Take a Fall Drive on the Loyalist Parkway in Greater Napanee
One of our favourite things to do when fall hits in the Bay of Quinte region is pack up the car and go on a day trip. There’s still time to get out and enjoy the vibrant fall foliage before the leaves fall to the ground by taking a drive along the Loyalist Parkway in Greater Napanee. This route is full of vistas and also has no shortage of businesses for stops along the way, making for a perfect autumn adventure.
If you’re coming from the north shore, Greater Napanee is right off Highway 401 and a scenic drive through the downtown and along County Road 8 will get you to the Loyalist Parkway.
If you’re coming from Prince Edward County, hop on the Glenora Ferry which will take you right into Adolphustown.
OFF TO THE ORCHARDS
Visiting an apple orchard is an absolute can’t-miss fall experience in the Bay of Quinte region. Stock up on fresh apples, pick a pumpkin from the patch and get lost in a corn maze. Grab a candy apple or hot cider to keep you going until you reach your next destination.
TOUR THE WINERIES
If you ask us, we love visiting a winery on a fall afternoon. Why? The summer crowds have quieted down and there are still plenty of beautiful days left to enjoy a wine tasting out in the sun, cozied up in our favourite sweaters or flannels. Greater Napanee has an emerging micro-wine region with three wineries to check out:
Longrid Estates Vineyard and Winery
COFFEE, SCONES & GOATS
Loyalist Trading Co. is a general store in a building dating back to the 1800s, selling gourmet food items, Canadian-made artisan items, ice cream and treats. Of course, we can’t forget the goats that live there, roaming beside the building and even climbing up on the roof. Just don’t forget to bring your quarters so you can buy food and send it up the feeding wheel to them!
AWESOME ALPACAS
We can’t hide it, this one isn’t actually on the Loyalist Parkway but it’s too good to miss! Hickory Lane Alpacas is just off the main route back to town, so if you’re planning on heading to Downtown Greater Napanee to keep your day trip going it’s worth a stop. This family-owned fibre farm lets you get up close and personal with alpacas and other farm animals like chickens, ducks, goats and pigs. They’re quite busy, so it’s best to book an appointment to avoid disappointment.
VISIT ST. ALBAN'S CENTRE
St. Alban’s Centre has seen quite a change over recent years. The centre, formerly a United Empire Loyalist Church, was constructed in 1884 and played an important role in the community for almost 130 years until its revitalization into St. Alban’s Centre in 2021. Try out their escape room and see if you can solve the Great Bath Bank Heist, available until the end of October.
For more points of interest along the historic Loyalist Parkway, visit The Loyalist Parkway Association’s website.
