--- title: "More Than a Rest Stop: South Eastern Ontario Adventures Just Off the 401" date: 2026-08-25T12:51:00-04:00 author: Laurie Weir canonical_url: "https://www.southeasternontario.ca/articles/more-than-a-rest-stop-south-eastern-ontario-adventures-just-off-the-401/" section: Articles --- ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth2400px/23-PRESCOTT-SUMMER-SIGHTSEEING-TOURS-ON-THE-WATER31.jpg) # More Than a Rest Stop: South Eastern Ontario Adventures Just Off the 401 Laurie Weir Long highway drives don't have to be all about reaching the destination. The drive between Toronto and Montreal covers hundreds of kilometres, but some of the most memorable moments happen after taking an exit off Highway 401. From waterfront parks and scenic drives to historic sites and local markets, South Eastern Ontario offers plenty of opportunities to turn a road trip into part of the vacation. If you have 30 minutes, a couple of hours or an entire afternoon, these stops are worth the exit. ## [**Bay of Quinte**](https://bayofquinte.ca/)**: Pause by the waterfront** The [Bay of Quinte](https://bayofquinte.ca/) waterfront in Quinte West offers an easy place to take a break and enjoy the scenery. [Centennial Park](https://quintewest.ca/parks-facilities/parks/centennial-park/) features walking paths, open green space, a splash pad, playgrounds and waterfront views. Pack a picnic, stretch your legs or settle onto a bench and watch the boats on the bay. During the summer, the [Quinte West Pop-Ups](https://quintewest.ca/tourism-events/city-events/quinte-west-pop-ups/) bring local artisans, food vendors and small businesses together in the park, giving visitors a chance to browse handcrafted goods and sample local flavours. Running through Sept. 6, the outdoor market adds another reason to include Quinte West on your road trip itinerary. ## [**Loyalist Parkway**](https://www.loyalistparkway.org/)**: Follow the shoreline** Continue east toward Bath and leave Highway 401 for the [Loyalist Parkway](https://www.loyalistparkway.org/), where the Lake Ontario shoreline sets the pace for a more leisurely drive into Kingston. The route passes waterfront parks, local wineries, cafés and restaurants, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way. Pause at [Finkle's Shores](https://www.loyalistparkway.org/locations/finkles-shores) in Bath for a picnic, a stroll or views across Lake Ontario before continuing east. ## [**Kingston**](https://www.visitkingston.ca/)**: History meets the waterfront** Kingston is one of Canada's oldest cities, where limestone architecture, a vibrant downtown and a bustling waterfront create an ideal first stop. Spend a few hours exploring [Fort Henry National Historic Site](https://www.forthenry.com/), browse the shops and restaurants along Princess Street or enjoy lunch overlooking Lake Ontario. If time allows, board a [1000 Islands cruise](https://www.1000islandscruises.ca/) departing from the city's waterfront or visit one of Kingston's many [museums](https://www.visitkingston.ca/things-to-do/history-museums/) before getting back on the road. If you're looking for an [overnight stay](https://www.visitkingston.ca/places-to-stay/), Kingston's hotels, restaurants and evening entertainment make it a natural place to break up the drive. ## [**Gananoque**](https://www.gananoque.ca/)**: Gateway to the** [**1000 Islands**](https://www.1000islandstourism.com/) Gananoque offers small-town charm in the heart of the 1000 Islands. Known as the Gateway to the 1000 Islands, the community is the perfect place to experience the St. Lawrence River. Take a sightseeing cruise through the islands, stroll the waterfront trails or enjoy a performance at the Thousand Islands Playhouse during its summer season. Downtown Gananoque is also filled with locally owned cafés, restaurants and unique shops that invite visitors to slow down before continuing east. Continue east on the [1000 Islands Parkway](https://visit1000islands.com/communities/1000-islands-parkway-on/) for incredible scenic views. ## [**Mallorytown Landing**](https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/1000/visit)**: Nature just off the highway** If you prefer fresh air over shopping, Mallorytown Landing offers one of the quickest escapes from Highway 401. Follow the Thousand Islands Parkway east from Gananoque. Located within Thousand Islands National Park, the area features hiking trails, picnic areas, paddling opportunities and scenic lookouts overlooking the St. Lawrence River. It's an ideal stop for families, birdwatchers or anyone looking to swap traffic for nature, even if only for an hour. ## [**Brown's Bay**](https://www.stlawrenceparks.com/to-do/camping/browns-bay-campground/)**: Take a break by the St. Lawrence River** Brown's Bay Beach and Day Use Area is a favourite stop along the [1000 Islands Parkway](https://visit1000islands.com/communities/1000-islands-parkway-on/). Families can spread out on the sandy beach, enjoy a picnic under the trees, watch boats cruise the St. Lawrence River or stretch their legs before getting back on the road. The revitalized day-use area includes accessible amenities, a playground, picnic areas and a boat launch, making it an easy stop for families or anyone looking to enjoy lunch with a waterfront view. ## [**Brockville**](https://brockvilletourism.com/)**: Underground history and riverside charm** [Brockville](https://brockvilletourism.com/) combines history, culture and waterfront experiences in one walkable downtown. One of its most unique attractions is [Canada's first railway tunnel](https://brockvilletourism.com/things-to-do/brockville-railway-tunnel/), now transformed into an immersive light and sound experience beneath the city's streets. Above ground, visitors can browse downtown boutiques, relax along Blockhouse Island or visit the [Aquatarium](https://www.aquatarium.ca/) to learn more about the ecology and history of the St. Lawrence River. The city's waterfront parks also make an excellent place to enjoy lunch while watching boats navigate one of Canada's busiest waterways. ## [**Prescott**](https://www.prescott.ca/)**: Small town, big history** Prescott offers a fascinating glimpse into Canada's military past. [Fort Wellington National Historic Site](https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/wellington) tells the story of the War of 1812 through restored buildings, demonstrations and exhibits overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The waterfront and [RiverWalk Park](https://www.prescott.ca/explore/explore/riverwalk-district/) provide a peaceful place to unwind before continuing your journey. ## **Morrisburg: Step back in time** History comes alive in Morrisburg at [Upper Canada Village](https://www.uppercanadavillage.com/), where costumed interpreters, heritage buildings and working mills recreate life in a rural community during the 1860s. Visitors can explore historic homes, watch traditional craftspeople at work and enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the summer season. Nearby [Crysler Farm Battlefield](https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=424) also tells an important chapter of Canadian history during the War of 1812. It's a destination where a short stop can easily become an afternoon. ## **Long Sault: Discover the story of the** [**Lost Villages**](https://lostvillages.ca/) One of the region's most fascinating stories lies beneath the waters of the St. Lawrence River. In 1958, 10 communities were flooded to make way for the St. Lawrence Seaway and hydroelectric project, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes. Today, the [Lost Villages Museum](https://lostvillages.ca/) preserves that history through restored homes, a schoolhouse, church, train station and other heritage buildings relocated before the flooding. You can wander the recreated village, learn about the families who once called the area home and gain a deeper appreciation for a community determined to preserve its past. Just beyond the museum, the [Long Sault Parkway](https://www.stlawrenceparks.com/to-do/get-outdoors/long-sault-parkway/) winds through a chain of islands connected by causeways, offering sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River. Beaches, picnic areas and boat launches provide plenty of opportunities to stop, relax and enjoy the waterfront before continuing east. ## [**Cornwall and SDG Counties**](https://www.visitcornwallsdgcounties.ca/)**: A scenic finish** As the drive continues east, leave Highway 401 behind for a stretch and follow Highway 2 through SDG Counties. Between [Long Sault](https://ontarioconservationareas.ca/conservation-areas/long-sault/) and [Lancaster](https://ontarionaturetrails.com/city-town/lancaster/), the route follows the St. Lawrence River, passing waterfront parks, conservation areas, beaches, inviting patios and waterfront restaurants. It's an easy drive to savour, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the shoreline. In nearby Cornwall, [Lamoureux Park](https://www.cornwall.ca/en/recreation-community-supports/parks-and-trails/lamoureux-park/?usp=sharing), the waterfront trail and the downtown core offer one final opportunity to enjoy the river before crossing into Quebec or beginning the drive home. ## **Make the journey part of the adventure** The drive between Toronto and Montreal offers plenty of opportunities to step away from Highway 401 and discover the communities, landscapes and stories that define South Eastern Ontario. Historic sites, waterfront parks, museums, scenic drives and local flavours are all within easy reach of the highway. Plan a few extra stops along the way and make the journey as memorable as the destination. View all our destinations [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/155535/GFP_3184.jpg) Prince Edward County ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/prince-edward-county/) [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/21_22-BOQ-BELLEVILLE-SIGHTSEEING-TOURS-SUMMER-DOWNTOWN5.jpg) Bay of Quinte ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/bay-of-quinte/) [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/Sheffield-Conservation-Area-Erinsville-4.jpg) Lennox & Addington ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/lennox-addington/) [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/IMG_0724-1.jpg) Frontenac County ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/frontenac-county/) [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/RS180_TGW-7223.jpg) Kingston ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/kingston/) [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/Davis-Lock-3-Rideau-Canal-1.jpg) 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/1000-islands-rideau-canal-waterways/) [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/CF006090-LR.jpg) 1000 Islands Gananoque ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/1000-islands-gananoque/) [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/RLP-222.jpg) Brockville ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/brockville/) [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/Cornwall-Canal-02509.jpg) Cornwall ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/cornwall/) [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/Beach-1.jpg) SDG Counties ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/sdg-counties/) [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth1600px/Alpacas-City-32.jpg) Prescott & Russell ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/destinations/prescott-russell/)