Locals Recommend: 16 Things To Do, Eat, And See In The Bay Of Quinte
Reintroduce yourself to where you live
Over seventy people from different corners of South Eastern Ontario have shared with us their favourite places and things to do. Some are well-known, some are a little off the beaten track, but ALL are local favourites! Here’s a look at the Bay of Quinte.
Food And Drink
1. The Lark
The Lark is a spirited neighbourhood restaurant in Belleville, as well as a bustling cultural hub and a beloved stopping place in the downtown core. Think patio, dinner, drinks, take out, wine, and a daily happy hour from 4-5 p.m. that makes life worth living. The cocktails and wine list are picked by the award-winning cocktail maker and sommelier, Alex Bruce-Lepage, owner of The Lark.
2. Cedar Nights
This family-owned and operated restaurant specializes primarily in authentic Middle Eastern food. Cedar Nights is the first shawarma and falafel restaurant in Belleville and offers a variety of delicious foods, all made with fresh ingredients right in front of you!
The best chicken shawarma on a pita this side of Toronto!
Anne Munro, Tourism Champion
3. L’Auberge de France
A slice of Paris in downtown Belleville! Famous for its hot, buttered croissants, L’Auberge de France also serves lunch on the patio. Stop by for authentic French dining experience without the need for a passport.
4. Reid’s Dairy
Owned and operated by the Reid family and serving the community since 1910, Reid’s Dairy is a Belleville favourite. It’s actually Ontario’s largest, independently-owned dairy producer and famous for its loonie shakes. Did we mention fresh waffle cones are made on-site daily? Look for the castle!
5. Wannamaker’s Bakery
Get ready to make your mouth water! Wannamaker’s Bakery in Trenton does everything from blueberry rolls and maple-bacon donuts to delightful cupcakes, decadent squares and even Keto treats. Definitely worth the trip – your inner sweet tooth will give you high fives!
It’s in the running for Canada’s favourite bakery for a reason!
Steffen Wiehr, Stoneburg Cove Cottages
6. Tomasso’s Italian Grill
From classic Italian dishes to your favourite comfort foods, the menu at Tomasso’s hits home in all the best ways. Located on the banks of the Trent River, be sure to check out the waterfront terrace!
The service is always top-notch, the food is delicious, and the view from the patio is fascinating.
Steffen Wiehr, Stoneburg Cove Cottages
7. The Pier Patio
The Pier patio is known for seriously stunning sunset water views in Belleville – indulge in food & drink surrounded by water on Meyer’s Pier. Stop by for apps, a meal, a pint or a cocktail.
Makes me feel like I am in Florida.
Jennifer Achilles, Tourism Champion
Shopping
8. Dahlia May Flower Farm
This small family operation is all about growing romantic and fragrant, often heirloom, varieties of flowers. A delight for the senses! Dahlia May Flower Farm supplies fresh seasonal cut flowers and distinctive bouquets to farmers’ markets and specialty shops the greater Quinte area.
The owner Melanie, is an incredible human and her flowers are simply the best.
Jennifer Achilles, Tourism Champion
9. The Trenton Delicatessen
A slice of Europe in Trenton! The Trenton Delicatessen specializes in imports from Holland, Germany and the UK. With a top-of-the-line deli selection, imported cheese and specialty meats the deli can make your charcuterie dreams a reality and even create custom artisan deli platters! Drop-in for the freshest sandwich in town and keep an eye out for our new collections from Poland and Italy.
They carry products that I remember from my childhood and my Scandinavian grandmother.
Jennifer Achilles, Tourism Champion
Outdoor Activities
10. H.R. Frink Centre
Discover orchids, horsetails, a boardwalk, river views and even a silver maple swamp at the expansive H.R. Frink Centre Conservation Area in the Bay of Quinte. Hit the 13-kilometres of trails to find out why this is a popular spot for photography.
Listen to the bullfrogs along the boardwalk at Frink Centre Conservation Area.
Anne Munro, Tourism Champion
11. Quinte Conservation Areas
Quinte West’s natural scenic environment makes it an ideal place for nature lovers. The conservation areas and nature parks in Quinte West are perfect for exploring on foot or cycling. Quinte Conservation Areas are memorable from trailhead until you climb back in the car. From a real lookout tower and an abandoned limestone quarry, to an old homestead, there are surprises around every corner of the trails through Quinte Conservation Areas.
The Conservation Areas in Belleville and Quinte West offer exemplary outdoor trails to explore the natural elements of the region. Batawa Ski Hill is truly a small hill (like really small) with big heart (like really big).
Jennifer Achilles, Tourism Champion
12. Batawa Trails
Batawa’s 22-km of non-motorized trails make visitors fall in love with fall. Spend quality time outdoors going for a run, hike or bike in the Bay of Quinte region, surrounded by beautiful forests at the Batawa Trails. Download a trail map, lace-up and discover why it’s dubbed the small hill with a big heart.
Sightseeing And Tours
13. East Hill Neighbourhood
Old home aficionados will fall hard for Belleville’s East Hill neighbourhood. With grand houses still lovingly cared for that date back more than 150 years, every home seems to have an intriguing architectural niche. From a circular window accenting a second storey balcony to a stretching grand stairway entrance, to wrought iron cresting touring the neighbourhood invokes an element of wistful awe.
14. Porchfest
Porchfest Belleville is a local celebration of music, where residents in the East Hill neighborhood perform on front porches to an audience that moves from house to house.
Porchfest because it makes me feel like I am walking in New Orleans neighbourhood. It really is the coolest event around and Old East Hill Neighbourhood is fantastic.
Jennifer Achilles, Tourism Champion
15. Little Park Paradise
A little gem of a park is hidden away in the quiet Old East Hill area of Belleville. With gates, and a stone walking path, Corby Park is a refreshing oasis in the city. Something to behold here is the Corby Park Rose Garden which has a stunning water fountain with a beautiful view of the entire garden at the centre. New ornamental trees were planted in Corby Park this year by the city, too! The area is a wonderful place for exploring heritage homes, and is just a few blocks away from the Bay of Quinte.
16. Belleville’s Downtown District
You’ll never be bored: there is so much to do and see in Belleville’s Downtown District! Wide streets lined with historic buildings, cozy coffee shops, and specialty retail stores will keep you busy. Choose from more than 20 restaurants featuring French, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Fusion, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, as well as over 40 distinct shops and boutiques, and even more beauty, wellness and fitness services! The vibrant downtown district beckons to be discovered. The picturesque riverside walking and biking trails on the edge of the Downtown District are the icing on the cake, as the Moira River makes its way to the Bay of Quinte.
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