29 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 29 things to put on your summer bucket list to make the most of the season.
Read time: 5 min
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, frozen cocktails with the best sunset view over the bay, or elevated pub favourites next to the rush of the mighty Moira River.
Pop by the pop-ups
The Quinte West Pop-Ups have food vendors, artisans and events all summer long. They’re located right on the paved trail in Centennial Park that winds along the waterfront, and a short stroll from the playground and splash pad.
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 the 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.
Bee Our Guest
Suit up in protective equipment and learn about the amazing world of honey bees and the important role they play in our environment. Guests will take a look inside the beehive with a chance to hold a frame full of bees and their honey. You might even see the Queen of the hive! This 2.5-hour apitourism experience is led by Frances McParland, an experienced beekeeper.
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 Curley’s Fries and Ice Cream for a treat before you leave!
Memorial Market Place
Memorial Market Place is a new hub in downtown Belleville in the restored historic Memorial Arena. Watch a game or enjoy the sunshine on the patio at the new One Eyed Jack, fuel up at Benji’s Coffee Bar before heading across the street to the farmers’ market, or exercise your creative muscles at Cracked Glass Design or The Kiln Ceramics Studio. Click the button below to see the full list of businesses.
Saturday Night Races
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, and 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).
Horseback Trail Rides
Go on a guided horseback trail ride through the forest at one of these locations in Quinte West. They can accommodate beginner and novice riders as they will take the time to get you comfortable with your horse and teach you how to start, stop and steer.
Go for a paddle
Paddle along 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.
VISIT THE TURTLE POND
A small inlet on the bay in South Foster Park, Belleville, is known locally and affectionately as The Turtle Pond. Add this loop to your waterfront stroll on a sunny summer day to see possibly dozens of turtles sunning themselves on a platform in the middle of the pond. Herons, swans, geese and ducks are often spotted in and around the pond. Click below to learn more about the turtles of the BoQ.
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 2025 list of 52 Places To Go. 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.
At the mouth of the Trent-Severn Waterway is the Trent Port Marina, a world-class 375 slip marina located on the Bay of Quinte.
Cast a line on the bay
The Bay of Quinte region is well-known for its incredible fishing opportunities throughout the year, especially for its world-class walleye and bass fishing. For many reasons (long days, sunshine, warm air), summer is one of the best times to get out and see what you can catch.
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.
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.
Paddles up!
The Bay of Quinte is quickly becoming a top pickleball destination in Ontario. Quick to pick up and easy to learn, it’s a great way to get moving and enjoy some friendly competition. In addition to the brand-new Pickleplex Social Club in Belleville, which features eight indoor courts, our communities are investing in a mix of indoor and outdoor courts, making the sport a year-round activity across the region.
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.
Downtown Shopping and Dining
Visit the downtowns across the BoQ, where historic buildings line the streets alongside a unique mix of locally owned shops and restaurants.
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. A few big standout events include:
- Downtown Trenton’s Festival on the Bay – July 16-18
- The Empire Theatre’s Two Nights in July – July 24-25
- Tyendinaga Traditional Pow Wow – August 8-9
- Belleville Caribbean Festival – August 15
Click the button below to access our events calendar.
TRY SOMETHING NEW WITH BEST OF THE BAY
This year’s Best of the Bay winners highlight the standout businesses, makers, flavours, and experiences that make our region unforgettable. Explore the top picks across every community and discover the local legends worth celebrating, like Best Specialty Grocer in Brighton, Northumberland Fine Food, Best Food Truck in Greater Napanee, Bath Burgers, or the Mohawk’s of the Bay of Quinte’s Best Gift Shop, Native Renaissance.
Categories include Food & Drink, Shop or Service, Art & Culture and Regionscape.
POLLEN IT TOGETHER
Flip to pages 46-47 of our Bay of Quinte Discovery Guide 12th Edition to read all about the tiny pollinators that play an oversized role in keeping the region’s ecosystems vibrant and productive. They help sustain everything from birds and mammals to soil health and water quality. Keep this in mind as you visit our parks and trails this summer and see which ones you can spot!
PS – Did you know we have 9 Discovery Guides you can read online? Click the link below to access our Discovery Guide library.
