Discover the best things to do in Belleville this summer. Located just 2 hours from Toronto and 1 hour from Kingston, Belleville is a laid-back city along the Bay of Quinte that really shines in the warmer months. From quiet moments at Turtle Pond to drinks on the patio at Signal Brewery, this guide rounds up the best things to do, places to eat, and where to stay for the perfect summer escape.
I first discovered Belleville in December (you might’ve read my post about visiting during the holidays), but coming back in the summer felt like meeting a completely different city. The downtown core was buzzing, the patios were full, and the riverfront trails were made for slow morning walks.
Over that weekend, I found myself returning to the river, exploring quiet trails at H.R. Frink, and winding up my days on a patio with a locally made craft beer. It wasn’t just about ticking off things to do, it was noticing how Belleville feels in the summer. Real. Relaxed. Like a town that’s settling into its season, with all the kindness and calm you’d hope for.
So here’s my guide to the 10 Best Things to Do in Belleville, Ontario, this summer. Perfect if you’re stopping in for a day trip, planning a weekend escape, or just want to see how the city shines in warm weather. Let’s go!
Don’t forget to check out all of my Ontario blog posts to make the most of your adventures!
10 Best Things to Do in Belleville
1. Explore Downtown Belleville
Belleville’s downtown has quietly transformed into one of the most charming spots to wander on a sunny day. With its mix of heritage buildings, indie shops, and vibrant food scene, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and explore on foot.
Start your day with a latte from Benji’s Coffee Bar, a cozy little spot with great drinks and even better people-watching. If you’re in the mood for something savoury, Kafana serves up delicious Balkan-inspired food in a bright and welcoming setting. And if you’re craving something tropical? Don’t miss Tropical Blends Café : the smoothies are perfect for a light summer refresher.
Downtown is also where you’ll find public art, cute boutiques, and seasonal events that spill out onto the streets. It’s walkable, photogenic, and full of personality.
Read more// If you’re a foodie, check out my full Belleville restaurant guide for more places to eat while you’re in town.
2. Visit the Turtle Pond on the Bayshore Trail
Just a short walk from downtown, the Turtle Pond is one of Belleville’s most peaceful (and adorable) hidden gems. Nestled along the Bayshore Trails, this small pond is actually a designated turtle sanctuary, protected to help local turtle populations thrive.
If you’ve never seen a dozen turtles sunbathing on a log at once, you’re in for a treat. These quiet residents are a common sight throughout Belleville and the Bay of Quinte, especially in early summer when they’re nesting or lazily paddling through the water.
There are benches along the trail where you can sit and watch them and trust me, it’s surprisingly meditative. It’s also a favourite spot for morning walkers, families with kids, and anyone who just wants to take five and enjoy a moment of calm.
Good to know :This is a protected space, so fishing and off-leash pets aren’t allowed. Be turtle-kind and give them space to do their thing.
3. Step Back in Time at Glanmore House
If you’re into history, architecture, or just love wandering through beautiful old houses, Glanmore National Historic Site is an absolute must. Built in 1883 and tucked away in a quiet residential area of Belleville, Glanmore is one of those places that instantly transports you to another era. Inside, you’ll find ornate Victorian interiors, period furnishings, and original artwork, all carefully preserved to reflect what life would’ve looked like for an affluent Canadian family in the late 19th century. The staircases, intricate ceilings, and stained-glass windows are worth the visit alone.
It’s more than just a museum, though. Glanmore also hosts rotating exhibitions and community events throughout the year, making it a fun stop even if you’ve been before.
Read more// The Glanmore House becomes even more magical during Christmas time. You can see the photos here.
THE DETAILS
Price | 8$ per adult, 6.50$ for adults over 55 and students, 4.50$ for children from 10 to 5, and free for children under 5)
When | Open every day expect on Mondays. Check their website to see the hours of operations.
Website | You can check their website here.
4. Relax at Corby Park
Right in the heart of Old East Hill, Corby Park is one of those postcard-perfect spots that feels made for summer. Lined with mature trees and manicured flower beds, the park features a beautiful fountain at its centre, with benches and shaded pathways that make it ideal for a mid-day break. Whether you’re picking up takeout from downtown or just looking for a quiet spot to read, Corby Park is a local go-to for slowing down. It’s especially pretty in the early evening when the flowers are in full bloom and the light softens over the trees.
It’s also a popular photo spot, so don’t be surprised if you catch a wedding party or a family snapping portraits near the fountain.
Good to know: There’s street parking nearby, and it’s only a short walk from both downtown and Glanmore House, making it a perfect in-between stop.
5. Explore H.R. Frink Conservation Area
Just a short drive north of the city, H.R. Frink Conservation Area is where you go when you want to swap city buzz for birdsong and forest stillness. With over 13 km of trails winding through wetlands, forests, and meadows, it’s a peaceful place to hike, take photos, or just breathe. One of the highlights is the boardwalk trail, which takes you across the wetlands and gives you a close-up view of the area’s natural beauty — turtles, frogs, birds, and all. It’s especially lovely in the early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the trees and the trails are quieter.
This spot is great for all levels of walkers and hikers, and since it’s lesser known, you can often have long stretches of trail all to yourself.
THE DETAILS
Price | 6$ per car for the parking.
Details | The park is open year-round, and parking is available on-site.
Website | You can find all the information here.
6. Sip a Drink on Belleville’s Best Patios
When the temperature rises, Belleville’s patio scene comes alive and a drink with a view is always the summer experience. Two standout spots bring distinctly different vibes:
Signal Brewery
Housed in the historic Corbyville distillery, Signal’s sprawling riverside patio overlooks the Moira River, offering breezy charm and live summer music. You’ll find small-batch craft beers like crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs paired with a delicious menu of wood-fired pizza, loaded nachos, and elevated pub fare. This spot nails that perfect mix of heritage, community, and relaxed riverside fun.
The Local Social House
For something a bit more downtown, The Local Social House delivers a refined yet inviting vibe. Think upscale brunch cocktails, craft wine flights, and a rotating menu of shareable plates, ideal for a late-afternoon sip or pre-dinner get-together. Their elegant patio feels like a summer soirée, laid-back but with an air of hometown sophistication.
7. Hike to the Lookout at Sager Conservation Area
If you’re craving a stunning view without driving far, Sager Conservation Area is a hidden gem just a short trip from Belleville, in Quinte West. This quiet natural area offers a short but rewarding hike through forest and fields, culminating in a panoramic lookout that’s perfect around sunrise or sunset.
It’s amazing how quickly you can go from city to countryside, and the trail feels much more remote than it actually is. It’s only around 3 km total, making it ideal for families or anyone wanting fresh air and wide-open skies without a time commitment.
THE DETAILS
Price | Free
Details | The park is open year-round, and parking is available on-site.
Website | You can find all the information here.
8. Take a Day Trip to Presqu’ile Provincial Park
If you have a bit of extra time during your Belleville stay, Presqu’ile Provincial Park is more than worth the 40-minute drive. Located on a long peninsula that juts into Lake Ontario, it’s known for its long sandy beaches, boardwalks, and birdwatching, making it a perfect summer day trip.
Whether you’re into swimming, hiking, or just stretching out on a towel with a good book, Presqu’ile has that classic Ontario park vibe: laid-back, scenic, and a bit wild in the best way. The Lighthouse Interpretive Centre adds a bit of history to your visit, and the marsh boardwalk is especially lovely in the early evening.
THE DETAILS
Price | 21.00$ for a Day Pass. In the Summer make sure your reserve your visit online ahead of time.
Details | The park is open year-round, and parking is available on-site.
Website | You can find all the information here.
9. Grab an Ice Cream at Reid’s Dairy
A summer day in Belleville isn’t complete without a stop at Reid’s Dairy, a local institution that’s been serving up scoops for decades. Housed in a quirky, castle-inspired building, Reid’s is more than just a dairy, it’s a full-on Belleville experience. The star of the show? The generously sized soft-serve cone. And yes, it’s just as nostalgic and satisfying as it sounds. You’ll find kids, families, and locals lining up on sunny days for classic vanilla swirls or chocolate dips that never go out of style.
10. Visit Pop-Ups on the Bay
If you’re looking for the ultimate summer hangout in Belleville, Pop‑Ups on the Bay delivers the perfect mix of food, local flavour, and riverside charm. Hosted at West Zwick’s Park, this seasonal outdoor gathering brings together a rotating lineup of food trucks, artisan vendors, and community events. All set against the backdrop of the shimmering the Bay of Quinte.
Picture yourself sinking into a picnic table under a shaded canopy, sipping a cold lemonade, while live music drifts in on the breeze. You can sample everything from gourmet tacos and wood-fired pizza to fresh coffee and sweet treats, all from local vendors showcasing their summer best. Add to that the laid-back summer atmosphere, and you have a weekend hotspot that feels effortlessly Belleville.
Where to Stay in Belleville
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Belleville
For this trip, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and it was the perfect home base. The location is super convenient, just a few minutes from downtown, the waterfront, and major routes, which made it easy to explore everything on this list without spending all my time in the car.
The rooms were clean, quiet, and comfortable (bonus: blackout blinds and great water pressure), and I really appreciated the included breakfast and free parking. Whether you’re visiting Belleville for a weekend getaway or as part of a bigger Ontario road trip, it’s a reliable and stress-free place to stay.
THE DETAILS
Quick Tips for Visiting Belleville in Summer
- Timing is everything: July and August are ideal for patios, pop-up events, and catching turtles at Turtle Pond, but June and early September are quieter if you prefer fewer crowds.
- Parking is easy: Downtown Belleville offers free two-hour street parking, and there’s plenty of space at West Zwick’s Park for Pop-Ups on the Bay.
- Check hours in advance: Some shops, cafés, and restaurants close early or take Mondays/Tuesdays off, especially the smaller, independently owned ones.
- Follow local pages: For the latest on events and pop-up vendors, follow @bayofquinte, @discoverbelleville and @popupsonthebay on Instagram, they post weekly updates and insider tips.
1- or 2-Day Itinerary for Belleville in Summer
Day 1: Downtown + Local Gems
Morning
- Start your day with a coffee from Benji’s Coffee Bar
- Stroll through Downtown Belleville, stopping in at local shops and checking out Corby Park
- Walk over to the Turtle Pond on the Riverside Trail and spend a few quiet moments with Belleville’s cutest residents
Afternoon
- Grab lunch at Kafanas or Tropical Blends
- Step back in time at the Glanmore National Historic Site
- Cool down at Reid’s Dairy.
Evening
- Head to Signal Brewery for drinks and dinner with a river view
- If you’re up for it, catch sunset at Sager Conservation Area for a peaceful end to the day
Day 2: Nature, Views & Local Vibes
Morning
- Fuel up with your hotel breakfast (or grab something local)
- Drive out to H.R. Frink Conservation Area for a morning hike and time in nature
Afternoon
- Pack a picnic and make the short drive to Presqu’ile Provincial Park
- Walk the marsh boardwalk or lounge on the beach
- On the way back to Belleville, swing by a local farm stand or bakery
Evening
- Head to Pop-Ups on the Bay for dinner from a local food truck, live music, and one last view of the water
*Stay overnight at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites for a restful night between adventures.*
Final Thoughts : 10 Things to do in Belleville
Belleville might not always be the first place that comes to mind when planning a summer getaway in Ontario, but that’s exactly why it’s so special. It’s a city that surprises you in the best way: peaceful riverside trails, vibrant downtown cafés, local history, and just enough adventure to keep things interesting.
Have you been to Belleville in the summer? Let me know your favourite spots in the comments, I’m always looking for new places to explore!
* P.S. This adventure was part of a collab with Bay of Quinte Tourism but all opinions (and obsessions) are 100% mine! For more ideas of thing to do in the Bay of Quinte this Summer right here!
Looking for more Ontario travel ideas? Check out my other blog posts for itineraries, hiking trails, and hidden gems across the province!
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I almost made a very different version of this reel.
Last time I posted about Smiths Falls, the comments surprised me and a lot of them seemed to come from people who actually live there. There’s nothing to do here. It’s boring. My first instinct was to make a whole clap-back video, screenshots and all.
But honestly? I get it. Nobody is a tourist in their own town. The canal is just the thing you cross on your way to work. The museum is where you went once on a school trip in grade four. When you see a place every single day, it goes invisible.
I grew up near the Bay of Fundy – home of the highest tides on the planet – and as a kid I thought it was the most boring place on earth. It took moving away to realize people cross oceans to see what was in my backyard.
So this reel is me being a tourist in your town for you. The 1912 bridge you’d paddle under if you hadn’t stopped noticing it. The museum where you can climb into the trains, and even sleep in one. The thrift trail. The mural. All of it.
To everyone who’s never been: this is your sign for an easy day trip from Ottawa or Kingston.
And to Smiths Falls locals: I dare you to do one thing from this list this weekend. Report back. 😌
What’s the thing in YOUR town that you’ve stopped noticing? I want to hear it.
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#SmithsFalls #RideauCanal #OntarioDayTrip #ExploreOntario #smalltownontario
I have a confession: half my road trips are reverse-engineered.
I don’t pick a destination and find a coffee shop nearby. I pick the coffee shop, then build a whole day around justifying the drive. A hike here, a beach there, some antiquing, all very respectable cover stories for the fact that I drove two hours for an iced latte.
Because here’s what I’ve figured out after years of crisscrossing Ontario: the best coffee shops are never just coffee shops. They’re the unofficial welcome centre of every small town. The barista knows which trail is muddy this week. The regulars will tell you where to park for free. The bulletin board has better local intel than any travel blog, mine included.
So this list isn’t really about coffee. It’s about the 12 places I use as an excuse to keep exploring this province. Swipe through, every single one comes with what to pair it with so you can build your own cover story.
From Thunder Bay to the County, consider this your permission slip to drive unreasonably far for caffeine.
Which one’s closest to you? And more importantly, what’s YOUR coffee shop worth driving for? I’m always taking notes. ☕
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#OntarioCoffeeShops #OntarioRoadTrip #DiscoverOntario #OntarioTravel #SmallTownOntario
For over a hundred years, the men who lived in this house woke up, looked at the lake, and went to work captaining the Wolfe Island ferry. Three generations of them. Same water, same crossing, every day.
I thought about that a lot during my stay at @themullinhouse_ (mainly from the bathtub, because the tub faces the lake and once you’re in it there’s no reason to be anywhere else.)
The Mullin House just opened as a stay, and those who brought it back to life did it in the best way that possible. Keeping the soul of the place.Places with an actual story make my job as a photographer easy. I just have to pay attention.
And if you want to stay here too: It’s a free 20-minute ferry from Kingston, 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10. So this is your sign to plan the group trip you keep talking about.
Save this for when you book it, and be honest, would you make it out of that bathtub by checkout?
Thank you to @themullinhouse_ for having me!
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#wolfeisland #kingstonontario #thousandislands #exploreontario #ontariotravel
I grew up an hour from the Bay of Fundy. And every few years, my school would pile us onto a bus and take us to Hopewell Rocks or Fundy National Park. And every single time, as a kid, I thought : ‘okay, cool. Rocks. Trees. Can we go home now?’
I had absolutely no idea what I was standing next to.
It took me leaving New Brunswick, travelling across the country before I came back to the Bay of Fundy as an adult and genuinely had my breath taken away. I grew up next to one of the most extraordinary places on the planet and completely took it for granted. And I think a lot of Maritimers probably feel the same way.
This carousel is my attempt to fix that, for myself, and for anyone who’s never made the trip. Scroll through and I’ll show you exactly how I’d plan a road trip along the New Brunswick side, from the tidal flats to the coastal cliffs to the little fishing towns that feel completely frozen in time.
And if you have extra days to spare, Saint John is absolutely worth a stop, underrated city, great food scene, and it sits right on the bay.
I’m also heading back this summer to try a stay I’ve had my eye on for a while, I genuinely cannot wait to tell you all about it. 👀
Save this for your New Brunswick road trip. 🙌
👇 Have you ever been to the Bay of Fundy? Were you as underwhelmed as I was at 10 years old? 😄
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#BayOfFundy #NewBrunswick #ExploreCanada #CanadaTravel #FundyNationalPark
I’ll be honest, when I pulled up to @whispering_springs I didn’t know what to expect. I’d seen the photos, I’d read the website, but nothing really prepares you for the moment you walk into your safari tent and realize this might actually be nicer than your apartment.
We’re talking a king bed, more space than I expected, and an actual bathtub, in a tent. I took a bath. In the woods. And I would do it again without hesitation.
Oh and the s’mores bar? Someone thought really hard about what would make people unreasonably happy at the end of a summer night and they nailed it.
Save this for your summer planning because at 90 minutes from Toronto there is really no reason to wait.
Now tell me have you ever gone glamping? If not, what are you waiting for!
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#OntarioGetaway #GlampingOntario #OntarioTravel #WeekendGetawayOntario
ExploreOntario
