Explore These 17 Things To Do In Brockville
Due to its rich history and culture, Brockville has become one of the best-kept secrets of South Eastern Ontario. From its historic architecture to its nationally renowned performing arts centre, Brockville provides as much culture and experience as cities ten times its size. Whether you are travelling with the family or on your own, make sure you check out these top sites on your next trip through the City of 1000 Islands.
1. Canada’s First Railway Tunnel
Experience one of Canada’s oldest railway tunnels during your visit. Travel back to the 1800s and see history come to life while making your way through one of the most impressive examples of engineering that predates the Canadian Pacific Railway.
All aboard the Aquatarium Express! Get in on the fun of a mini train ride adventure through the Brockville Tunnel. Kids and adults alike will enjoy a ride on the Aquatarium Express in Brockville. Choo-choo-choose a unique way to chug through the tunnel that’s a breeze for the whole family. This is your fast track to fun!
2. Aquatarium
The whole family can have a blast at Brockville’s Aquatarium. Don’t be afraid to get dirty at this attraction because you will be invited to get hands-on! Get to know the beautiful St. Lawrence River by meeting native species of fish and animals, exploring sunken ship replicas, and diving into the fun of an adventure! Did we forget to mention that the Aquatarium is a thrill-seeker’s paradise? For a small cost, adventurers can gain access to an indoor ropes course and a 40’ high AquaDrop!
3. 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
See the beauty of the 1000 islands for yourself on a world-famous 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruise! Feel the eastern wind on your face and enjoy the “royal treatment” as you travel through the St. Lawrence River’s world-famous 1000 Islands and witness the undeniable beauty of the Boldt Castle and Singer Castle. Truly an unforgettable experience for all ages.
4. The Brockville Arts Centre
Experience the unforgettable at the Brockville Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Brockville. Known as one of the finest medium size historic theatres in Canada, guests can look forward to being swept off their feet through awe-inspiring performances from local artists. Whether you like comedy, musicals or drama, the art center provides an eclectic mix of performing arts that is sure to impress you and your guests.
5. Historic Downtown Brockville
Find all these attractions and more by taking a walk down Brockville’s Historic Downtown. Drink in the unique history of the City of the 1000 Islands and revel in the rustic atmosphere created by the beautiful architecture of downtown. We invite you to lose yourself in the culture and make your day complete by visiting one of the numerous local shops and restaurants, all within walking distance of each other.
6. Traverse the Brock Trail
Brockville’s paved walking and cycling path, the Brock Trail, meanders along the waterfront and threads its way across Brockville’s downtown to follow Buell’s Creek north. It passes many popular local parks and sites along the way, such as Centeen Park, the Brockville Railway Tunnel and the Riverwalk on Blockhouse Island, past the Aquatarium, and to Hardy Park, Rotary Park, beaches, a spot to camp, and more!
7. Experience Island Life
Get the whole island experience – by spending time exploring one of the 1000 Islands in Brockville! The City of Brockville owns and manages 18 islands within the internationally-renowned 1000 Islands region. An authentic island day of discovery awaits, nestled on these public islands in the St. Lawrence River. Visitors can enjoy camping on the islands, with daily, weekly or seasonal sites available – there are also lots of recreational day uses here including picnicking and boating. Additionally, six paddle in/paddle out sites are on the islands for use by canoe and kayaking enthusiasts.
8. Where History Comes To Life
A literal treasure trove of local intrigue, the Brockville Museum houses a permanent collection of exhibits illuminating Brockville Loyalists, river history and early industries. Through a variety of thematic and interpretive displays, the Brockville Museum shares the stories of the people who have shaped this riverfront community for more than 200 years.
9. Fulford Place
Picture a grand mansion, fully furnished, complete with a tea room and original tapestries. Fulford Place is one of a kind – and it shows in every aspect of this amazing family home and property in Brockville. The marvelous mansion dates back to 1899. This is an authentic mansion where Canadian prime ministers were entertained, along with British princes and other wealthy businessmen and families along the mighty St. Lawrence River.
10. Brockville’s Local Brewery
Another great and historic brewery to try is 1000 Islands Brewing Company, which runs as a brewery and a pub from a building built in 1895!
11. Mac Johnson Wildlife Area
Getting outdoors is the nature of summer! Be inspired by the natural surroundings which tell a story about the exceptional landscapes of the 1000 Islands at Mac Johnson Wildlife Area. With 11 km of trails which cross woodland, wetland and field, this is the perfect place to spend a day outdoors.
12. Dive Brockville Adventure Centre
Set your course for underwater adventure with Dive Brockville Adventure Centre. Discover what lies beneath the calm waters of the St. Lawrence River and explore real shipwrecks! From shore diving to wreck diving, Dive Brockville has you covered with charters available through the river region. Brockville and the 1000 Islands is known for being one of the world’s best freshwater diving experiences. If you’re a beginner, no problem! Dive Brockville offers Discover Scuba for complete newbies, as well as Learn2Dive courses for those looking to gain some skills. Be sure to check out the Centeen Memorial Dive Park, which harbours more than 40 statues underwater created by local artists. Catering to dive enthusiasts is their specialty and they’ll even develop customized dive trips from island barbecues to week-long expeditions. Fun fact: Brockville is the first community in Canada to host an underwater sculpture park!
13. Shop the Street
Downtown Brockville is transformed into a giant sidewalk sale several times a summer! During Shop the Street, King Street is closed for traffic and downtown businesses are encouraged to bring business outside to showcase the one-of-a-kind finds at local shops. Have fun strolling down the street and uncovering your next must-have. Check the dates and plan ahead, as these events always attract many visitors and locals alike.
14. Cosies British Tea Room and Café
Come hungry and looking for a unique experience. At Cosies Tea Room in Downtown Brockville, they serve up passion and love in every signature pastry, fresh baked roll with filling, traditional scone, and every bit of jam and clotted cream. It’s all freshmade from scratch! We’re drooling just thinking about it. The décor in this heritage building is even on point for a traditional British Tea Room. Experience European authenticity close to home.
15. O’Malley Kourt Fudgery
Get your sweet tooth on! O’Malley Kourt Fudgery is a fudge-lover’s dream with homemade fudge in incredible flavours. Think mint chocolate swirl, salted caramel vanilla, peanut butter chocolate, birthday cake, cookies and cream and much more! Try the ice cream here or and even enjoy salt water taffy. Fudge makes for a great host gift for summer stays, too. Just sayin’.
16. Treetop Trekking
Propel through an unforgettable ziplining and canopy adventure park! Self-led tours of numerous exploring courses within the forest canopy combine fun and discovery for guests of all ages. Hike through unique games, bridges, swings, nets, and zip lines as you go from one tree-top platform to the next. New for this year, try the 1000 Islands Zip Tour, featuring a series of five ziplines, with the longest reaching more than 1,000 ft long! Kids can explore Discovery Courses or the Treewalk Village, connected by log bridges, ramps, slides and a swing. Have a blast – while being immersed in the forest of this naturally significant region.
17. Maison Maitland
Experience an authentic cooking class on the banks of the St. Lawrence River at the lux Maison Maitland Cooking School & Villas. Maison Maitland offers a wide array of classes led by owner and experienced chef, Cynthia Peters. Spend an afternoon cooking and learning new skills in the kitchen before enjoying your gourmet meal on the terrace or in the dining room. Join a scheduled cooking class or book privately with your crew for an intimate culinary experience.
Whatever your interest – adventure and art, history and culture, nature and architecture – find it all in this versatile city. Whether you are planning a day trip or a week-long stay, the city of Brockville is jam-packed with exciting attractions that will make your trip unforgettable.