Welcome to Belleville

It's easy to get to Belleville by car, train, bus (or boat!). But once you're in town, try touring this historic Loyalist community on your own two feet. Start your urban explorations along the broad winding paths of the Bayshore Trail, on the shores of the Bay of Quinte. Follow the Parrott Riverfront Trail to the banks of the legendary Moira River, into the heart of town, where you will see the city's signature 19th century City Hall and Clock Tower. In the Victorian neighbourhood of the East Hill, stroll through the stately Corby Rose Garden, or visit the grand drawing rooms and period re-creations of Glanmore National Historic Site. Across the river, high in the West Hill, pass by the stone cottage of famous pioneer author Susanna Moodie.

Now that you're acquainted with Belleville's past, take time to enjoy Belleville today–discover shops, restaurants, great places to stay, and a vibrant sports, arts and live entertainment scene.

TRAIL-TOWN

With the Bay of Quinte at its doorstep and the Moira River running through its heart, Belleville has embraced the outdoor urban path movement. Set aside a day to hike, bike, blade, or simply stroll the city's growing network of year round multi-use recreational trails. Each leg of Belleville's trail system takes you to the water's edge. The Riverside Trail and Parrott Riverfront Trail follow the Moira River south from Highway 401, while the Kiwanis Bayshore Trail and Zwicks Trail border the Bay of Quinte, east and west of the river's mouth.

Kiwanis Bayshore Trail Download Map (PDF)	2.57 km Bay of Quinte	Paved, lighted. Public washrooms, seasonal canteen. Children's playground en route.
Zwicks Trail Download Map (PDF)	3.2 km Bay of Quinte	Paved, lighted. Public washrooms (closed in winter season). Children's playground en route.
Parrott Riverside Trail Download Map (PDF)	1.6 km Moira River, Lower	Paved, lighted. Access to shops, restaurants and services of downtown business district.
Riverside Trail Download Map (PDF)	5.2 km Moira River, Upper	Some paved sections. Public washrooms, seasonal canteen. Children's playground en route.

Fishing

Walleye!!! World-class, record-size. The Bay of Quinte and Moira River are legendary walleye hot-spots, with the season beginning on the first weekend in May. There's lots of great bass action too, along with pike, musky, and perch.

In winter, cold spells transform the Bay into a classic Canadian ice fishing village. Local outfitters provide huts, bait and transportation.

Boating

Calling all power boaters, sailors, kayakers and windsurfers: the broad, sheltered waters of the Bay of Quinte are your ideal summer headquarters. Are you a sailor? The bay is one of Canada's top sailing destinations! The Bay is also popular with rowers and dragon-boaters.

Dock and refuel at Belleville's harbour headquarters, Meyer's Pier:
44° 9.17': -77° 22.56' Services include pump-out, showers, shore power, ice, canteen.

Departing boaters: Launch from the end of South George Street, or South Herchimer Street, into the Bay of Quinte, where you'll find 32' wide concrete ramps with 60' docks. Trailer parking available.

Fast Ice! When conditions are just right-smooth ice, minimal snow-the Bay of Quinte provides the perfect surface for the fast, furious, exotic winter sport of ice sailing. When temperatures drop, check Belleville's inner harbours for outdoor ice skating.

Heritage homes, a fresh market and top-tier entertainment

Stroll through Belleville's downtown "Village" and surrounding neighbourhoods to see a well-preserved stock of 19th and early 20th century residences, churches and commercial buildings. You'll see simple, Gothic-inspired cottages, solid Italinate villas, and grand Second Empire structures with arched dormers, iron cresting and ornate cornices. Get an inside look at the grandest of them all, Glanmore National Historic Site in the city's East Hill. More heritage: Belleville's VIA train station (Station Street) is one of the very few in Ontario dating from the construction of the Grand Trunk Railway in the 1850's.

Time your visit to Belleville (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) to shop, eat, meet and greet at the city's busy downtown Belleville Farmer's Market, in the Market Square just east of City Hall. Stock up on the best of Quinte's homegrown, homemade and home-baked products –with fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, maple syrup, preserves, meats, cheeses, crafts and ethnic specialties. Why not plan a Farmer's Market picnic? Lively Saturdays often include entertainment and special events. (Look for Pancake Breakfasts, Strawberry Socials and Harvest Festivals.)

Culture fans, take note: Belleville has an energetic arts and entertainment scene. Check daily event listings–chances are you'll find live local music in a pub, hall, restaurant or outdoor space. On stage, theatre season at the delightful Pinnacle Playhouse (home of the award-winning Belleville Theatre Guild), runs from fall to early summer. For major-league box office entertainment, book a show at the spectacular 700-seat Empire Theatre and outdoor Empire Square. Year-round, the Empire presents the biggest names in Canadian and international show business.

Looking for high-octane sports action?Take in Belleville Bulls Jr. A Hockey at the Quinte Sports Centre or motorcycle and drag racing at Shannonville Motorsport Park.

Highlights and High-Notes

• The Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment Military Museum is a one-of-a-kind display, housed in an historic downtown Armoury.
• Zwicks, East Bayshore, and Riverside Parks are perfect places for a picnic. In mid-July, feast your way through the biggest picnic of all: the annual Belleville Waterfront and Ethnic Festival (mid-July) features non-stop entertainment, and round-the-world foods.
• There are over 2,000 roses, annuals and perennials in Belleville's Corby Rose Garden. This unique East Hill park, with its distinctive Victorian flavour, is a legacy of the distillery-related Corby Family.
• The John M. Parrott Gallery at the Belleville Public Library features a permanent display of the work of renowned Canadian artist, Manley MacDonald.
• Specialty shopping? Browse Belleville for antiques, vintage items, original art, handcrafted jewellery, giftware and collectibles, and fine clothing.

Family Finds

Check out the Pirate Ship Playground and the Skateboard Park at Riverside Park; splash in the wading pool at Zwicks Park; feed the goats and other animals at Reid's Dairy; cross the Moira River on pedestrian footbridges of the Riverfront Trail; watch for turtles, ducks and geese in the inlets and lagoons of the Bayshore Trail; toboggan at Zwicks Hill, and the "401" Hill at the north end of Riverside Park.