Visit / Things to do / Outdoors / Parks
Parks & Conservation Areas in the Bay of Quinte
Some days call for a long hike. Others call for a picnic blanket, a sandy beach and nowhere to be. The Bay of Quinte’s parks and conservation areas have room for both — from a lighthouse at the tip of a Lake Ontario peninsula to marsh boardwalks, waterfalls and lookouts minutes from downtown.
Pick your spot
Where to spend your day outside
Pick a type of park below to jump to its spots: provincial parks, nature and conservation areas, or local parks close to home. Eighteen places across Belleville, Brighton, Quinte West and Greater Napanee, and what you’ll find at each one.
Provincial parks & Reserves
Big landscapes, run by Ontario Parks. Check their site for fees, hours and reservations.
Brighton
Presqu'ile Provincial Park
Presqu’ile curls out into Lake Ontario and packs a lot into one peninsula: 2.5 km of sandy beach, a 1 km boardwalk through the largest protected marsh on the lake’s north shore, and a lighthouse on duty since 1840. More than 330 bird species have been spotted here, roughly 300 campsites make it easy to stay over, and the park is open year-round.
Greater Napanee
Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve
The quiet one. About 17 km northwest of Napanee, Menzel protects one of the largest fens in southeastern Ontario, with Mud Lake at its heart. A 3.5 km trail of wide paths and boardwalks winds through the marsh. There are no facilities, so pack what you need and leave nothing behind.
Nature & Conservation Areas
Wetlands, lookouts and woodland trails, cared for by Quinte Conservation and Lower Trent Conservation.
Belleville
H.R. Frink Conservation Area
A 500-metre boardwalk carries you across a provincially significant marsh, close enough to watch the wildlife up close. The Hi-Lo boardwalk reopened in 2025 after repairs.
Belleville – Quinte West
Potter’s Creek Conservation Area
Home base for Quinte Conservation. North of Old Highway 2, trails wander an old farm, orchard and woods, including Murphy’s Trail. South of the road, paths open onto views of the bay.
Quinte West
Sager Conservation Area
Perched on a glacier-shaped drumlin, one of the highest points around. Climb the lookout tower for a sweeping view in any season, then picnic below. Admission and parking are free.
Brighton
Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area
179 hectares of forest, wetland and rare oak savannah, laced with 17 km of trails. Loops come in every length, from a quick family stroll to a full afternoon out.
Brighton
Trenton Greenbelt Conservation Area
Where the Trent River meets the Bay of Quinte, walking and cycling paths link to a boat launch at the start of the Trent-Severn Waterway. It’s part of a provincial fish sanctuary, too.
Quinte West
Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area
A short walk with a big payoff: one of the largest glacial erratics in North America, dropped here by retreating ice. A quick, kid-friendly stop, and geocachers should keep their eyes peeled.
Brighton
Proctor Park Conservation Area
Follow Butler Creek through cool cedar lowlands and a maple and beech forest on a trail of about 2.5 km, with a view over Presqu’ile Bay along the way. The restored Proctor House Museum sits right in the park.
Quinte West
Glen Miller Conservation Area
A quiet stretch of Trent River shoreline just below Lock 3, with a boat launch, picnic spots and good fishing. Paddlers, it’s a handy take-out after a trip down the river from Campbellford. Admission and parking are free.
Local Parks & Lookouts
Close-to-home spots for a picnic, a view or a short stroll — no long drive required.
Belleville
Zwick's Park
The city’s big backyard on the water. A paved, lit 3.25 km loop follows the shoreline past picnic spots and playgrounds, with a splash pad in West Zwick’s and an off-leash dog park in East Zwick’s.
Belleville
Riverside Park
Follow the Moira River on a 5 km, partly paved trail. Along the way: a splash pad, playgrounds, sports fields, a skate park and public washrooms.
Belleville
Corby Rose Garden
Blooming since Henry Corby gave it to the city in 1905. Hundreds of roses circle a fountain rising from a giant sculpted rose, framed by decorative ironwork.
Quinte West
Hanna Park & Dog Park
Quinte West’s community hub for getting active: walking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, ball diamonds, a splash pad, picnic areas and plenty of green space to relax and play.
Quinte West
Frankford Tourist Park
On the Trent River in downtown Frankford: a sandy beach, a covered picnic pavilion, a playground and splash pad, and seasonal camping right on the Trent-Severn. Admission is free.
Quinte West
Mount Pelion Park
“Trenton’s Mountain” rises about 191 feet above the bay, with an observation tower and an 1808 Royal Navy cannon at the top. Champlain likely took in this view in 1615.
Brighton
King Edward Park
Brighton’s 25-acre hub for getting active: a walking trail, tennis and pickleball courts, ball diamonds, a splash pad, a shaded picnic shelter and the Rotary pergola garden.
Greater Napanee
Springside Park
A gentle waterfall beside an accessible path that runs to Conservation Park. Watch for trains crossing the trestle bridge, then settle in at a picnic spot.
Before you go
Leave only footprints
Wherever you head, take only photos and leave only footprints. Many conservation areas have few or no facilities, so pack in what you need, pack out what you bring, and keep dogs leashed where posted.
Looking for a longer trek?
Bay of Quinte Hiking Trails
Our guide to the best Bay of Quinte hiking guide rounds up every trail worth lacing up for.
Digital Discovery Map
Map your day outside
Find parks, trails, beaches and boat launches plus 700+ businesses and attractions — then save your favourites to a trip itinerary.
