Brockville: Waterway Adventure Guide

South Eastern Ontario / Sud-est de l'Ontario

Did you know that the gorgeous 1000 Islands in the St. Lawrence River actually comprise 1,864 islands? (To qualify as an island, a piece of land must be above water every day of the year and support at least one living tree.) And further, did you know that the City of Brockville is the only community that owns any of these islands? You can visit them by private powerboat, kayak or canoe, or take a water taxi operated by the Dive Brockville Adventure Centre. You’ll also see some of them aboard a sightseeing trip with 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises, or Dive Brockville.

That’s not the only unique way to get out on the water in Brockville. Just offshore, you’ll find the Centeen Underwater Dive Park, where you can scuba among more than 45 sculptures created by local artists and students. Notably clear water also draws freshwater divers to the many shipwrecks along this stretch of the St. Lawrence. And multiple beaches, including a large one at St. Lawrence Park, are popular with swimmers on hot summer days.

Once you’ve had your fill of water fun, you’ll find lots more to enjoy on shore. Learn about the ecology of the St. Lawrence at the Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing. See the free sound and light show inside Canada’s oldest railway tunnel. Catch a show at the Brockville Arts Centre. For a bit of history, visit the Brockville Museum or tour opulent Fulford Place. Or just enjoy a meal with a river view, watching ships go by.

Places to stop

Brockville offers so many ways to enjoy its St. Lawrence River waterfront—whether you’re eating a meal, strolling in a park, learning about the river or even diving below the waves! And just a few blocks from the shore, you can take in a show at an arts centre, delve into history, see a unique sound-and-light show in an old railway tunnel and more.

WORTH CHECKING OUT

Logistics

Eager to get out on the water with a motorboat, canoe, kayak or standup paddleboard—or to find a great place to swim? This section has the information you need.

Beaches

You can jump into the St. Lawrence River from several Brockville spots. Centeen Park doesn’t have a beach but does offer river access; it’s best for strong swimmers. Cunningham Park offers a seawall (not a beach) in the west end. Also in the west end, you’ll find a sandy beach at St. Lawrence Park.

Boat Launches

It’s easy to launch your boat into the St. Lawrence River in Brockville. You can put a canoe, kayak or standup paddleboard into the water at these locations, too.

Other Paddling Put-Ins

As well as the boat launch sites listed above, you can also launch canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards at the Mac Johnson Creek Conservation Area.

Water Services

For an unforgettable experience, book a scenic cruise among some of the 1000 Islands, departing from Brockville’s downtown waterfront. Other ways to get out on the St. Lawrence River include renting a boat, hopping aboard a water taxi and going scuba diving. And if you’re bringing your own boat, you’ll probably want to find a marina in Brockville. This section has all the links you need.

 

Boat Cruises

Standing on the deck of a 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises ship, admiring countless islands scattered across the St. Lawrence River like green jewels, is one of Brockville’s iconic experiences. Some islands are so tiny they only have one tree, while others are large enough to support multiple cottages—some of them quite grand! The company offers a wide range of trips, including brunch cruises, dinner cruises and themed events.The Dive Brockville Adventure Centre also offers one-hour sightseeing trips that can be tailored to your interests, such as history or shipwrecks.

Sail away

Boat Rentals

If you dream of paddling a canoe through the Thousand Islands—or setting out in a kayak or motorboat, or on a standup paddleboard—the following Brockville organizations and companies rent out watercraft.

Dive Shop

Known for its large number of shipwrecks and its fascinating underwater dive park, Brockville is a popular scuba destination. The Dive Brockville Adventure Centre runs local dives and sells scuba and snorkelling equipment.

Marinas

When you’re out on the water in Brockville, it’s easy to find marinas where you can get gas, repairs or boating supplies, or tie up your boat at a rental slip (note that not all services are available at all listed marinas).

Water Taxi

Wondering how to get out to some of the islands off Brockville’s shore? The Dive Brockville Adventure Centre offers a water taxi service.

Other Services

Feeling hungry? In Brockville, you can find everything from casual fish-and-chip shops to elegant steakhouses, as well as international cuisine. Downtown’s King Street and surrounding blocks are home to locally owned shops and cafes, and you’ll find big chain retailers on Brockville’s outskirts. Banks, gas stations and grocery stores are plentiful, too.

Accommodations

From campgrounds and motels to restful inns and brand-name hotels, Brockville offers accommodations to appeal to just about any visitor. If you’d like a water view, check out the following.

WORTH CHECKING OUT

Visitor Information

Downtown, the Brockville Tourism Visitor Information Centre (16 Market Street East) provides maps, guides, brochures and more, year-round. Check the website for hours.Online, Brockville Tourism has visitor information for the city, and the South Eastern Ontario regional tourism organization promotes the entire waterfront from the Bay of Quinte to the Ontario-Quebec border. 

Plan your visit

Plan more fun!

The links below may help you further in planning your vacation in Brockville. Check Brockville Tourism’s calendar of events for even more ideas!

READ ALSO

This content was created in partnership with Ottawa Road Trips and is current as of June 2025.