The seasons changing in the 1000 Islands is something to celebrate! The weather may be cooling down, but the adventure in Brockville is only heating up. Read on for a quick guide on 12 unique fall experiences to have in Brockville this season!
1. Stroll Through The Brockville Railway Tunnel
Marvel at being able to walk through a piece of our country’s history – take a stroll through Canada’s first railway tunnel! The Brockville RailwayTunnel runs underneath the city’s downtown and is a must-see destination – it’s open until mid-autumn. With interpretive sign boards along the way, the sounds of trains chugging through the tunnel transport visitors back in time when this was a valuable link to the waterfront from under the city. Fall is a unique time to see the tunnel, as darkness falls earlier and it’s especially enchanting at night! Once the sun goes down, the light show inside Canada’s First Railway tunnel seems amplified with reds, blues, purples and greens cascading down the walls. The tunnel doors close at 9 p.m. so there is plenty of time to visit after watching the sunset over the St. Lawrence River on Blockhouse Island.
2. Quell That Racing Bug
Get your adrenaline pumping and take in the dirt car Fall nationals at the Brockville Ontario Speedway this October! The speedway, located just outside of the city, is known for its fast-paced action. Cure that racing bug and head over to the 3/8 mile dirt track with grand-style seating for great views of the track from all angles. Feel the need for speed in Brockville this fall!
3. Hop Aboard For Escape Brockville
Race against time in one of the city’s newest adventures: Escape Brockville. Reserve your spot with up to six friends and family members and get locked inside Brockville’s historic caboose with 45 minutes to work on challenging games and puzzles to unlock the door. Uncover clues and hidden compartments in an intriguing railway-themed atmosphere for the ultimate unique real-life game. Afterwards, stroll through the nearby legendary Brockville Railway Tunnel to complete the authentic railway experience.
4. Set Sail On A 1000 Islands Cruise
No season in the 1,000 Islands is complete without getting on the water! Rockport Cruises is based in the heart of the 1000 Islands and showcases the grandeur of real castles by highlighting Boldt Castle on every one of its seven different boat tours. Be amazed by the castle, Millionaire’s Row, a statue of St. Lawrence and more on Rockport 1000 Islands Cruise’s Palaces and Palisades cruise.
Glide through scenic channels and get closer to nature with 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises in Brockville. See Brockville’s historic waterfront, Millionaire’s Row, waterfront mansions, quaint cottages and even ships on the St. Lawrence River on the Jewels of the St. Lawrence 1.5 hour cruise. Tour among the islands that have become known as a playground for the rich and famous!
5. Enjoy Local Food At The Farmer’s Market
Savour home-grown goodness from the Brockville Farmer’s Market at Market St. West, Thursdays and Saturdays 8:00 am-1: 00 pm in October and Saturdays 9:00 am-2: 00 pm at the Court House Lodge in November. Connect farm-to-plate by chatting with local producers while experiencing this historic market that has been bringing the Brockville community together for 185 seasons. Look here for everything from traditional and organic produce to honey and from maple syrup to baked goods and more. You may even leave with fresh cut flowers or hand-crafted jewellery! Celebrate local in the Brockville area and discover an authentic down-home market.
6. Aquatarium
The whole family can have a blast at Brockville’s Aquatarium. Don’t be afraid to get dirty at this attraction because you will be invited to get hands-on! Get to know the beautiful St. Lawrence River by meeting native species of fish and animals, exploring sunken ship replicas and diving into the fun of an adventure! Did we forget to mention that the Aquatarium is a thrill-seekers paradise? For a small cost, adventurers can gain access to an indoor ropes course and a 40’ high AquaDrop!
What is even better than fresh apples? Fresh apple pie of course! At Hall’s Apple Market, you can pick your own batch to make something flaky and crumbly at home, or, to save you some time in the kitchen, grab one of their fruity pies on your way out – we hear they are the best in Brockville.
8. Go Tree-Top Trekking This Fall
Looking for a unique experience to revel in fall? You can literally trek through the fall colours at Treetop Trekking in the 1000 Islands! Take to the trees to experience a life-changing perspective on the 1000 Islands – propel through Ontario’s largest ziplining and canopy adventure park at Treetop Trekking near Mallorytown. Kids can explore treehouses connected by log bridges, ramps, slides and a swing in the Treewalk Village. Guests enjoy exploring courses within the forest canopy, hiking through unique games, bridges, swings, nets and full-on zip lines from one treetop platform to the next.
9. Get Spooked by Haunting Horrors
If you and your family are feeling brave, make your way through the Tunnel of Terror! The traditional railway tunnel is transformed into a haunted hallway filled with spooky secrets to discover.
You are in for a treat this year as Brockville Operatic Society presents Little Shop of Horrors from October 12th to 15th! The story follows Seymour Krelborn and an exotic plant that brings him more than he could wish for, both good and bad.
Every Saturday in October your clan can head to Steward Boulevard to take a trip through HeiNoon Horrors, which includes a haunted walk and Halloween maze.
Take your changes and try to escape the brand new escape room experience hosted by Aquatarium – The Halloween Hostage. If you think you can take it, level up the spook factor for extra scares.
Action and adventure collide at Stingers Indoor Paintball in Brockville! Spend the remaining days of summer sporting with paintball, laser tag, batting cages, basketball, badminton, hockey, soccer, squash and much more. Summer is a game that’s meant to be played full throttle!
Ever want to just throw some axes? We do! The Capitol Axe Throwing in Brockville is the place to be to get in on the fast growing sport of axe throwing in a safe, clean and family-friendly place. With public throwing, parties and even leagues on the go, The Capitol is your next unique date night, unforgettable family gathering or the best bachelorette stop.
Get those toes tapping at the Brockville Arts Centre during fun and incredible live shows! Watch as Country Legends takes the stage in August, as a tribute to the musical talents of Keith Urban, Shania Twain and Garth Brooks. Look for Matt Dusk Sings Sinatra, Men of the Deeps, and The Comic Strippers lighting up the arts centre this fall. This beautifully restored heritage theatre is well known for its comfort, friendly staff and fine acoustics.
Edited & Updated By Lindsay Medeiros
