A Pawsome Trip to SDG Counties & Cornwall

As Told by Dixie the Adventure Pup

If you're wondering what paradise looks like for a dog like me, think open trails, campfire snacks, splashable water, and my humans by my side every step of the way. When they said we were heading to SDG Counties and Cornwall for a weekend adventure, I grabbed my leash and did three laps around the house in excitement. I’m not saying I packed my own bag, but... I definitely supervised.

Day One. Campsite Vibes and Trail Tails

With the car loaded (I claimed the back seat, obviously), we set off for the Long Sault Parkway, a gorgeous chain of islands connected by bridges, right along the St. Lawrence River. It’s about an hour from Ottawa and Montreal or three hours from Toronto, but once you’re there, it feels like you’ve entered doggy heaven.

Our campsite came with front-row seats to the river, and even my chatty mom was struck speechless, now that’s saying something. I wasted no time claiming the comfiest patch of shade, inspecting every tree and bush for good measure, and giving the water a quick paw test. Perfect!

Later, we headed to Guindon Park, just 10 minutes from the campsite, for a proper leg stretch. The trails there are the real deal. Wide, wooded, and full of squirrels that needed supervising. There’s a main trail and lots of single-track trails that weave through the trees. Leash rules apply, but trust me, there’s still plenty of room for adventure.

Insider Scoop:
At the Floral Drive entrance, Freedom Adventures SDG SeaHawk Watersports rents out paddleboards and kayaks. My humans were tempted, eyeing the gear with that “should we?” face. I watched a couple of brave dogs hop onto boards with their life jackets like four-legged pirates. Impressive, sure, but personally, I’ll stick to solid ground.

After all that adventuring, my humans decided it was time to refuel, so we rolled up to Chef in a Bun, just a few minutes down the road. Mom went for a taco burger, and Dad got fully lost in a mountain of pulled pork poutine. I activated my most dramatic “I’ve never been fed in my life” face, which, of course, scored me a few tasty morsels. Works every time.

Insider Scoop:
Check out the market at the Harvest Garden Centre right next door, great for grabbing fresh meats and veggies if you're cooking back at the campsite. My parents stocked up like we were staying a week. I didn’t complain.

We headed back to our site at Milles Roches Campground, and as the sun dipped down over the river, we watched the sunset over the mighty St. Lawrence. It was pure cottage-core magic. I curled up by the campfire and drifted off, dreaming of chipmunks and all the day's adventures.

Day Two. Park Strolls, Farm Feasts, and Forest Wonders

We woke up to the sound of loons calling across the water and a sky that looked like a painting. I trotted down to the shore to inspect our surroundings. A few geese gave me side-eye. I gave it right back.

After a lazy breakfast (my kibble tasted extra gourmet al fresco), we headed east to the path by the Cornwall Canal, perfect for a royal morning strut. I spotted rowers, groundhogs, and a suspicious-looking stick that I heroically carried half the way.

Inside scoop: You can access the west side of the canal if you park at the Kinsman Soccer Fields Park on the South end of Power Dam Road.

Nap time for me. Drive time for the folks.

Next stop: Ferme Butte & Bine in Williamstown. Oh. My. Goodness. This place smelled like sourdough heaven. My humans were thrilled with their meals at the new Farm Café, full of fresh, local ingredients, many grown right on-site. 

Insider Scoop:
They’ve got charming rooms in an 1812 farmhouse and even offer sourdough classes. My mom nearly booked her next visit right then and there. A pet-friendly patio is coming soon!

But the day wasn’t over yet. We hit the forest trails at Summerstown Trails, just a short drive away. With 20 kilometres of walkable paths through peaceful woodlands, it was tail-wagging bliss. I led the way, ears perked, on the lookout for woodland creatures and photo ops.

Insider Scoop:
Visit in spring and you’ll see trilliums everywhere. The trails are well-maintained thanks to the Friends of Summerstown Trails, and there’s something for every level of explorer.

On the way back to camp, we stopped at Marlin Orchards. It’s totally dog-friendly, with a lovely gift shop and seasonal goodies. My parents went wild over the apple cider doughnuts, while I snoozed under a maple tree.

The 30-minute drive back along Highway 2 was the cherry on top, alongside the sparkling St. Lawrence, where we spotted a few cargo ships that looked like floating cities. We rolled back into camp just as the sun started to dip.

We wrapped up the day with full-on campsite vibes, bonfire crackling, hot dogs roasting, and that smoky smell that makes your nose do a little happy dance. But can we talk about the name? Hot dogs. I mean... should I be flattered or concerned? Fireflies blinked, osprey soared, and I settled in like a toasted marshmallow.

Insider Scoop:
If a night out is more your style, the Lost Villages Brewery, just a 5-minute drive away, welcomes dogs on their patio. They often have a great lineup of live music and events. Check out their calendar! The beers are named after the actual Lost Villages (spooky-cool), and you can grab some to-go for a souvenir that tastes way better than a postcard. 

Day Three. Berries, Bottles, and Belly Rubs

Packing up the tent is never my favourite part. I gave my humans my best “are you sure we have to leave?” look. But luckily, they had more stops in store!

No trip to SDG Counties is complete without a visit to Avonmore Berry Farm, a seasonal favourite! We stopped by during the strawberry season in June. My humans couldn’t get enough of the delicious, sun-ripened strawberries; they kept saying they were the sweetest they’d ever tasted. Raspberries take over in July, with fresh veggies all summer, and apples and pumpkins rounding out the season. The farm shop is full of homemade goodies and fresh produce to take home

Insider scoop 

If you're travelling with kids, they have an awesome play barn and ice cream! Pies to go, definitely!

Our final adventure was to the beautiful Stonecrop Acres Winery in Morrisburg. It’s paws-down one of my favourite places my humans have ever taken me! From the moment we walked up the tree-lined path, I could smell the fresh air and feel the good vibes. My pet parents were thrilled with the wine tasting flights; something about the Harmony Rosé made them both do their “we need a bottle of this” face, and they couldn’t stop raving about the wood-fired pizza. The best part? I got to hang out with them the whole time, lounging under the table, getting belly rubs, and sipping my own special “flight” of dog-safe bevies (okay, it was water, but in a fancy bowl).

By the end of our trip, I was happily exhausted, a little dusty, and completely in love with SDG Counties and Cornwall. Between the trails, farm visits, riverside views, and all the bonus snacks, it was the kind of trip that dreams (and Instagram reels) are made of.

I give it four paws up. 

🐾 Dixie