Things to Do in Belleville, ON and Prince Edward County
If you follow most people's recommendations about Ontario's must-see destinations, expect to spend a lot of time in Toronto and Ottawa. No doubt those cities have a lot to offer, but nestled about midway between them, you'll find the hidden gems of Belleville and the rest of Prince Edward County.
Belleville swaps big-city traffic and congestion for leisurely afternoons strolling vineyards, hikes surrounded by nature, and picnics along the beach. In addition to the area's near-endless opportunities for outdoor activities, it boasts an impressive slate of cultural attractions, including historic theatres, art galleries, and museums. Reconsider Toronto's crowds and discover the unforgettable experiences awaiting you in Prince Edward County.
01 Connect with the outdoors at Sandbanks Provincial Park
Whether you prefer soaking up the sun on its expansive beaches or exploring nature on an invigorating hike, Sandbanks Provincial Park offers something for everyone. Go on a bike ride through the park, and you'll see a wide variety of bird species and one of the world's largest dune formations. In addition to swimming, the lake is perfect for fishing and canoeing.
If you're not interested in pitching a tent or settling into one of the park's hundreds of car campsites, you can rent one of the on-site cottages. They're fully furnished, equipped with modern amenities, and conveniently located near the park's most popular attractions. Plan to arrive in May or June if you want to visit the park when it's least crowded.
02 Discover your favorite vintage at Prince Edward County Wineries
With more than 40 wineries spread across Prince Edward County, plan on staying a while if you want to explore them all. Over a dozen vineyards are concentrated between Wellington and Hillier, though you'll find award-winning wineries throughout the county. Check out Rosehall Run Vineyards and Sandbanks Estate Winery, where you can sample their latest vintages and take an educational tour of their wine-making process. Closson Chase Vineyards is well-regarded, with prices to match, while The Grange of Prince Edward produces consistent wine at prices most casual sippers can afford.
03 Explore Belleville Waterfront and Zwicks Park
Visit the Belleville Waterfront and Zwicks Park, where you can admire the serene Bay of Quinte, play sports and attend exciting events. The Belleville Waterfront Multicultural Festival runs four days every year in Zwick's Park, drawing crowds for its concerts, entertainers and fair rides. When there's not an event, you can join a soccer game at one of the park's fields, walk along its paved trails or set up a picnic overlooking the water.
In addition to the 2-mile trail in Zwicks Park, check out the Kiwanis Bayshore Recreational Trail and the Shirley Langer Recreational Trail, both located near the waterfront. Zwicks Park also has a playground for kids, and during the winter, people of all ages look forward to racing down the tobogganing hill.
04 Check out the National Air Force Museum of Canada
The National Air Force Museum of Canada showcases the country's military plane history in captivating exhibits across 75,000 square feet of museum space. When you see some of the earlier planes on display, you'll be awestruck imagining how machines of what appear to be primitive, bordering on crude construction survived to complete their missions. The museum has more than 35 planes on display ranging from their earliest production line to their latest achievements in aviation. From May 1st to September 30th, you can visit the museum daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, but between October 30th and April 3rd, it's only open between Wednesday through Sunday.
05 Witness feats of nature at Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves
Discover the hidden wonders of Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves. Stunning geological formations such as stalactites and stalagmites shatter visitors' expectations as they journey through their underground adventure. Guided tours elevate this unique experience by helping you identify ancient fossils and providing fascinating stories of how the caverns and caves were created over millions of years. At the end of your tour, your tour guide will help you squeeze through a narrow passageway and exit the caverns safely.
06 Eat, drink, and shop in Downtown Belleville
Downtown Belleville offers everything you'd expect from a vibrant city center. Restaurants such as Capers, Mr. Zed's, and Sans Souci will satisfy even the most discerning foodie, while Belle Pub offers tourists and locals a no-frills atmosphere to shoot pool and chat over beers. If you're looking to expand your wardrobe, pop into Boretski Gallery, where you'll find an eclectic mix of vintage hats and clothing.
For a more modern selection of men's and women's clothing, Head over to Lafferty's Crossings and Miss Priss Boutique, respectively. When you're done shopping and dining, visit one of the three nearby harbors or just walk around and admire the historic architecture.
07 Discover your new favorite artist at PEC Art Trail
The PEC Art Trail attracts tens of thousands of art lovers every year. You'll see calming landscapes by J. Douglas Thompson and thought-provoking sculptures created by Tom Ashborne. During the event, artists showcase some of their best work across a variety of price points, enabling even the casual art admirer to return home with a new piece they love. In addition to paintings and sculptures, the PEC Art Trail features photography, ceramics, furniture and woodwork.
Visit the participating studios and galleries' websites and learn about their workshops and demonstrations during the event.
08 Immerse yourself in nature at Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area
Step into the lush forest and explore miles of hiking trails at Macaulay Mountain Conservation area. The area contains paths for all skill levels, but if you prefer not to journey on foot, you can try passive biking instead. If you visit during winter, snowshoeing may be a more enjoyable way to explore the terrain. One of the most unique features of Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area is Birdhouse City.
It's a small 'community' where dozens of handmade birdhouses stand atop individual platforms, providing a nesting place for the visiting birds. Volunteers build all of the birdhouses. Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area offers paid parking, but entry is free.
09 Journey through Presqu'ile Provincial Park
Featuring woodlands, meadows, and an expansive marsh, Presqu'ile Provincial Park supports a diverse variety of wildlife, attracting nature lovers from all over the world. Visit during the fall or spring during bird migration and see how many different species you can identify–over 300 have been recorded. The park has 1.5 miles of shoreline, perfect for sunbathing or relaxing strolls along the calm water, and houses one of the oldest operating lighthouses in Ontario.
Between car camping, scenic walking trails and its daily summer programs, Presqu'ile Provincial Park offers a surplus of rewarding activities year-round.
10 Visit Lake on the Mountain
Situated 200 meters above Lake Ontario, Lake on the Mountain boasts breathtaking views of the Bay of Quinte and the lake's north shore. In addition to the vistas, people flock to this lake because of its odd feature. There's no obvious source for its water, yet the water is always fresh. You can only visit the lake during daylight, but it's a great place to fish, canoe, or host a picnic. You can also enjoy the views from a nearby restaurant such as The Inn at Lake on the Mountain and Lake on the Mountain Resort.
11 Get amazed by apples at The County Cider Company
Visit The County Cider Company and learn how they transform apples picked off the tree into award-winning cider. The company grows more than 16 varieties of apples on its 40-acre orchard overlooking Prince Edward Bay. Their annual harvest produces about 350,000 liters of bottled cider. Book a Cider Tasting Experience, and one of the company's cider ambassadors will guide you through a tasting of five different ciders while you enjoy the majestic views of Lake Ontario and its expansive orchard.
12 Find fresh produce at Belleville Farmer's Market
Head over to the Belleville Farmer's Market and discover the freshest produce in Prince Edward County. You'll find vendors selling seasonal fruits and vegetables, organic honey, mushrooms, and ethically raised meat. Other vendors sell artisanal crafts, baked goods, and other handmade items. To promote sustainability, the market and its vendors encourage you to bring your own bags. The Belleville Farmer's Market is located downtown behind City Hall, and it opens every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday all year long.
13 Experience the past at Ameliasburgh Heritage Village
Stop by Ameliasburgh Heritage Village and you'll feel as if you stepped back in time. This small collection of buildings replicates a 19th-century town and its architecture. A fully functional blacksmith shop, general store, and beekeeping equipment are a few of the buildings you can explore in this mock town. Ameliasburgh Heritage Village is also home to the Vries Natural Heritage Collection, which contains several hundred Taxidermy specimens.
14 Visit North Beach Provincial Park to grill and chill
North Beach Provincial Park is a great place to visit when you're looking for a peaceful place to soak up the sun or go for a rejuvenating swim. The beach stretches for over half a mile, and the water is calm and clear. Before heading over, make sure you've packed charcoal and some raw meat and veggies. With picnic areas and grills spread throughout the park, it's the perfect location for a relaxing barbecue. North Beach Provincial Park also provides excellent fishing and bird-watching opportunities.
15 Bloomfield offers a glimpse of life in a Hallmark movie
Imagine a quaint small town where picturesque streets are filled with shops selling handmade goods, cozy cafes, and intimate art galleries. You've just imagined Bloomfield. Before you start exploring, you may want to head over to Pedego Electric Bikes to secure your transportation and grab a coffee at Citizen Francis if you need an extra boost.
The town has several craft breweries, including Dune Hopper Brewing Co., Gillingham Brewing Company, and Matron Fine Beer. For dinner, you should check out Flame + Smith or Bermuda, and don't forget to stop by Slickers Ice Cream for dessert.
16 Rock your face off at the Empire Theatre
The Empire Theatre originally opened in 1938 as the McCarthy Theatre. After showing films and hosting live performances for a couple of decades, it closed and remained vacant until the current owners decided the town needed a modern performance venue. While respecting the building's original architecture, a complete interior restoration was completed. Today you can visit The Empire Theatre and see award-winning rock and roll artists perform and hilarious stand-up comics. As it did in the beginning, the theatre also screens movies.
17 Enjoy the finer things at Huff Estates Inn and Winery
If you like fine art as much as fine wine, check out Huff Estates Inn and Winery. They offer different wine-tasting packages to meet various budgets, with some including tours of their production facility and a private barrel tasting. In their Oeno Gallery, you'll find mesmerizing paintings, glasswork, sculptures and other contemporary art from artists around the world. To experience everything Huff Estates Inn and Winery offers, consider booking one of their luxurious rooms.
In all of their well-appointed accommodations, you'll have your own fireplace and private patio, and some include views of the vineyard.
18 Cruise down County Road 33
Forget about your itinerary, put on your favorite 90s playlist, and take a drive down County Road 33. As you admire the serene countryside, consider stopping by a farmer's roadside stand for some fresh produce. While you're there, ask if they know who owns one of the beautiful vineyards you've passed and whether they give tours.
Continue driving and you'll run into the Bay of Quinte, a perfect place to get out of the car for some sun and relax by the water. Visit one of the parks along the bay and head into downtown Belleville for a quick bite before crossing off the next destination on your to-do list.
19 Make legendary macaroni with Black River Cheese Company
After trying the artisanal cheeses at Black River Cheese Company, you'll be flooded with ideas for wine pairings and gourmet recipes. Their Gouda and Monterey Jack are popular, but you'll be impressed by their smoked and aged cheddar, too. If you want something more adventurous, try their specialty cheeses such as their chipotle seasoned cheddar and maple cheddar with black pepper. Contact Black River Cheese Company and go on a tour. You'll experience their innovative cheeses while also learning about their cheese-making process.
20 Drink a few glasses at Three Dog Winery
Visit Three Dog Winery for an elevated vineyard experience without the pretense. In the tasting room, you can sample their award-winning wine and then enjoy a glass or two of your favorites under the gazebo overlooking the 10-acre vineyard. Each year, this family-owned business produces thousands of liters of wine made from various grapes, including Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. You can visit Three Dog Winery every day except Tuesday, and if you stop by on the weekend, you can enjoy their live music. Once you've drank up an appetite, check out some of the winery's snacks. Their charcuterie and wood-fired pizza pair especially well with their wine selection.
Between its expansive parks, numerous vineyards, and unique cultural activities, Belleville and the rest of Prince Edward County offer an endless array of authentic experiences. If you're feeling adventurous, you'll find a hike that scratches that itch. If you only want to relax and unwind, quiet beaches along the bays and Lake Ontario await. With dozens of art galleries, shops, and restaurants to explore, you'll enjoy the most rewarding aspects of city life without the long lines or traffic.
Start planning your trip to Prince Edward County, and be sure to leave room for exploration. You never know what hidden gems you'll discover. Tell us about your favorite place to visit in Bellevue, and if you have any questions about our top picks, don't hesitate to reach out.
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