--- title: "Bay of Quinte: Waterway Adventure Guide" date: 2026-04-18T10:35:00-04:00 author: "South Eastern Ontario / Sud-Est de l'Ontario" canonical_url: "https://www.southeasternontario.ca/itineraries/bay-of-quinte-waterway-adventure-guide/" section: Itineraries --- ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth2400px/Belleville-FULLRES-115-scaled-e1719437922845-1.jpg) # Bay of Quinte: Waterway Adventure Guide South Eastern Ontario / Sud-Est de l'Ontario The neighbouring cities of Belleville and Quinte West overlook the Bay of Quinte on Lake Ontario, which makes them popular destinations for pleasure boaters. On clear summer days, the lake is dotted with sailboats catching the breeze. This stretch of water is also famed for its fishing. The Quinte Fishing Series in Belleville attracts anglers from all over Ontario and beyond to cast their lines for walleye and bass. And the annual Kiwanis Walleye World Fishing Derby in Quinte West claims to be the largest walleye fishing derby in the world! Each city is also built along a river—the Moira River in Belleville, and the Trent River in Quinte West. In fact, the first seven locks of the Trent-Severn Waterway are within the Quinte West city limits, so you can easily spend an enjoyable day paddling or motoring from lock to lock. The Moira River, on the other hand, should only be enjoyed from the shore within the Belleville city limits, as rapids make that stretch of the river extremely dangerous. Luckily, you can get a nice view from the 4.6-kilometre Moira Riverfront Trail, which is open to pedestrians and cyclists. Also on land, you can enjoy superb views of the Bay of Quinte from Zwick’s Park in Belleville. The park hosts major events, including Pop-Ups on the Bay, a summer-long attraction featuring pop-up vendor stalls, live music and food vendors. And both Belleville and Quinte West have vibrant downtowns with lots of independent restaurants, bakeries and shops. - [The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant, Belleville (waterfront patio) Located on the beautiful Victoria Harbour in downtown Belleville, they are Quinte's Favourite Readers' Choice Seafood Restaurant. Explore ](https://boathouselure.ca/) - [The Counter Restaurant, Quinte West (waterfront patio) The Counter Restaurant in Quinte West is a cozy, elevated deli-style eatery featuring a waterfront patio overlooking the Trent River. Explore ](https://www.thecounterrestaurant.ca/) - [The Local Social House, Belleville (waterfront patio) The Local Social House combines a beautiful riverside setting with a thoughtful, locally‑sourced menu and a well-curated drinks list. Explore ](https://www.thelocalsocialhouse.com/) - [The Pier Patio Bar and Grill, Belleville (waterfront patio) Rustic and relaxed, with unforgettable water views, solid burgers and poutines, great cocktails, and a breezy vibe. Explore ](https://www.facebook.com/pierpatiobbq/) - [Signal Brewery, Corbyville (waterfront patio) Signal Brewery is a fun place to relax, enjoy craft beers, and take in the river views. Explore ](https://spearheadbeer.com/pages/signal-bp-shi) - [Tomasso’s Italian Grill, Quinte West (waterfront patio) They offer traditional, house-made Italian and contemporary Canadian dishes, using locally sourced ingredients and family recipes from the Kotsovos family. Explore ](https://www.tomassos.ca/) - [Empire Theatre, Belleville The Empire Theatre is a cornerstone of Belleville’s cultural resurgence, celebrating regional heritage and community pride. Explore ](https://theempiretheatre.com/) - [Glanmore National Historic Site of Canada, Belleville This grand Victorian mansion serves as both a historic house and a community museum, built in 1883 for prominent Belleville Banker John Philpot Curran. Explore ](https://www.glanmore.ca/en/index.aspx) - [National Air Force Museum of Canada, Quinte West Discover an aviation history full of valour and tradition through a wide variety of exhibits, interactive activities, and displays. Explore ](https://airforcemuseum.ca/) - [Quinte Museum of Natural History, Quinte West Discover the wonders of our natural world, from towering dinosaurs to tiny pollinators; a hub for exploration, education, and community connection. Explore ](https://quintemuseum.ca/) - [Sager Conservation Area, Quinte West Sager Conservation Area is best known for its lookout tower, where you can admire panoramic scenery of the Trent River Valley. Explore ](https://ltc.on.ca/conservation_lands/sager/) - [Shorelines Casino, Belleville Shorelines Casinos boast a friendly, welcoming gaming atmosphere. Explore ](https://greatcanadian.com/destinations/ontario/shorelines-casinos/) ## Place to Stop Skip section Looking for a place to enjoy a meal with a view? Belleville and Quinte West offer gorgeous restaurant patios overlooking the Bay of Quinte, Belleville Harbour, the Moira River and the Trent River. Away from the water, you can catch a live theatre performance, learn fascinating historical stories, try your luck at a casino or go for a hike. WORTH CHECKING OUT - [ The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant, Belleville (waterfront patio) ](https://boathouselure.ca/) - [ The Counter Restaurant, Quinte West (waterfront patio) ](https://www.thecounterrestaurant.ca/) - [ The Local Social House, Belleville (waterfront patio) ](https://www.thelocalsocialhouse.com/) - [ The Pier Patio Bar and Grill, Belleville (waterfront patio) ](https://www.facebook.com/pierpatiobbq/) - [ Signal Brewery, Corbyville (waterfront patio) ](https://spearheadbeer.com/pages/signal-bp-shi) - [ Tomasso’s Italian Grill, Quinte West (waterfront patio) ](https://www.tomassos.ca/) - [ Empire Theatre, Belleville ](https://theempiretheatre.com/) - [ Glanmore National Historic Site of Canada, Belleville ](https://www.glanmore.ca/en/index.aspx) - [ National Air Force Museum of Canada, Quinte West ](https://airforcemuseum.ca/) - [ Quinte Museum of Natural History, Quinte West ](https://quintemuseum.ca/) - [ Sager Conservation Area, Quinte West ](https://ltc.on.ca/conservation_lands/sager/) - [ Shorelines Casino, Belleville ](https://greatcanadian.com/destinations/ontario/shorelines-casinos/) ## **Logistics** If you can’t wait to get onto (or into) the water, read this section to learn where you can hit the beach, launch your boat, or paddle your canoe, kayak or standup paddleboard. ## **Beach** The [Frankford Tourist Park](https://quintewest.ca/parks-facilities/parks/frankford-tourist-park-campground/) in downtown Frankford (one of the communities that makes up Quinte West) offers a small, sandy beach on the Trent River. You’ll also find a playground, a covered picnic pavilion, accessible washrooms, a campground, and free parking. ## **Boat Launches and Paddling Put-Ins** Here are some of the places in Quinte West and Belleville where you can launch your motorized or paddling watercraft into a river or lake. Centennial Park, located where the Trent River meets the Bay of Quinte, also offers a splash pad, playground, skate park, and free parking. - Belleville: [Herchimer Avenue](https://www.belleville.ca/en/learn-and-play/boat-launches.aspx), [South George Street](https://www.belleville.ca/en/learn-and-play/boat-launches.aspx) - Quinte West: [Albert Street Boat Launch](https://maps.app.goo.gl/t5aitmi2HjkUiXVr9), [Centennial Park](https://quintewest.ca/parks-facilities/parks/centennial-park/), [Kiwanis Riverside Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MLwZUz1XAwiVB75BA) ## **Cautions and Notes** - Do not attempt to canoe or kayak on the Moira River in Belleville, as serious rapids make paddling very dangerous. ## **Water Services** If you’re looking to rent a boat, book a fishing charter, go scuba diving or find a marina in Belleville or Quinte West, you’ve come to the right section. - [H2O Getaways, Quinte West A Boutique Houseboat Rental Company, located in Quinte West, operating along the extraordinary Trent-Severn Waterway Explore ](https://h2ogetaways.ca/) - [Seven Paddles, Quinte West Come for a paddle but stay and explore the day away along the Trent River and Bay of Quinte Explore ](https://sevenpaddles.ca/) - [Trenton Rowing and Paddling Club, Quinte West The Trenton Rowing and Paddling Club offers rentals of stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes during July and August. Explore ](https://trentonrowingandpaddling.ca/) ## Boat Rentals Skip section WORTH CHECKING OUT - [ Bay of Quinte Charters ](https://www.bayofquintecharters.com/) - [ Blue Rock Charters ](https://bluerockcharters.com/) - [ Kingston Sport Fishing ](https://kingstonsportfishing.ca/) - [ Limestone City Fishing Charters ](https://limestonecityfishingcharters.com/) No boat? No problem! You can rent one from retailers, clubs and specialized companies in Belleville or Quinte West—whether you’re looking for a kayak, a houseboat or something in between. WORTH CHECKING OUT - [ H2O Getaways, Quinte West ](https://h2ogetaways.ca/) - [ Seven Paddles, Quinte West ](https://sevenpaddles.ca/) - [ Trenton Rowing and Paddling Club, Quinte West ](https://trentonrowingandpaddling.ca/) - [Bay of Quinte Charters Fully guided sport fishing excursion on a 28-foot Sportcraft boat on the Bay of Quinte, where you can experience the thrill of catching gigantic, trophy walleye. Explore ](https://www.quintefishingcharters.com/) - [Blue Rock Charters Offering Boat and Ice Fishing Charters near Kingston and on Bay of Quinte. Explore ](https://bluerockcharters.com/) - [Kingston Sport Fishing Kingston and the Bay of Quinte charter fishing; Lake trout, walleye. Explore ](https://kingstonsportfishing.ca/) - [Limestone City Fishing Charters Kingston Fishing Charter for Lake Ontario Trophy Walleye and Lake Trout Explore ](https://limestonecityfishingcharters.com/) ## Fishing Charters & Guides Skip section The waters of Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte are rich with all sorts of sportfish, including walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, lake trout and perch. Anglers come from all over to try their luck in the region’s annual fishing competitions. Although not based in Belleville or Quinte West, the following fishing charter companies offer guided trips in nearby waters. Note that most fishers will need an [outdoors card and/or a fishing licence](https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing) from the Government of Ontario to fish in Belleville and Quinte West. - [Crate Marine, Belleville Crate Marine Belleville provides a full spectrum of Ontario marina services, catering to all your boating needs. Explore ](https://www.cratesbelleville.com/) - [Meyers Pier, Belleville Meyers Pier offers first-class amenities for travelling boaters, including gas, diesel, pump-outs, 160 seasonal and transient boat slips, washrooms, and showers. Explore ](https://www.belleville.ca/en/learn-and-play/waterfront-harbours.aspx) - [Stillwater Basin Marina, Belleville Stillwater Basin offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts, with a marina, walleye world, and ice hut rentals available. Explore ](https://stillwaterbasin.wixsite.com/stillwaterbasin/stillwater-basin-marina) - [Trent Port Marina, Quinte West Trent Port Marina is a world-class 375-slip marina located on the Bay of Quinte at the mouth of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Explore ](https://trentportmarina.ca/) - [Victoria Park Harbour, Belleville Victoria Park is home to seasonal boaters with power and water at most slips. Explore ](https://www.belleville.ca/en/learn-and-play/waterfront-harbours.aspx) ## Marinas Skip section Do you need gas, repairs, boating supplies or a slip to dock in? Check out these Belleville and Quinte West marinas (note that not all services are available at all listed marinas). WORTH CHECKING OUT - [ Crate Marine, Belleville ](https://www.cratesbelleville.com/) - [ Meyers Pier, Belleville ](https://www.belleville.ca/en/learn-and-play/waterfront-harbours.aspx) - [ Stillwater Basin Marina, Belleville ](https://stillwaterbasin.wixsite.com/stillwaterbasin/stillwater-basin-marina) - [ Trent Port Marina, Quinte West ](https://trentportmarina.ca/) - [ Victoria Park Harbour, Belleville ](https://www.belleville.ca/en/learn-and-play/waterfront-harbours.aspx) ## **Other Services** Belleville and Quinte West offer restaurants and cafés for every budget, whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, delicious international fare or a juicy burger. Both communities also have a full array of convenient services, including grocery stores, gas stations and banks/ATMs. Independent shops and boutiques keep both downtowns lively, and you can find national chain retailers, too. ## The Trent-Severn Waterway Stretching 386 km from Quinte West on Lake Ontario to Port Severn on Georgian Bay, the Trent-Severn Waterway is a stunning canal route of lakes, rivers, and 42 historic locks. Operated by Parks Canada, this National Historic Site is a must-visit for boaters, paddlers, and sightseers. With campsites, washrooms, mooring, and more, it’s easy to plan a trip of any length. Trenton, the eastern gateway, offers a perfect starting point for your waterway adventure in South Eastern Ontario. [ Explore the Trent-Severn ](https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern) ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth960px/DJI_0259.jpg) ## **Accommodations** A [variety of accommodations](https://bayofquinte.ca/visit/boq-accommodation/) are available in Quinte West and Belleville, from national brand hotels to small inns, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds—all of them with free parking! No matter what your taste and budget, you’ll find a great place to spend the night. ## Visitor Information You can’t miss the [Belleville Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centre](https://discoverbelleville.ca/connect/) (5 Moira Street East): It’s located in a log cabin in downtown Belleville! Swing by year-round to pick up maps, guides, brochures and other information about Belleville and Quinte West. Check the website for current hours. Discover Belleville offers visitor information for the city. The [Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board](https://bayofquinte.ca/) covers both Belleville and Quinte West, as well as neighbouring communities. And the [South Eastern Ontario](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/) regional tourism organization promotes the entire waterfront from the Bay of Quinte to the Ontario-Quebec border. [ Plan your visit ](https://discoverbelleville.ca/connect/) ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth960px/118573/Belleville-Chamber-of-Commerce-VIC1.jpg) ## Plan more fun! Don’t forget to check the region’s [events calendar](https://bayofquinte.ca/events/) for vacation inspiration. Here are a few additional useful links for planning your next adventure in Quinte West and Belleville. - [Bay of Quinte Digital Discovery Map](https://bayofquinte.ca/explore/) - [Bay of Quinte Vacation Toolkit](https://bayofquinte.ca/visit/vacation-tool-kit/) - [City of Belleville boat launches](https://www.belleville.ca/en/learn-and-play/boat-launches.aspx) - [City of Belleville marinas](https://www.belleville.ca/en/learn-and-play/waterfront-harbours.aspx) - [Kiwanis Walleye World Fishing Derby](https://www.facebook.com/walleyeworld) - [Pop-Ups on the Bay](https://popupshop.discoverbelleville.ca/) - [Quinte Fishing Series](https://quintefishingseries.com/) - [Quinte West Pop-ups](https://quintewest.ca/tourism-events/city-events/quinte-west-pop-ups/) - [Trent Port Marina](https://trentportmarina.ca/) READ ALSO - [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth250px/bay-of-quinte-2x.jpg) Outdoor & Adventure Bay of Quinte: West ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/itineraries/bay-of-quinte-west/) - [ ![](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/images/transforms/_maxWidth250px/pec_belleville.jpg) Outdoor & Adventure A 5-Day Outdoor Adventure And Wellness Retreat ](https://www.southeasternontario.ca/itineraries/a-5-day-outdoor-adventure-and-wellness-retreat/) This content was created in partnership with [Ottawa Road Trips](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/) and is current as of June 2025. Some of these locations are seasonal and vary in closure from Labour Day through to late fall. Please check the links before setting off on your adventure and plan accordingly.