Oh Bay of Quinte, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways. We couldn’t include EVERYTHING, but here are a few activities to cross off your BoQ Bucket List this summer.
So Many Reasons to Explore the Bay of Quinte
1. Glanmore National Historic Site – Take a step back in time and explore the grand interiors of Glanmore, including beautiful hand-painted ceilings and ornate woodwork that complement the exterior architecture.
257 Bridge St East, Belleville
2. Farmers’ Markets – We are fortunate to be a region that is rich in agriculture giving us three farmers’ markets to choose from (we choose to visit all three!)
3. Trent-Severn Waterway – This waterway consists of 44 locks and 39 swing brides over its total length of 240 miles! Take a journey through scenic lakes and rivers connecting Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay.
Lock 1, Highway 33, Trenton
4. Batawa Ski Hill – The ski hill offers more than skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding! In the summer months you can hit the Batawa Trails Network by hike or bike, and explore the Dino Dig with Walter, a 40-foot replica Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton.
99 Ski Club Lane, Batawa
5. Sager Conservation Area – This lookout is one of the area’s highest points and sits on 47 acres of land. It offers a picnic-style lunch setting, lookout and beautiful trails.
30 Golf Course Road, Stirling
6. Bleasdell Boulder – This 1.5-km trail is filled with wildlife, trees, plants and its iconic boulder, also know as the Glen Miller Rock.
County Road 33, Frankford
7. Presqu’ile Provincial Park – No tropical vacation necessary! Squish your toes in the white sandy beaches of Lake Ontario on your next visit to the Park.
328 Presqu’ile Parkway, Brighton
8. Reid’s Dairy – Known for their famous “Loonie Shakes”, this family-owned-and-operated dairy company makes 40+ flavours of ice cream. The castle setting provides a fun experience when picking up a scoop (or two) of ice cream.
222 Bell Boulevard, Belleville
9. Trent Port Marina – A boater’s must-stop spot at this premium-class municipal marina with more than 370 slips. The marina provides free WiFi and laundry, high-end shower pods and is a hop, skip and a jump to downtown Trenton. Bonus: the marina also has Blue Flag designation for its high environmental standards!
15 Creswell Drive, Trenton
10. Centennial Park – Cool off on a hot afternoon and bring the kids to the splash pad; take a stroll along the waterfront trail; grab lunch downtown and picnic in the park; or just relax in the sun on a nice day.
8 Couch Crescent, Trenton
11. Murray Canal – This 8-kilometre long canal is a great way to take a short cut if you’re looking to get to Lake Ontario from the central and western part of the Bay of Quinte. It’s also a great place to go paddle boarding and swimming.
1158 County Road 64, Trenton
12. Belleville’s Downtown District – Pop downtown this summer and you’ll find parklets with pedestrian paths hand-painted by local artists, extended patios, markets and lots to eat, see and do while physical distancing.
Front St, Belleville
13. Quinte Mall – Count them up: there are 125+ stores and services in the mall, plus restaurants! It’s also the only major mall between the east GTA and Kingston.
390 North Front Street, Belleville
14. Pop-Ups On the Bay – A place for all ages to relish the outdoors with food and fun at West Zwick’s Park. Open 7 days a week from 11 am – 7 pm. A must-see summer experience on the shores of the Bay!
10 Bay Bridge Road, Belleville
15. Signal Brewing Company – A community-focused brewing company on the site of the historic Corby Distillery. The view of the Moira River is a great excuse to have a drink on the patio (not that you need one 😉 ).
86 River Road, Corbyville
16. Meyers Pier – A seasonal stop for boaters to fuel up their boat—and themselves. Some features offered are showers and laundry, 160 slips and a patio restaurant with daily specials like Margarita Monday and Sangria Saturday.
1 South Front Street, Belleville
17. HR Frink Conservation Area – A 341-acre conservation area that offers 13 km of trail walks, a picnic area and boasts a 500-metre Wetland Ecology Boardwalk.
381 Thrasher Road, Plainfield
18. Trenton Rowing and Paddling Club – The 2020 paddling season has begun! Check out the schedule posted for “open hours” and group paddles. Rentals are available during “open hours” offering paddling (canoe, kayak, stand-up board).
Ontario Street, Quinte West
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