Cornwall Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Cornwall, including a list of places to visit, cultural and natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local customs, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Cornwall

Cornwall is a charming small town located in Seaway Region, in Eastern Ontario, in Ontario, in Canada, in North America. This beautiful town is known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

Travelers to this lovely town can explore the many unique attractions, ranging from cultural and historical landmarks to natural wonders and outdoor activities. With so much to see and do, Cornwall has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through the top attractions in Cornwall, recommend activities and tours, suggest the best places to stay and dine, and give you safety tips and customs to follow.

List of Places to Visit in Cornwall

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cornwall Community Museum
  • St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre
  • War of 1812 Lost Villages Museum
  • Cornwall Square

Natural Attractions of Cornwall: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary
  • Long Sault Parkway
  • Summerstown Trails

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cornwall

Cornwall offers several biking routes, ranging from easy to challenging terrain. Some of the popular trails are:

  • Waterfront Trail
  • Cornwall Bike Paths and Greenways Trail
  • Ontario’s South Coast Cycling Route

Best Things to Do in Cornwall: Activities and Tours

  • Kayaking and Canoeing on the St. Lawrence River
  • Fishing in the Cornwall area
  • Golfing at one of the town’s many golf courses
  • Exploring nature on hiking and biking trails
  • Relaxing at nearby beaches

Week-Long Itinerary for Cornwall

Day 1: Visit the Cornwall Community Museum and stroll around the beautiful Lamoureux Park.

Day 2: Visit the War of 1812 Lost Villages Museum and discover more about the town’s history.

Day 3: Go kayaking or canoeing on the St. Lawrence River and enjoy the stunning views.

Day 4: Spend a day at one of the town’s golf courses, enjoying a leisurely game of golf.

Day 5: Take a day trip to nearby Cornwall Square and shop for souvenirs or relax at the Cornwall Square.

Day 6: Visit the St. Lawrence Power Development Visitor Centre and enhance your knowledge of the town.

Day 7: End your trip by spending a day at Long Sault Parkway, enjoying picnics by the water, and biking with loved ones.

Food and Drink Scene of Cornwall

Cornwall offers an assortment of local diners, bakeries, and upscale restaurants, making it a destination for foodies. Some must-try dishes and local beverages are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine
  • Ketchup Chips
  • Butter Tarts
  • Peameal Bacon Sandwich

Local Beverages

  • Beau’s Beer
  • Kingston Olive Oil Company’s balsamic vinegar and olive oil
  • Spumoni ice-cream

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

Cornwall offers a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury hotels. Some of the best hotels and guesthouses are:

  • Ramada Inn Cornwall
  • Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre
  • Travelodge by Wyndham Cornwall
  • First Canada Inn Cornwall

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

Cornwall has plenty of shops where you can buy souvenirs or items unique to the town. Some local products to buy are:

  • Seaway Salt
  • Boulangerie La Parisienne Bakery
  • Lambert Music & More

Local Culture and Customs of Cornwall

Cornwall is known for its friendly hospitality and laid-back atmosphere. Some customs to keep in mind when visiting Cornwall are:

  • Greet strangers with a smile and a “hello”
  • Respect local beliefs and ways of life
  • Be mindful of quiet hours in towns and residential areas

Best Time to Visit Cornwall

The best time to visit Cornwall is between late spring to early autumn (April-October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and several outdoor activities can be enjoyed.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cornwall

Do:

  • Explore local landmarks
  • Experience the local food scene
  • Participate in outdoor activities like kayaking, golfing, biking, and hiking

Don’t:

  • Don’t be disrespectful towards locals or local customs.
  • Don’t litter or leave trails without cleaning up.
  • Don’t speak too loudly while exploring quiet areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cornwall

Cornwall is a safe town to visit, but it never hurts to take precautions to stay safe. Some safety tips are:

  • Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places
  • Do Not leave your valuable possessions while exploring spots.
  • Get a good idea about the area before going out alone.

Health in Cornwall

Cornwall offers top-notch medical facilities and pharmacies. But, it’s always a good idea to bring essentials like bug spray and sunscreen. Pack a first-aid kit and the necessary medication with you on your trip.

Getting to Cornwall: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cornwall

  • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (130 km from Cornwall)
  • Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (120 km from Cornwall)

Bus Stations Near Cornwall

  • Cornwall Bus Terminal
  • Greyhound Bus System

Other Options

  • Car: Rent a car and drive to Cornwall
  • Rail: Via Rail is another transport mode to get to Cornwall from interconnecting towns.

How to Get Around in Cornwall

Cornwall is a small town and can easily be explored on foot. For longer distances, there are several rental car services, taxi services, or area buses.

Where to Go Next from Cornwall: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Explore the historic Capital City of Ontario- Kingston
  • Visit Prince Edward County and explore the many wineries, breweries, and sandy beaches.
  • Spend time in Montreal and visit museums, the famous eatery scene, and vibrant nightlife.

Conclusion

Cornwall is a stunning town with plenty to offer travelers. From a rich history to outdoor adventures, this quaint town has all one could ask for in a travel destination. Follow these travel guidelines for a memorable trip to Cornwall.

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