Brockville is a beautiful waterfront town on the St. Lawrence River that makes a fantastic day trip (or a great addition to a longer visit to the 1000 Islands). Known for Canadian history, tall ships, and boasting great fish & chips, there are plenty of things to do in Brockville. I have actually visited Brockville several times now, and there are still more things I want to do in the area. It definitely belongs on your day trip list!
Here are the best things to do in Brockville!
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Things to do in Brockville
Explore Brockville
Brockville Railway Tunnel
A trip to Brockville is not complete without a visit to the Brockville Railway Tunnel! This is Canada’s first railway tunnel – it opened in 1860 and runs underneath the city. Today you walk the 527m through the tunnel from one end to the other. As you walk, there are 13 panels that take you through the history of the Brockville Railway Tunnel. There is often a light & sound show happening in the tunnel!
The Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing
For the perfect family activity, visit the Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing. This is a non-profit, interactive science and education museum that explores the history and ecosystems of the Brockville region of the Saint Lawrence River. Meet cute critters like otters and beavers, and uncover the history of sailboats and military ships on the St Lawrence. This is the perfect thing to do in Brockville with kids!
1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
Experience the 1000 Islands from Brockville on a 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruise. Cruises will take you along the St Lawrence Seaway, through the 1000 Islands and past Brockville’s historic waterfront while you learn interesting facts and history of the area.
Blockhouse Island
One of the classic things to do in Brockville is to explore Blockhouse Island. Pack a picnic or pick one up at The Sweet Little Café and head down to Blockhouse Island. This beautiful waterfront park is a perfect place to relax and watch the boats go by. Bring deck chairs, a book, and some snacks to enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water in Brockville.
Shop in Downtown Brockville
Brockville has a lovely downtown with plenty of shops, ranging from dockside living to gift and flower shops. Check out the Downtown Brockville shopping directory or simply go for a walk along King Street to see what you find. One of my favourite shops in Brockville is an accessory shop called Limestone & Ivy. I bought two wide-brimmed sunhats there last summer!
Outdoor Activities in Brockville
Bike Around Brockville
Bring your bike to explore Brockville! There is a great network of bike paths in Brockville that will take you along the waterfront and along scenic routes from Blockhouse Island to St Lawrence Park. From Brockville, you are also near the Waterfront Trail, a scenic bike path that runs along the 1000 Islands Parkway and beyond. You can also rent a bike from Dive Brockville Adventure Centre.
St Lawrence Park
Ready for some time at the beach? St Lawrence Park is a beautiful park in Brockville to spend the day and a great place to camp overnight in the summer! Day use of the park is free and a fee applies for overnight camping. You will find washrooms, change rooms, and a canteen open in the summer for your use while you enjoy the beach!
Mac Johnson Conservation Area
The Mac Johnson Wildlife Area is a wildlife area north of Brockville. This recommendation came from a reader! Mac Johnson includes wetlands, forests, and 11km of trails. The Wildflower Loop serves as an interpretive trail. If you’ve got your canoe on your (you never know when you might need a canoe, right?) there is an access point to canoe in the reservoir within the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area.
Get On the Water
Kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or go diving in Brockville! Dive Brockville Adventure Centre offers a multitude of ways to explore the water way in Brockville. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard by the hour, embark on private tour by boat, go snorkeling, or diving. The 1000 Islands actually offers some of the best diving in the world, with incredible shipwreck sites to explore!
Where to Eat in Brockville
Don’s Fish & Chips
A must-eat in Brockville, Don’s Fish & Chips offers delicious fish & chips and poutine year-round. Take your delicious fish and walk down to the water!
The Sweet Little Café
The perfect spot for a coffee and a treat, the Sweet Little Café is exactly as the name describes. Sweet interior and sweet food! In the summer they offer picnic packs including sandwiches, drinks, and assorted cookies. We bought a pack and went down to Blockhouse Island to enjoy it!
1000 Islands Brewing Co
If you love a good craft beer, then you will want to stop at 1000 Islands Brewing Co. Set in a historic building, the 1000 Islands Brewing Co offers a patio and restaurant to enjoy your drinks or you can buy cans to go.
Richard’s Coffeehouse
Enjoy a pick-me-up or some home-cooked food at Richard’s Coffeehouse. They offer everything from soft serve ice cream and baked good to meatballs and roasted vegetables.
