22 THINGS TO DO IN THE BAY OF QUINTE THIS SUMMER
Summer in the Bay of Quinte means waterfront patios, beaches, outdoor activities, and just the right amount of ice cream (if there is such a thing). Here are 22 things to put on your summer bucket list to make the most of the season.
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Pop by the pop-ups
Waterfront pop-ups are a quinte-ssential summer experience in the BoQ.
Pop-Ups on the Bay in Belleville’s West Zwick’s Park has a variety of food and artisan vendors, mini golf and is located right next to a paved waterfront trail and playground.
The Quinte West Pop-Ups are right on the paved trail in Centennial Park that winds along the waterfront, and a short stroll from the playground and splash pad.
Picture Perfect Patios
If we could only pick one thing to brag about in the Bay of Quinte, it might have to be our abundance of waterfront patios scattered across the region. That’s definitely not something you can find everywhere! Take your pick from casual dockside dining at a marina, elevated pub favourites next to the rush of the mighty Moira River or even a pontoon boat if you want to actually dine on the water.
Beach, please
Towels tossed on warm sand, sunscreen-scented air and laid-back picnics by the water are what we look forward to every summer. The Bay of Quinte region is home to a variety of beaches, from the shores of Lake Ontario to the calm banks of the Trent River.
NOTE: Provincial Parks can get really busy in peak summer, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip and reserve your Daily Vehicle Permit up to 5 days in advance on reservations.ontarioparks.com.
Napanee River Tours
Explore Ontario’s scenic Napanee River aboard the Norman Paul, a 45-ft tri-toon. Public cruises, private charters & events from spring through fall. The boat is fully licensed, and you can pre-order food from The Waterfront River Pub and Terrace to dine on board.
Immersive Experiences
Travel isn’t just about the places you visit—it’s about the people you meet along the way and the ways you interact with the different locations you explore. Bay of Quinte Experiences connect you with locals who are excited to welcome you into their worlds and to invite you to learn about their passions while exploring the region they call home.
Learn about your hosts and what they do by immersing yourself fully, even if that means getting your hands a little dirty from digging soil or stretching dough. When you participate in a Bay of Quinte Experience, you’re often bringing home something tangible that you were a part of creating, along with stories to tell and new knowledge.
Visit a flower farm
These BoQ flower farms offer pick-your-own experiences or special events in the summer months, in addition to ready-made bouquets.
FUN FACT: Wynn Farms is also home to Ontario’s longest-blooming sunflower field.
Go Berry Picking
Nothing beats picking fresh berries in the summer to make a pie or top your ice cream with (if you can resist eating them in the car before you get home). See what’s in season for picking at these local farms:
Homestead Adventure Park
Homestead Adventure Park is located just off Highway 401 in Quinte West, offering a high ropes course, mini golf and remote control boats. Stop by BeaverTails for a treat before you leave!
Watch a Race at Brighton Speedway
Brighton Speedway is a 1/3-mile clay stock car racing oval located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Brighton. The five divisions of late model, Canadian Modified, Thunderstocks, 4-Cylinder and 6-Cylinder races occur on a weekly basis from May to the end of September.
Shop at Farmers' Markets
We’ve got FOUR farmers’ markets in the BoQ. Our long agricultural history means we have plenty of producers across the region! Local farmers grow everything from asparagus to zucchini (and fruits + vegetables from every letter in between) to flowers and raise animals. And of course no market would be complete without local artisans, makers and bakers treating us to their one-of-a-kind goodies!
Explore by Bike
Discover the best-kept secrets off the beaten paths of the Bay of Quinte region! From family-friendly trails to challenging routes that’ll give you a new perspective on Ontario gravel cycling adventures, Bay of Quinte gravel cycling routes cater to riders of all experience levels.
Each route is thoughtfully created with cyclists’ needs in mind—considering traffic, road surfaces and seasonal changes. Seeking the perfect Ontario gravel biking experience with panoramic vistas and charming small-town stops? Grab some friends, check your tires and explore a collection of routes that often include stops at local eateries, breweries, and attractions. Your next two-wheeled adventure starts at bayofquinte.bike!
Trek some trails
There’s no shortage of provincial parks, rustic rural routes, and unbelievable outdoor urban offerings in the BoQ—and every one of them comes with a breathtaking view. So when we tell you to take a hike, we mean it (in the best way).
Go for a paddle
Get out on the water and explore the Trent River and the Bay of Quinte with canoe, kayak or SUP rentals in Quinte West. A day dock at the Front Street Farmers’ Market makes it easy to stop into downtown Trenton to visit the market or local businesses and refuel for your paddling adventures.
We all scream for ice cream
The long, hot days of summer are here, and we’ve got just the treat to cool you off. There are few things that scream summer quite like a big scoop of ice cream, melting faster than you can eat it! From classic soft serve to banana splits loaded with toppings, the Bay of Quinte has you covered.
Splash Around
Find these colourful splash pads from Brighton to Greater Napanee. They are perfect for young kids who want to run wild, and they provide a refreshing break from the heat for everyone. Pack a picnic and plan to hang out for a bit, since each splash pad is surrounded by green spaces ideal for a relaxing family outing.
Check Out the Trent Severn Waterway
The historic 386 km Trent-Severn Waterway opened in 1922 to connect Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay. It was recently listed in the New York Times list of 52 Places To Go This Year. The first seven of the 44 locks are within Quinte West city limits, making great spots to enjoy a summer picnic, even if you don’t have a boat.
FYI: The Canada Strong Pass initiative provides free lockage at Parks Canada-administered historic canals and waterways from June 20 to September 2, 2025.
Geocaching: A real-life treasure hunt
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt where you use GPS to find hidden containers, sign the logbook, and maybe swap a trinket. It’s a fun way to explore the Bay of Quinte—and we’ve added five new BoQ geocaches to the mix of plenty already hidden across the region.
A Day at the Museum(s)
We love spending all the time we can outdoors in the summer, except for those days when the rain just won’t go away or it’s too hot to be out in the sun. Spend some time learning something new at the museums across the region. Be sure to check their websites before visiting, as they often have special programming for families or travelling exhibits.
Hit the Links
The Bay of Quinte region is quickly becoming Ontario’s best golf destination, with thousands booking Bay of Quinte golf packages each year. It’s no wonder—Score Golf Magazine agrees, praising the region for its combination of value, course quality, and convenience.
The region boasts 12 courses in total, including the “Big Four”: Black Bear Ridge (one of Score Golf’s Top 59 courses in Canada), Trillium Wood (a Golfer’s Choice top hidden gem), Timber Ridge (voted 10th best value course in Canada by Score Golf), and Bay of Quinte Golf Club, now expanded to 27 holes and also home to Nineteen Restaurant.
Play Some Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong that is rapidly growing in popularity. Play outside at one of these locations around the region this summer:
Try Bocce Golf
Yes, you read that right. Bocce golf combines bocce ball and mini putt in a unique outdoor game—and it’s exclusively offered at Black Bear Ridge in the region! The cost to play is $10 per person and it’s available from sun up to sun down, 7 days a week.
Attend a local event
From festivals to artisan markets, live music to cultural events and everything in between, our events calendar is your go-to guide for what’s happening in the BoQ all summer long.
