A Farewell To Summer
The labour day weekend is fast approaching – do you have any plans? Soak up the last few days of summer by planning out a long weekend filled with things to do and places to see. Whether you’re in the mood to relax or party, here is a list of 25 things to do during the weekend!
Outdoor Activities
1. Play a round (or two) of golf: From urban courses to lush and sophisticated fairways like Black Bear Ridge in Corbyville, we have a golf course for you. Book your tee time now to avoid disappointment!
2. Go camping: Reservations at the popular Sandbanks Provincial Park may be hard to secure this close to the long weekend, but further east Parks of the St. Lawrence boast hundreds of campsites, including gorgeous waterfront sites. Hardy campers will appreciate the peaceful backcountry at rugged Frontenac Provincial Park.
3. Build sandcastles at the beach: If you’re more a day tripper, grab your kiddos, a sand bucket and shovel and head to one of our pristine beaches.
4. Paddle the Rideau Canal: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal offers an unforgettable kayaking experience. Bring your own or rent one from local outfitters like Frontenac Outfitters or Trailhead Kingston.
5. Take a cycling adventure. The path along the Thousand Islands Parkway is a great place to start! The 37-km paved multi-use pathway that runs adjacent to the St. Lawrence River offers cycling enthusiasts spectacular water views along the way. It’s smooth-surfaced, separate from the high traffic roadway, and even runs alongside Landon’s Bay with a spectacular lookout.
In Cornwall, spend the day cycling or walking along the trail that runs through Lamoureux Park. The L&A County Trails have 12 looping cycling routes with 600 km of paved roadway.
In Prince Edward County, the distances between villages and attractions are short, allowing for easy rest stops.
6. Go fishing: Drop your line and see what you find. Most of the region is MNR Fisheries Management Zone 18, with the exception of Prince Edward County, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, Wolfe Island and Howe Island, which is Zone 20. Remember to follow all fishing regulations, including having a valid Outdoors Card.
Sightseeing & Tours
7. Cruise the 1000 Islands: Cruising the St. Lawrence River is a classic experience in South Eastern Ontario. With a variety of boats to choose from, like the elegant Island Queen, there’s no better way to experience the river.
8. Take a ghost walk…if you dare: Haunted Walks of Kingston is an award-winning and bone-chilling walk through the city’s historic streets. Your guide tells ghost stories during your stroll and we’ve heard of ghost sightings too!
9. Have a family day at the Aquatarium: The Aquatarium is more than just an aquarium. They offer a full range of interactive exhibits and activities for kids in a comfortable, and accessible environment!
10. Meet some furry friends at Saunders Country Critter Zoo and Sanctuary Leisurely stroll around and experience the animals or take in an educational talk for free.
11. Visit a museum: No matter your interests, there is a museum in South Eastern Ontario that will capture your imagination. Learn about the region’s penitentiary history in Kingston or step back into the 1800s at Upper Canada Village.
12. Visit Canada’s first railway tunnel. Travel back to the 1800’s and see history come to life while making your way through one of the most impressive examples of engineering that predates the Canadian Pacific Railway.
13. Fire a cannon at Fort Wellington. Having been built in 1812 to defend the St. Lawrence River, Fort Wellington has something interesting to teach all ages.
14. Take a helicopter tour: Seeing the 1000 Islands by helicopter is an adventure you will never forget. Soar above the waterways and castles with 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours.
15. Visit Fort Henry: Come visit this award-winning UNESCO Heritage Site! Experience military life in the 1800s with an educational guided tour.
Entertainment, Culture & Heritage
16. Go to an art crawl. In the heart of downtown Kingston, check out eclectic Martello Alley. The arts scene in Merrickville is filled with fine art galleries and shops, brimming with pottery, glass, and paintings from local artists. Let your creativity run wild on the art trails found throughout Prince Edward County County.
17. Indulge in retail therapy: Each town and city in South Eastern Ontario have its own unique collection of shops. Downtown Kingston boasts upscale retailers and in Prince Edward County, expect to find stores full of perfectly curated vintage goods and niche boutiques. Westport and Newboro have lovely stores with everything from luxe kitchen wares to designer furniture.
18. Try an escape room: Test your problem-solving skills at Kingston’s Improbable Escapes or Wonderland Escape Room, Cornwalls Rush Hour Escape, or Prince Edward County’s Escape Room a collection of escape rooms where you are pitted against the clock to get out of a locked room.
19. See a movie at the renovated Mustang Drive-In Theatre in Prince Edward County. This is a nostalgic one-of-a-kind experience!
Food & Drink
20. Go on a wine tour: Prince Edward County’s terrier is recognized throughout the world as being unique and the hospitality The County’s winemakers will make you feel right at home. Self-guided wine tours (remember your designated driver) or chauffeured options are available.
For a new wine experience, take a self-guided tour (again, remember your designated driver) of the growing wine community in SDG Counties.
21. Experience true farm-to-table initiatives. Littlejohn Farm is fueled by a passion for farming and healthy eating. Try their culinary-based workshops, wine tours, or maybe have a unique farm stay. This educational farm and sustainability learning centre incorporates two veggie patches, herb gardens and an orchard.
READ ALSO: 22 Farms That Are Perfect For A Family Trip
22. Pack a picnic of local food: On Saturday, go to a farmers’ market and pack a picnic lunch of local food, such as bread, cheeses, honey, fruit, and vegetables. Kingston’s Springer Market Square is home to the province’s oldest open-air market and Belleville, Cornwall, Gananoque, and Brockville all have markets that are a short walking distance from parks where you can sit down and enjoy the sunshine in.
23. Tour a craft brewery: Almost each town and city in the region boasts a craft brewery. Check out Wild Card Brewing in Trenton, Rurban Brewing in Cornwall, Parsons Brewing in Prince Edward County, Mackinnon Brothers in Lennox & Addington, or Daft Brewery in Kingston. All of these places offer flights and a bottle shop to take home your new favourite brew.
24. Dine out with endless options everywhere: The County is a culinary gem, Gananoque is known for its quirky cafes and Belleville and Trenton are home to Italian restaurants boasting fresh pasta made daily. We’re serious about food here, with chefs often sourcing local ingredients paired with local food, ciders, and wines.
25. Go for ice cream In Bloomfield, grab a cone at Slickers, The County’s most popular ice cream shop, featuring fresh homemade flavours. Sundaes and soft-serve are a favourite at Brockville’s Cowan’s Dairy. Reid’s Dairy in the Bay of Quinte is famous for its shakes. Stella Luna in Merrickville is a must-stop when you want gelato, and Dairy Barn in Kemptville can’t be missed!
Do the things you love in South Eastern Ontario
Share your Labour Day weekend adventures with us on Instagram by tagging your pictures #SouthEasternOntario!
