FROM FLYING MACHINES TO FESTIVALS

While road tripping from Brighton to Belleville, take the opportunity to make a few stops along the way. In Trenton, visit the National Air Force Museum, which explores the country’s aviation history and features a sixteen-acre air park dedicated to flying machines (past and present). For nature enthusiasts, there is the Potter Creek Conservation Area,  conveniently located off HWY 2, just as you approach Belleville

To learn about Deaf history, visit the Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf, which recently celebrated its 150-year anniversary. Explore their new Archives & Museum by booking an appointment or simply appreciate the heritage plaque on the picturesque grounds.

Another worthwhile stop is West Zwick’s Island Park on the Waterfront near the Belleville Bay Bridge, where you may often find pop-ups and festivals happening.

HISTORIC CHARM; CONTEMPORARY COOL

Sitting pretty on the Bay and the banks of the Moira, downtown Belleville is a rare find: equal parts historic charm and contemporary cool.

Pop in and out of galleries, including Belleville Art Association and Gallery 121 featuring local artists or the John M. Parrott Gallery in the Belleville Public Library. While exploring some of the many boutiques, keep your eyes open for public art too, notably local artist Chris Bennett’s colourful murals adorning a number of establishments.

A short walk (or three-minute drive) east lands you in the Old East Hill Neighbourhood. Belleville’s historic architecture provides an elegant backdrop for wandering from historic buildings like  Bellevue Terrace, to Glanmore National Historic Site. The historic homes in the area date back to the 1800’s, and are the perfect setting for Belleville’s annual September Porchfest – a free, family-friendly music festival which sees thousands of attendees enjoying music played from porches, hosted by the local Rotary Club of Belleville.

DINNER, THEN A SHOW

Before enjoying a show later in the evening, make your way back to downtown Belleville to indulge in a delicious meal. If you’re craving Mexican cuisine, Chilangos is a must-visit culinary destination in Belleville. Another fantastic option in the downtown area is The Lark, a charming and modern restaurant known for its intimate ambiance and imaginative cocktails.

For a small place, Belleville sure loves its theatre – so you have a lot to choose from. There’s The Empire, a vintage 1938 theatre presenting indie films and live performances (including some of Canada’s biggest name artists). There’s River & Main Theatre Co. (at the intimate storefront Theatre in the Wings). And there’s the Belleville Theatre Guild (top notch community theatre for over seventy years). Oh, and if for some reason you’re heading back west, note that actors also tread the boards at the City of Quinte’s Old Church Theatre and the Brighton Barn Theatre.

DISTINCTIVE INDIGENOUS ARTS AND CRAFTS

You’ll know you’ve arrived when you start seeing Mohawk language on street signs and buildings. Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory was established in 1784, a forced relocation leading to the loss of ancestral homelands. (Visit the Mohawk Landing on Bayshore Road to learn more.) Among the traditions of Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) people is distinctive original artwork and crafts. Make sure to stop at Native Renaissance, featuring emerging and well-known Indigenous artists, notably Thomas B. Maracle whose stone, wood and corn husk creations are prized internationally. Other must-stops include Rebecca Maracle’s Gallery & Gifts, showcasing exquisite feather art; Soaring Eagle Native Arts & Crafts for meticulously handcrafted work with all-natural materials, and Eagle POD Gallery, with its striking, one-of-a-kind sculptures by David R. Maracle. After this feast for the eyes, you may want a feast for the stomach: you’ll find fresh walleye at many local restaurants.

HISTORY AT THE CHAPEL

Mohawks were military allies of the British Crown during the American Revolution and part of that legacy is embodied by the chapel at Christ Church. It’s one of a small number of royal chapels outside of Great Britain and is of historic significance to both the Indigenous and colonial history of Turtle Island/Canada. The church itself, welcoming both Indigenous and non-Indigenous worshippers, was built by Mohawks and contains a triptych in the Mohawk language. Outside of Sunday services hours are variable, but it’s worth stopping by just to gaze at the 19th century Gothic revival style architecture.

AN UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE

Fantastic fossils, cool depths, and a resident ghost: all of the above are found below! Meaning in the caves, which date back thousands of years. Geology lovers should get excited – the fossils found here connect sightseers to the extensive history of this natural wonder. Considered an easy and accessible adventure (at a small enough scale that even littles can enjoy), the Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves are also about ethical and sustainable tourism that gives curious visitors a chance to learn something of the local history and geology.

ART ON THE SKIDS

As you follow the scenic route along the Bay of Quinte and up the Napanee River, you will reach the charming Town of Greater Napanee. One of the notable attractions in the town is the ‘Pallet’able Art Project, public art literally created on wooden industrial skids and pallets. Twenty-some charming original works dot the city, making splashes of bright, eye-catching colour. Navigate your way from pallet to pallet via Greater Napanee’s handy online map. (You may want to incorporate a little local history too, via the town’s historic walking tour map.)

PINTS, PUBS, MUSIC

Start your evening relaxing at one of Greater Napanee’s favourite spots, for instance by having a brew at the wee patio of multiple-award-winning Napanee Beer Company. Another option, the (similarly award-winning) Waterfront River Pub and Terrace, located right on the Napanee. (Trivia note: the Napanee River is known for having its own “seiche,” a tidal effect due in part to the strong winds on Lake Ontario’s north shore.) The Waterfront often features local musicians, and for national talent check out the Starstop Concert Series, designed to catch top Canadian talent crossing the country on tour. One final music note: for concerts beneath the skies (and by the river), on a summer afternoon watch for the Music by the River series in lovely Conservation Park.

QUIRKY AND CUTE: WELLINGTON WEST’S HINTONBURG

Bustling, artsy, trendy, eclectic, cool: just some of the descriptors of Wellington West, on your drive back in from the farms. East of Holland Avenue, it’s Hintonburg, with great specialty stores — a far cry from the rail yards, lumber and paper mills of its 19th century days. Same with the neighborhood’s designation as the QUAD (Quartier des artistes/Arts District), as Hintonburg is home to galleries, studios, and art-friendly restaurants.

As to those specialty stores: they are thinking local and sustainable. Terra20 sells cruelty-free, non-toxic and ethically sourced products. At Nu Grocery, Ottawa’s first zero-waste grocery store, you’ll find everything from cereals to toothpaste. Drop by the Maker House Co. for handmade homewares created by Ottawa artisans. Don’t forget music: The Record Centre, purveyors of new and used vinyl (and turntables), has also been known for local band performances.

Need a sip and snack break? Try one of the wonderfully named local chains: the Ministry of Coffee and Social Affairs, or Happy Goat Coffee.

GO WEST TO WELLINGTON VILLAGE

Go west (of Holland Ave.) to Wellington Village for a myriad of possibilities from Canadian independent designers. It’s all about boutiques. Kindred Shop and Studio’s ethically made clothing and made-in-Ottawa gifts; Flock’s handmade, local, sustainable wares; JV Studios & Boutique’s emerging Ottawa brands; Victoire Boutique’s “smitten with Canadian design” approach and more. For a break from shopping, head to the NAK Gallery, opened in 2020 to showcase contemporary visual art.

The Village is also a great spot for a leisurely dinner, with its nearly two dozen restaurants. Just a few possibilities include contemporary Canadian cuisine at Stofa; locally sourced fare at Supply and Demand; or upscale pub food at Wellington Gastropub. (Locals call it The Wellie.) Speaking of pubs, Ottawa craft beer is a growing concern. If it’s of concern to you, consider a Brew Donkey “curated regional adult field trip” to local breweries.

For a quick bite, try Beandigen Cafe, an Anishinaabe owned and operated cafe on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe. Located in the heart of the city at Ottawa’s Lansdowne Park, the café offers coffee, espresso, and light snacks as well as retail space to connect and purchase Indigenous goods, art and crafts from local Indigenous artists. Beandigen is a play on words from the term “welcome” in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway), which inspired the name and feel of the cafe.”

IT’S GREAT, IT’S CANADIAN, IT’S THEATRE

The Great Canadian Theatre Company, or GCTC, as Ottawans call it, is located almost in the centre of Wellington West. It’s also at the centre of the local theatre scene. The city’s largest professional, independent theatre was born in 1975 when Carleton University profs and grad students decided to produce Canadian plays. After two decades of treading the boards in a renovated truck garage the GCTC moved to Wellington West. Now they showcase plays and theatre events at the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre, with its 262-seat mainstage space. Bonus: Spacious lobbies and a studio theatre make GCTC a hub for community events.

STROLL THE STREETS OF HISTORIC SANDY HILL

The sandy soil of this slightly-off-the-beaten-track residential neighborhood means you won’t see many tall buildings. But you will see dignified embassies and gracious apartment buildings (circa 1860 to the 1920s). Two of Canada’s most important prime ministers (Sir Wilfrid Laurier and the Rt. Hon. William Lyon Mackenzie King) lived in Sandy Hill. At some times of year you can visit their former home of Laurier House, a Second Empire mansion. Today, Sandy Hill is where affluence meets student living, with bars, brewpubs and coffee shops around the U. of O. Students, locals and tourists alike can enjoy cuisine from around the world, including India, Thailand, Mexico, Japan and Middle East. For a river walk, stroll Strathcona park along the Rideau, where in summertime you can enjoy theatre under the stars.

VISIT ONE OF CANADA’S LEADING ARTIST-RUN CENTRES

Stop at the SAW Gallery on your way to the market. The artist-run centre is famed for politically and socially engaged artwork and performances. Lured by the North? Check out SAW’s recently opened Nordic Lab with the Annie Pootoogook Studio, named for the celebrated Inuit artist. Take in a community event (from screenings to concerts to artist talks) at Club SAW, complete with bar and state-of-the-art sound system.

MAKE BYWARD MARKET YOUR ART WALK

ByWard Market is just a stone’s throw from SAW and a perfect place for a café lunch. Pick from a variety of cuisines, including Island Flava, Island Grill, Ocho Rios Caribbean Eatery, Sweetgrass Aboriginal Bistro. And, of course, for the sweet stuff, a.k.a. Beavertails. (Deep fried pastry and sugar. Say no more.) Lieutenant-Colonel John By drained a cedar bog and made a market here in 1827 so the families of workers building the Rideau Canal had a place to shop. Almost two centuries later the market still draws locals for great foodstuffs.

But it’s also a cultural draw. Follow the ByWard Market Art Walk map for stunning murals. The Art Walk includes murals by diverse artists, including Black and Indigenous muralists. Then drop by the Ottawa School of Art for contemporary art exhibits and to browse the boutique for paintings, jewelry and sculpture. All of it Canadian; much of it local.

THE MARKET BY NIGHT: DRINKS, DINNER AND BEATS

There’s no shortage of nightlife in the market. Try the storied Chateau Lafayette, a.k.a. The Laff, Ottawa’s oldest tavern since 1849. Or go upscale with Copper Spirits and Sights Rooftop Lounge, for Canadian-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails. (It’s a great sunset spot with a prime view of Parliament Hill.) For late nights drop by the Mercury Lounge, the “twenty-first century soul club” where beats-meets-jazz. Come for drag shows, or to enjoy soca, rap, and rock music. The intimate Mercury has brought music, poetry readings and dance performances to Ottawans for over twenty years.