Cornwall and SDG Counties: Waterway Adventure Guide

South Eastern Ontario / Sud-est de l'Ontario

The United Counties of Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry, usually abbreviated as simply “SDG Counties,” are tucked into the easternmost corner of Ontario. Europeans first settled the region in the late 1700s, but one of SDG Counties’ most interesting stories unfolded over 150 years later. During the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway, some 6,500 people were relocated from their homes in 10 communities along the St. Lawrence River. Then, on July 1, 1958, a planned dam explosion released a torrent of water that submerged the communities beneath the river’s waves forever.

Today, scuba divers can enjoy the unique experience of swimming above abandoned roads and buildings of the “Lost Villages.” Nearby, cyclists, drivers and pedestrians can travel the scenic Long Sault Parkway, which joins 11 islands formed during the Seaway’s creation. The Lost Villages Brewery in Long Sault makes craft beers named for Lost Villages stories. And history buffs can see buildings saved from the submerged communities at the Lost Villages Museum in Long Sault and Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg.

The St. Lawrence and SDG Counties’ other rivers remain popular playgrounds for paddlers, power boaters, anglers and swimmers. (The beaches along the Long Sault Parkway are particularly pretty.) Waterfront festivals and events abound, including Cornwall Waterfest, the Raisin River Canoe Race, the Art on the Waterfront festival in Chesterville and the Galop Canal Bluegrass Festival in Iroquois.

Can’t you just picture yourself sipping a cool beverage while enjoying a view of sparkling waters? Come to SDG Counties and you can make that dream come true. You can also go birding in riverside conservation areas, enjoy light-hearted summer theatre, watch oceangoing ships pass through huge locks, immerse yourself in the past at a living history park or learn how electricity is generated. One thing is certain: You’ll never be bored!

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Logistics

In Cornwall & SDG Counties, you’re rarely far from water. This section points you in the right direction if you want to hit the beach or get your boat into the water.

One of the amazing things about beaches along the St. Lawrence River is that, as you swim or sunbathe, you can also watch huge ships travelling through the Seaway on their way to and from the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re seeking quieter waters, you can splash in a pond in Alexandria.

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Boat Launches and Paddling Put-Ins

You’ll find boat launches across SDG Counties, giving you access to the mighty St. Lawrence as well as quieter rivers. Whether you want to fish, paddle, or go powerboating, adventures await!

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Cautions and Notes

Water Services

No boat? No worries. In SDG Counties, you can rent a boat, go scuba diving or book a fishing guide. You can also pilot your own boat to one of the many marinas. This section gives you all the information you need to get out on the water.

Looking to rent a canoe, kayak, standup paddleboard, motorboat or pontoon boat? Check with these SDG Counties companies to find just the type of watercraft you need.

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Dive Shops

SDG Counties offers one of the most fascinating dive destinations in Canada: the Lost Villages, intentionally submerged forever during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Swimming above abandoned buildings and roads is an unforgettable experience. The river is also famous for its clear waters and wealth of shipwrecks. Decostop Dive Shop in Lancaster and 02ToGo Dive Centre in Cornwall can help you discover these and other great dive sites.

Fishing Charters and Guides

SDG Counties offers fishing adventures for anglers of all abilities, and the Hoople Creek Basin is one of the best pickerel fishing sites in Eastern Ontario! Big Guns Outfitting can take you to prime (and scenic) spots to cast your line for walleye, muskie, carp, pickerel and more. Note that most fishers need an outdoors card and/or a fishing licence from the Government of Ontario to fish in SDG Counties.

All along the St. Lawrence River shoreline in SDG Counties, you’ll find excellent marinas where you can stop for repairs, fuel, boating supplies or a place to dock for the night. (Note that not all services are available at all listed marinas.)

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Other Services

The city of Cornwall is the main commercial hub of SDG. There, you’ll find a wide range of services, including grocery stores, gas stations, banks, restaurants, and independent and national-brand retailers. SDG Counties is home to lots of friendly villages and small towns, where shopkeepers will be happy to point you to local hidden gems—whether you’re looking for the best bakery, the most scenic hiking trail, or a great place to enjoy a beer while watching a game.  

While amenities such as gas stations, bank ATMs, cafes and grocery stores are plentiful across SDG Counties, you’ll find a particularly wide choice in Alexandria, Ingleside, Iroquois, Lancaster, Long Sault, Morrisburg and Summerstown. 

Accommodations

Accommodations of all sorts are available in SDG Counties, from campgrounds and inns to national-brand hotels. If you’d like to wake up to a water view, here are a few possibilities.

Visitor Information

The Historic SDG Jail, located at 11 Water Street West in Cornwall, but managed by SDG Counties, serves as SDG Counties’ visitor centre in the summer season. You can book a tour to visit Ontario’s second-oldest and most haunted jail, or pop in to receive visitor services. Maps, guides and information about SDG Counties are available here. The Cornwall Tourism seasonal visitor centre pop-up is located at the entrance of the Aquatic Centre, open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. 

Plan your visit

Plan more fun!

Looking for more ideas for your getaway to Cornwall and SDG Counties? Check out the region’s events calendar and the following links!

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