By day, South Eastern Ontario is a little slice of paradise with a unique combination of local culture and stunning natural landscapes. But that doesn’t stop when the sun goes down! The fun continues in the region at night to provide some one-of-a-kind experiences that can’t be found anywhere else.
1. Take A Trip Down The Rabbit Hole…
Escape the every day and find out where adventure and fun collide! At Wonderland Escape Rooms & Lounge, enjoy a full-service board game cafe lounge and escape room facility in the west end of Kingston. Creativity is maxed here and the escape rooms even offer an intriguing virtual component so you don’t have to leave the house to take part in the fun.
2. Visit A Craft Brewery
So much amazing craft beer, so little time! With Skeleton Park Brewery Spearhead, Riverhead, Stone City Ales, Daft, Kingston Brewing Company, Fine Balance Brewing Company one thing’s for sure – you won’t be thirsty. Discover what makes each brew different, pick your fav and maybe even meet a brewmaster. Revel in the unique style of local breweries and savour some suds with your buds.
3. Have a Hauntingly Good Time
The Original Haunted Walk of Kingston takes you to haunted hotels, hidden burial grounds, Kingston’s famous haunted courtyard and more! At Fort Henry, you can explore the spooky fortress which dates back to the 19th century. Learn from your guide about the supernatural encounter, hanging and the secret of Deadman’s Bay. If walking on foot around the city is not your thing, hop on the Ghost and Mystery Trolly for a 90-minute tour of over 200 years of paranormal history. Get a chance to see the secret haunted spots that not even locals are aware of! Who would have thought that Kingston could be so creepy?
4. Staging A Great Summer
Make it an evening to remember with on-stage magic at the Thousands Islands Playhouse! Canada’s Dockside Theatre is returning this summer with a mini-season of four limited-seating and distanced productions at the Firehall Theatre. Patrons can also enjoy quality professional theatre from the comfort of home this summer, with four live-streamed performances per production. The Thousand Islands Playhouse has been presenting live entertainment in the heart of the 1000 Islands for more than 35 years with a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River.
5. Thousand Islands Shorelines Casino
For fast-paced action, test your luck at the Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands in Gananoque! With hundreds of slot machines complementing numerous table games, any night becomes instantly more entertaining.
6. Culture Connection
Known as one of Canada’s finest historic theatres of its size, the Brockville Arts Centre welcomes high-calibre entertainment in a typical year. But the multi-faceted arts building goes beyond music and hosts a variety of shows including community theatre, movies and professional entertainment. The Brockville Arts Centre is a fully-accessible venue deeply rooted in Brockville’s history and welcomes thousands of theatregoers to an intimate experience that makes them feel connected to performers. Watch here for a rocking summer series of tribute in a normal year. Be sure to check out the eye-catching art gallery pieces that pop from the entryway leading to the theatre’s lower level!
7. Climbing Into Fun – After Hours
Experience climbing through the rigging of a tall ship with a one-of-a-kind ropes course! The High Ropes Course at the Aquatarium in Brockville is a nine-element obstacle adventure suspended a minimum of 12 feet above Aquatarium’s third floor. Strapped into a harness with lanyards, you navigate through the exciting course safely. Private bookings are available. Trained staff will help you traverse each obstacle, but if you’re fearless, they’ll keep a watchful eye but let you explore the course at your own pace.
8. Where Magick Comes Alive
Get in touch with the modern witch in all of us. A magical shop in Prescot, Olde Magick is your place to discover crystals, herbs, incense, books, and jewelry. Watch here for evening classes – right now there’s a virtual class focusing on connecting with your inner magick through candles!
9. All The World’s A Stage
Experience some of Shakespeare’s most memorable work, performed outdoors against the stunning backdrop of the sparkling St. Lawrence River. Prescott’s St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival typically sets this enchanting scene rain or shine during the summer. The outdoor, waterfront amphitheatre at the town’s harbour plays a remarkable host to the growing professional festival. Please note that nothing has been announced for this summer.
10. The Signal Is Strong
It doesn’t get much better than local beer, great food and live music on a spacious waterfront patio along the mighty Moira River. Historic craft brewery, Signal Brewing Company, makes every evening special with its rustic interior and amazing views. Singal offers a delicious menu and even a take-out window option. Stop by for a friendly chat and discover your new favourite brew.
11. Old Church Theatre
Spring weather means enjoying patios again, which at the Old Church typically means plenty of live music with a side of excellent wood-fired pizza. Although things are different this year, this 140-year-old historical landmark sits atop a hill and from the top of its signature tower with four windows, you can look into all three of the surrounding counties; Hastings, Prince Edward and Northumberland. Special evenings are a tradition here.
12. The Sky’s The Limit At L&A Dark Sky Viewing Area
Grab lawn chairs and a blanket – and prepare to be awed by the breathtaking night sky seen at the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area. Rediscover the night sky as it looked 100 years ago at the most southerly dark sky night viewing area in the province! Big hat tip to nature for making this evening unforgettable.
13. Delicious Dinner, Private Tastings, And A Groovy Yurt!
The perfect evening awaits in South Dundas and Glengarry Counties! Start with tapas, trendy drinks and desserts at Alexandria’s La Buvette du Marche – a former historic meat market transformed into a modern gastropub. La Buvette du Marche is known for its creative cocktails, delicious menu items and lounge patio. Make a night of it and stay at Groovy Yurts, hand-made and authentic Mongolian four-season yurts at a farm in Alexandria. Enjoy a city escape, romantic getaway or family getaway. Be sure to take in vineyard tours and four (yes, you read that right!) patios at Stonehouse Vineyards just down the road in Lochiel. The tastings and tours are a great way to explore the vineyard with your own guide – as well as book a private patio tasting for you and a special someone.
14. The Cove
The Cove in Westport has it going on! Typically a nightly hotspot for lively music, dancing and delicious eats but currently offering amazing take out options. Please check open status before leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind and experiencing country hospitality in a scenic setting. This historic inn features newly-renovated suites with relaxation top of mind. Settle in and stay awhile overlooking the water. Foley Mountain Conservation Area nearby offers one of the best panoramic views along the Rideau from Spy Rock. Look here for wonderful trails, too!
16. Movies At The Mustang
Nostalgia is plentiful here! The Mustang Drive-In is brimming with possibility and retro vibes. Catch a double feature under the stars or one of their live music events. It has been a community mainstay since the 1950s – and is still going strong creating memories to last a lifetime. Look for the iconic bus!
17. The Hayloft Dancehall
This is an old-school dance hall in a rural barn. Expect guitar-heavy and alt-country bands, local food, brown liquids, and a foot-stomping good time!
The night time is the right time in South Eastern Ontario! It’s about embracing the darkness – and discovering a whole side of the region when the sun goes down.
