Road Tripping Through Summer: Cornwall

Keeping kids busy during summer is not for the faint of heart.

Pack their gear and get them away from the screens with these road trip ideas. 

Yup, gas prices are ridiculously high right now, but if the thought of staying home and mindlessly sitting in front of a screen…again, is not your thing, it’s time to hit the road and discover parts heretofore unknown in South Eastern Ontario.

Day 1

If you haven’t been, you’re in for a treat at Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre. Explore informative and interactive simulations and displays, and take in the history of the St. Lawrence River. Learn about the history of the Mohawks of Akwesasne, the first inhabitants of the St. Lawrence River Valley and hear of the Lost Villages that were part of the sacrifice in building the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project.

Next up (we hope you brought your bikes!), grab a picnic lunch, strap your helmets on and hit the Waterfront Trail. This Ontario-wide route extends over 3,000 km and connects 140 Communities and First Nations along the shores of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Park free at the Cornwall Civic Complex and hop on the Trail. If you’re in need of bicycle accessories or repairs, you can find everything you need downtown at Bicycle World (24 Ninth Street East) or Total Cyclery & Sports (241 Pitt Street). Check out other cycling routes, get printable maps and find links to Riding with GPS maps here.

Got a rumbly in your tumbly? Cornwall has a varied food scene with lots to choose from.

Day 2

Check out the retro vibe at Val and Paulie’s Diner on Pitt Street where you can sidle on up to the lunch counter and then check out the cool collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia. Equally great for families is another Cornwall tradition, Harv’s Diner. Great place to stop for breakfast or lunch in comfy surroundings.  And if you just can’t shake that craving, The Happy Popcorn Co. is a sweet tooth lovers’ delight offering gourmet popcorn (think pizza, garlic parm, cherry and green apple), as well as retro candies, artisan sodas and cotton candy.

If you’re visiting for the weekend, there is no better way to revvvv up the excitement than taking in a Sunday night race at the Cornwall Motor Speedway One of Cornwall’s most popular summer events featuring a quarter-mile dirt track.

Snuggle up at the many accommodations in the Cornwall area. Don’t forget to check out these promotions and discounts.