Looking for the best things to do in Belleville Ontario? Belleville is located midway between Toronto and Montreal on the northern shore of the Bay of Quinte in southern Ontario.
Belleville has everything that travelers are looking for to keep themselves busy all through their stay in Ontario. There are numerous local stores, cafes, and restaurants in Belleville’s downtown which are fascinating.
There are also plenty of outdoor opportunities to venture into if you’re looking for any. The city is all year tourist destination for people of all ages.
For your better travel experience, here is the list of the best things to do in Belleville Ontario.
Best things to do in Belleville Ontario
1 Zwick Centennial Park
On our first list of things to do in Belleville Ontario is to visit Zwick Centennial Park. Zwick’s Centennial Park is located West of Bay Bridge Road. The park contains two sections east and west.
The park also features a Playground, Picnic Sites, and Sports Fields. Zwick Centennial Park is a perfect day-out trip that will surely delight its visitors.
2 Discover the Street Art and Murals
Are you the kind that loves street Art? If so make sure to visit the Street Art and murals. These murals can be seen on the facades of buildings that face open parking lots in little passageways and are accessible by foot.
You will also find a lot of local art by taking a stroll along Front Street and Pinnacle Street in the center of the city but don’t forget to explore the areas beside and behind certain structures as well.
3 Go Kayaking
Among the best ways to enjoy the beautiful Bay of Quinte is to try out Kayarking. At Pop-ups on the Bay, Venture Outfitters makes it simple to rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. SUPs, solo kayaks, and tandem kayaks are available for hourly or daily rental.
Being on the water on a hot summer day is quite refreshing. Also when visiting a city with such breathtaking shorelines, water activities are a must to venture into.
4 Visit Glanmore National Historic Site of Canada
Visiting the Glanmore National Historic Site of Canada is one of the best things to do in Belleville for those who adore history and intriguing stories.
Learn about the original residents of the home throughout four generations as you tour the carefully preserved and renovated rooms.
Among items to see on this historic site are furniture, clocks, antiques, books, rugs, clothes, and more.
5 The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant
One of the best things to do in Belleville Ontario is to visit the Boathouse restaurant. This is only one restaurant in Belleville to go to if you want to taste delicious seafood.
While they have been a fixture along Victoria Harbour for 20 years, they have won numerous awards, including 17 years as Quinte’s Favorite Readers’ Choice Seafood Restaurant and 2019’s Best Seafood Restaurant in Ontario at the Ontario Food Awards. Spice up your day with delicious seafood from this top-rated restaurant.
6 Vanderwater Conservation Area
Vanderwater Conservation Area is located along the banks of the Moira River. Visitors can explore a trail network consisting of 16 km that will lead them through mature forests and to the Moira River where the water cascades over a series of limestone steps.
Many outdoor activities, including hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog walking, picnicking, and passive biking, are very popular in the Vanderwater Conservation Area.
7 Hike at Potter’s Creek Conservation Area
Looking for a wonderful place to venture into hiking in Belleville, visit Potters Creek Conservation Area. Potter’s Creek Conservation Park offers 7 km of pathways for visitors to explore.
This area consists of two separate trail networks on the north and south sides of Old Hwy 2. The north side trails are a popular destination for hikers and cross-country skiers. The south side trails offer access to the Bay of Quinte and include a paved loop trail that provides an opportunity for those with accessibility restrictions to spend time in nature.
8 Grills Orchards
If you haven’t been to Grills Orchard, you should consider adding it to your list of things to do when you next travel to Belleville. A preferred neighborhood grocery store for most travelers!
There is a lot to see and purchase new, regional goods. In the Grill orchard, visitors may engage with the active farm by pecking their own fresh apples or just watching the hens.
For kids, visiting Grill Orchard is a chance to learn, explore, and have some good old-fashioned fun. For others, Grill Orchard is still the ideal Belleville location for a peaceful afternoon.
Alongside selling apples they bake bread each day, using local, organic flours, and also make a delicious variety of pies and pastries. They are famous for their homemade fudge, which they pack in lovely gift boxes.
9 Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves
Tyendinaga Cavern & Caves is a family-owned and operated exploration destination. Located on the picturesque Bay of Quinte where they have been offering a guided tour of Ontario’s largest natural cavern for nearly 15 years.
Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves is Ontario’s oldest natural cavern. Wearing good shoes and carrying a flashlight, explore the deep cavern with 300 million-year-old fossils, a wishing well, flowstone deposits, and a cave curtain.
10 Riverside Park
Riverside Park happens to be one of the refreshment spots in the city of Belleville. The Park is well-designed for multi-purpose use.
The Pirate Ship play structure at the park is one of the coolest play structures. Children between the ages of 3 to 10 will definitely love the amazing tranquility that the park offers.
Everyone with children under the age of 10 is highly encouraged to attend Riverside Park and enjoy a pleasant day out.
11 Belleville Farmers Market
Inaugurated in 1816, the Belleville Farmers Market was first held in the city hall building until 1872. The market is now located in Belleville’s Downtown District directly behind City Hall. The market is open year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There are locally grown fruits, vegetables, maple syrup, and fresh-cut flowers available at the market. You may also spot some baked goods, plants, and handcrafted items, too.
12 Corby Park Rose Garden
The peaceful Old East Hill neighborhood of Belleville is home to the historic Corby Park Rose Garden. It’s a pretty little park where you can meander about and take in the wildflowers.
At one of the park’s entrances, there is a grand fountain and this lovely green area is decorated with flowerbeds.
The Corby Rose Garden was originally owned by Henry Corby a prominent businessman from England who helped Belleville grow as a community.
The park was recently renovated in 2016, having been dedicated to the city in 1905. For the best rose viewing, I advise going to the rose garden in June or July.
13 Visit Dahlia May Flower Farm
One of the smallest family farms in Quinte West is Dahlia May Flower Farm, which has acres of the most vivid and exquisite flowers you’ve ever seen. They offer a year-round farm store, weekly flower deliveries, and monthly floral subscription services.
For a brief period each weekend in the months of August and September, Dahlia May opens their flower fields to people wishing to tour the farm.
When making a list of things to do in Belleville, try your best to include a visit to the Dahlia May Flower Farm. Don’t forget to bring your camera so you can capture this serene tranquility in beautiful detail.
14 Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park, Orono
Visit the Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park to get close to exotic animals and take a behind-the-scenes tour where you may pet and feed baby lions, tigers, lemurs, and other animals.
The kid-friendly park offers daily informative feeding tours as well as a night safari where you can find out more about the nocturnal animals at the site.
15 Sandbanks Estate Winery, Wellington
Wine enthusiasts visit Sandbanks Estate Winery to enjoy wine tastings and the picturesque 2.5 hectares of vines.
Visit the Estate winery and take a tour to learn more about the grapes, the winemaking process, and the vast history of the facility from knowledgeable employees.
Don’t leave without enjoying a glass of the distinctive Baco and Foch Reserve wines on the patio under the sun. For fans, souvenir hats and T-shirts are available for purchase.
16 Visit the Church of St. Michael the Archangel
If you’re a lover of Catholicism, then the Church of St. Michael the Archangel should be on your list of things to do in Belleville.
With about 3,000 members and devotees, St. Michael the Archangel Church is Belleville’s oldest Roman Catholic parish. It has numerous active children’s, youth, men’s fellowship, and Bible study programs and activities.
The church is beautiful inside and out and has plenty of parking space. The stained glass windows were particularly gorgeous.
17 Grab a Coffee at Brake Room
Having a cup of coffee in your hand makes exploring Belleville more enjoyable! The Brake Room, a cafe and bike shop, is located at the intersection of Pinnacle and Dundas.
There are a ton of motorcycles available, along with a huge selection of accessories including patch kits, bike seats, and everything else you would need to revolve around the city.
The Brake Room is a top recommended place to have vast lots of fun in the city of Belleville.
18 Taste a Cocktail at Signal Brewery
The Bay of Quinte’s Signal Brewery is known for preserving the tradition of brewing spirits! This stunning facility is located in the historic Corbyville distillery region, about a ten-minute drive north of downtown Belleville.
Step inside to admire the beautiful architecture of the original whiskey plant. It’s breathtaking to see the exposed brick and soaring ceilings!
Their patio is situated by the lovely Moira River where you can enjoy stunning sunset views at night, and exquisite hanging lights that sparkle above you.
19 Visit Tropical Blends Cafe
You should visit Tropical Blends Cafe if you’re looking for a serene setting away from the bustling city.
Fill your stomach with a fruit smoothie from Tropical Blends Cafe while also feeding your soul with the plants and pleasant folks in the dining area.
Locally made smoothies and coffee are available at Tropical Blends Cafe which has a chill tropical cafe atmosphere.
Although one of their “The Mermaid One” smoothie bowls is the ideal way to start your day, if you need something fast, you must have their Aloha Latte.
This excellent espresso-based latte with Hawaiian flair is made with steaming milk and a tiny bit of macadamia nut syrup. Having this iced is a fantastic way to cool off on those hot summer days.
20 Pier Patio Bar & Grill
The Pier Patio Bar & Restaurant, which is located at the end of Meyer’s Pier is a nice quiet place to unwind with a drink or two with some satisfying food.
If you’re in the area, stop by this barbecue for some perfectly grilled hamburgers, bacon, and coconut shrimp.
Have a seat at one of the vibrant picnic tables and enjoy the Bay of Quinte’s passing boats! This fascinating place comes to life every evening as it features live music from musicians.
Best time to visit Belleville Ontario
The best times to visit Belleville Ontario start in July, August, and September. This period is the ideal month that tourist visitors to flock to the city and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Belleville Ontario
Where is Belleville, Ontario located?
Belleville is situated in southeastern Ontario, approximately midway between Toronto and Kingston. It’s located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario.
What are some popular attractions in Belleville?
Belleville offers several attractions, including the Quinte Mall, Belleville Waterfront and Zwick’s Park, Glanmore National Historic Site, the Empire Theatre, and various parks and trails.
What is the weather like in Belleville?
Belleville experiences a typical Canadian climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, with temperatures averaging around 20-30°C (68-86°F), while winters are cold with temperatures often below freezing.
Is Belleville close to any other major cities?
Yes, Belleville is relatively close to major cities like Toronto and Kingston. It’s approximately a 2-hour drive from Toronto and about a 1-hour drive from Kingston.
What is the cost of living in Belleville?
The cost of living in Belleville is generally lower than in larger urban centers like Toronto. Housing costs, in particular, tend to be more affordable.
What educational institutions are in Belleville?
Belleville is home to Loyalist College, a well-regarded community college. Additionally, there are several primary and secondary schools in the area.
Are there any annual events or festivals in Belleville?
Yes, Belleville hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Waterfront & Multicultural Festival, the Rotary Loves Kids Auction, and various holiday celebrations.
How can I get to Belleville from Toronto?
You can reach Belleville from Toronto by car via Highway 401, which is the most common and convenient method. There are also bus services and VIA Rail trains that connect the two cities.
What healthcare facilities are available in Belleville?
Belleville has several healthcare facilities, including Belleville General Hospital, which is part of Quinte Health Care, serving the region.
Is Belleville a safe city?
Belleville is generally considered a safe city. Like any community, it’s essential to take typical safety precautions.
What is the history of Belleville?
Belleville has a rich history, dating back to its founding in the late 18th century. It played a significant role in the development of Canada and was a hub for trade and industry.
Are there recreational activities in Belleville?
Yes, Belleville offers various recreational activities, including boating and water sports on the Bay of Quinte, hiking and biking trails, and cultural and sporting events.
