Plan the perfect summer getaway 2025
Summer is finally just around the corner! Have a blast in South Eastern Ontario, with everything from swimming to stunning scenery, paddling to helicopter rides and adventures in the treetops. Now is the time to plan your summer getaway to South Eastern Ontario! Splash into summer and make your perfect itinerary with these unforgettable options.
Get on the Water in South Eastern Ontario
The pristine waters of South Eastern Ontario are calling – achieve an authentic experience by getting on the water! From water sports to boating, the water is what ties communities in South Eastern Ontario together. Make the most of the lakes and rivers in SEO and discover a water-lovers itinerary!
Perfect waterview patios in South Eastern Ontario
Cold drinks, good company, relaxing outside and enjoying fabulous food – you must be thinking of hitting up a patio in South Eastern Ontario! From streetside to private and from pub fare to elevated food, patios in SEO usually overlook the water, like The Alibi in Iroquois, SDG Counties, and are always the best place to nosh in the sunshine.
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Swing through summer: Golf in South Eastern Ontario
Hitting the links in South Eastern Ontario is a golfer’s dream come true. With legendary tee views to rolling greens and unique design, golf courses here roll out an impressive experience for golfers from beginner to advanced. Whether it’s teeing off at Black Bear Ridge or with a view of the majestic St. Lawrence River at Smuggler’s Glen Golf Course, or playing a course that has been welcoming golfers for more than a century like the Brockville Country Club, find your favourite course and appreciate one-of-a-kind beauty. Don’t forget fun mini putt options like Archie’s in Cornwall or 1000 Islands Mini Golf in Brockville!
Community and competition: Disc Golf in South Eastern Ontario
A unique, competitive outdoor experience in nature, you say? Yes, please! That’s disc golf, one of the fastest growing sports on the planet. South Eastern Ontario has courses ready and waiting from Quinte West to Cornwall, like at Springfield Farm in SDG Counties or Maitland Woods near Brockville or even Ferguson Forest Centre in Kemptville. Find out more about the sport and where the favourite courses are in South Eastern Ontario. There’s even a few courses nestled among the famous 1000 Islands!
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Cruising the waters of South Eastern Ontario
This summer, hop aboard a cruise line that weaves through the beautiful waterways of South Eastern Ontario! Discover historic castles in the 1000 Islands, waterfront villages, lush wildlife and even locks along the Rideau Canal.
Beaches in South Eastern Ontario
Grab your towel and get ready to beach! Whether it’s cooling off in the clear water, playing volleyball, building sandcastles or simply reading a book, feeling the sand between your toes is good for the soul. White sand and rolling gentle waves await!
Family Friendly Farms
Start making memories with family-friendly farms in South Eastern Ontario! Get up close to furry friends and learn about farm life. Whether it’s feeding lambs or brushing donkeys, picking apples or helping with the grape harvest at a local winery, South Eastern Ontario has some incredible agricultural experiences waiting for you. Read more to plan a visit!
Find treasure and treats at SEO Farmer’s Markets
Have fun discovering farm to table, artistic experiences offering quality local food, art and products weekly all summer long! Farmer’s Markets in South Eastern Ontario are known as places of gathering. Meet growers and makers and enjoy the tastes, sights and sounds of true community markets. Whether it’s the historic Kingston Public Market in Springer Market Square (oldest market in Ontario!), or the Long Sault Farmers Market, market day is sure to be a hit across the region.
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Grow Your Green Thumb
Spring and summer are full of promise here – get expert advice coupled with unique plants, perennial trees and shrubs to turn your garden into the talk of the town. Just don’t get too excited and wet your plants!
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Cottaging and glamping
Enjoy a camping trip that ranges from the ordinary to the extraordinary in South Eastern Ontario! No matter where you stay, SEO is full of spectacular spots for a family getaway or a much-needed escape with your besties, with wilderness around every corner.
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Paddles Up!
No matter where you start paddling in South Eastern Ontario, you’ll be sure to finish with unforgettable moments of discovering new perspectives and places on the water! Whether in a kayak, canoe or Stand Up Paddleboard, the fabled rivers and lakes in the region are perfect for paddling to experience nature up close and personal.
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Wander in the woods
Forest and fields are yours to explore in South Eastern Ontario! Lace-up and get walking this summer while spending time surrounded by stunning natural scenery. With trails featuring cliffs, boardwalks, footbridges, high look-outs, lush forests and wildflower fields, it’s a hiker’s paradise. Here’s a list of 11 thrilling places to hike, and guess what? They’re all on-leash dog friendly! So be sure to take Fido along.
Looking for more summer inspo in South Eastern Ontario? Find a region and read on!
Prince Edward County
Look beyond the beach here - the County has a way of capturing hearts, making everything a little magical with stunning natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. Connect with the people you meet along the way: artists, makers, farmers and locals who live and breathe County life. For something different, be sure to stop at Birdhouse City at Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area, a quirky “city” of themed birdhouses or dive into local history at the County’s museums. Hit the water sailing with County Sailing Adventures, or explore the back roads on two wheels by cycling County style! Discover the arts and culture scene through the Arts Trail, featuring such colourful gems as ANDARA Gallery or visit the sculpture garden at Oeno Gallery.
SDG Counties
Summer is synonymous with sizzling good times in SDG Counties! Golf and drinks go hand in hand, with courses like Glengarry Golf & Country Club (look for the new restaurant here!) and Upper Canada Golf Course along the St. Lawrence River ready for a hole in one. Then hop over to Lost Villages Brewery (ask to play some cornhole!) for a refreshing pint or enjoy a wine tasting at Stonecrop Acres Winery or enjoying the beautiful grounds at Stonehouse Vineyard. Tour over to Upper Canada Village to be transported back to the 1860s in this living history museum showcasing autheric buildings, activities and historic interpreters bringing history to life. End the day taking in a fun live show at the Upper Canada Playhouse!
1000 Islands Gananoque
Soar above the islands for a bird’s-eye romantic view of the river with 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours! Get up and personal with the islands on a guided tour with 1000 Islands Kayaking while hearing the inside scoop about the scenery. See a drive-in movie at Silver Cinema, climb aboard boats at the Thousand Islands Boat Museum, and finish the day strong by watching a show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse (We hear Mary Poppins is being staged this summer!).
Brockville
Get a load of this list: zipline through the trees at Treetop Trekking; toss some axes at Capitol Axe Throwing; see a show at the Brockville Arts Centre - but wait, there’s more! Walk through history at the Brockville Railway Tunnel, learn about the precious St. Lawrence River at The Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing, or nosh on some spectacular food and drink in the downtown. No matter what you do in Brockville, it’s fascinating!
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
Nature reigns supreme here, whether it’s exploring at Foley Mountain Conservation Area or a breathtaking view of the Rideau Canal from the summit at Rock Dunder, hiking and forest bathing is a great way to explore the Rideau region. Indulge in art, fresh-baked adventures, vintage whimsy and treasures while boutique shopping at Merrickville and Westport, both offering unique and locally-owned shops that range from creamy caramels at Pickle & Myrrh, to gems at ROX Rock Shop, to Vinyl Destination and gourmet fixings at Rosie Yumski’s Fine Foods. Stop and sip in Kemptville at Bubba & Bugs Coffee Bar, take home some stunning flowers from Wildling Acres, or do a wine tasting overlooking the lake at Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery in Rideau Lakes. See history in action at the Old Stone Mill, National Historic Site in Delta as 200-year-old millstones grind heritage wheat into flour! Go paddling - get on the water through renting a kayak or canoe at a place like Rideau Tours, have a foodie shop adventureorevengo scuba diving to explore shipwrecks! Better yet, check out the new self-guided driving adventures available so you can plan your route around the region, or hire a driver for a specially curated, private visiting experience through A 1000 Ways.
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Cornwall
Your next cycling adventure awaits in Cornwall and SDG Counties! Rent a bike or BYOB (bring your own bike) to cycle the Riverside Trail for traffic-free cycling along the beautiful St. Lawrence River. Grab a pint at the independent, Rurban Brewing, and then head over to the Historic SDG Jail for an intriguing guided tour. Visit a farm like the Avonmore Berry Farm for a family summer experience like no other!
Frontenac County
Fall in love with paddling - Frontenac Outfitters will get you out on the water! With more than 30 years as one of Canada’s largest on-water paddlesport centre, it specialized in new and used kayak, canoe and SUP sales and rentals. Next, discover a hidden paradise on Wolfe Island: Big Sandy Bay. Crystal blue water, shallow sand bar swimming on Lake Ontario. Yes, there’s a hike to get there. But it’s worth it! End up on the perfect waterfront patio at Spicer’s Dockside Grill and then head over to Hotel Wolfe Island for live music and drinks. Peek here if you’re looking for more Frontenac County inspo. Perfect day achieved!
Bay of Quinte
Have you heard about the hands-on experiences in Bay of Quinte? Connect to the region in a unique and meaningful way. From a personal chef curated dinner in a heritage farmhouse at Oliver Farms to learning about beekeeping to connecting with horses at Fina Vista Farm, and roaming flower fields at Wynn Farms, these experiences are telling local stories at the heart of Bay of Quinte. Be sure to check out the Quinte West Pop Ups overlooking the Bay of Quinte in Centennial Park with eight wooden cabins and three food trucks! Explore the best kept secrets off the beaten path in Bay of Quinte by trekking the trails and cycling!
Prescott Russell
A day spent in Prescott Russell is a good one! Cool off at Calypso Water Park, then head over to Beau’s Brewing. Soak in the history at L’Original Old Jail and tour the brilliantly artsy PopSilos. You’re invited to stop in to savour local products like the wine at Vankleek Hill Vineyards and the famous squeaky cheese from St-Albert Cheese Co-operative.
Marvel at the tried, tested and true gems while discovering unforgettable summer experiences in South Eastern Ontario!