Are you an outdoor adventurer? A history buff? Maybe a foodie? In a region with a mix of urban and rural settings, we have a LOT of different ideas of how you can spend your time here. You can keep scrolling down to view trip ideas conveniently grouped by season or community to help your planning strategy.
The Pinnacle Playhouse is transforming into the North Pole this holiday season! Located beside the Belleville Public Library at 256 Pinnacle Street, the Belleville Theatre Guild presents Dear Santa by beloved Canadian playwright Norm Foster: a feel-good holiday tale that’s equal parts charming, funny, and full of festive spirit.
Kingston-based travel content creator Marie Doucet (@msurlaroute) recently visited Belleville and found some new favourite restaurants, toured Glanmore National Historic Site, visited the Enchanted Holiday Market and got a bit of fresh air at H.R. Frink Conservation Area. Even though her trip ended up having a holiday theme, most of these spots can be visited year-round.
Every holiday season, I find myself drawn back to the same thought: the most meaningful gifts often come from the people and places we live beside. Here are some of my favourite stops in the Bay of Quinte this year and what they’ve got in store. Shops where I’ve walked in, felt welcomed, browsed around, and walked out with something unexpected.
Bright lights, wagon rides, parades, vendor markets… the magic of the holiday season is just getting started around here in the BoQ. We’ve made the list and suggest you check it twice so you don’t miss out on the fun.
The Bay of Quinte is packed with delicious finds made right here in the region, including small-batch cheeses and cured meats, freshly baked goods, beverages, preserves, and handcrafted chocolates. My best friend, Tab, and I set out on a food-fuelled road trip to gather the best local ingredients, stopping at more than a dozen shops, farms, and markets with a bit of snacking along the way.
BoQ blog contributor Courtney Evans shares 9 ways she not only survives winter, but embraces it in the region. Instead of dreading the freezing temperatures and snow to shovel, she tries to see opportunities for cozy nights in and the beautiful winter wonderland to explore.
Come along with me and my family as we spend a day exploring Quinte West, making the most of what winter has to offer. We started at Batawa Ski Hill where my son got snowboarding lessons, had dinner at Shoeless Joe’s in the Homestead Marketplace and finished off the evening with a skate on the outdoor rinks at the Batawa Community Centre.
Rainy days don’t stand a chance in the Bay of Quinte. Strike up some fun at the bowling alley, crack the code in an escape room, or take aim with axe throwing. For something more low-key, kick back with a spa day, flip through your next favourite read at a bookstore, or hit the mall for some retail therapy.
Winter isn’t something we shy away from in the BoQ—it’s something we embrace. With so many outdoor adventure opportunities to choose from (plus a couple of indoor options for those who prefer to stay cozy), it’s actually easier done than said! So layer up, grab your favourite toque, and head outside to experience all the best of winter here.
In the winter we have two options: give in to the desire to hibernate in a blanket burrito until spring or get out of the house, be social and try new things. Leaving the house in the winter doesn’t have to be all about bundling up and braving the elements (or it can be if that’s your jam—we do love a good hike). The Bay of Quinte region has a bunch of spots to hang out where you can still keep snug indoors.
Winter is a time for cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and making memories with your family. But who says it has to break the bank? In the Bay of Quinte region, we understand the value of your hard-earned dollars, especially when planning a family getaway. With hotel stays averaging around $300 for two nights, you’re not just saving money – you’re stretching your vacation budget further, making every dollar count towards creating unforgettable memories.
Looking to plan a weekend getaway for two without breaking the bank? I’ve got the inside scoop on the perfect couple’s weekend getaway with a $500 budget. Get ready to join me, an avid tourist in my own backyard, and my travel partner-in-crime, aka bae, as I share our adventure in the Bay of Quinte region!
Let’s see what we got!
The Bay of Quinte RMB Land Acknowledgement
The Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board is committed to acknowledging, appreciating and understanding the Indigenous peoples’ historic connection to this land and to raising awareness by building relationships in collaboration with Indigenous partners and communities.
We recognize and acknowledge that we are living and working on the traditional territory of the Wendat, Mississauga, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee which includes the Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte) with whom we work in direct partnership with.
This partnership focuses on the common goal of celebrating the region with the Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka who are equal partners within the organization and at the Board of Directors table contributing to the mandate and operations.
This mandate includes listening to, learning from, and collaborating with the Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka and actively incorporating their culture and heritage into the practice of responsible destination marketing and management of the region.
We understand that this land acknowledgement is only a small step towards the larger process of reparations and reconciliation.
COOKIE SETTINGS
Bayofquinte.ca uses the cookies described below on this website. You can decide which categories of cookies you wish to accept. To learn more about the cookies we use on our site, please read our Privacy Policy.
Functional Cookies
These technologies are required to activate the core functionality of the website. E.g. Youtube, CloudFlare.
Analytics Cookies
Google Analytics cookies are used for tracking popular page visits to better serve our users with relevant content
Marketing and Advertising Cookies
These cookies are used for gathering user data to create a better experience with more relevant offers. E.g. Facebook pixel tracking
