Hawkesbury Travel Guide

Plan your trip and discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and more in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada.


Introduction to Hawkesbury

Hawkesbury is a small town in Prescott-Russell, located in Eastern Ontario, in Canada. This beautiful town is known for its scenic views and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore the natural attractions of Hawkesbury or learn about the local culture through museums and historical places. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, eat, stay, and more in Hawkesbury.

List of Places to Visit in Hawkesbury

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hawkesbury has a rich history, and visitors can learn about it by exploring the following museums and historical places:

  • Hawkesbury and District General Hospital Museum: This museum houses a collection of medical equipment, documents, and photographs related to the history of the hospital.

  • Chenail Island: Visitors can explore historic buildings, lighthouses, and nature trails on Chenail Island, located in the Ottawa River.

  • Musée de L’Isle-aux-Allumettes: This museum showcases the history and culture of the local Francophone community, including artifacts, photographs, and archives.

  • Prescott-Russell Heritage Trail: This trail features over 200 points of interest related to the history and heritage of Prescott-Russell.

Natural Attractions of Hawkesbury: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hawkesbury is a hub for outdoor activities and scenic views. The following are the top natural attractions in the town:

  • Voyageur Provincial Park: This beautiful park features a sandy beach, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Visitors can also rent kayaks or canoes to explore the river.

  • Ottawa River: Hawkesbury is located on the banks of the Ottawa River, providing visitors with opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.

  • Larose Forest: This vast forest area is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. It also features a bird-watching area and a picnic area.

  • Champlain Lookout: This lookout provides stunning views of the surrounding area, including the Ottawa River and the Laurentian Mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hawkesbury

Hawkesbury offers a variety of hiking and biking trails, suitable for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. Some of the popular trails in the area are:

  • Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail: This trail is perfect for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. It starts in St-Eugene and ends in Hammond and features beautiful scenery and stops along the way.

  • Voyageur Pathway: This 3-kilometer trail follows the shoreline of the Ottawa River and provides great views and opportunities to see local wildlife.

  • Rigaud Mountain: This mountain is located a short drive from Hawkesbury and offers a more challenging hiking trail, featuring steep inclines and rocky terrain.

Best Things to Do in Hawkesbury: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and exploring the natural beauty of Hawkesbury, visitors can also participate in several activities and tours. Some of the popular things to do in the town are:

  • Hawkesbury Golf and Curling Club: Visitors can enjoy a round of golf or participate in a curling match at this popular sports club.

  • Ecolodge Adventures: This company offers guided tours of the Ottawa River by jet boat, providing visitors with a unique perspective on the scenic views and local wildlife.

  • Hawkesbury Farmer’s Market: Visitors can sample and purchase local produce and crafts at this bustling farmer’s market, open every Saturday from May to October.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hawkesbury

Day 1: Explore the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital Museum, followed by a stroll along Chenail Island.

Day 2-3: Visit Voyageur Provincial Park and enjoy hiking, swimming, and kayaking. Stay at the park’s camping grounds.

Day 4: Rent a bike and explore the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail, stopping at local cafés and shops along the way.

Day 5: Take a guided tour of the Ottawa River with Ecolodge Adventures.

Day 6: Enjoy a round of golf or participate in a curling match at the Hawkesbury Golf and Curling Club.

Day 7: Explore the Musée de L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, followed by a picnic in the Larose Forest.

Food and Drink Scene of Hawkesbury

Must-Try Dishes

Hawkesbury offers a range of delicious local dishes. Some of the must-try dishes in the town are:

  • Poutine: A Canadian classic, this dish consists of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

  • Tourtière: A meat pie made with ground pork, beef, and spices, often served during the winter holidays.

  • BeaverTails: A fried dough pastry in the shape of a beaver’s tail, topped with sweet or savoury toppings.

Local Beverages

Hawkesbury is known for its microbreweries and wineries. Visitors can sample local beers and wines at the following establishments:

  • Les Brasseurs du Temps: This brewery offers a range of craft beers and pub fare in a historic building.

  • Domaine Perrault: This winery is famous for its ice wines and also offers tours of the vineyards and wine tastings.

Where to Stay in Hawkesbury: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hawkesbury offers a range of accommodation options, suitable for every budget and preference. Some of the popular places to stay in the town are:

  • Auberge Montebello: This guesthouse offers comfortable rooms and a continental breakfast, located just a short drive from Hawkesbury.

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hawkesbury: A modern hotel with high-speed internet and a fitness center, located in the town centre.

  • The Windsor Inn: This historic inn offers cozy rooms and a traditional English pub.

What to Buy in Hawkesbury: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can bring home a piece of Hawkesbury by purchasing the following local products and souvenirs:

  • Maple Syrup: Produced in nearby farms, this maple syrup is a popular Canadian souvenir.

  • Local Crafts: The farmer’s market and local shops offer a range of handmade crafts, including pottery, textiles, and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Hawkesbury

Hawkesbury is a bilingual town, with both French and English-speaking communities. Visitors can learn about the local culture and customs by exploring museums, attending festivals and events, and interacting with locals.

Best Time to Visit Hawkesbury

The best time to visit Hawkesbury is during the summer months, from June to August. This is when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities and festivals are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hawkesbury

Do:

  • Explore the natural attractions of Hawkesbury, including Voyageur Provincial Park and the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail.

  • Sample local dishes and beverages, including poutine and microbrews.

  • Learn about the local culture and customs by attending festivals and events.

Don’t:

  • Ignore safety guidelines while participating in outdoor activities.

  • Disrespect the local culture and customs.

  • Litter or damage natural attractions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hawkesbury

Overall, Hawkesbury is a safe town for tourists. However, visitors should take the following precautions:

  • Lock doors and keep valuables out of sight in vehicles.

  • Follow guidelines while participating in outdoor activities, including wearing proper protective equipment.

Health in Hawkesbury

Hawkesbury offers several medical facilities and clinics, including the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital and the Hawkesbury Medical Center. Visitors should carry a basic first aid kit with them while participating in outdoor activities.

Getting to Hawkesbury: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hawkesbury

The nearest airport to Hawkesbury is Ottawa International Airport, located approximately 100 kilometers away. Visitors can rent a car or take a taxi to reach the town.

Bus Stations Near Hawkesbury

Hawkesbury is connected to other towns and cities in Ontario via bus services. The nearest bus station is in Ottawa.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Hawkesbury, using highways 17 or 50.

How to Get Around in Hawkesbury

The best way to get around Hawkesbury is by car. However, visitors can also rent bikes or take taxis to explore the town.

Where to Go Next from Hawkesbury: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ottawa: Canada’s capital city, located approximately 100 kilometers from Hawkesbury.

  • Montreal: A vibrant city famous for its architecture, nightlife, and food, located approximately 130 kilometers from Hawkesbury.

Conclusion

Hawkesbury is a beautiful and vibrant town, offering a range of natural attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore museums and historical places, sample local dishes and beverages, and participate in activities and tours. Plan your trip to Hawkesbury today!

Hawkesbury Hawkesbury St-Alphonse-de-Liguori Catholic Church St-Alphonse-de-Liguori Catholic Church Hawkesbury Chenail Cultural center with a view of the Long-Sault Bridge spanning the Ottawa River. Hawkesbury Chenail Cultural center with a view of the Long-Sault Bridge spanning the Ottawa River. L'Orignal Jail L'Orignal Jail Group of monuments erected near the Chenail Cultural Center, on Chenail Island, in Hawkesbury, along the Ottawa River. Group of monuments erected near the Chenail Cultural Center, on Chenail Island, in Hawkesbury, along the Ottawa River.