10 Top Things to Do in Brockville for An Unforgettable Visit

Nestled along the shores of the majestic St. Lawrence River, Brockville is a historic gem waiting to be explored. First settled in 1785, this charming town is known for wonderfully preserved 19th-century architecture, sites from the War of 1812, and an abundance of recreation along the waterfront.

We have put together this little guide to highlight the top 10 things to do and places to visit in Brockville to help you plan an unforgettable visit. Whether you love the outdoors, history, family activities or indulging in food and drink, Brockville has something amazing waiting for you. Let’s dive in!

Here’s the list of the Top 10 things to do in Brockville Trip bucket list:

1. Stroll Through Time at Fulford Place

Step back into the early 20th century by touring the stately Fulford Place mansion. Built-in 1901 for Senator George Taylor Fulford, founder of the G.T. Fulford & Co. pharmaceutical empire, this historic home remains fully intact with all its lavish decor.

The historic internal takes you back in time as you walk through the ornate 33 rooms filled with beautiful woodwork, stained glass, carved oak panels and elaborate turn-of-the-century furniture. Friendly interpreters are available to answer questions during your self-guided tour. Don’t miss the third-floor ballroom and signature Tiffany skylights!

• Rating: 5/5
• Location: 287 King Street East
• Entry Fee: $7 adults, $5 students/seniors
• Amenities: Gift shop and pamphlets

2. Dive Into History Underwater

Experience scuba diving in the St. Lawrence River as you explore two fascinating shipwrecks, the Keystorm and Fairchild. Just 20 minutes from Brockville, these historic wrecks lie between six and 35 feet below the surface. With excellent visibility, they make for an unforgettable diving opportunity for beginners through advanced divers.

Guided charters and gear rental packages are available from 1000 Islands Scuba Diving. Imagine descending upon the Keystorm’s hull still intact from its sinking date in 1912!

• Rating: 5/5 for certified divers
• Location: Dives launch from Thousand Islands Park, Ontario
• Entry Fees: $65 to $120 per dive depending on gear rental and experience level
• Amenities: Full-service dive shop

3. Pedal Along the Waterfront Trail

One of the best ways to take in the beauty of Brockville’s waterfront is to rent a bicycle and hit the Waterfront Trail. Starting in Hardy Park, this paved recreational path extends over 5km in Brockville along the St. Lawrence River shoreline.

Built on a former railway line, the trail offers gorgeous views of the 1000 Islands region as you pedal. Stop for a picnic in the parks along the way, or pop into the marina and downtown areas. Rent bikes by the hour or day from Brockville Paddle Shack or Loop Line Bike Rentals.

• Rating: 5/5 on a nice day
• Location: Begins at Hardy Park
• Entry Fee: Bike rentals around $15-$25/hour
• Amenities: Restrooms and parks along the trail

4. Immerse Yourself at the Aquatarium

The Aquatarium is the ideal rainy day activity with the family. This interactive museum brings the ecology, history and culture of the 1000 Islands to life through hands-on exhibits and live animals. Get up close with native reptiles and fish at the touch tanks. See trophies from shipwrecks of the St. Lawrence.

Take in multimedia displays depicting life in the islands hundreds of years ago. The kids can burn off energy in the outdoor discovery playground. Note the special events like the Halloween Haunted Aquatarium for seasonal fun.

• Rating: 5/5 for families
• Location: 499 King Street West
• Entry Fee: $16 adults, $14 seniors/students, $10 children
• Amenities: Gift shop and café

5. Tour the First Railway Tunnel in Canada

For an only-in-Brockville experience, walk the historic Brockville Railway Tunnel. Completed in 1860, this feat of engineering was the first railway tunnel built in Canada. Stretching 1,700 feet under the St. Lawrence River, the tunnel connected rail lines between Canada and New York.

Walk the entire chilly length of the tunnel for views of the limestone walls and glimpses of the river through vertical shafts. Learn more in the Brockville Railway Tunnel Visitor Centre. For an even cooler experience, ride a vintage train through the tunnel on the Rail Tunnel Tour!

• Rating: 5/5 for history buffs
• Location: Access tunnel from the south end of Brock Trail
• Entry Fee: $2 for tunnel walk, $12+ for rail tour
• Amenities: Visitor Centre

6. Cruise the 1000 Islands

You can’t come to Brockville without getting out on the water! No better way than hopping aboard one of the many cruise boat tours operating daily. Take the family on a 1-hour sightseeing cruise past some of the nearly 2,000 islands dotting the St. Lawrence River.

Up the ante with a sunset dinner cruise on a paddle-wheeler, complete with live entertainment. Many options are available from 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises to suit every schedule. Don’t forget your camera to capture picturesque island scenery!

• Rating: 5/5
• Location: Board at Blockhouse Island
• Entry Fees: $20 – $80 depending on cruise length/style
• Amenities: Snacks or meals depending on the cruise

7. Hit the Trails on Foot

Lace up your hiking boots and get out into nature! For easy access to scenic trails, head to the frontend portion of the 1000 Islands Parkway linking Ontario and New York. Stop at popular spots like Jones Creek and Mallorytown Landing trailheads to choose from routes ranging from 1 km to over 10 km in length.

The shady forests, rocky outcrops and shoreline vistas are phenomenal. Or try the hiking trails within Brockville at Hardy Park along the river. With so many options, you could hike here for days!

• Rating: 5/5 for outdoor enthusiasts
• Location: 1000 Islands Parkway and Hardy Park
• Entry Fee: Free access
• Amenities: Parking, restrooms, river access at trailheads

8. Catch a Show at the Brockville Arts Centre

Take time to enjoy the lively performing arts scene in Brockville. Concerts, plays, musicals and more hit the stage at the Brockville Arts Centre. Housed in a historic church converted to a theatre in the 1970s, this venue is a local gem. Check their upcoming schedule online to see what strikes your fancy, from tribute bands to comedy shows. Enjoy a night of culture before strolling downtown for a bite and a pint.

• Rating: 5/5
• Location: 235 King Street West
• Entry Fee: $15-$50 per show
• Amenities: Downtown location, parking

9. Sample Local Brews

Meet friends or make new ones over craft brews at Brockville Railway Tunnel Brewing. Located adjacent to the historic railway tunnel, this locally owned brewpub crafts unique tunnel-themed ales like their Tunnel Vision Vienna Lager using premium ingredients. Sip a flight of beers in the taproom or on the patio. Pop next door to snap an iconic photo at the tunnel entrance. Live music many nights adds to the lively ambience.

• Rating: 4/5
• Location: 15 Cumberland Avenue
• Entry Fee: No cover charge
• Amenities: Indoor and patio seating

10. Relax at the Beach

Countless parks dot the shores of the St. Lawrence River, many with beaches perfect for swimming, catching rays, or just strolling along the water. Centeen Park right in town offers calm swimming and a playground. Nearby Hardy Park has a dog-friendly beach, picnic areas and beautiful river views. Head east to Brown’s Bay for a more secluded sand beach surrounded by nature. Wherever you choose, don’t forget your swimsuit to enjoy Brockville’s scenic waterfront!

• Rating: 5/5 on a sunny day
• Location: Centeen Park, Hardy Park, Brown’s Bay
• Entry Fee: Free access
• Amenities: Swimming areas, picnic tables, trails

Conclusion

Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or bringing the whole family, Brockville offers plenty of sites, activities and charm to fill your itinerary. Historic buildings transport you back in time, while outdoor recreation abounds along the shores of the St. Lawrence and out among the 1000 Islands.

It’s the perfect destination for experiencing heritage and natural wonders in tandem. Use this list of top things to do in Brockville to plan your own adventure, then come experience all the river town of Brockville has in store! As a popular stop on many Canada tourism itineraries, Brockville truly has something for every traveller.

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