5 Staycation Ideas in the Bay of Quinte

If you live in the Bay of Quinte, a vacation isn’t far away from home. ‘Staycation’ is a trending buzzword, meaning a vacation where you explore your own city and surrounding areas instead of travelling away for that much-needed break. And it really cuts down on travel time! 😉

Whether you’re craving for a beach-side summer getaway or your travel bug itches for you to explore new cultures, the Bay of Quinte has everything you need for these adventures, right here, a short drive away from home! Here are five staycation ideas to have on your BoQ bucket list this summer:

(Hey, BoQ: don’t forget to keep up the physical distancing and hygiene measures as outlined by HPE Public Health as you go about your totally awesome staycation.)

Go Camping

Camping is a fun way to reconnect with nature with family or friends. Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton has scenic campsites, a beach and green trails through meadows. The park is a spring migration hotspot with over 338 bird species spotted every year. The Brighton KOA also offers great camping spots with amenities.

(Check out our blog for even more camping options across the BoQ!)

Two camping chairs with tents in the background.

Get Cozy at a Bed & Breakfast

Indulging in a relaxing bed and breakfast in your hometown can give your staycation that authentic vacation vibe. Escape away into the luxury of a good B&B and rediscover your town from the eyes of a tourist. The Quinte region is peppered with some charmingly old-fashioned as well as modern B&Bs.

Belleville’s Montrose Inn has a vintage, old-world charm that will conjure up some sweet nostalgia. St. John’s Inn is a slice of medieval England in the heart of Belleville. In Trenton, The King’s Inn B&B offers a regal experience with a gourmet breakfast. Check in with each accommodation for new COVID-19 protocols.

Get Out On The Water

The Quinte region is blessed with a rich and beautiful waterfront, opening the (proverbial) floodgates for water sports and activities. Rent high-end gear for outdoor and water activities from Venture Outfitters down at Pop-Ups on the Bay! Try new activities like stand-up paddle-boarding and floating yoga. Go fishing off the shores of Lake Ontario, or simply rent a boat for a day out on the lake with family.

A shipping container on the grass with a sign that says, 'Pop-Ups on the Bay' — Photo: Anna Fraiberg

Relax at a Spa or Sauna

Unplug at a local spa, just like you would on a vacation. Leave your worldly blues behind and treat yourself to some self-care at Beauty Works Spa in Belleville. Enjoy a Russian-style sauna experience at Notwaste in Quinte West, or give yourself a fancy makeover at Belleville’s Salon You. Check in with each spa for new COVID-19 protocols.

Experience the Local Culture and Cuisines

A fun way to plan a staycation is to do everything that out-of-towners would do on a vacation in your area. Make it a date with Mexican food from Chilangos or go shopping at Belleville’s Farmer’s Market for a family dinner at home. Try authentic Indian cuisine at Belleville’s Royal Haveli, or tantalize your taste buds with Korean food at Trenton’s Gogi Korean Grill. Attend local events like Al Fresco in downtown Belleville and take selfies with the Prismatica displays. You’ll be surprised at the feeling of novelty that treating your own town as a tourist destination revives.