a safe and friendly way. With hourly and daily rentals of canoes and kayaks, Mike and Jenny’s Paddle Fit on the Long Sault Parkway at Milles Roches Beach ($) is the perfect way to connect with your family or friends while getting out on the water and maybe trying something new.

No matter where you start paddling in South Eastern Ontario, you’ll be sure to finish with unforgettable moments of discovering new perspectives and places on the water! 

52 August Events to Make Your Summer Memorable

Summer is in full swing and that means hot events across South Eastern Ontario. This month is full to the brim with brilliant activities. Whether it’s live music, haunted tours, fantastic food, sunflowers, friendship days or even night markets, August promises events to remember. Make the most out of the remaining days of summer in South Eastern Ontario!

Bay of Quinte

  1. Belleville Caribbean Festival A Caribbean adventure in the heart of Downtown Belleville! Set for Aug. 19 from noon to 11 p.m. the festival will see pulsating rhythms of reggae, soca, calypso, and more with live music, exceptional Caribbean cuisine and a lively street parade with hundreds of dancers.
  2. Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow: Tsitewatsiró:ten: Rekindling Our Fire The 36th annual Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow takes place Aug. 12 to 13 in Tsi Tkerhetoton Park. Enjoy traditional dancing, beautiful regalia of participants and learn more about various Indigenous cultures – and of course indulge in wonderful food! Also look for more than 70 Indigenous craft vendors selling handmade art and jewellery.
  3. Concerts in the Park Bring a lawn chair and blanket and enjoy outdoor live music during the Quinte West Summer Concert Series! This series takes place in Frankford Tourist Park every Wednesday, and in Fraser Park each Friday and Sunday until September. Check out the schedule and make an evening of it! Various dates throughout August.
  4. Festival of Lights Kick Off  Christmas is just five months away – but it’s going to feel a lot closer on Saturday, August 5 in Belleville Market Square! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in town for their summer holiday during a special Festival of Lights fundraising event. Join them from 10 a.m. to noon for face painting, live music, holiday activities, selfie station and more.

 

Prince Edward County

  1. Dragonette at The Hayloft Dancehall  Get ready to live. Juno-winning artist and sought-after songwriter, Dragonette, is performing at The Hayloft Dancehall on Friday, Aug. 11, bringing her special brand of electro-pop to Prince Edward County after scoring numerous global hits.
  2. Base 31 Live Music The Drill Hall at Base 31 in Prince Edward County sets the scene for live music this August – on a big stage in a remarkable, historic setting! Iconic Canadian band, 54•40, is performing at The Drill Hall at Base 31 in Prince Edward County on Saturday, Aug. 5. For over 40 years, 54•40 has carved out a legacy of gold and platinum albums and awesome live performances. Next up at The Drill Hall is rising Nashville star Josh Ross performing on Aug. 12. Debuting as a chart-topping artist, Ross has quickly made a name for himself and garnered loyal fans along the way. Check out many more shows also happening in August at The Drill Hall!
  3. Graveyard & Gallows Walking Tour A tour of mystery and intrigue! The Graveyard & Gallows Tour takes place every Friday night in August, allowing visitors to explore the grounds of Macaulay Heritage Park with an experienced guide. Stroll through the neighbouring graveyard at Reverend William Macaulay’s former church and spot a famous tombstone before discovering the local courthouse, jail cells, and even the gallows.
  4. Dusk, Dance & Drones Experience it to believe it! Prepare for a fun night out making memories with family or friends. Set for the evenings of Friday, August 4 and 18, as well as Sept. 1, in partnership with Illumin and Base 31, the night sky will be lit up by a fleet of drones, dancing and weaving to create a stunning display of light and colour to fill all ages with wonder. Unique and impressive!
  5. PEC Yoga Fest Sand & Pearl’s Full Moon Yoga Fest is back for a sixth year from Aug. 11 to 13, bringing together five yoga communities from across Ontario. Classes, musicians, food, lots of love and a family friendly atmosphere make this a favourite event.
  6. Art of Charcuterie and Wine Workshop Explore the art of charcuterie design, as well as wine and cheese pairing! Hosted by Broken Stone Winery, Bark Woodshop & Studio and Farm Board Canada on Aug. 13, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn – and then savour your design.
  7. PEC Jazz Festival Much anticipated and always elevated! The PEC Jazz Festival is back for its 23rd year from Aug. 15 to 20 and showcases another award-winning line-up including JUNO-award-winning headliners, Caity Gyorgy, Hilario Duran (with Adis Rodriquez), and Marc Jordan; JUNO nominee, Alison Young; the uber energetic and crowd-pleasing Big Smoke Brass; inventive clarinetists Virginia MacDonald and Todd Marcus, and more!
  8.  The Grange of Prince Edward – Visa Infinite Dining Series event Picture this: a delicious evening of the freshest and most seasonal local flavours paired with spectacular wines, among the vines at a long-table winery dinner in Prince Edward County. Join in to witness star chefs sparkle at The Grange of Prince Edward – Visa Infinite Dining Series Event on Aug. 12. Prepare for a remarkable evening.
  9. Craft Chocolate Tasting Workshop Sign us up! The third part of a Craft Chocolate Tasting Workshop series takes place on Aug. 13 at Base 31, hosted by Certified Chocolate Taster and Educator, Christy Conte, focuses on the intricacies of dark chocolate.
  10. Yiddish Soul: Socalled & Venuti String Quartet Josh “Socalled” Dolgin is known for his genre-bending collaborations and passion for Yiddish music. This highlight concert of the Big Lake Festival is taking place on Aug. 22 at the Regent Theatre in Picton. It features a ground-breaking and heartbreaking programme of Yiddish art songs, lullabies, theatre music and folk songs newly arranged for string quartet.  Look for the whole schedule of world-class musicians at Big Lake Festival from Aug. 18 to 26 at various venues in the region and enjoy a celebration of all things grounding, nourishing and holding steady to who we are.

L&A County

  1. Napanee Fair The Napanee Fair is back for its 190-year milestone! This year’s fair features a midway, live music, agricultural exhibits, tractor and horse pulls, a petting zoo, demolition derby and more. Set for Aug. 4 to 7, 2023 Napanee is ready to roll out a good old country welcome for visitors and locals alike. There’s nothing like a summer fair!
  2. Livestock Craft and Music Festival Bring the family to meet the animals at this all-day fundraiser for Second Chance Ranch! The Livestock Craft & Music Festival takes place on Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with live music, pigs, goats, chickens, ponies, alpacas and donkeys on site and raises money to help rehabilitate, rehome or provide a forever home for horses in need.
  3. Discover L&A County MEGA Geocaching Did you know that Canada’s largest annual geocaching event is held in Napanee? That’s right! More than 1,000 visitors from across North America, Europe and beyond come to Napanee on Aug. 19 to take part! With a water cache canoe and kayak cruise, night sky stargazer tour, kick off events and more than 1,500 geocaches in L&A County it’s a fun-filled weekend!
  4. Back to the Farm The ultimate beer and music festival! Back to the Farm at MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company in Bath has grown to welcome thousands of people to revel in awesome live music and enjoy quality craft beer brewed on site. Party down home style on Sunday Aug. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to close and hear The Blue Stones, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Paul Langlois Band, Boston Levi and many more!
  5. Breakfast on the Farm Come hungry! Our mouths are watering even thinking about this all-Ontario breakfast. What’s more, there will be interactive educational displays, farmer a meet and greets, tours of a working farm and even family photo ops. Set for Aug. 26 at Ripplebrook Farm, Napanee which is home to 280 animals and a lot of heart.

Frontenac County

  1. Wolfe Island Lobsterfest Celebrate tasty crustaceans at Hotel Wolfe Island’s Patio Lobsterfest on Saturday, Aug. 12. Chef Andrew Dillon is preparing a feast with fresh, delicious lobster sourced sustainably. Think cocktails, live music, lobster and good times! Three seatings; reservations strongly encouraged.
  2. Art in the Sawmill   Add some art to your summer and your home on Aug 5 & 6. This juried show features a collection of over 25 local artists & artisans for a two day show & sale in Verona in the historic Sawmill. – celebrating its 10th year anniversary!
  3. Music in the Park  Each month Music in the Park is at one of the beautiful beaches in South Frontenac. This August enjoy live local music at the beautiful Point Park in Sydenham on Saturday August 19th, from 1pm – 3pm. Bring a picnic and lawn chair, and enjoy toe-tapping music on the shores of Sydenham Lake.
  4. Haymakers Coffee Co. Roasting Tour  Treat yourself to a trip Wolfe Island side to explore the coffee roasting process along with the breathtaking landscape and water views that kick off the 1000 Islands. Each roasting session is limited to 8 coffee-loving humans in order for you to truly dig in to learn where coffee is grown, sourced and roasted. Various dates in August.
  5. Maple Ridge Farms – Mindfulness Journey & Bloom Bar  On August 18th experience a 90-minute immersive mindfulness journey to awaken your senses, nourish your soul, and deepen your connection with the world around you. Once you are all relaxed and feeling Zen, take some time on the farm to handpick a vibrant selection of blooms and create a stunning hand-tied bouquet that will serve as a beautiful reminder of your transformative experience.

Kingston

  1. Sunset ceremony at Fort Henry  A sunset event you won’t soon forget! Fort Henry’s Sunset Ceremony combines the talented Fort Henry Guard’s impressive marching manoeuvers, drills, music and cannons with a stunning fireworks finale. Held once a week throughout August – tickets required
  2. Sun Harvest Flower Fields The Flower Fields at Sun Harvest are open and blooming. Wander through the cutting garden and enjoy the beauty of more than 8,000 flowers. Get your cutters and fill a jug with your favourite blooms to bring home a slice of summer! A fantastic activity for friends, co-workers, families, or even just solo for some meaningful me-time. 
  3. Katarokwi Indigenous Art and Food Market Sundays in August and Sept. 24, find local Indigenous artists, artisans and musicians selling handcrafted jewelry, art, clothing and enjoy fresh food and live demonstrations showcasing different artists! Located in Springer Market Square from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  4. Kick and Push Festival Rave reviews for this innovative performance festival keep the crowds coming back year after year. The Kick and Push Festival in Kingston is a professional, three-week festival featuring award-winning Canadian performers and award-winning work in venues all over the city. Taking place until Aug. 18, the Kick and Push Festival pushed the boundaries of what traditional theatre can be!
  5. Princess Street Promenade Take a stroll down Princess Street and revel in this popular festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  on Saturday, Aug. 5. The promenade closes Princess Street to vehicles from Barrie Street to Ontario Street making for the perfect opportunity to enjoy Downtown Kingston. Walk about and visit local shops, grab a bite to eat at downtown restaurants, and spend the day downtown!
  6. Women’s Art Festival Did you know that Kingston is home to the longest running Women’s Art Festival in Canada? The event celebrates women’s creativity in the arts with free community programming, live music, local eats, art installations, children’s tent and an enthralling marketplace. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Women’s Art Festival so mark your calendar for Aug. 12 and 13 at City Park.
  7. Greek Festival Presented by the Kingston Greek Community, the Greek Festival kicks off Saturday, Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Join in the fun at the Greek Banquet Hall on Johnson Street, with Greek dancing, food, and drinks – as well as a live Greek band. Admission is a non-perishable food item or cash donation to the Partners in Mission Food Bank!
  8. Limestone City Blues Festival  An event like no other! The Limestone City Blues Festival is a go for Aug. 24 to 27 this year, showcasing four days of “raw, gritty and unrestrained live performances” in venues across Downtown Kingston and two main stages in Springer Market Square and Confederation Park.  New this year, look for food and artisan vendors, as well as a licensed area!
  9. Doors Open Kingston & Area   Ever wonder what was behind those doors? Then Doors Open is for you! This intriguing free event is running over three dates this year and allows access to dozens of spaces, places and stories that shape the communities of Kingston and surrounding area. Discover the participating sites and explore at your own pace. Upcoming date of August 26 sees places like the PumpHouse, Murney Tower National Historic Site, HMCS Cataraqui, Agnes Etherington Art Centre and more open for learning from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See you there!

1000 Islands Gananoque

  1. 1000 Islands Gananoque Poker Run & Shootout Weekend Feel the need for speed – marvel at the power on water as performance boating returns to the 1000 Islands region! Poker Runs America and Power Boating Canada are bringing the excitement to the St. Lawrence River on Aug. 26 and 27 in Gananoque to thrill spectators and poker runners.
  2. Summer in the Islands Free Waterfront Concerts  Bring a blanket or lawn chair and prepare to be entertained with free summer concerts at Joel Stone Heritage Park in Gananoque each Friday and Saturday evening until Sept. 9. Artists like Abbey Stewart Band, Trevor Walsh Band, Healey & Orr and more will be performing starting at 7:30 p.m. against the stunning backdrop of the St. Lawrence River.

Rideau Canal and 1000 Islands Waterways

  1. Lombardy Fair You can’t beat a country fair! The atmosphere, the sights and sounds. The Lombardy Agricultural Society is celebrating 157 years of country hospitality with something for everyone from Friday, Aug. 4 to Sunday, Aug. 6. Look for a demolition derby, exhibits in the barn, monster truck show, the midway and ever-popular annual 4-H Club Dairy Achievement Day.
  2. South Grenville Bluegrass Festival Get ready for picking and grinning! The South Grenville Bluegrass Festival is ready to heat up the Spencerville Fairgrounds from Aug. 10 to 13 with lots of remarkable bluegrass talent from as far afield as Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky. With workshops, open mics, band scramble, a choir, music all afternoon and evening and even a mouth-watering chicken barbecue, this is one event not to be missed!
  3. St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival Shakespeare against the beautiful backdrop of the St. Lawrence in Prescott! The only professional outdoor theatre in the St. Lawrence Seaway area is current on stage with A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Importance of Being Ernest until Aug. 5 after which the gorgeous venue on Prescott’s waterfront is home to special performances by the Guild Festival Theatre with Alice in Wonderland, and a Company of Fools performing Hamlet.
  4. Live music in Rideau Lakes It’s summer and that means Rideau Lakes is all about the music. Make a weekend of it at the end of August! The Chaffey’s Lock Community Hall will be rocking on August 26 with its next installment of the annual summer concert series, welcoming Red Fox, an Indie-folk band with acoustic roots and electric sound. Also that weekend, the popular Bach on the Beverley returns, a fun and informal free event, with donations accepted for local organizations. The event on Aug. 26 is at Kendrick’s Park near Lyndhurst and the event on Aug. 27 is at the Red Brick School in Elgin. Bach on the Beverley invites participants to experience active listening to the chamber music of Johann Sebastian Bach, with a brief explanation of each selection and listening suggestions for musical ideas, with background.

Brockville

  1. Music on the Veranda at Fulford House Get swept away by summertime on the grand veranda at Fulford Place in Brockville. Weekly music every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. Look for Pat Johnson on Aug. 9 and 30, as well as Issabel on Aug. 16 and Jennie Marshall on Aug. 23. Free to attend, but donations to Fulford Place are welcome.
  2. 1000 Islands Kingston Poker Run stop in Brockville See the boats up close! The 1000 Islands Kingston Poker Run is stopping for lunch in Brockville from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5. One of the largest waterfront festivals in Canada, this run has more than 40,000 spectators lining the shores of the St. Lawrence along the route to catch a glimpse of the most powerful boats around – and it’s stopping in Brockville! It’s a great opportunity to see the boats along Blockhouse Island.
  3. Brockville Ribfest A real taste of summer! This three-day festival from Aug. 10 to 13 is in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters Leeds Grenville and has mouth-watering ribs, chicken and more. It wouldn’t be Ribfest without fun for the whole family, so check out the kids zone, live entertainment, Cops and Kids fishing derby, rib eating contest, beach volleyball, vendor village and even a beer tent for the adults!
  4. Poutine Feast Brockville A travelling poutine festival?! Sign us up! Poutine Feast showcases the best poutine vendors from across Ontario. Set to roll into Brockville at Centennial Park from Aug. 17 to 20, and then the North Grenville Municipal Centre Aug. 24 to 27, visit Canada’s largest touring poutine fest and find your favourite! Vegan and gluten free options available.

SDG Counties

  1. Glengarry Highland Games Music, dance, sports, fiddling, pageantry and tradition in Maxville! The Glengarry Highland Games is a huge crowd pleaser from Aug. 4 to 5 with a long history dating back to 1948 as one of the largest games in the world. Witness massed bands and Highlands Fling, heavyweight competitions, whiskey tasting, clan parade, Wee Bairns activity area, Celtic entertainment, Highlanders’ tug-o-war and so much more. The Glengarry Highland Games draws thousands of people to experience this impressive event – come see why!
  2. Upper Canada Village: Canadian Music and Horse Lovers Authentic buildings, historic interpreters in period dress, heritage livestock at work, and activities throughout the site transport visitors back to the 1860s. But this living history museum doesn’t stop there! Upper Canada Village also hosts special events throughout the summer. Celebration of Canadian Music Event is on Aug. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and brings to life 18th century sing, dance and instrumental music. 
  3. Upper Canada Playhouse Summer season The summer season at the Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg is in full swing and two plays are on the bill for August. Buying the Farm – a country comedy by Shelley Hoffman and Stephen Sparks runs until Aug. 13 while Drinking Alone is a classic heart-warming comedy by Norm Foster and runs Aug. 17 until Sept. 3. The Upper Canada Playhouse is celebrating its 40th season this year as a delightfully charming historic building that has been transformed into a community center point for culture and the arts.
  4. Fields of Gold Sunflowers as far as the eye can see! Stroll through the stunning mellow yellows at Fields of Gold in August to capture the perfect summer photo. Book a sunshine walk, private photo pod or pick-your-own flowers to elevate your golden experience this sunflower season.
  5. Winchester Dairy Fest  Moooove on over to Dairy Fest in Winchester from Aug. 11 to 13 for music, dancing, classic car show, tractor parade, bouncy castles, firefighter games, hearty breakfast, roller skating, beer garden and vendor market – and don’t forget to get in the grooooove at the dairy dance!

Cornwall

  1. Akwesasne Friendship Day Join in Native North American Travelling College’s annual Friendship Day on Saturday Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.! Enjoy performances by Bear Fox, Crosswinds, DMiinus Savage, Mikayla Francis and MC Raienkonnis Edwards. Also look forward to art wars for children, teens and adults, pie bingo, lacrosse demo, canoe journeys, and much more!
  2. Pride Festival and Parade Be a part of an amazing community celebration! Diversity/Diversité Cornwall is set to host the 2023 Pride Festival and Parade on Saturday, Aug. 12, featuring a parade and day of fun activities in Lamoureux Park.
  3. Cornwall Chaos Fan of loud music? Take part in Cornwall Chaos on Aug. 19 – a full showcase of heavy metal artists from the Cornwall, Ottawa and Montreal areas. It’s free, it’s outdoor and it’s at the Cornwall Lions Club Bandshell in Lamoureux Park.
  4. Cornwall Night Market There’s something about a night market that just seems magical. Cornwall’s second such market can be found on Aug. 18 in Downtown Cornwall with dozens of vendors, offering everything from vintage to beauty products to plants to beadwork and intricate intrigues! To really make a splash, downtown businesses will also be open late and patios will be in full swing for dinner and drinks. Make a night of it!
  5. Cornwall Triathlon The Cornwall Triathlon is ready for Aug. 26 and 27 this year – but did you know it has raised more than $300,000 for local charities in the past? This year, the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Cornwall/SDG. Kids Day in Saturday, Aug. 26 where young champions are offered an initiation into the sport in a fun, non-timed environment. Then on Sunday, Aug. 27 the adult events take place, including a 5K run, duathlon and triathlon events. The Cornwall events are unique in that they offer traffic-free courses in the city’s core on both days. Everyone welcome: athletes, volunteers or spectating!
  6. Doors Open Cornwall & SDG Counties Free access to amazing historical and cultural sites in Cornwall and SDG Counties? Yes, please! Doors Open Cornwall & SDG Counties is a two-day event Aug. 19 to 20 where visitors enjoy admission to some of the most noteworthy buildings and places in the community. Have fun exploring and discovering local places and spaces!

With so many remarkable events happening across South Eastern Ontario in August, it’s easy to fill your calendar to enjoy summer to the max!

24 Classic Experiences to Heat Up Summer in South Eastern Ontario

Summer is for experiencing life to the fullest! These classic things to do in South Eastern Ontario are the ones returned to time and again for summer fun in the sun. Read on to add some unique experiences to your bucket list this season!

Bay of Quinte

1. Quinte West Pop Ups
Now in its third year, Quinte West Pop-Ups overlooking the Trent River features eight wooden cabins and five food truck stations, to entice visitors with everything from ice cream to a beverage bar and a bakehouse. This year, Mini Pop-Ups are also on-site, featuring essential oils, totes, bows, and much more. Look for the Pop Ups from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am. To 7 p.m.  in Centennial Park.

Kingston

  1. Hotel packages elevate city experience
    There’s so much to see and do in Kingston, it can take a few days to explore! Relax while discovering this unique city with hotel packages, showcasing attractions paired with the perfect places to stay. There is a package for everyone! Go behind the scenes at Canada’s most notorious prison with Kingston Pen Tours, then stay the night in comfort. Immerse yourself in history at Fort Henry and stay the night in the city that was once Canada’s capital! Enjoy a wellness retreat and rejuvenate with The Refinery Spa and Social House, or treat your taste buds and feast on the city’s culinary scene with Kingston Food Tours. Rover tagging along? No problem! Pamper your pooch dog packages with Green Acres Inn. Sip the afternoon away with a delightful afternoon tea package with the Secret Garden Inn. Rejuvenate with the Glow Skincare Spa Retreat and feel rested after your time away. Fondue? More like fun-due! Everybody’s favourite social meal is reimagined with this package through Secret Garden Inn.
  2. Improbable Escapes: Wonderland (West-End)
    Inspired by storybooks and fairytales, the games at Improbable Escapes Wonderland in the west-end of Kingston are fully immersive puzzle-solving adventures! With themes like Seven Dwarves: Mining Mission and Neverland: Heist on the High Seas, these escape rooms promise family-friendly fun while still being challenging. Did you know all games at Improbable Escapes are fully designed in house by their development team? That’s means that set designers, illustrators, electrical planners, game designers and more work together for more than six months per game to bring new adventures to life!
  3.  Sherlock Escapes
    Become a detective! Choose a case to crack and dive into these story-driven escape rooms. Virtual rooms and Unsolved Mysteries are also available.

Brockville

5. Freshwater Diving and Snorkelling
With exceptionally clear river waters and home to world-renowned freshwater scuba diving, Brockville is the perfect place to explore underwater! Intriguing shipwrecks and Canada’s first underwater sculpture park with more than 45 statues make diving even more enticing. Personalized charter boats run daily for offering access to world class shipwrecks in the St. Lawrence River. Visit Dive Brockville for an unforgettable diving adventure in the 1000 Islands!

Cornwall

  1. Archie’s Golf
    Unleash your inner child! Archie’s Golf has been a fixture on the Cornwall scene since the 1950s. With a driving range, 9 hole course, 18 holes of mini golf adventure, and 9 holes of foot golf, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to indulge in a sweet treat from Archie’s beloved Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop!
  2. Cornwall Community Museum
    Step back in time at the Cornwall Community Museum – check out the new temporary exhibit, Cornwall and the Crown, which showcases Cornwall’s intriguing relationship with Queen Elizabeth and the Crown. Discover archival materials, displays of textiles, household items and furniture as well as children’s games to enhance the museum experience for the family.
  3. Guindon Park BMX Track
    BMX enthusiasts, this one’s for you! One of the longest sanctioned BMX tracks in Ontario is the Cornwall BMX Track located at Guindon Park. The track hosts more than 50 racing events a year and draws visitors from Ontario, Quebec and the United States, including a provincial qualifier this summer which sees top riders in the province compete! Guindon Park itself is a hidden gem, with access to the city’s off-road bike trails and the St. Lawrence River, as well, as walking trails.
  4. Cornwall Motor Speedway
    Get your motor running at the Cornwall Motor Speedway! Hear the roar of the engines at this fun summertime tradition; the speedway promises several feature races every Sunday on the quarter-mile dirt track. Check out the upcoming events as the track often heats up with special races throughout the summer and fall as well, such as a Canada Day Spectacular and the Canadian Super Dirt Weekend in the fall.

SDG Counties

  1. Avonmore Berry Farm
    Nothing says summer like berry picking! Strawberries and raspberries complement 20 different varieties of veggies, as well as apples and pumpkins in the fall.  Bring the whole family to enjoy children’s play areas with sandboxes, tire swings and hay mow and slides. Peek into the panty to take home some more produce from the farm, baked goods, ice cream or jam.
  2. Fields of Gold
    It’s like a dream: strolling through sunflower fields then picking your own fresh bouquet of stunning zinnias, dahlias and mixed sunflowers. Make memories last by booking a private photo pod. The gardens create a colourful and whimsical backdrop for photos. A sunny day to remember!
  3. Crysler Park Marina
    This is a full-service marina where little extras make it unique! Crysler Park Marina offers mooring, waterfront camping and cabins, fishing, watersport rentals and even recreational areas to toss some horseshoes, play soccer or ball with the kids or spend some time on the swingset. A great homebase for exploring the 1000 Islands area around Morrisburg.

Spotlight on Merrickville

With a brilliant combination of history, art and places to eat, Merrickville is a one-stop shop for a summer day along the Rideau Canal.

1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways

  1. Blockhouse Museum
    This is a rare opportunity: go inside one of the few blockhouses built on the Rideau Canal! This National Historic Site was the largest blockhouse built on the Canal and dates back to 1832. It was originally a defensive building to protect the Rideau Canal from possible invasion. Eventually repurposed as the home of the lockmaster and his family, it now tells the story of the Rideau and Merrickville through displays and interpretive activities. Open daily for most of the summer!
  2. The Locks at Merrickville
    The unique configuration at Merrickville is an impressive example of locking through on the Rideau. The Merrickville locks feature three manually operated locks separated by two basins. Dating to 1830, they have a combined lift of more than seven metres. Visitors from across the world come watch boats going through the locks and stroll along the Parks Canada lock station. Fun fact: the locks are located at the earliest mill site on the Rideau River.
  3. Intriguing Architecture and The Depot Friends of the Rideau Depot Visitor Centre is open throughout the summer season and offers maps, info and souvenirs, as well as public washrooms. It’s located in a charming historic building dating to 1900 that was once used as a storehouse. It’s a good pit stop while enjoying the famed historic architecture of Merrickville. In fact, the community is home to more designated heritage buildings than any other Ontario community of a similar size! Be sure to check out the Merrickville walking tour for a full history!
  4. The Ruins
    Telling of a time when Merrickville was an important industrial community, the Merrickville Ruins show remnants of a woollen mill from the mid-19th century. According to the Merrickville walking tour, it’s part of an industrial complex that grew around William Merrick’s original sawmill. In that vicinity there were flour and grist mills, as well as a major foundry and the woollen mill. The Ruins provide an intriguing chance to explore history on foot, as visitors can walk through the site.

Art along St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville

Merrickville is a mecca of artisan creations at studios and shopping nooks. Plan a trip through the artistic haven and meet local artists to find your next eye-catching piece. One stroll along St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville provides your art fix!

17 .Rowland Leather
The real deal! Michael Rowland has been making leather goods of incredible style and quality for more than 40 years, winning awards for his designs and expertise with leather. Look for the famous Rowland original bags, keytags, eye glass cases, cell phone holders and coin purses all handcrafted one piece at a time in Michael’s studio. Available in store or online.

  1. Monsky Creations Gallery
    These internationally-coveted, highly collectable works are created by artist Monica Viola, a multi-disciplined artist working with clay, glass, painting and fabric
  2. Anarchy Gallery
    This is a boutique unlike any you’ve seen before, featuring Angelina Wrona’s internationally acclaimed paintings. Then head to Abel Mountain to find trendy fashions and cute must-haves for your home.
  3. Gray Art Glass
    Witness creativity in motion at this gallery and studio which has been a fixture in Merrickville for decades. Featuring tree of life balls, witch balls, glassware, vases, workshops, memorial glass and much more, Gray Art Glass pieces are available in the shop and online.

Cure your appetite in Merrickville

  1. Violets on Main
    The little place with big taste! Imagine buttertarts, fresh bread, custom cakes and that delicious bakery smell wafting out the door. That’s Violets in Main – goodies made with heart in Merrickville.
  2. Pickle & Myrrh
    Well-loved artisan sea salt caramel shop in Merrickville, with a fairyland twist this season! Pickle & Myrrh has recently upped their offering of locally made pottery and paintings, as well as the variety of products available. Also a brilliant go-to for gift baskets and special market events throughout the year!
  3. Stella Luna Merrickville
    This European style café is known for its excellent gelato made with passion and savoured with gusto.  The gelato is prepared on site, from scratch daily, using only fresh and quality ingredients with no artificial colour or flavour. That recipe created top-notch gelato that has won over locals and visitors alike! 
  4. Yellow Canoe Cafe
    Food that soothes the body and soul? Yes, please! Think local with a view at this licensed café and bakery where everything is made fresh and in house. Soups, desserts and sandwiches are all made from scratch in the Yellow Canoe kitchen and served in the dining room or patio. Yes, there really is a yellow canoe here! If visiting in the summer, be sure to snag a spot on the garden patio as it overlooks the Merrickville blockhouse and historic locks on the Rideau Canal.   

Marvel at the tried, tested and true gems while discovering classic experiences in South Eastern Ontario this summer!

Get On The Water In South Eastern Ontario

Go Play Outside

It’s official, Ontarians can get some money back if they choose to travel within the province thanks to Ontario’s staycation tax credit. The Personal Income Tax (PIT) credit would provide Ontario residents with the support of 20% of eligible 2022 accommodation expenses of up to $1,000 for an individual and $2,000 for a family, for a maximum credit of $200 or $400, respectively.

This beautiful stretch of Ontario is entirely linked by water – from Cornwall on the St. Lawrence River to Lake Ontario’s Kingston and on to Belleville on the Bay of Quinte. There’s also the Rideau Canal and thousands of other lakes and rivers dotted throughout. With all this water, we’ve mastered how to have a whole lotta fun on it and in it. Whether flying solo or traveling with the kiddos, the outdoor recreation opportunities here will help you burn off pent up energy and become one with nature! No matter where you go, civilization is always near. Take a break and explore the colourful shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Day 1: 1000 Islands Gananoque

But first…coffee! Adventure requires java!  Head over to Laverne’s Eatery for your first hit of caffeine and try their new Crumpet Eggs Benny – yup they went there! Make sure you grab a snack for your water adventure.

Get out on the St. Lawrence River with 1000 Islands Kayaking to get up close and personal to the 1000 Islands for this refreshing look at the river. With an expert-guided full-day or half-day trip, recreational paddle or fitness programs, they’ve got you covered. Tip: bring your camera.

Enjoy lunch at 1000 Curry. Authentic Indian cuisine that will make your mouth water or check out other dining options here.

If you’re staying the night, check in to your local accommodation before you check out what other interesting opportunities await you in this Canadian Gateway to the 1000 Islands. 

Events Calendar

Day 2: Brockville

Up for a cruise? 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises will do the driving, and they offer cruises like the 90 minute Jewels of the St. Lawrence tour where you will cruise by the mansions on Millionaire’s Row. If that’s too tame for ya, then jump on the Wildcat for a high speed cruise on a catamaran. If you’ve just been aching to see Boldt Castle up close and personal, Rockport Cruises offers a chance to explore the grounds on their 4 hour tour or do a double take with the “Two Castle Tour” and experience Single Castle as well.

Prefer to kayak?  Mac Johnson Wildlife Park is a sheltered pond that will allow you to have a relaxing paddle through the wildlife park. A canoe launch can be found on Centennial road, near the dam. You can also check out the paddling routes from the Frontenac Arch Biosphere.

Downtown Brockville offers a host of options to grab a bite. Sit inside at the Buell Street Bistro or grab a local favourite at Don’s Fish & Chips and make it a picnic. Looking for something different? Look here.

We bet you’re kinda tired and you definitely deserve to rest and relax. Take your pick of just about any kind of accommodation you can think of. Brockville has it: Historic luxury, family friendly, efficiency suites, B&B’s, cottages, camping and RV parks – they’re all here. Find the spot that suits you best, then rest up because you’re going to Cornwall tomorrow!

Events Calendar
Outdoor Adventures
Restaurants
Historical Spots 

Day 3: Cornwall

Try a transparent kayak and see the lake like you’ve never seen it before! You can rent them at Guindon Park from Boatingery. Book ahead because they’re clearly popular- pun intended.

Now that your world has changed a little for the better, we think the best way to feed the beast and get to know the Cornwall food scene a little more is to take a Cornwall Food Tour. You can choose the Downtown Cornwall Food Tour or enjoy a picnic with their Brunch Picnic Basket packed with everything you need for an afternoon at the park.

Stay a little longer and explore! 

Event Calendar
Trails and Conservation Areas
Arts and Culture
Accommodations

Celebrate the warmer season!

2 Days Of Wreck Diving In South Eastern Ontario

Tap into your sense of adventure by exploring waters full of shipwrecks, aquatic life and more!

It’s official, Ontarians can get some money back if they choose to travel within the province thanks to Ontario’s staycation tax credit. The Personal Income Tax (PIT) credit would provide Ontario residents with the support of 20% of eligible 2022 accommodation expenses of up to $1,000 for an individual and $2,000 for a family, for a maximum credit of $200 or $400, respectively.

Scuba divers in the know don’t call the 1000 Islands the “Caribbean of the North” for nothing. Like its southern cousin, the waters around this 1864-island archipelago in the St Lawrence River are clear, fresh and the final home for ships from all over the world. Over 200 shipwrecks are preserved beneath the surface here, each with its own story to show.  Divers can generally see 50 to 60 feet in front them most of the year, and 60 – 100 feet in the Fall. And because there usually isn’t a thermocline here — i.e. a transition layer between warmer surface water and cooler deep water — the surface and deep waters are usually within a couple of degrees of each other (68 – 75 F).

All of this is good news for shipwreck divers and those just wanting a sharper, different picture of this natural wonder. Remember that the 1000 Islands are actually billion-year-old mountain peaks, so there’s much more to see below the surface (think granite walls and 100-foot chasms). Remember, too, that currents can be strong in some areas; beginners may want to stick to open water dives.

Day 1: Kingston

A love of all things diving brought scuba instructors Guillaiume and Martine together in 2015. Their company, Neptune & Salacia, was born out of a love of underwater exploring and the Kingston area. Their website says it all:”In Kingston, museums are not all located on dry land.” Whether you decide to dive from shore or from their diving boat, the Dorothy J, you’ll see first-hand why they believe this region holds the finest freshwater wreck diving in the world. Book your charter or find out about their 2 hr snorkeling tour to see HMS Princess Charlotte, a designated National Historic site of Canada! No Certification required, and all gear is included!! 

Once your adventure underwater is complete, you’ll have no trouble finding a place to eat.  Kingston boasts the highest number of restaurants per capita in the country, so you’ll have no problem finding your favourites. If you’re up for a little on land exploring, check out these 25 Things To Do and from luxury historical inns and waterfront hotels, you’ll find a place to rest and refresh for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 2: Brockville

The St. Lawrence River, the main shipping route used for centuries, is where hundreds of vessels met their fate and came to rest. Wooden schooners with cargo of grain or coal, warships of the early 1800’s and modern day freighters all lie along the river bottom waiting to be explored. The Dive Brockville Adventure Centre/Abucs-scubA offers Learn2Dive options for the novice diver, as well as over 15 different dives for the seasoned diver, from both sides of the river in the Brockville and surrounding areas (some are in the US and a passport is required).  With a fleet of Six Transport Canada approved charter boats, and a CSA-approved air-station offering air and nitrox, Abucs-scubA is the largest, and longest established dive charter company in the 1000 Islands region. 

Also in Brockville, is Canada’s first underwater sculpture park, Centeen Park. What lies beneath the surface is an entirely new world. The main attractions at Centeen Park include standing human figures and an octopus sculpture which comes alive as its bright green eyes pierce through the darkness!

After your dive, fill your belly at any of Brockville’s restaurants, breweries or wineries then take a walk along the historic downtown and Blockhouse Island to find your land legs. Check Brockville’s Shows & Events calendar for more things to explore while here and Places to Stay.

If you’re planning a road trip for Spring or Summer and want to hit up the South Eastern Ontario region, this can definitely add some excitement to your exploratory excursions!

7 Unforgettable Cruising Experiences In South Eastern Ontario

Take the plunge and set sail to explore like never before!

The pristine water beckons in South Eastern Ontario! Immerse yourself in the full experience here and get out on one of our rivers or lakes. Local cruises reveal mystery, tales of treasure, and stunning beauty around every bend. 

Kingston 

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

See Kingston in a different light and view it from a new vantage point! Hop aboard The Island Queen; Island Belle or Island Star vessel to discover the city from the water. These boats are unique unto themselves – look for a 300-passenger paddle wheeler, a smaller boat with two decks, or get closer to nature and enjoy a translucent glass canopy.

St. Lawrence Cruises

You won’t believe the beauty of the colourful shoreline as you travel from Kingston to Montreal (and back) over 8 days and 7 nights.

 Brockville

Explore the St. Lawrence River differently with 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises. A soft adventure experience of the 1000 Islands sees visitors board the Wildcat, a 54-passenger cruise vessel that is able to cover a lot of distance with maximum excitement! Departing from Brockville’s Blockhouse Island, these tours feature a view of Boldt and Singer Castles, historic lighthouses, the Shortest International Bridge, and much more. Traditional cruises are also available.

Rockport 

Rockport Cruises showcases the grandeur of island life and whispers of a fabled past. The most popular cruise, Palaces & Palisades of the 1000 Islands, features famous island sights such as Zavikon Island, Millionaire’s Row, and Casablanca on Cherry Island with seven different cruise options. Enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise or take in a two-castle tour, which showcases Boldt Castle and Singer Castle.

1000 Islands Gananoque

Rumrunners, pirates, and explorers beware: City Cruises Gananoque’s Lost Ships of 1000 Islands cruise gives shipwrecks in the St. Lawrence River a voice, by displaying diver video footage coupled with compelling commentary, when the vessel glides over wrecks lying silently on the river bed. This two-and-a-half-hour cruise is a Canadian Signature Tourism Experience. Check out four options with City Cruises Gananoque, some of which take in romantically tragic Boldt Castle, as well as dinner and event cruises.

Rideau Canal 

Le Boat is a great way to travel with your bubble. You get your own European-style river/houseboat, which you pilot yourself, and travel the Rideau Canal National Historic Site (a UNESCO World Heritage site) from Ottawa to Kingston stopping at towns and villages along the way. Or cruise the calm waters with Rideau Tours to enjoy the locks, communities, and lush greenery with wildlife around every bend. Departing from Chaffey’s Lock along the Rideau, Rideau Tours offers an accessible pontoon boat guided tour experience with Captain Luc that allows visitors the experience of being locked through the world-famous locks on the Canal. 

Bay Of Quinte

Marvel at the Trent-Severn Waterway while traversing it on a Quinte Cruise! As one of Canada’s National Historic Sites, this is a 386-km stretch of locks, rivers, and even lakes. The Kawartha Voyageur has been likened to a county inn on the water, and it offers lounging areas, plenty of outside time on the deck, and even overnight accommodation. The Kawartha Voyageur also traverses the Rideau Canal on many scheduled excursions throughout the boating season.

“World Famous” 1000 Islands Boat Tours Are Back

Get out on the water from four spectacular locations along the St. Lawrence River.

The 1000 Islands region is “World Famous” and is one of Ontario’s most prized destinations. As Charles Dickens rightly noted during his trip here in the 1840s, the Thousand Islands “can hardly be imagined.” Where else in the world can you find almost two thousand islands, some large and richly wooded, a few tiny and cast in granite, all unique and just waiting to be discovered?  Situated where the St Lawrence River and the islands themselves begin, the 1000 Islands archipelago is the perfect playground for you. Take one of the many cruises offered here and discover a castle, rich wildlife, or a new vantage point of a waterfront city.

1000 Islands Gananoque

Get ready to set sail and experience the wonder of the Thousand Islands aboard City Cruises Gananoque with ports in Gananoque and Ivy Lea. Visit the magnificent Boldt Castle on Heart Island, discover and learn about the 1000 islands region, its history, and stories of those who have called it home. Or enjoy a cruise at sunset with breathtaking views of majestic estates and small cottage islands.  With many cruise options to choose from, your visit to the Thousand Islands is sure to be an amazing experience! 1-Hour to Half-Day Cruises available including an officially curated 3-Hour Cruise with views of Boldt Castle, a Canadian Signature Experience.

2023 Boat Cruise Options:

1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Ivy Lea
1-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque
3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque
5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque

Brockville

1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises

Operating from Brockville’s waterfront in the city’s historic Downtown District, 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises invites you to experience the Islands ‘your way’ aboard a variety of cruises sure to satisfy every appetite and budget.

Get your adrenalin pumping aboard the Islands’ only high-speed catamaran – the ‘WildCat’. Cruise at speeds of up to 70 mph towards a view of Boldt and Singer Castles on a hair-blowin’, toe-tapping, soft adventure that’s fun for all ages.

Speed not your thing? Then discover the islands and the mighty St. Lawrence River aboard a variety of traditional sightseeing, dining cruises, and Special events showcasing the eastern groups of the 1000 islands, Brockville’s historic waterfront, and the main shipping channel of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Compliment your visit to Brockville and the 1000 Islands with a visit to the ‘Aquatarium’, showcasing interactive exhibits devoted to the geography, ecology, and history of the Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence River. Then be sure to visit Canada’s First Railway Tunnel all within a short walk of the docks.

2023 Boat Cruise Options

‘Jewels of the St. Lawrence’ (90 minute) Sightseeing Cruise
‘Singer Castle Express’ WildCat (1 hour) Cruise
‘Castle Prowler’ WildCat (2 hour) Cruise
‘St. Lawrence Soiree’ (2 hour) Dinner Cruise

Rockport

Rockport Cruises is in the Heart of the 1000 Islands in the quaint waterside village of Rockport, ON.  Scenic sightseeing cruises showcasing the famous Boldt Castle on all tours.  Explore the magnificent Boldt Castle as the cruise takes you to the most famous of the 1000 Islands, Heart Island. The Palaces & Palisades cruise is a Destination Ontario and Destination Canada Signature Experience.   Daily cruises operate from May to the end of October. Situated on the very picturesque 1000 Islands Parkway, midway between Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa.

The “Heart of the Islands” cruise features the Canadian Palisades, Zavikon Island, St. Lawrence Seaway, Boldt Castle, Boldt Castle Yacht House, and the vast estates through Millionaire’s Row. 

2023 Boat Cruise Options

Heart of the Islands One Hour Cruise
Palaces & Palisades Two Hour Cruise
Boldt Castle Tour 

Kingston

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises, Kingston Trolley Tours and Kingston Walks are ready to welcome guests with an itinerary full of the Limestone City’s unique experiences.

Cruises and tours depart from downtown Kingston where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario, just steps away from the historic market square, shops, cafes, patios, hotels, parks, and attractions. Departing from Crawford Wharf at 1 Brock St, sightseeing and dining cruises set sail for the world-famous 1000 Islands on a daily schedule from mid-April to October. No passport is required for any Kingston 1000 Islands Cruise.

Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises are the food, fun, and entertainment ships of the 1000 Islands, sailing on a fleet of three ships: the Island Queen (a Mississippi Paddle-Wheeler), the Island Belle (a Replica Steamer), and the Island Star (a Bateau-Mouche style catamaran). Cruises range from a 1h waterfront Discovery Cruise, to a 3h Sunset Dinner Cruise with a three-course meal and live music.

2023 Boat Cruise Options

Sightseeing Cruises

Dining Cruises

Awe comes in waves in South Eastern Ontario. Experience the best views in the province and book your next adventure today!

These Cruises Will Take You On A Scenic Tour Of South Eastern Ontario’s Waterways

Make a splash this summer and take sightseeing to the next level!

Local cruises of South Eastern Ontario reveal mystery, tales of treasure, and stunning beauty around every bend. The pristine waters of this sightseer’s paradise beckons, as you can discover historic castles, waterfront villages, lush wildlife and even locks along the Rideau Canal. Each sightseeing adventure offers different experiences. Whether looking for dinner or day cruises, staycations, short getaways, or long holidays, the waterways of South Eastern Ontario are ready to welcome visitors for a safe and self-contained trip this summer!

Boat operators and cruising vessels operating on the Rideau Canal, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River are recommending that anyone wishing to enjoy a tour book ahead to ensure that they secure a ticket. As weekends are the most popular time to experience the waterways, consider a mid-week excursion to ensure availability. 

2023 Day Trip Cruising Experiences

2023 Overnight Cruising Experiences

This summer, hop aboard a cruise line that weaves through the beautiful waterways of South Eastern Ontario!