Seaway Region Travel Guide
A comprehensive travel guide for Seaway Region in Eastern Ontario, Canada, including the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.
- Seaway Region Travel Guide
- Introduction to Seaway Region
- List of Places to Visit in Seaway Region
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Seaway Region
- Best Things to Do in Seaway Region: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Seaway Region
- Food and Drink Scene of Seaway Region
- Where to Stay in Seaway Region: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Seaway Region: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Seaway Region
- Best Time to Visit Seaway Region
- Do’s and Don’ts of Seaway Region
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Seaway Region: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Seaway Region
- Where to Go Next from Seaway Region: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Seaway Region Travel Guide
The Seaway Region is located in Eastern Ontario, Canada, and is known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and charming small towns. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to this lovely region.
Introduction to Seaway Region
The Seaway Region is a picturesque area that stretches along the St. Lawrence River, from Morrisburg in the west to Cornwall in the east. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Thousand Islands, St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Adirondack Mountains in the distance.
List of Places to Visit in Seaway Region
Here are some of the best places to visit in the Seaway Region:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Upper Canada Village: A living museum that takes visitors back in time to the 1860s.
- Fort Wellington National Historic Site: A restored 19th-century fort that played a key role in the War of 1812.
- St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre: A museum that tells the story of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the power project that created it.
- Cornwall Community Museum: A small museum that showcases the history of Cornwall and the Seaway Region.
Natural Attractions of Seaway Region: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Thousand Islands: A series of over 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, perfect for boating, fishing, and sightseeing.
- Long Sault Parkway: A scenic drive that winds through a series of 11 islands on the St. Lawrence River, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding countryside.
- The Waterfront Trail: A route that follows the shore of the St. Lawrence River, perfect for hiking, biking, or a leisurely stroll.
- Cooper Marsh Conservation Area: A wildlife reserve and bird sanctuary, with trails for hiking and birdwatching.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Seaway Region
The Seaway Region offers a number of fantastic hiking and biking routes, including:
- The Waterfront Trail: A 500-mile-long trail that follows the shore of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
- The Thousand Islands Parkway: A scenic drive that also has a dedicated bike lane.
- The Long Sault Parkway: A 10-mile-long parkway that winds through a series of islands on the St. Lawrence River, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the views.
Best Things to Do in Seaway Region: Activities and Tours
Here are some of the best activities and tours to enjoy in the Seaway Region:
- Boat Tour of the Thousand Islands: Take a boat tour to explore the stunning natural scenery of the Thousand Islands, with options for sightseeing, fishing, and even scuba diving.
- Biking the Waterfront Trail: Rent a bike and explore the Seaway Region on two wheels.
- Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard: Visit one of the many vineyards in the region for a wine tasting and tour.
- Fishing on the St. Lawrence River: The region is known for its excellent fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch bass, pike, and other species.
Week-Long Itinerary for Seaway Region
Here is an example week-long itinerary for the Seaway Region:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Upper Canada Village and Fort Wellington National Historic Site. |
| 2 | Take a boat tour of the Thousand Islands. |
| 3 | Explore the Long Sault Parkway and hike the trails on one of the islands. |
| 4 | Visit Cooper Marsh Conservation Area and go birdwatching. |
| 5 | Take a wine tasting tour of a local vineyard. |
| 6 | Explore Cornwall and visit the Cornwall Community Museum. |
| 7 | Relax and enjoy the scenic views along the St. Lawrence River. |
Food and Drink Scene of Seaway Region
No trip to the Seaway Region is complete without sampling some of the delicious local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Poutine: A classic Canadian dish of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
- BeaverTail: A popular dessert that’s essentially a deep-fried dough topped with sugar and cinnamon.
- Tourtiere: A meat pie that’s a staple of French-Canadian cuisine.
Local Beverages
- Beer from Rurban Brewing in Cornwall.
- Wine from one of the many vineyards in the region, such as Half Moon Bay Winery.
Where to Stay in Seaway Region: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
The Seaway Region offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some popular options include:
- The NAV Centre in Cornwall: A conference center that also offers accommodations and plenty of amenities, including a fitness center, pool, and restaurant.
- The Riverwalk Bed and Breakfast in Morrisburg: A charming B&B with beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River.
- The Half Moon Bay Inn in Cornwall: A boutique hotel with stylish rooms and suites.
What to Buy in Seaway Region: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home, you’ll find plenty of options in the Seaway Region. Some popular choices include:
- Maple syrup: Ontario is known for its maple syrup, and you’ll find plenty of options to choose from in the Seaway Region.
- Handcrafted pottery: Several local artisans craft stunning pottery pieces that make great souvenirs and gifts.
- Local cheeses: Quebec is just a short drive away, and you can find some incredible cheeses from across the province in the Seaway Region.
Local Culture and Customs of Seaway Region
The Seaway Region is home to a rich mix of cultural traditions, including English, French, and Indigenous cultures. Respect for the natural environment is also an important part of the local culture.
Best Time to Visit Seaway Region
The best time to visit the Seaway Region is in the summer months, from June through August. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the region’s forests transform into a riot of color.
Do’s and Don’ts of Seaway Region
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting the Seaway Region:
Do:
- Take a boat tour to see the Thousand Islands.
- Try some local cuisine, like poutine or tourtiere.
- Explore the many vineyards and wineries in the region.
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the natural environment.
- Be disrespectful of local culture and customs.
- Overlook the smaller towns and hidden gems - some of the best experiences are off the beaten path.
Safety and Health
Safety in Seaway Region
The Seaway Region is generally a safe and peaceful area to visit, with low crime rates. However, it’s still important to take common-sense precautions like locking your car and being aware of your surroundings.
Health in Seaway Region
Visitors to the Seaway Region should take the same health precautions as they would when traveling anywhere else, such as washing their hands frequently and staying up to date on their vaccinations. The region has several hospitals and clinics in case of any medical emergencies.
Getting to Seaway Region: Transportation Options and Logistics
The Seaway Region is easily accessible by car or public transportation. Here are some transportation options:
Airports Near Seaway Region
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
- Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
Bus Stations Near Seaway Region
- Cornwall Transit
- Greyhound Canada
Other Options
- VIA Rail Canada: Train service to Cornwall.
- Car rental: Several car rental companies operate in the region and are available at airports and other transportation hubs.
How to Get Around in Seaway Region
The best way to get around the Seaway Region is to rent a car, as many of the best attractions are spread out across the area. However, there are also several public transportation options available, including local buses and taxi services.
Where to Go Next from Seaway Region: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider after exploring the Seaway Region:
- Ottawa: Canada’s capital city is just a 90-minute drive from the Seaway Region and offers a wealth of cultural attractions and activities.
- Montreal: Another major Canadian city, Montreal is just a few hours away and is known for its vibrant nightlife and food scene.
- Adirondack Mountains: These majestic mountains are just across the border in upstate New York, and offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures.
Conclusion
The Seaway Region is a hidden gem in Eastern Ontario, with a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a charming local culture. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities or cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone in this lovely region.
