Quinte-Northumberland Travel Guide

Discover the best of Quinte-Northumberland with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, food and drink scene, hiking/biking routes, and where to stay.


Introduction to Quinte-Northumberland

The region of Quinte-Northumberland is located in Eastern Ontario, Canada, which is known for its rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and vibrant culture. With so much to explore in this region, it can be difficult to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this ultimate travel guide, we’ll take you through the top places to visit, the best hiking and biking routes, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Quinte-Northumberland

  • Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
    • National Air Force Museum of Canada
    • Macaulay Heritage Park
    • Trent-Severn Waterway
    • Signal Brewery
  • Natural Attractions of Quinte-Northumberland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
    • Sandbanks Provincial Park
    • Prince Edward County Lavender Farm
    • Northumberland Provincial Park
    • Mount Pelion Lookout Trail
    • Presqu’ile Provincial Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Quinte-Northumberland has a rich history, and there are many museums and historical places to explore:

The National Air Force Museum of Canada

The National Air Force Museum of Canada is a must-visit attraction in Quinte-Northumberland. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force, with a focus on the role played by Canadian airmen and women in both World War I and II.

Macaulay Heritage Park

Macaulay Heritage Park is a living history museum that allows you to step back in time and experience life in 19th-century Canada. You can tour the historic buildings, explore the gardens, and learn about the Macaulay family, who were one of the founding families of Picton.

Trent-Severn Waterway

The Trent-Severn Waterway is a 386-kilometer canal system that connects Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. The waterway is a marvel of engineering, and it’s a beautiful spot to hike, bike, boat, or kayak.

Signal Brewery

Signal Brewery is a craft brewery located in Corbyville. The brewery is housed in a historic building that dates back to the 1800s and produces a variety of beers that are available for tasting or purchase.

Natural Attractions of Quinte-Northumberland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Quinte-Northumberland is home to many natural attractions, from provincial parks to lavender farms:

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Sandbanks Provincial Park is a must-visit attraction in the region. The park boasts three beautiful beaches, dunes, and hiking trails. Visitors can also go swimming, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.

Prince Edward County Lavender Farm

Prince Edward County Lavender Farm is a beautiful spot to visit in the summer months. The farm grows over 10,000 lavender plants, which are used to create essential oils, soaps, and other lavender products. Visitors can take a tour of the farm, wander through the fields, and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

Northumberland Provincial Park

Northumberland Provincial Park is a rugged wilderness park that offers visitors the chance to go hiking, camping, fishing, and paddling. The park is home to beautiful lakes and forests, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore.

Mount Pelion Lookout Trail

Mount Pelion Lookout Trail is a beautiful hiking trail that offers stunning views of the region. The trail is rated as moderate and is approximately 4.2 kilometers long.

Presqu’ile Provincial Park

Presqu’ile Provincial Park is a beautiful park located on the shores of Lake Ontario. The park boasts beautiful beaches and offers visitors the chance to go hiking, bird watching, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Quinte-Northumberland

Quinte-Northumberland is a great place for hiking and biking. Here are some of the top routes to check out:

  • Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area: This beautiful conservation area offers visitors the chance to go hiking and enjoy beautiful views of Prince Edward County.
  • Shorelines Trail: This 140-kilometer trail runs along the north shore of Lake Ontario and offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding countryside.
  • Millennium Trail: This 49-kilometer trail runs from Carrying Place to Picton and is perfect for biking and hiking.

Best Things to Do in Quinte-Northumberland: Activities and Tours

There are many activities to enjoy while in Quinte-Northumberland, including:

  • Wine Tasting: The region is home to many wineries, and there are plenty of opportunities to taste local wines.
  • Boat Tours: Visitors can take a boat tour of the Trent-Severn Waterway or explore the region’s beautiful lakes.
  • Golfing: There are many beautiful golf courses in the region, including Bay of Quinte Golf and Country Club and Timber Ridge Golf Course.
  • Festivals and Events: Quinte-Northumberland hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Sandbanks Music Festival, the Trenton Scottish Irish Festival, and the Belleville Waterfront Festival.

Week-Long Itinerary for Quinte-Northumberland

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long visit to Quinte-Northumberland:

Day 1: Arrive in Picton and tour Macaulay Heritage Park Day 2: Visit Sandbanks Provincial Park and enjoy the beach Day 3: Rent a bike and explore the Shorelines Trail Day 4: Go wine tasting at local wineries Day 5: Visit the National Air Force Museum of Canada Day 6: Take a boat tour of the Trent-Severn Waterway Day 7: Depart for home

Food and Drink Scene of Quinte-Northumberland

Must-Try Dishes

Quinte-Northumberland is home to many delicious local dishes, including:

  • Butter Tarts: This Canadian classic can be found at many bakeries in the region, including the popular Honey Pie Hives and Herbals in Roslin.
  • Poutine: This Canadian dish of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy is a must-try while in Quinte-Northumberland. Try it at local restaurants like The Port Bistro Pub in Trenton.
  • Apple Pie: The region is known for its delicious apple pies, which can be found at bakeries like Vicki’s Veggies in Milford.

Local Beverages

Quinte-Northumberland is also home to many great local beverages, including:

  • Wine: The region is known for its great wines, and there are many wineries to choose from. Try the Pinot Noir at the Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Estate Winery in Hillier.
  • Craft Beer: With breweries like Signal Brewery and Wild Card Brewery, Quinte-Northumberland is a great place to taste delicious craft beer.

Where to Stay in Quinte-Northumberland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many great accommodations options in Quinte-Northumberland:

  • Drake Devonshire Inn: This beautiful inn is located in Wellington and offers stunning views of Lake Ontario.
  • The Waring House: This historic inn is located in Picton and offers comfortable rooms and delicious food.
  • The Fidler’s House Bed and Breakfast: This charming bed and breakfast is located in Brighton and offers a cozy place to stay.

What to Buy in Quinte-Northumberland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some great souvenirs and local products to bring home from Quinte-Northumberland include:

  • Lavender Products: Purchase essential oils, soaps, and other products made with locally grown lavender from the Prince Edward County Lavender Farm.
  • Cheese: The region is known for its delicious cheese, which can be purchased at many local stores, including Brighton Fine Foods in Brighton.
  • Wine: Take home a bottle of local wine as a souvenir from your trip to Quinte-Northumberland.

Local Culture and Customs of Quinte-Northumberland

Quinte-Northumberland has a rich culture, and locals take pride in their history and traditions. One tradition in the region is the annual maple syrup festival, which takes place in the early spring and celebrates the region’s maple syrup production. Visitors can enjoy maple taffy on snow, maple syrup pancakes, and other maple-flavored treats.

Best Time to Visit Quinte-Northumberland

The best time to visit Quinte-Northumberland is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and the lakes and beaches are perfect for swimming and other outdoor activities. However, the region is also beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color, and the wineries and local apple orchards are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Quinte-Northumberland

Do:

  • Do explore the region’s beautiful natural scenery and hiking trails.
  • Do try the local food and drink, including wine, craft beer, and butter tarts.
  • Do take part in local festivals and events.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Don’t be disrespectful to locals or their traditions.
  • Don’t underestimate the weather, always pack for the conditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Quinte-Northumberland

Quinte-Northumberland is a safe place for visitors, but it’s always a good idea to take precautions and be prepared. Keep valuables in a safe place, be aware of your surroundings, and follow the posted signs and regulations when visiting parks and other natural areas.

Health in Quinte-Northumberland

Canada has excellent health care services, but visitors should be prepared for unexpected illnesses or injuries. Make sure to have travel insurance and bring any necessary medications with you.

Getting to Quinte-Northumberland: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several ways to get to Quinte-Northumberland:

Airports Near Quinte-Northumberland

  • Kingston Norman Rogers Airport (YGK)
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Bus Stations Near Quinte-Northumberland

  • Belleville Bus Terminal
  • Trenton Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Rental Cars: Rental cars are available at both airports and can be rented at major car rental agencies.
  • Private Transportation: Private transportation companies operate in the region, providing transportation services to visitors.

How to Get Around in Quinte-Northumberland

The best way to get around Quinte-Northumberland is by car. Rental cars are available at the airport, or you can rent from the various rental companies available in the different cities. You may use other options like buses, taxis or book limousines or transportation from private shuttle services before visiting the region.

Where to Go Next from Quinte-Northumberland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many great destinations and excursions to explore near Quinte-Northumberland, including:

  • Toronto: Canada’s largest city is just a few hours’ drive from Quinte-Northumberland and offers world-class shopping, dining, and culture.
  • Ottawa: The capital of Canada, Ottawa, is less than two hours’ drive from Quinte-Northumberland and is home to many national museums and cultural attractions.
  • Prince Edward County: Located just east of Quinte-Northumberland, Prince Edward County is known for its beautiful wineries, beaches, and charming small towns.

Conclusion

Quinte-Northumberland is a beautiful region in Ontario, Canada, that has something to offer everyone. From beautiful natural scenery to delicious food and drink, there’s plenty to explore in this region. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, or just a relaxing getaway, Quinte-Northumberland has it all.

Upper Mazinaw Lake facing Mazinaw Rock from The Narrows, looking north Upper Mazinaw Lake facing Mazinaw Rock from The Narrows, looking north View of Cobourg View of Cobourg Wine shop in Prince Edward County Wine shop in Prince Edward County


    Prince Edward County
    Trenton