Bus Your Way Through Belleville
When I first moved to Belleville, I wish someone had told me how easy it is to explore the city using the bus. For six months, I thought I needed a car to get to know Belleville until I discovered that I could get around easily without one. It took me some time to learn the bus routes and figure out how to get to my destinations, but once I did, exploring the city became so much easier. I embraced the natural beauty around Belleville and found affordable places to hang out with friends and eat without spending too much money.
Here’s my ultimate itinerary for exploring Belleville on a student budget, so you can have fun, create memories, and feel refreshed.
Written by Pinky Singh
Loyalist College Public Relations Intern
Read time: 6 min
GETTING STARTED
With sidewalks, bike paths, and walking routes all around, it is not a surprise that the City of Belleville encourages a healthy lifestyle, which makes getting out and being active easy. Plus, they offer reliable and accessible bus transportation, making it convenient for everyone to get around the community
CLICK HERE for everything you need to know before you start using the bus in Belleville plus some tips I learned along the way.
Parrott Riverfront Trail
The paved trail behind the businesses in downtown Belleville is a lovely place to walk. You can see and hear the water flowing, and you can feel the sunshine on your skin. I often choose this path to relax or to start my day with a refreshing stroll. Along the route, you’ll find several benches where you can pause and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Benji’s Coffee Bar
Located around the corner from the Belleville Bus Terminal, Benji’s is a cozy little cafe to curb your cravings and set the mood for the rest of your day. I know what sets my mood right: their caramel macchiato. The cafe has lovely décor, making you feel like you’re enjoying your coffee in a beautiful garden.
Belleville Farmers' Market
The Belleville Farmers’ Market is right across from Benji’s, and it’s open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. You can buy fresh produce straight from local farmers at great prices. Plus, you’ll find lots of delicious options to choose from, such as honey, apple cider and baked goods. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you when visiting the market to have a smooth shopping experience. Stopping by the market is a fun way to add a little shopping to your day of exploring!
Downtown Galleries
As you stroll through the charming downtown, be sure to visit the Belleville Art Association’s gallery. It’s a fantastic spot showcasing local artists, and it’s easy to find. I remember my first visit—it was so exciting to see the artwork and meet other art enthusiasts. At the time, I was also trying to gather donations for a fundraiser, and guess what? One of the local artists generously donated her artwork for the event! You’ll not only get to know the talented artistic community in Belleville, but you’ll also have the opportunity to support these amazing creators. If you have some extra time, be sure to check out nearby spots like Gallery 121 and the John M. Parrott Art Gallery inside the Belleville Public Library for more amazing art.
Lunch Stops
Since we are already in downtown Belleville, why not eat at Bourbon Street Pizza Company? It’s a fantastic little pizzeria, and my favourite is their Butter Chicken Pizza, which is as authentic as it gets. However, if you’re looking for different cuisines to try, you might want to check out Gourmet Diem or Burger Revolution.
Gourmet Diem is a snug coffee spot and gourmet food store. This is the place to go for a light lunch with a soup and a sandwich. Plus, they have a great patio in the summer!
Burger Revolution is where bold flavours and creativity collide. Serving crafted burgers with locally sourced ingredients, delivering a revolution in each bite you take.
Glanmore National Historic site
You haven’t truly experienced Belleville until you’ve visited Glanmore National Historic Site. Their Regional Collection showcases artifacts that highlight the history of the region. If you’re a history enthusiast like I am, make sure to stop by this museum to learn more about Belleville’s rich past.
Quinte Mall
Wait a minute… did you really think I would miss out on sharing about my favourite place in Belleville? I love shopping, and where else would I go if not Quinte Mall? For me, it’s just as magical as Disney World is for kids. You can find so many major brands there, like American Eagle, Garage, and Sephora. Honestly, I could spend hours just wandering around and shopping—it feels like a special date with myself.
Sweet Escapes
Wrap up your fun-filled day at Sweet Escapes, a hidden gem with its amazing escape room and a huge selection of delicious and hard-to-find candy! You can snack on some sweet treats, play games and even grab a few board games to take home. It’s a fantastic place for all ages to enjoy.
Dinner Time
After this action-packed day doing all my favourite activities, I find myself getting pretty hungry, and I bet you would, too! Just above Sweet Escapes, you’ll find Phở Việt Nam 999—a cozy spot for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. They serve up delicious food with amazing quality and trust me, the portions are so generous that you might just want to sink into your seat and stay a while. Their range of soups and noodles is a local favourite in Belleville, and you’re definitely in for a treat.
If you are in the mood for something different, then you could also check out another nearby local favourite, Chilangos, to grab a flavourful bite. An authentic Mexican delight right in the heart of Belleville.
