10 ways to wander well in South Eastern Ontario
Here’s the thing about traveling: it’s about the experience. It’s about savouring the discovery over quickly crossing items off your bucket list. That’s what makes South Eastern Ontario so special. It’s a region that welcomes you, where you take your time to take it all in.
There’s no need to rush. This place is best explored slowly, curiously. Enjoy vineyard lunches with long conversations, waterfront walks with lakeside views that invite you to pause, and small towns with big personalities. If this sounds like your type of getaway, here are ten ways to wander well across South Eastern Ontario.
1. Sip, sun, stroll, and stay in Prince Edward County
Let the chaos of the city wash away in Prince Edward County. Drift between wineries, beaches, shops, and B&Bs.
Stay in Picton or Wellington, where boutique inns offer a relaxing retreat with access to the best of The County. Spend your mornings exploring Sandbanks Provincial Park’s soft dunes and shoreline, then make your way to wineries like Closson Chase, Norman Hardie, or Huff Estates for tastings that beg you to linger longer.
In between, browse Picton’s independent shops or stop for a long lunch at a county favourite like The Drake Devonshire.
2. A little agritourism in Lennox & Addington
Things get a little wild in Lennox & Addington, where you explore the wilderness and encounter the wildlife.
Visit The Bee Spot to learn about sustainable beekeeping and taste some local honey. Or head to Barking Goat Farms for an afternoon among animals and open fields. Don’t forget to look up at the Dark Sky Viewing Area.
Pair your visit with a stop in Napanee’s historic downtown for cafés and riverside walks. For a place to stay, try The Red Brick Suites, where heritage-inspired luxury is steps from Lake Ontario.
3. Hop patios and shop markets in the Bay of Quinte
It’s okay to indulge in the Bay of Quinte. You’ve earned it, after all.
Start in Belleville or Trenton. Waterfront patios, like The Pier Patio Bar & Grill and The Local Social House, are perfect for a day of indulgence. Especially Tomasso’s in Quinte West, a Feast On® certified restaurant with a patio overlooking the Trent River.
From there, treat yourself at any of the local shops or time your visit with the Front Street Farmers’ Market. In the warmer months, look out for pop-up markets at Zwick’s Park, where local makers and growers gather.
4. Get lost (on purpose) in Frontenac County
There is no better place to unplug than Frontenac County. It’s you and nature. It’s paddling, hiking, and backcountry camping—there are charming B&Bs throughout the region, too, like Rock Hill B&B in Sharbot Lake.
Frontenac Provincial Park is dotted with lakes, campsites, and a network of trails ranging from gentle loops to more challenging hikes. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are for rent at Frontenac Outfitters five minutes from the park entrance.
For a more refined place to disconnect, Back Forty Artisan Cheese is a true hidden gem. From farm stays and farm-raised food to the bistro and handmade cheese. It’s unlike any experience you’ll find in the city.
5. Find fresh made daily in Kingston
Few heritage cities are as fresh as Kingston. Here, history is balanced with vibrancy. It's creative and hip and a great place to go when you’re hungry.
Start with a walk through downtown, where limestone buildings house shops, galleries, and restaurants. Explore the waterfront at Confederation Basin and stop by Springer Market Square for the Public Market and live entertainment. Visit Fort Henry, tour The Pen, and take a cruise with Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises.
Your options are nearly endless when it’s time to eat. Luckily, Kingston Food Tours lets you sample what the city is serving. For a memorable stay, consider one of Kingston’s historic inns or boutique hotels with spa services on site, like the Frontenac Club or the Belvedere Hotel.
6. Set your sights on 1000 Islands Gananoque
There’s something to see in 1000 Islands Gananoque—on land, on the water, or in the sky.
Get a closer look at the iconic 1000 Islands on a cruise with City Experiences. Or get a bird’s eye view from the sky with 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours. Once you’ve had your fill of touring, enjoy a performance at the Thousand Islands Playhouse, set alongside the St. Lawrence River.
For food, local favourites include the Stonewater Pub and Riva next to the Gananoque River. Rest in style at the historic B&B, The Bulloch House, or the boutique hotel, The Woodview Inn.
7. Dip into 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
The scenic route beckons in 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterway. It offers a taste of what it’s like to live in step with the water.
Book a cruise out of Rockport or rent a luxury houseboat with Le Boat and meander the St. Lawrence River exploring the islands. If paddling and pedaling is more your speed, rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes from Rideau Tours.
Visit the small communities, local producers, and small businesses in the area. Places like Berry Homestead Farms, where you get to interact with donkeys on an off-grid farm, and Wendy’s Country Market offer a glimpse into everyday life along the canal. If you visit Wendy’s market, be sure to stop by Furnace Fall Farms for luxurious rural hospitality.
8. Discover the unexpected in Brockville
Brockville is full of delightful discoveries.
Visit the Aquatarium to learn more about the region’s waterways, from shipwrecks to aquatic life (including playing with otters!). Walk through Canada’s first railway tunnel, a cool and atmospheric experience beneath the city. Or take a tour of Fulford Place, a beautifully preserved historic mansion.
Downtown Brockville has a charming, bustling vibe, lined with numerous local shops and restaurants. Catch a performance at the Brockville Arts Centre, sip a cider or two at the 1000 Islands Brewery, and call it a night with a touch of class at Widow’s Peak B&B or Sir Isaac Brock B&B Luxury Suites.
9. Taste the local way in SDG Counties
It’s all about the local flavours In SDG Counties (Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry).
For a taste of chic hospitality, book your stay at the Auberge Glengarry Inn, a century home transformed into an elegant accommodation. For a taste of arts and culture, Priest’s Mill Arts Centre is the go-to, while St. Raphael's Ruins gives you a chance to walk among the remains of one of the earliest Roman Catholic churches.
For a taste of the local fare, The North Glengarry is highly recommended and La Belle Sorelle bistro offers great food made from scratch. If you’re thirsty, take your pick between craft brews or crisp vintages from places like Wood Brothers Brewing and Stonehouse Vineyard.
10. Follow the waterfront in Cornwall
The St. Lawrence River is a constant companion in Cornwall. By bike or on foot, let yourself flow with it
Follow the Waterfront Trail, where long stretches of path offer uninterrupted views of the river—bike rentals are available at Marina 200. Stop at Lamoureux Park for a break, then take a detour into town for a coffee or casual lunch.
Thum’s Kitchen is an award-winning Thai restaurant, with its master chef having cooked at five-star luxury hotels in Thailand. Of course, you can't go wrong with a slice from Esca Gourmet Pizza & Bar. And if you’re spending the night, AshNa Airbnb is the perfect place to end your day.
A bonus stop in Prescott & Russell
Before you return to your normally scheduled programming, don’t forget to pop by Prescott & Russell.
This region is full of lush landscapes, a vibrant culinary culture, and rich Francophone heritage. If you want to know its history, visit heritage sites like Le Chenail Cultural Centre, L’Orignal Old Jail, and Higginson Tower—the tower offers a bird’s eye view of the lively little town of Vankleek Hill. And Arbor Gallery resides in a restored 19th-century Victorian home and is an arts & cultural hub in the area.
Agritourism is big in Prescott & Russell, and the Broue & Chew Road Trip is a perfect way to experience why. The downloadable map gives you routes to follow and stops to make at local brewers, producers, and farms. (Places like Les Vergers Villeneuve And Blueberry Farm and the award-winning Broken Stick Brewing Company for good reason.)
Your invitation to return
Here’s the thing about visiting South Eastern Ontario: there’s always something new to see, taste, and do. The region never stops surprising. It invites you to return—to keep roaming and to keep discovering.
We hope you return soon.
Until the next time. Wander well.
