BAY OF QUINTE SPRING BUCKET LIST
Spring has sprung, and we’re ready to ditch the winter coats and boots for another year. These bucket list activities are sure to put some spring in your step as we welcome the new season!
As public health guidelines evolve, some businesses may still request that visitors where a mask or show proof of vaccination. Call ahead to businesses and attractions to confirm hours of operation and availability.
BUY BLOOMS
Nothing says spring like a beautiful bouquet of rad ranunculus or terrific tulips! Grab some stems from a local grower like Dahlia May Flower Farm or Philburn Farm. There are also plenty of specialty flower shops across the region to get your flower fix this season.
GET GARDENING
Green thumb or not, gardening is a great activity to get you outside and connected to nature while staying closer to home. Plus, you get to enjoy the (sometimes literal) fruits of your labour! Find seeds, seedlings, pots, plants, soil and everything else you need to get started with these garden centres in the Bay of Quinte region.
If you’re curious about the importance of saving seeds, read about the Kenhtè:ke Seed Sanctuary and Learning Centre in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
BIRDS OF THE BAY
Our region is packed with conservation areas and parks, making it a dream for the ornithologist, amateur or otherwise. If you want to get the lowdown on some of our feathered friends that call the BoQ home, check out our blog for insights by local birding pro, Tom Wheatley.
If you’d like to catch a glimpse of birds in your own backyard, grab some supplies at the Birdhouse Nature Store in Brighton.
SWEET SYRUP
According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, Canada is the world’s leading producer and exporter of maple syrup. We can’t get enough of this sweet stuff! Get a taste of these locally made syrups:
- Bata Maples Sugarbush (Quinte West)
- Clarmac Farms Maple Syrup (Greater Napanee)
- Matt’s Hot Maple (Belleville)
Did you know: this sweet sap was first known and used by Indigenous peoples of the Eastern Woodlands? Learn more about the history here.
HIT THE ROAD
Ready to head out on two wheels? The BoQ Adventure Cycling Club awaits! Referring to gravel biking or bikepacking, these adventurous routes will take you on a scenic journey so that you enjoy more tree-lined roads and less traffic. Many routes include fun pit stops at restaurants, breweries or wineries to reward riders for their efforts. Start your adventure here!
ALL ABOUT ART
There’s oodles of creativity waiting to be discovered across the region, both in galleries and out in the community. Here are just a few places to get you started:
- These 4 Walls Gallery
- Gallery 121
- Quinte Arts Council Gallery
- Native Renaissance Art Gallery
- ‘Pallet’able Public Art Installation
FARMERS’ MARKETS
The Bay of Quinte is home to lots of farmers’ markets and stands where chefs, locals and travellers alike flock to sample the best the region has to offer. And of course no market would be complete without local artisans, makers and bakers sharing their one-of-a-kind goodies! Check with each market for opening dates this season.
- Belleville: Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays | 8 am – 5 pm | Market Square
- Brighton: Sundays | 10 am – 1 pm | 2992 County Road 30 (Codrington)
- Greater Napanee: Saturdays | 9 am – 2 pm | 16 McPherson Drive
- Quinte West: Wednesdays and Saturdays | 8 am – 1 pm | 67 Front Street
The Bay of Quinte region has a whole lot of things to do, learn, eat and explore. Read all about it in our Bay of Quinte Discovery Guide.
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