Welcome to Greater Napanee

Fresh air and an air of history - you'll breathe in both when you tour Greater Napanee, at the eastern gateway to Bay of Quinte Country.

Start with a lingering look at Napanee, the region's charming small-town centre. Well-preserved 18th and 19th-century streetscapes echo the pre-Confederation spirit of former resident and first Canadian Prime Minister, Sir John A Macdonald. To the south, visit the Loyalist heritage high points of Deseronto, Adolphustown, Hay Bay and Bath to see the original landing spots and proud cultural legacies of British colonists who fled to Upper Canada during the American Revolution.

As you head north, notice that the softened shorelines and broad reaches of Lake Ontario give way to the rugged landscape of the lower Canadian Shield. Fish, boat, canoe or kayak through the sparkling vacation region of "Land O' Lakes," and hike, bike, ride or snowmobile over 700 kilometres of rural and backcountry trails.

Eastern Ontario's Main Street Gem

Within minutes of taking the Napanee exit south from Highway 401, Southern Ontario's main travel corridor, you'll reach the heart of one of Ontario's prettiest little towns. Look around, to see storefronts, facades and public spaces that appear much as they did when Napanee was a prosperous trading centre of pioneer Ontario. Sir John A Macdonald, Canada's colourful first Prime Minister, practised law here in the early 1830's. In summer, visit the Allan Macpherson House (a finely-restored example of a Georgian-style home) where young John A. often attended parties and celebrations. Make your way to the classically-columned Napanee Town Hall on Market Square, to imagine an older and more notorious Macdonald-it was here, in 1891, that the most famous Father of Confederation made the last campaign speech of his political career. On the east side of downtown, note the distinctive Gibbard Furniture Building. Founded in 1835 by John Gibbard, the factory was the one of the oldest continuously-operating companies in North America. For more Loyalist and Upper Canadian background, drop in to the Lennox & Addington County Museum & Archives (housed in the former County Gaol), before exploring the hometown shops, dining spots and Victorian neighbourhoods of this proudly rural community.

Boating

There's lots of ways to be on the water in Greater Napanee. With boundaries that stretch from Lake Ontario shores, through the far-eastern span of the Bay of Quinte and into the "Land O' Lakes," the region has wide appeal to sailors, power boaters, canoeists and kayakers. To the south, capture the feel of the "age of sail" on Adolphus Reach, the Bay of Quinte's breezy channel to the Lake. For a "bonus" Bay of Quinte experience (for boaters with modest-size craft and a shallower draft) navigate the Napanee River into the heart of Napanee.

Fishing

Lake trout in Lake Ontario? Walleye in Hay Bay? Largemouth bass in the Napanee River? Or northern pike in the inland lakes? In Greater Napanee, there's an angle for every angler.

In winter, make it your access point for Bay of Quinte ice fishing–local outfitters offer huts, equipment and accommodation.

Into the heart of United Empire Loyalist country

You don't have to be a history buff to enjoy a tour of Greater Napanee's collection of United Empire Loyalist heritage sites. The scenery alone is worth the trip; these landmarks are located on the shores, bluffs and bays of some of the area's most spectacular settings. If you are a history buff, plan an extended stay: Greater Napanee is the heart of "UEL" history and genealogy. The following sites chronicle the dramatic story of the Loyalist refugees–British colonists who remained loyal to the crown, and fled to Canada during the American Revolution:

The United Empire Loyalist Heritage Centre, overlooking Adolphus Reach, on the Loyalist Parkway in the village of Adolphustown-See an actual 1784 landing site and early Loyalist burial grounds. (Tour May - October) the Loyalist Cultural Centre in Allison House, a grand Victorian home built by the grandson of one of the area's first Loyalist settlers. View artifacts (including a display of Loyalist uniforms), family papers, maps, records and charts). The Heritage Centre operates an adjacent camping/RV park. It's also just a few kilometres east of the Glenora Ferry Terminal.

Old Hay Bay National Historic Site, Named for the Bay it overlooks, south of the town of Napanee--This simple, sober wooden frame structure, built by early Loyalists in 1792, is the oldest Methodist Church in Upper Canada.

Fairfield-Gutzeit House, Village of Bath, east along the Lake Ontario shore-Get an inside look (June-September) at a Georgian-style home built in 1796 by the descendants of the Fairfield family of Vermont.

Lennox & Addington Museum & Archives, Thomas St. East, Napanee-Housed in a former 19th century jail, this museum includes a genealogical research library, and an extensive photo collection.

Local Legends

Legendary Entertainer - Are you an Avril Lavigne fan? Take a self-guided tour of the superstar musician's hometown! See the Skater Bowl in Springside Park, the fairgrounds and local parks where Avril first performed, and the local high school she attended. How about lunch at Avril's favourite pizza place? More Napanee claims to fame: Ryan Malcolm, first Canadian Idol winner; Albert Schultz, award-winning actor.

Legendary Natural Phenomenon - A freshwater "tide"? That's what seems to happen in the Napanee River, where water levels rise and fall on a regular basis. Prolonged winds across Lake Ontario push the lake water to the north shore; when the winds die down, the water sloshes back, causing a "seiche" effect that looks like an ocean tide. The Napanee River Tide is a rare phenomenon-it occurs in only one other river in the world!

Legendary Lilacs - Lilac bushes were an ornamental favourite of Greater Napanee's early settlers. Today, in May and June, they bloom in glorious masses in the region's gardens, fields and roadside hedges.

Family Finds

Best Bets for Families: Staircase-falls, Skate Bowl and riverside walkway at Springside Park, on the Napanee River, Napanee; "Secret" upper floor passageway in Allan Macpherson House, Napanee; Award-winning cheese at the Wilton cheese factory; Sunday Farmer's Market (June - October),Bath; Saturday Farmer's Market, Napanee; Pick-your-own apples, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, throughout the region; Music By the River (July/August), Napanee; Fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cycling, and all-round outdoor adventure in the area's provincial parks (Bon Echo, Sharbot Lake, Frontenac) and network of Crown Lands, lakes and rivers.