Brockville

Cruising Is A Must-See And Do

1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises

No visit to Brockville would be complete without a 1000 Islands Cruise. Founded in 1994, 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises has played host to tens of thousands of visitors annually aboard their fleet of modern, Transport Canada certified vessels. In recognition of the trend towards shorter cruises, in 2011 they introduced a high-speed catamaran, the ‘WildCat’ adding an adventurous alternative to the traditional sightseeing cruise experience. Climb aboard the ‘Wildcat’ and experience the Islands like never before as you’re whisked into the heart of the 1000 Islands on their two-hour “AdrenIsland” cruise featuring a view of both Boldt and Singer Castles or, experience the Cat for less aboard the one-hour “Singer Castle Express”.

In defiance of the adage that “Bigger is Better”, 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises prides itself on its ability to deliver a more relaxing, comfortable and intimate cruising experience than our larger competitors and a unique variety of cruise products that will keep bringing you back.

Rockport Cruises

Rockport Cruises showcases all the major features of the islands including Zavikon Island, Boldt Castle and Millionaire’s Row. The most popular cruise, Palaces & Palisades of the 1000 Islands is an Ontario Signature Experience. Enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise or take in a two castle tour.

Rockport Cruises has the advantage of being in the Heart of the 1000 Islands, so they can show you all the highlights the islands have to offer on any of their cruises.

Rockport Cruises offers 7 different cruises, each one showcasing exhilarating panoramic views and the rugged nature of the 1000 Islands plus a view or visit to the famous Boldt Castle on every tour. Each season brings something special to the 1000 Islands and it is a photographer’s dream come true. There is no better way to experience the contrast of blue skies, bright foliage and golden hues, crimson reds and fiery oranges and all of mother nature’s brilliance than from the St. Lawrence River.

Canada’s First Railway Tunnel

Canada’s First Railway Tunnel was completed in 1860 for the Brockville and Ottawa Railway and later owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway until being acquired by the City of Brockville in 1983. The Tunnel is a remarkable example of Canada’s pre-Confederation industrial heritage.

The restoration project that took place provides visitors with a glimpse into an era past.  It includes a new paved concrete floor and state-of-the-art energy efficient lighting for safety and to highlight the Tunnel’s architecture and geology. You can walk through this remarkable tunnel and visit Brockville’s new Railway Tunnel Park in historic downtown Brockville at Armagh Sifton Price Park, directly south of City Hall at Water St.

Aquatarium At Tall Ships Landing

The Aquatarium is an engaging, fun filled, educational and interactive center where visitors can explore the history of this region, all year round. This 27,000 square foot centre showcases the diverse waters and wildlife of the St. Lawrence River and 1000 Islands. Best of all, you and your kids will love it!

A visit to the Aquatarium is a gateway to a world of underwater immersion where fish tanks showcase the diverse environment of the St. Lawrence River. You’ll get up close to a variety of fish species and underwater perspective of a shipwreck as you walk through the underwater tunnel.

Ahoy, matey! You can also climb through the rigging of a tall ship with the one-of-a-kind ropes course! This activity is engaging and interactive for kids and adults alike. Instructors are on hand to ensure that climbers safely learn to navigate this unique climbing adventure. Navigate to the edge of the deck—where a 4-storey quick jump awaits! Take the 40-foot AquaDrop to the ground floor, or take a comfortable slide off the SS Kingston. There’s even a mini ropes course and scramble net for the littlest explorers.

When you plan your visit make sure to be there when the playful otters get fed at 11:30 a.m. These furry friends invite you to take a step out of the ordinary and explore the 1000 Islands from their point of view. The 3 aquatic denizens will keep you captivated as they swim and play throughout the massive glass-enclosed river habitat, complete with a rushing waterfall for the otters to delight in as they put on a show without even realizing it. This is just a fraction of what there is to see and do at the Aquatarium, making this a wonderful family-friendly attraction in South Eastern Ontario.

Historic Downtown Brockville

With a rich history dating back to the 1770s, Historic Downtown Brockville is home to a wide range of historical sites and museums. Explore Brockville on foot and visit Brockville’s Designated Heritage Sites and Cultural Heritage Properties. Walk along The Brock Trail and read about the waterfront sites of historical significance.

Visit Brockville’s interactive museum and waterfront attraction, the Aquatarium and learn about life on The St. Lawrence River. Or step inside Canada’s First Railway Tunnel that was built in 1860.

Another interesting stop, that will take you back in time is the BrockvilleMuseum. Situated in Brockville’s historic downtown core the museum features exhibits and artifacts, related to over 200 years of our social and commercial development and the integral role the St. Lawrence River has played. Changing thematic displays and special events complement our permanent exhibits. The Museum also provides Geneology searches. 

After exploring, relax in one of the delicious restaurants or pubs or stroll through some of the friendly shops.

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 and was built by Senator George Taylor Fulford, who made millions of dollars from a patent medicine “Pink Pills for Pale People” which he manufactured in Brockville and sold across the globe.

Now operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust, Fulford Place is an elaborate, 22,000-square-foot mansion displaying paintings, statuary and ceramics collected on the Fulfords’ world travels. Even more items are featured throughout the period rooms and in special exhibits.

The newly-revived gardens here are also something to see and is one of the gardens highlighted on the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal Garden Trail.  Fulford Place is open seven days a week from June 1 to September 1. 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.