From crafting to cooking, jump into some fun, authentic experiences
Looking to do more than just visit a place? South Eastern Ontario invites you to roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in unforgettable hands-on experiences. Whether it’s crafting culinary masterpieces, exploring traditional Indigenous arts, or discovering the joy of glass blowing and pottery, there’s something for everyone to learn, create, or tuck away as memories that last a lifetime.
Plan your days in Brockville
The Aquatarium offers an immersive experience showcasing the vibrant life of the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands region. Some neat experiences on the calendar include a Mermaids Gala on Feb. 28. Get ready for some glitz glamour and under-the-sea fun as the Mardi Gras-inspired evening (from 6 to 11 p.m.) will set the stage for the Mermaids: Enchanting Encounters in March. Get excited for this evening with casino table games, live entertainment, appearances by the mermaids and more. Visit here for more info on the fun events at the Aquatarium.
Brockville Arts Hub offers quality workshops for visual and performing arts. The space was founded to establish a permanent home for arts development for Brockville and the area. The facility provides an excellent space to artists and audiences and gives a new life to St. John’s Church, a historic building in downtown Brockville. Whether you are new or a seasoned professional, there is something just for you.
Brockville Museum has lots of cool things to see and do! Dive into it with the kids, as there are interactive exhibits to check out. There are ‘Discovery Kits’ and ‘Museum From Home’ activities for all ages. Discover history, creativity, and so much more. Each month there are special talks as well. On Feb. 13, you’ll hear An Overview of Brockville Industries 1970s-Present. Dates and topics are subject to change, so check back often. Currently running is the Quilting Memories exhibit until Feb. 14. This is a celebration of the stories hand-stitched into a selection of locally-made quilts, 1885-2007.
Try something new in Kingston
Have you ever tried glass blowing? Glass blowing classes are now available at Kingston Glass Studio. At the end of this two-hour, hands-on private lesson with the artists, Alexi Hunter and Mariel Waddell, you will have unique and beautiful pieces of art that are created and designed by you! No experience is necessary. These classes are suitable for ages 16 and up, and there are options available for February. To book, or for more information, contact the artists: at info@kingstonglassstudio.com.
Pottery classes in Kingston
Amaranth Stoneware is offering hands-on workshops through March where you can explore the art of building with clay. Guests will learn the fundamentals of working with clay from shaping the piece to adding the finishing touches with glaze. There is a wide range of decorating tools and templates as you build your special piece.
Knitting classes in Kingston
How about trying your hand at knitting? Kingston’s Purlin’ J’s Yarn Emporium has got you covered. You can shop for some inspired yarns or supplies, or sign up for a class through February where you will learn to make a hat and cowl.
If you’re looking to knit, crochet, sew or spin, check out Yarn Farm Kingston and you can just drop in on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. for knit night. All small crafts are welcome. Bring your yarn and knitting needles, but you can have a glass of wine or feed your hungry belly with something from the menu.
Are gems your jam?
Check out Kingston’s Lapidary and Mineral Club which provides a positive environment for local rockhounds, lapidary enthusiasts and silversmiths. Members gather to develop their interests, share information and ideas, and socialize with others interested in the earth sciences. In addition to diverse monthly meetings, weekly lapidary instruction and frequent silversmithing courses are provided in their workshop. A fun event that members anticipate for months is the fall Gem Storm –save the date Oct. 17 to 19, 2025.
Experience culture in Bay of Quinte
Belleville Glanmore National Historic Site of Canada
If it’s an authentic history lesson you’re seeking, why not take a trip to the Glanmore National Historic Site of Canada, located in Belleville? A special event, Canadian Wedgewood Art, is available from February through April and is a two-hour exhibit tour and art-making for students in grades 7 and 8. Explore “Beyond Blue & White: Wedgwood Designed for Canada” a travelling exhibit visiting from the King Heritage and Cultural Centre, which features unique artifacts from a collection of Canadian-themed fine china and porcelain made by Wedgwood. After seeing pieces featuring Canadian landscapes, heraldry, history symbolism, and commemorative tributes, join Glanmore’s Creation Station to make art inspired by Wedgwood! The fee is $3 per student.
Women of Note – Quinte Symphony has a special event on Saturday, March 1. Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful music featuring women composers including Amy Beach, Florence Price, and Fanny Mendelssohn among others. Tickets coming soon. The event starts at 2:30 p.m. and will be held at the Maranathan Church, 100 College St W, Belleville.
Bay of Quinte Experiences are immersive and meaningful ways to really connect with the stories of people and places in the Bay of Quinte. No matter if it’s holding a frame of bees or arranging a mason jar bouquet of flowers in the field, participants always leave with something unique to take away. Seven experiences are available that launched in the last two years with more to come in 2025.
Play and learn in Prince Edward County
Cooking Classes at The Waring House
Learn to craft culinary delights with expert chefs in a fun, hands-on environment. Stay tuned for 2025 cooking classes!
Sipping with a Story
Dive into wine education at open Prince Edward County (PEC) wineries. Guests can learn about terroir and winemaking processes directly from winemakers.
There’s also Winemakers’ Hour with The Royal Hotel. Join the fun every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for free wine tastings from local wineries from every corner of The County. Dinner reservations are encouraged.
Hands-On Creativity
Visit County Creative for a Valentine’s Day event where you can create a floral arrangement, paint a heart mug and enjoy some functional mocktails from the Virgin Mango.
Explore fibre arts workshops and more at Chetwyn Farms. Take home your unique creations and gain a sense of achievement from learning a new craft. Make a rug, or a basket – and take them home!
Learn the Science of Relaxation
Experiences like yoga or Pilates at The Studio PEC can help you learn the physical and mental benefits of moving your body.
At Soul Float by The Love Loft, you can learn about the interplay of sound, aromatherapy, and meditation in wellness.
Timeless traditions in Akwesasne
Fire Loom: The Art and Beauty of Beaded Belts. Learn about Indigenous beading and the evolution of the art form from the construction and symbolism of historic wampum belts. Visitors try loom beading as Kelly guides them through the process of making a bracelet. The design is inspired by the Two Row wampum belt, a covenant between the Haudenosaunee and the Dutch for living together peacefully. Kelly Back is a co-founder of Fire Loom Creations along with her husband, Tyson. A member of the Kanien’kehá:ka turtle clan of Akwesasne, Kelly was a self-taught young creative whose love for beadwork carried into adulthood.
Experience Mohawk basketry with a master maker. Carrie Hill is your host and she will offer teachings about sourcing materials in harmony with nature, then prepare them for weaving. Carrie is the founder of Chill Baskets. She is an Akwesasne Mohawk fancy basket weaver and cultural educator. Carrie builds on the traditional techniques of her family and ancestors to craft contemporary fancy baskets. Born and raised in Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, she loves exploring the natural world with her family as she gathers Sweetgrass and sources Black Ash trees.
Appreciate the arts in Cornwall
Cline House Gallery – 2025 annual juried art show; on Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekly until March 1. Featuring an inspiring mix of subjects, mediums and techniques, this annual exhibition highlights the incredible talent and diverse perspectives of the regional art community. With awards presented to six exceptional artists as chosen by the jurors and public, visit the gallery before March 1 to have your say in the selection of the coveted “People’s Choice Award.”
There is lots to see and do when in and around the city!
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No matter where your interests lie, South Eastern Ontario is brimming with opportunities to learn something new and create something special. From hands-on workshops to wellness experiences, every class or event offers a chance to connect with the community, explore local traditions, and craft memories you’ll cherish long after your visit.