A Winter Escape: Cozy Trails and Quiet Moments in Brockville & SDG Counties

South Eastern Ontario / Sud-Est de l'Ontario

Experience the romance of Southeastern Ontario in winter with a mix of natural beauty, cozy stays, local flavours, and charming villages. This three-day itinerary takes you from Brockville to South Glengarry in SDG Counties, with scenic winter trails, boutique accommodations, and farm-fresh meals.

Day One

Arrival in Brockville: Spa, scenic strolls, fine dining, and a show

Start your romantic winter getaway with relaxation and nature.

Nature’s Elements Wellness – Scandinavian Thermal Spa, Mallorytown

Just outside Brockville, Nature’s Elements Wellness offers an outdoor Scandinavian thermal spa set among snow-dusted forest. Enjoy hot saunas, cold plunges, and guided sessions with breathwork and sound healing. The trails and relaxation areas provide a calm, restorative start to your trip.

Time Spent Here: 2.5 to 3 hours

Lunch: ARBRU Solar Brewery, Mallorytown

Stay nearby for lunch at ARBRU Solar Brewery, Canada’s first fully solar-powered craft brewery. Wood-fired pizzas, hearty pub fare, and local brews complement the sustainable, relaxed atmosphere. Flights of beer let you sample a variety of styles while enjoying a casual winter lunch. Why not try out one of their dome experiences?

Time Spent Here: 1 to 1.5 hours

Stroll the Brock Trail, Brockville

Drive 20 minutes into Brockville and explore the Brock Trail along the St. Lawrence River. The 7-km winter-accessible trail offers quiet river views and wildlife sightings. The Brockville Railway Tunnel is closed in winter, but the trail remains a scenic, peaceful walk with plenty of photo opportunities.

Time Spent Here: 1 to 1.5 hours

Check-In: 48 King West by Rob Thompson Hotels

Settle into 48 King West, a boutique hotel in a restored 1920s bank. Suites feature exposed brick and stone, heated floors, spa-style showers, and a fireplace. Downtown shops, the waterfront, and historic streets are steps away.

Dinner: Buell Street Bistro

Dine at Buell Street Bistro, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with a warm, intimate atmosphere. The menu features fresh seafood, steak, lamb, pasta, and gluten-free options. Impeccable service, homemade food, and thoughtful presentation make this an ideal romantic dinner.

Time Spent Here: 1.5 hours

 

Evening: Brockville Arts Centre

End the day with a show at the Brockville Arts Centre, a heritage theatre offering live music, theatre, and performances in a cozy, intimate setting. It is a short walk from your hotel, with nearby pubs like The Keystorm Pub, 1000 Islands Brewing Co, or Finnigan's Tavern for a nightcap.

The lineup for winter 2026 at the Brockville Arts Centre includes Swan Lake, The Golden Girls tributes to Eagles, Tragically Hip, Gordon Lightfoot, Queen, The Bee Gees and more. View the full lineup.

Time Spent Here: 2 - 3 hours

 

Day Two

Good Morning: Leisurely Start

Enjoy a slow morning in your suite at 48 King West, sip coffee, and prepare for a late breakfast/brunch.

Late Breakfast/Brunch: Cosies Tea Room, Brockville

Start the day with a leisurely meal at Cosies Tea Room. Family-owned and run, it serves signature pasties, fresh-baked rolls, traditional scones with jam and clotted cream, and hearty homemade breakfast dishes. The welcoming heritage décor makes it easy to linger before heading east.

Time Spent Here: 1 to 2 hours

Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, South Stormont

Drive east to the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary near Ingleside. We recommend taking scenic highway #2 (1hr 15 minutes) so you can catch views of the St. Lawrence River and the small seaway towns along the way. 

The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful place to experience winter along the St. Lawrence River. A network of accessible trails winds through marshland, forest, and open shoreline, offering wide views, quiet spaces, and excellent opportunities to spot resident waterfowl and winter birds. The flat, open paths make this a lovely winter walk, and the landscape is also well-suited to snowshoeing after a fresh snowfall. Bringing snowshoes adds a sense of adventure and allows you to explore a little farther at an easy, unhurried pace. Watch for waterfowl, bring some seed for the friendly chickadees, and enjoy quiet winter moments in nature.

Time Spent Here: 1 to 1.5 hours

Butte & Bine Farmstay & Café, South Glengarry

Continue 35 minutes east to Butte & Bine Farm near Williamstown. Your private suite has a porch or patio entrance, comfortable furnishings, and plenty of space to relax. Winter trails on the property offer gentle walks while the surrounding fields and hedgerows provide serene views.

The Farm Café serves fresh, local, organic meals, European-style baked goods, and sourdough. Fire pits and quiet spots on the property invite relaxing together as the afternoon winds down.

Time Spent Here: Afternoon into overnight

Dinner: Jack’s Pub, Williamstown

Drive under 10 minutes to Jack’s Pub in the picturesque village of Williamstown. Enjoy hearty pub fare, local brews, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Rustic wood interiors and attentive service make it an ideal spot for a relaxed, romantic dinner. Locals know, and you should go!

Time Spent Here: 1.5 to 2 hours

Day Three

Morning at Butte & Bine Farm and a final winter adventure

Wake up slowly in your private suite and savour delicious sourdough, European baked goods at the Farm Café. Guests staying Monday through Wednesday can order additional meals from the B&B Guest Add-Ons menu.

Nature is calling! Summerstown Trails

Before heading home, take a short drive to Summerstown Trails for one last winter adventure. The trails offer over 20 km of groomed cross-country skiing and over 20 km of snowshoeing trails suitable for all skill levels. For fat biking, more than 10 km of machine-groomed trails are available. Signage makes navigation simple, and rentals and trail conditions can be checked on the Summerstown Trails Facebook page.

A brisk walk, snowshoe trek, ski, or fat bike ride here provides a refreshing, romantic finish to your winter escape.

Time Spent Here: 1 to 2 hours

As your winter escape comes to an end, take with you the quiet moments, scenic walks, and cozy evenings shared together. Brockville and SDG Counties offer a chance to slow down and enjoy each other’s company in a beautiful winter setting.

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