Sitting along the shores of the Bay of Quinte, Belleville is a gem of a destination! Often forgotten thanks to its popular neighbour to the south, Prince Edward County, there are so many fun and unique things to do in Belleville!
One of the best times to visit Belleville, Ontario is during the summer. The city and surrounding area are ripe with fun things to do for outdoor enthusiasts and foodies. Reid’s Dairy is one of the top Belleville attractions that is a popular spot for families in the summer. As are the countless waterfront trails that offer scenic view and bird watching opportunities. Plus, Belleville offers a budget friendly getaway in Ontario. While many cities have sky-high hotel prices, you’ll find affordable accommodation and plenty of free things to do in Belleville.
For over 40 years I’ve been travelling to Belleville to visit family, so it holds a special place in my heart. In this guide I’m sharing all the best Belleville things to do in the summer, like hiking and enjoying waterfront patios. Plus, I’m uncovering a few hidden gems in Belleville that include peaceful parks and off the beaten path art galleries.
So, pack the car and let me help you plan a road trip to Belleville this summer!
Fun & Unique Things to do in Belleville Ontario
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Visit Glanmore National Historic Site
One of the top Belleville attractions is Glanmore National Historic Site. In a picturesque neighbourhood with other beautiful homes, the Glanmore House stands out for many reasons.
This grand home was completed in 1883 in the striking Second Empire style by a local architect. The home is a work of art, both inside and out. From its intricate slate roof to the decorated ceilings, you’ll want to look everywhere, from top to bottom.
Glanmore was built for John Philpot Curran Phillips and his wife Harriet. The grand home saw four generations live within its walls. While the Phillips had a son, sadly he passed at age three. But they went on to adopt a local young lady, Jessie Patterson.
The estate became a museum in 1973 and I think it’s so much more than that. It’s both a history museum and an art gallery. The rooms are decorated with period piece, many of the larger pieces are original to the house. In addition to the original pieces, there are a large number of pieces from the museum’s region collection.
You’ll see countless works of art adorning the walls too. Many of which come from Bertram and Cecilia Couldery, artists from England who had a summer home in Belleville. As an animal lover, I loved that many of the paintings were of cats and dogs.
Insider tip: The museum offers scavenger hunts for the kids! There are two to choose from, one is a general artifact finding one and the other is all about the animals in the house.
Beyond the paintings, the home is a work of art itself. Be sure to look up at the painted ceilings in the Drawing Rooms and the Dining Room. Another design element of Glanmore that I love is the suspended mahogany staircase. It greets you as soon as you enter and immediately draws you in.
Explore Downtown Belleville
A must on the list of things to do in Belleville is explore its downtown. Downtown Belleville is full of great shops, restaurants and so much more.
Where is downtown Belleville? Generally, the downtown area of the city is along Front Street, between Station and Dundas Streets. You’ll also find plenty of downtown parking lots too. And one bonus is that it’s pretty cheap to park in them. It’s only $1 an hour and free after 5pm and on weekends.
A great first stop is to take in the stunning City Hall! Built in 1873 in the Victorian Gothic Revival style, it’s a beautiful building. Plus, the farmers’ market takes place in the market hall behind.
If you’re like me and love hunting for street art, you’ll find a number of murals downtown. One of the biggest and must-sees is Turtle Island by Allan Bender. It features a giant turtle with a number of other animals standing on its shell.
Downtown Belleville is full of unique and fun shops to browse. There’s everything from local makers shops to clothing. One of my favourite shops in Belleville is Bazaar Artisan Market. Inside you’ll find a variety of unique items made by artisans from Southeastern Ontario. There’s everything from jewellery to art as well as bath and body products.
There’s a range of clothing shops downtown too. A fun one for those like me who like vintage, head over to Boretski Gallery. As soon as I walked in, I felt like Alice in Wonderland, transported to another decade through fashion! Inside you’ll find a lot of cool vintage hats, dresses, jewellery and so much more. I like to think of it as a treasure hunt when browsing this shop.
Another great clothing store is Pure Honey Boutique. I love the mix of statement pieces and staples. In addition to clothing, there’s jewellery and footwear.
I also love finding second hand book stores and there’s one downtown. Paraphernalia Books ‘N’ Stuff is run by the loveliest English lady who will make you want to hang out and chat all day. In addition to a diverse selection of books, she also sells British food and fun British themed souvenirs.
Visit a Café
Something else you’ll find plenty of in downtown Belleville is fabulous cafes! Each with their own unique vibe, so as a coffee and café nut, I had to check them all out!
When visiting Belleville in the summer, you’ll likely be on the hunt for a refreshing drink. Head over to Tropical Blends for a tasty smoothie. With a fun and colourful mural on the exterior, inside you’ll find beachy vibes with the white washed walls, ratan furniture, and pots full of plants.
Tropical Blends is best known for their epic smoothies. I highly recommend the Mermaid, which is a mix of blueberry, pineapple, mango and banana. However, they also make a fab cup of coffee with local Toronto roaster Hale Coffee.
One of the newest coffee shops in Belleville is Benji’s. This is one of the many success stories from Pop-Ups by the Bay. After three seasons as at Pop-Ups, this coffee shop has a brick and mortar shop close to City Hall. Set in a historic building, inside I loved the use of hanging flowers from the ceiling for a touch of fun.
Another fun café is the Brake Room. This is where a bicycle shop meets coffee shop, making it the perfect community hub. In addition to selling bikes and gear as well as doing repairs, the Brake Room features a fun coffee shop. The Brake Room serves up Toronto’s Pilot Coffee as well as a selection of tasty baked goods.
Just outside the downtown core is a hidden gem of a café, Small Scale Bread. Making small batch organic sourdough bread, they also sell a variety of locally made products like maple syrup and honey. Plus, they use coffee roasted in nearby Stirling.
Check out the Pop-Ups on the Bay
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Belleville in the summer, one of the best is checking out Pop-Ups on the Bay! 2024 marks the event’s sixth season and it takes place at West Zwick’s Park.
Pop-Ups on the Bay is a community event that runs from May 31 through September 15. It’s a collection of food and drink vendors, many of which are just starting out. The event has proven to be quite the successful push for many of its small business, as they’ve gone on to create brick and mortar stores.
Most of the vendors are set in colourful old shipping containers. Each container is fully painted and reimaged for a new lease on life. Many of them also have fun murals painted on them. There’s a punkie beaver and a set of Monarch wings that are perfect for a photo-op!
As a foodie, I was blown away by the selection of vendors. There’s everything from Ukrainian to Haitian. But you’ll find classics too like a fry food truck, ice cream, lemonade and fun flavourful popcorn.
Two of my favourite Pop-Ups this year are Ayiti Eats and Taste of Ukraine. Ayiti Eats serves up fantastic Haitian and Creole cuisine. I highly recommend ordering one of the full meals. It’s a hearty helping and includes a meat, one of the best pasta salads EVER, and a choice of fritters, Haitian rice and beans, or Cajun fries.
Taste of Ukraine is a must to feed your sweet tooth! These lovely ladies serve up tasty Ukrainian desserts like rumballs and walnut cookies. And for the coffee nut in me, I fell in love with their iced coffee. It’s a must for the summer!
In addition to the food, Pop-Ups on the Bay has some cool activities too! You can rent kayaks to cruise the bay or enjoy a round of mini putt.
Grab a Scoop from Reid’s Dairy
When it comes to ice cream, one of the best places to visit in Belleville is Reid’s Dairy. A staple in the community for over 100 years, Reid’s Dairy has been owned by the same family for decades, with the third generation now running it. While they now have locations in other places, the Reid’s Dairy in Belleville is the orginial!
Since the 1980s, their iconic facility on Bell Boulevard has become a hotspot for families and ice cream aficionados. You can’t miss the giant fairy tale castle like exterior!
With a recently expanded space, Reid’s Dairy has also reopened with drive thru. Inside, you’ll find freezers full of dairy goodies. But the highlight is the over 30 flavours of ice cream at the counter. In addition to scoops of ice cream, you can order a refreshing mild shake, soft serve and more.
This is a must stop in the summer in Belleville! But beyond the tasty tiger tail ice cream, my go to, is Reid Dairy’s commitment to supporting local farmers. Their primarily source of milk comes from farms that are within a 100 km.
Enjoy Patios at Belleville Restaurants
With its idyllic location along both the Bay of Quinte and the Moira River, there are a number of great restaurants in Belleville with waterfront patios. One of the best places to eat at in the summer is the Boathouse Seafood Restaurant. This long-standing restaurant has a dreamy patio overlooking Victoria Harbour.
The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant is best known for their incredible seafood options. They have been voted Readers’ Choice Seafood Restaurant in the Bay of Quinte for over 15 years. You’ll find everything from fish and chips to shrimp, scallops and more. Plus, there’s options for non-seafood eaters as well as vegans.
I ordered their battered haddock, which is MSC Certified Sustainable. The batter was crispy and the fish massive. If you’re looking for a treat before dinner, I recommend their Boathouse biscuits. They are incredibly flakey and moist. In addition to a large drink menu, they also offer a fun assortment of mocktails. The strawberry Daiquiri-ish was so tasty and a must for summer!
Another great spot to enjoy food on the patio this summer is the Pier Patio Bar & Grill. Located at the end of Meyer’s Pier, this open air, seasonal restaurant is perfect for summer dining. Their menu features a variety of classics like burgers, tacos and wraps. I love their smash burgers! They also have live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Plus, it’s and ideal spot for catching the sunset.
Insider Tip: Due to the fact that the Pier Patio Bar & Grill is open air, they are subject to close due to bad weather. I recommend checking their Facebook page for updates on closures.
Other great restaurants in Belleville with waterfront patios include The Local Social House and Signal Brewery.
Cycle or Stroll the Riverfront Trail
One of the best things to do in the summer in Belleville is enjoy its numerous waterfront trails. The Riverfront Trail is a great one to stroll or cycle. Running along the Moira River, the Riverfront Trail runs from downtown up to the highway.
In total, the Riverfront Trail in Belleville is approximately 5 km. I love that the trail offers scenic views of the river and takes you past a number of historic buildings, like Meyers Mill. Plus, it takes you through a number of different city parks like Lion’s Park and the sprawling Riverside Park at its north end.
You can walk the full length in about an hour, though you’ll want to stop and enjoy some sights along the way. I recommend grabbing a smoothie from Tropical Blends for the walk. Or you can cycle it, one way in about 20 minutes.
If you’re a bird watcher like me, keep an eye out. There are a number of different species to see along the trail in the summer. I spotted everything from ducks to baby Canada geese and swans. Don’t forget to look up too, I spotted a couple of ospreys flying over, probably on the hunt for fish.
Explore South Foster Park
Another waterfront gem is South Foster Park! Park at the marina by Meyers Pier and enjoy a stroll along the north shore of the Bay of Quinte.
One of my favourite free things to do in Belleville is take a walk along the Bayshore Trail through South Foster Park. It runs roughly 3 kms and is both paved and lined with lights for evening strolls.
There’s a number of scenic spots along the Bayshore Trail. My favourite is the turtle pond. You’ll also spot plenty of swans, and with babies in tow in the summer.
For those visiting with kids, there’s a children’s playground and seasonal canteen that serves ice cream. History buffs will enjoy the various monuments. One is the CN Train Monument that celebrates the city’s railroad history.
Another monument is a bit of hidden gem and often gets overlooked. Situated near the marina is a stone marker celebrating Dunbar Moodie, who was the first sheriff of Hastings County, and his wife Susanna Moodie.
Insider Tip: As an avid reader, I’m always on the hunt for literary sights in Ontario. So, this was a special find. Susanna Moodie was a brilliant author in the mid to late 1800s, who lived in Belleville. You can still find her old home, now known as the Susanna Moodie Cottage, still standing just off of Bridge Street West.
Browse the Farmers Market
Even though its open year-round, visiting the Farmers Market is one of the best things to do in Belleville in the summer. The market is located behind City Hall in the historic Market Square.
I love that the Market Square offers cover over the vendors. It’s great to avoid the rain and heat of the sun in the summer. Interestingly, I was blown away to learn the Belleville Farmers Market is one of the oldest in Ontario. It was established in 1816.
At the market you’ll find a wide variety of goods, including local vegetables, baked goods, and hand crafts. In addition, it’s a great place to discover new local businesses.
During my visit, one particular vendor that stood out was Mayall’s Apothecary. The woman behind the small business is Claudia who’s been studying Herbalism for years. She’s created a line of natural products with herbs that are healthy in a variety of different ways. Products include everything from teas to creams. I picked up one of her wine infused sea salts. She partnered with Karlo Estates in Prince Edward County to craft this tasty salt.
The Belleville Farmers Market runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm.
Hidden Gems in Belleville
Enjoy the Corby Park Rose Garden
A few streets away from one of the top attractions in Belleville, the Glanmore National Historic Site, is one of the city’s hidden gems. The Corby Park Rose Garden is a jewel of a neighbourhood park.
Located on Ann Street, north of Bridge Street East between William Street and Ann Street, the garden is set within the old east village of Belleville. Surrounded by stunning heritage homes, Corby Park Rose Garden was dedicated to the city in 1905.
For years, locals have enjoyed this tranquil pocket that’s home to hundreds of roses. I loved my visit to the garden, with its winding trail among the flowers and towering trees. At the heart of the garden is a large fountain with a giant rose on top that acts as a water fountain.
Corby Park Rose Garden is a must-visit in summer to take in the beautiful blooms. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, relaxing with a book, or to visit on a date.
Visit Gallery 121
For those who love the arts like me, there are two art galleries in Belleville, both of which are hidden gems. One is Gallery 121, which is a non-profit, co-op art gallery.
Many visiting downtown Belleville explore the shops and places along Front Street. However, there are a number of treasures nearby, like Gallery 121 that is on Bridge Street East.
Inside Gallery 121 you’ll find a variety of pieces of art in various mediums, from oil painting to clay and textile. During my visit they had a few pieces that were created out of gum, which was so interesting.
I love that they also focus on local artists, from the Bay of Quinte and other Ontario locales. Plus, it’s a great spot to visit often as every six weeks the gallery exhibitions change.
At the back of the gallery is another smaller gallery space. This space is dedicated to showcase one artist’s work. During my visit it held pieces by David Alexander. I was struck by his unique attention to detail and method of approach.
Take a Historic Walking Tour
I’m a huge history buff and always love learning about the history of a place I’m visiting and the stories behind its buildings. A great way to explore Belleville is by taking a historic walking tour.
The City of Belleville Heritage Guide features 3 different self-guided tours. Tours include one of inside of City Hall, a downtown tour and one tour of churches.
During my visit I did part of the downtown tour that highlights over 30 places. Within the guide you’ll learn about the history of Belleville, from the earliest known Indigenous community, Asaukhnosk, through the United Empire Loyalists.
The self-guided tour starts at City Hall and has a handy map with all of the numbered locations on it. Each location in the guide has a brief description about the building’s history. A few of my favourite places to stop on the tour are City Hall, Meyers Mill, Billa Flint House, and Glanmore National Historic Site.
Browse the John M. Parrott Art Gallery
One of the hidden gems in Belleville is located on the third floor of the downtown public library. It’s another art gallery!
The Belleville Public Library is home to the John M. Parrott Art Gallery. This isn’t some small room with a few pieces of art. It’s a proper gallery with three rooms, and when I visited I had it all to myself!
John M. Parrott Art Gallery features a permanent collection as well as changing exhibits. Artists range from local to international with a varied use of mediums, from mixed media to acrylic.
Walking into the first space, you’ll find the permanent collection that features paintings by Manly MacDonald. MacDonald was a well-respected Canadian impressionistic painter who was born just outside of Belleville. Many of his paintings are inspired by places in the Bay of Quinte.
In addition to the gallery, there’s a shop that has a bunch of cool local handcrafted pieces. I love how it’s all displayed in long row of glass cabinets, just outside the gallery, like art. You can purchase everything from jewellery to art and accessories. It makes for a fabulous souvenir!
They also run a number of art workshops at the library, so be sure to check out what’s going on when you’re in town. There’s everything from painting to drawing classes.
Insider Tip: I was struck by the art I stumbled upon throughout the library, beyond the gallery space. Instead of taking the elevator directly to the top floor, I recommend walk through the library to see the other pieces of art. These include a stunning large stained glass and other interesting pieces.
Grills Orchards
I’m always on the hunt for local farms to visit and a gem in the Belleville area is Grills Orchards. This apple farm has been a staple in the community for over 100 years.
Founded in 1916, Grills Orchards was in the same family, with three generations working there for over 80 years. In the late 1990s, the Grills family sold the farm to McPherson family. The McPherson family have continued the traditions.
The Grills Country Market sells a variety of local goods, like apples and other produce fresh from the farm, as well as other items from local producers. You’ll find everything from honey to apple cider and maple syrup on the shelves. Plus, they also have a tasty selection of baked goods like cookies, bread and other treats. I loved their butter tarts too!
If you’re looking for things to do in Belleville with kids, Grills Orchards is a great place to visit. They run a number of events throughout the year, including an Easter Scavenger Hunt and a Harvest Festival.
The farm is also home to a 10-acre corn maze that opens every spring. Plus, you can visit in late August to go apple picking. They have over 15 different varieties of apples to choose from.
It’s located just north of Highway 401, 15 minutes northeast of downtown Belleville.
More Things to do in Near Belleville in the Summer
Hike HR Frink Conservation Area
One of the best places to visit near Belleville is the HR Frink Conservation Area. This is such a gem of a park. It’s home to an Outdoor Education Centre and 10 km of trails.
HR Frink Conservation Area is located on Thrasher Road, about 15 minutes north of downtown Belleville. You’ll find a parking lot on the south side of the road. Parking is a reasonable $6 and you can pay by card.
The 10 km of trails in HR Frink Conservation Area are on both sides of the road. Trails range from forested to boardwalks. It’s a fantastic park for a variety of animal and plants. It’s home to one of my favourite flowers, the Pink Lady Slipper, which is an Ontario orchid species.
During my visit, I explored the south side of the park. It features one of the best boardwalk trails I’ve come across in a long time. After a short trek through the forest, I came out to a lengthy stretch of boardwalk that spanned far into the wetland area.
I spotted a wealth of wildlife along the boardwalk as well as beautiful purple iris flowers among the reeds. A few species I saw include a northern water snake, various frog and turtle species, a muskrat, and plenty of birds.
Insider Tip: The conservation features a number of picnic tables; I highly recommend packing a lunch to enjoy in the park. Just make sure to dispose of your garbage responsibly.
Enjoy the Lookout at Sager Conservation Area
For those looking for more things to do near Belleville, take a drive out to Sager Conservation Area. This small scenic park is located in Quinte West, and is a 25-minute drive north of downtown Belleville.
Perched atop a hill that’s one of the highest points in the area, Sager Conservation Area has a gem at its heart. Take the 1 km trail from the parking lot to the top of the hill, it’s made up of nearly 50 steps. Here, you’ll find a 30-foot-tall lookout tower.
Even from the ground, the views are incredible. But for those looking for even better views, take the 48 steps up the tower for sweeping views of the Trent River valley and beyond.
The best part is that the park is free to visit!
Grab an Ice Cream from What’s Your Scoop
A sweet hidden gem near Belleville is What’s Your Scoop. This fun converted barn on the rural backroads of Quinte West serves up Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream.
What’s Your Scoop is located just outside the small town of Frankford. On the menu you’ll find 38 different flavours. In addition to ice cream scoops, you can order customized milkshakes and sundaes. And new this year, they have ice cream nachos!
Beside the barn there’s a number of picnic tables set up for you to enjoy your scoop!
Behold the Bleasdell Boulder
There’s a mighty big attraction that many, even in the area, don’t know about. One of the coolest places near Belleville is Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area. This isn’t just any normal park with a scenic trail and birds chirping in the trees.
Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area is home to one of the largest erratics in North America. For those that don’t know what an erratic is. It’s a rock that has been transported by glaciers and is different from the surrounding bedrock.
From the parking lot it’s a short, 0.6 km, hike to the Bleasdell Boulder. Standing in front of it for the first time, I was in awe of this massive two-story boulder. It looks like some giant placed it on the ground here.
It’s estimated that the Bleasdell Boulder is 2.3 billion years old. The boulder is 44 feet long, 24 feet wide and 22 feet high. Plus, it weighs over 1000 tons.
Check out the Views from Mount Pelion Park
One of the many hidden gems in Quinte West (Trenton) is Mount Pelion Park. This nearly 200 feet tall hill is known as a drumlin as it was created by glacial movement.
Mount Pelion Park is hidden in a residential neighbourhood. But its free to visit and offers epic views of the area. Plus, it is a historic site that features a British Royal Navy Cannon that dates to 1808. Incredibly, the cannon was placed on top of the hill in 1880.
From the parking lot you have to ascend the over 60 stairs leading up to the top of the hill. At the top you’ll find sweeping views. Plus, there’s a lookout tower that takes you another 30 feet up for 360-degree views. You can see as far away as Belleville and even Prince Edward County.
Insider Tip: The narrow road leading up to the parking lot on top of the hill is rough. I parked at the end of Maclellan Avenue and walked up, which only took 5 minutes.
Where to Stay in Belleville
There are a variety of accommodations in Belleville that range from standard hotels to bed and breakfasts. Plus, you’ll find budget friendly price points of under $150 to more expensive options.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton – This is a great budget-friendly hotel that still packs all of the typical luxuries you look for. The Hampton Inn & Suites in Belleville is conveniently located right of Highway 401 but is still only a 10-minute drive from downtown. It features a complimentary hot breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon, waffles and more. Plus, along with spacious rooms, there’s a pool and gym.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – If you’re looking for something closer to downtown and restaurants, the Holiday Inn is a good choice. It’s located a short 5-minute drive from downtown or 30-minute walk. They offer both hard and soft pillows. Plus, there’s a free breakfast bar, gym and indoor pool.
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Start Planning your Belleville Getaway Today
So, if you’re looking for a fun summer destination in Ontario to plan a getaway to, Belleville is the perfect place! This hidden gem of a city offers a wealth of things to do that range from outdoor recreation to cultural attractions. With fabulous restaurants with waterfront patios, fun ice cream shops, and endless trails along the water, Belleville is a great place to visit to soak up the summer sun for the whole family!
This post was written in partnership with Bay of Quinte Tourism but as always, all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.
Are you looking for more things to do in the area? Check out the following guides.
20 Awesome Things to do in Prince Edward County
15 Best Things to do in Picton
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