New, renewed and coming soon in South Eastern Ontario
New year, new accommodations and experiences waiting to explore in South Eastern Ontario! Be among the first to discover these sparkly, fresh places to sip, places to spend the night, places to adventure and to be entertained. Some are open already, a few have a whole new vibe, and some are putting the finishing touches on as we write, ready to open soon. Read on for the inside scoop on 28 new spots in South Eastern Ontario!
Bay of Quinte
1. Homestead Adventure Park
Choose your own adventure! Outdoor activities for all ages include navigating 16 high-ropes challenges, putting through 18-themed holes of mini golf inspired by the captivating past of Quinte West, or even sailing the seas at the helm of a remote control boat. This family-friendly park has been taking shape in Quinte West and is set to open in Spring 2024, complete with on-site food, drinks and even a rooftop patio!
Lennox & Addington
2. Hay Bay Resort
Indulge in a lakeside escape at Hay Bay Resort – Ontario’s first-ever cottage resort, opening in 2024 in Napanee. This gem offers a range of cottages, from cozy one-bedrooms to expansive four-bedrooms, each promising comfort and charm. Set sail from the 30-slip marina, dive into culinary adventures at the upscale Pickerel Restaurant and friendly gastropub, or unwind by the refreshing pool. Perfect for weddings, corporate events, or a local evening out, Hay Bay Resort is a new lakeside haven. Come for the view, stay for the experience! Bookings are now open.
Kingston
3. Bar Mayla and Le Jardin
Something magical happened recently at 343 King Street East in Kingston: Mayla Concept completely renovated and opened Bar Mayla on the first floor and Le Jardin on the second floor. Reimagined and dreamy, Le Jardin is a plant-inspired space that is open late and uniquely incorporates a nine-foot wood fire grill for flavourful meals. It’s complemented by the upbeat bar lounge that is Bar Mayla on the first floor featuring cocktails, tapas, wine and craft beer.
4. DoubleTree and Home2 Suites by Hilton
This year will see the reopening of the Ambassador Event Centre! After being under extensive renos for a year, it will reopen in early 2024 as a DoubleTree and Home 2 Suites by Hilton. In addition, it will boast the largest ballroom in Kingston perfect for bigger-scale events and conventions. Later on in the year, the Cannery Kitchen and Social restaurant will also open, delivering exceptional food and bevvies. Keep an eye out to watch the excitement unfold!
5. Wharf and Feather Winter Dome Dining
Put this one on your 2024 bucket list: dinner in a private dome overlooking panoramic views of the downtown Kingston waterfront. Winter domes are ready to help you fall in love with the snowy season by elevating your winter dining. Each dome is heated, and comes decked out with blankets, pillows and comfy seating. Be sure to reserve ahead!
6. S.S Keewatin at the Great Lakes Museum
This exciting addition to the Great Lakes Museum arrived in Kingston in October 2023 and although it’s available now to see from the exterior, it will open for tours in May 2024! The historic ship is among the last of its kind and will be integrated in the extensive transportation collection at the museum covering the history of the Great Lakes. Fun fact: The Keewatin is a Titanic-era streamliner built in 1907! It’s already quite famous, appearing on CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries and being featured on a 2020 Royal Canadian Mint coin.
7. Bellevue House National Historic Site
After extensive renovations, Bellevue House will be opening again in May 2024. The house’s interior spaces and exhibits are being completely refreshed and renewed to tell more diverse stories.
8. Neptune and Salacia Diving New Dive Boat
Late last season, Neptune and Salacia Diving acquired another dive boat: The Wreckreaton! That means even more amazing charters in 2024 for exploring the marine history of Kingston and Lake Ontario. We can’t wait to see it out and about bringing dreams of snorkelling or scuba diving to reality in the waters surrounding Kingston!
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
9. Portside Pub & Eatery
This restaurant in Portland, Rideau Lakes is almost set to open its doors. Ready to rock in early 2024, The Portside Pub & Eatery is much anticipated in the community on Big Rideau Lake, promising a menu with everything from loaded nachos and poutine to healthy bowls, chicken parm and elevated burgers. We spy lots of vegan and gluten free options here, too! Keep an eye out for an opening date for this recently renovated and trendy spot.
10. The Villas at Maison Maitland
Luxurious, food-focused hideaways in charming Maitland! Let the 19th century carriage house lend to your experience rediscovering food, friends and yourself. Completed in 2023 and now ready to enjoy, these irresistible European-inspired getaways also include an opportunity to add a group or private culinary experience to your stay. Remarkable yet close to home!
Brockville
11. The Crafty Potter
This adorable pottery studio may be small but it’s big on creativity. Located at 106 King Street West in downtown Brockville, this dynamic studio space is set for experienced potters, beginners and everyone in between. Watch for workshops for both kids and adults!
1000 Islands Gananoque
12. Bar Petunia
Looking for a new bar experience? Bar Petunia in Gananoque is noted as having wine and snacks, but it takes that a step further and serves up great cocktails with a comfortable but trendy atmosphere downtown. Known locally for being non-pretentious but loads of fun, Bar Petunia is the perfect little spot to meet with friends, enjoy some drinks and catch up.
SDG Counties
13. Countryside Adventures Cabins
Alongside the wonderful outdoor activities here, Countryside Adventures opened off grid cabin rentals last year – with more slated to open in 2024. Looking ahead to this summer, there will be larger A-Frame cabins available and even treehouse cabins! All cabins are pet-friendly and overlook the lake, with a firepit and firewood included. Unlock a fun stay this summer!
15. The Glengarry Market
Recently moved to a new location at 90 Main Street South in Alexandria, The Glengarry Market expanded its offerings and includes a market café, with fresh baked and homegrown goodness! Soups, salads, sandwiches and lots of locally made goodies will warm your heart on the coldest of days. The Glengarry Market is a vendor cooperative, supporting local farmers, food producers, crafters and more. The icing on the cake? The new location has a beautiful water view!
16. The Studio at Louck’s Pasture
The cozy studio is on a small family farm – actually this open loft-style apartment is nestled right in the hobby farm barn on the outskirts of Chesterville! With a sleeping loft, mini wood stove and garden view you’ll love this beautiful spot and friendly farm dogs are the icing on the cake. Look here for some learning experiences as well, such as cold-process, hot-process and goat’s milk soap workshops.
17. The Goose at Jamink Farm
Named one of the best HipCamp cabins to visit last year! The Goose at Jamink Farm near St. Andrew’s West, is a peaceful retreat in a wood cabin with a bunk bed, wood stove, solar power and a small fridge. Enjoy the outdoors, swim in the pond, hike through the silvopasture forest and relax by the campfire. What’s more, a farm-tour experience can be added to your stay!
Cornwall & Akwesasne
18. Poptronic
This virtual reality rental and studio in Akwesasne is immersing people in new worlds. With access to the latest virtual reality headset technologies, not only does Poptronic provide apps for professional training, education and fitness, but also for entertainment and gaming. Book the funky studio space in Akwesasne for individual VR bookings, or rent the whole space for up to 15 people!
19. Total Cyclery and Sports
This well-known cycle shop recently moved closer to Riverside Trail in Cornwall! Newly located at the corner of Pitt and First Streets, it’s now just a block north of Lamoureux Park. The new store is stocked with mountain, grave, road and hybrid bikes, featuring top brands like Specialized and Norco, in addition to BMX bikes. Don’t forget about services offered in house to make sure your ride is running smoothly! Roll on over to check it out.
20. Hampton Inn by Hilton Cornwall
Convenience in the name of the game here! Located only 20 minutes from Upper Canada Village and even closer to Summerheights Golf Course and the Seaway International Bridge, the brand new Hampton Inn by Hilton Cornwall is closeby to lots of attractions and access points. Take a break in the heated pool or workout in the fitness centre! The perfect, sparkling new homebase as you plan your travel.
21. Tauro Restaurant
Delightful dishes and amazing ambiance! Tauro opened in the height of summer and it hasn’t quit sizzling yet. This Cornwall restaurant quickly became known for its prime-grade steaks, savoury seafood and blended fusion menu – as well as fabulous service, which makes each meal a culinary journey.
Prescott & Russell
22. Pioneer Cabins, Airstreams and Tiny Homes at Hammond Hill
New cabins and airstreams are now part of the Hammond Hill experience! The first eco-experience and wilderness retreat of its kind in the country, Hammond Hill features an environmentally sustainable getaway for all. Check out the amenities – beer garden, beach volleyball, yoga in the forest and more. Along with the off-grid cabins and airstreams, campsites and yurts are also nestled in more than 60 acres of woods.
23. CàB Café
This soon-to-be-open café will be a one-stop shop with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere! Be prepared for healthy and hearty fare, with daily soups, big breakfasts, pastries, craft coffees, and even a seasonally changing menu in Chute à Blondeau, East Hawkesbury. Another great feature – it will be fully accessible! Keep an eye out for an opening date.
Prince Edward County
24. Wild Lot Farm Distillery
This will be the first full year open for Wild Lot – and what a wild ride it has been! The farm sits on 35 acres in Sophiasburgh, with a converted century-old dairy barn and restores drive shed housing a state-of-the-art distillery, retail shop, tap room and event space. Delicious comes naturally here, with intriguing and innovative spirits and liqueurs like apple cinnamon liqueur, spicy hot pepper vodka, lemon and honey liqueur, and even pink gin!
25. Darlings
This one cracked the top 10 in Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants of 2023! Billed as a ranch house pizza joint, but holy moly everything here highly exceeds expectations. Experience this new inspiration in Bloomfield already making waves with its innovative culinary creations.
26. The Sip
The Sip in Wellington does exactly what it intends to do: it pairs perfectly. A lifestyle shop by day, it turns speakeasy by night, pairing two experiences under one roof. The Sip as a speakeasy has a weekly rotating selection of wines and charcuterie – meaning adventure awaits in every sip.
27. Bare Bones
Freshly open! Bare Bones produces exceptional vodka and gin showcased by a carefully curated selection of cocktails. This place was once an old cattle hall – now it’s a modern, comfy and welcoming space in Hillier to tuck in and savour the coziness and warmth that you can feel to your bones. Be sure to try the signature PEC Lavender Martini!
28. Wander the Resort
Big plans are underway at Wander the Resort with construction of the Nordic Spa and the recent opening of Gather, a full service restaurant on site! The 2024 season is already filling up fast at this modern lakefront resort in Prince Edward County. This is laidback luxury – get ready to swim, soak and sauna with amazing views of Lake Ontario!
There are loads of new experiences, new flavours and new ways to spend quality time on the horizon in South Eastern Ontario this coming year – what will you do first?