Experience the Adventure…Explore our Waterways…Discover our Heritage

Thrill in Mother Nature's awesome strength and beauty on a whitewater rafting trip down the Ottawa River.....Explore the hundreds of shipwrecks that dot the Thousand Islands and take advantage of some of the best freshwater scuba-diving anywhere in the world...Heat up the cold days of winter - dog-sledding, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, skating along the Rideau Canal (the longest skating rink in the world!) - it's all here in a winter wonderland that is second to none! And that's not all. As the eastern gateway to Algonquin Park, Ontario East is also home to dozens of provincial and national parks for those seeking an experience off the beaten path. The whole region offers superb hiking and cycling, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, bird watching and golf courses ranging from 9 to 36 holes in length ....the list goes on and on.

Explore our Waterways

Amaze in the St. Lawrence Seaway Corridor, principal route of explorers to Canada and home to the world-renowned Thousand Islands and the charming communities of Gananoque, Rockport and Ivy Lea. Step aboard a scenic tour of the Islands, watch a passing ship in what remains one of the world's most important shipping lanes, or just relax and take in the splendor of it all.

Excite in the mighty Ottawa River and the breathtaking vistas from land and water. Paddle down the River in a voyageur canoe, experience the thrill of whitewater rafting and kayaking or fish the fertile waters - there's something for everyone. The waterways of Ontario East - a world of exploration awaits you.

Discover our Heritage

Discover Canada's English and French history and culture in Ottawa, Canada's Capital Region. Explore its many attractions including national museums and galleries, Parliament Hill and world-class festivals and events.

The cities of Kingston, Canada's first capital, Brockville and Cornwall also beckon with their own treasures - waterways, the natural wonder of the Thousand Islands, national and provincial parks, Upper Canada Village near Morrisburg and Fort Henry in Kingston. Not to be missed are the region's wonderful museums, galleries and live professional theatre. Visit an artisan's shop and watch craftspeople at work - glass blowing, pottery-making, wood carving - you'll be amazed and delighted.

Wind your way along the byways of Ontario East, through countless towns and villages and learn about early settlements, search for wonderful antiques, take in a festival, sample some maple syrup in Lanark County, or just enjoy local hospitality. Visit one of the region's many sugar bushes and cheese factories and witness timeless traditions still practiced today.

And with its unique heritage dating back several centuries, Ontario East is fertile ground for those of you interested in exploring your own roots. Our ancestry is diverse - United Empire Loyalists, French Canadian, Irish, Scottish - and with resources ranging from the National Archives to local museums, libraries and cemeteries, visitors have extensive avenues to explore.

Lanark County

Visit the villages and towns of Lanark County and experience history, culture and much, much more!

Come and enjoy the outdoors in Lanark County. While you are here, visit our historical towns and villages located in this picturesque rural setting. Even though Lanark County is located on the western boundary of Ottawa, it's a whole world away. Outdoor Adventure is our specialty - you will enjoy our many waterways, trails, and forests. Our range of topography provides for memorable scenic drives, bicycle tours, kayak runs, or for a simple jog.

In the winter, the crisp air and clean white snow make it ideal for outdoor activities. Try skating, snowmobiling, sno-shoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, sledding, or just frolicking. During the summer there are many festivals and events that celebrate the rich history of the area or you can pick a nice quiet spot to relieve your tension and just get away from it all. Take a drive to enjoy the sparkling clean waterways and quiet country-side, take a hike to get closer to the natural beauty of the wilderness, or bring your golf clubs for 18 holes with your family.

To begin your rural outdoor adventure, contact the lanark Country Tourism office at 1-888-452-6275, by email at tourism@county.lanark.on.ca, or check out our web-site at www.lanarkcountytourism.ca for a current list of events.

Rideau Lakes

Rideau Lakes is a wonderful place to get away from it all and relax. We offer something for every taste whether it be boating, shopping, fishing, golfing, hiking, bicycling, antiquing, swimming and much more.

Stay at a local B&B, hotel, lodge, cabin, campground or marina. Enjoy a taste of locally made maple syrup, cheese or fresh sweet corn. Each of our communities has something to offer. Portland, gateway to Big Rideau Lake; Newboro, a haven for anglers; Chaffeys Locks, water access in a tranquil setting; Delta with its heritage homes and historic stone mill; Elgin, service centre for the region; and the quaint rural charm of our smaller villages and hamlets of Chantry, Crosby, Forfar, Lombardy, Morton, Plum Hollow and Philipsville.

Take in one of our festivals; the Delta Maple Syrup festival in April, Elgin Days in July, the Delta Fair in July, Chaffey's Locks Corn roast in August and Thanksgiving celebrations in October at severl communities.

We offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Golf on the wooded terrain of one of our several golf courses. Enjoy fishing; the southern Rideau Lakes are particularly noted for their excellent bass fishing. Enjoy the water on any of our many lakes. No boat? Not a problem, there are several places where you can rent one. Hike the Rideau or Cataraqui Trails. Bicycle our backroads or trails. Spend a day antiquing at one of our many antique shops. Tour a museum and learn about some of the early history of the region.

The Rideau Canal Waterway is a boater's paradise, attracting pleasure boats from across North America to travel its 202 kilometre (125 mile) length. The Rideau Waterway, a Canadian National Historic Site and a designated Canadian Heritage River, consists of a series of beautiful lakes and rivers connected by canals. It stretches from Kingston, at the foot of Lake Ontario, to Ottawa, Canada's capital. Maintained by Canada's Parks service it is arguably the most scenic waterway in North America. Whether you visit by boat, car, or bicycle, the Rideau has something for you.

Bay of Quinte

Bay of Quinte Country…the great outdoors

Bay of Quinte Country is a well-known destination for boaters and anglers. The Bay is ideal for sailing and cruising on calm waters protected by Prince Edward County. It is also a world-class fishery for Walleye and Bass, attracting both amateur and professional anglers all year long. The challenge of salmon fishing in Lake Ontario also draws thousands of anglers each summer for trophy fish. The Bay of Quinte is the southern gateway to the Trent Severn Waterway, and the western entrance to the 1000 Islands region, making it the favourite course for sailors and power boaters alike.

Bay of Quinte Country is all about outdoor adventure. For more information contact:
Bay of Quinte
Tourist Council
P.O. Box 726,
Belleville, ON K8N 5B3
www.quinte.on.ca