wh-Discover-Tunnel-Jan29 (1)

<em>About this series: Wheels wants to inspire you to get ready to explore — but only if COVID-19 conditions make it safe to do so. This series of daytrips and longer drives highlight great experiences you can have in the province, ands show you why Ontario is “Ours to Discover.”</em>

&nbsp;

The majestic St. Lawrence River shaped the physical and cultural landscape of southeastern Ontario. In the days of early Upper Canada, the waterway was an important route for ships moving cargo and people inland toward the Great Lakes. Two cities — Brockville and Cornwall —celebrate the spirit of this early history and, together, make for a great weekend getaway from Toronto.
<h3><strong>DAY ONE</strong></h3>
<strong>In the morning:  </strong>It’s a bit of a drive from Toronto to this part of the province. Count on a three-and-a-half-hour drive east along Highway 401 to Brockville. You’ll know you’re getting close because the landscape changes from rolling agricultural land to the rugged, granite outcrops of the Frontenac Arch, a southerly protrusion of the Canadian Shield.

<strong>Around noon:</strong> Once in Brockville, head for King Street and find a parking spot. Everything is walkable from this downtown artery, including small eateries and the city’s main attractions. Stop at the family-owned Tait’s Fresh Start, a Brockville mainstay for more than a century. Tait’s is known for its sandwiches, hearty soups, homestyle chili and pulled pork served on a fresh-baked kaiser roll. If the weather co-operates, it’s a quick stroll to a picnic table at Blockhouse Island, where you can eat lunch and watch the ships cruising by on the St. Lawrence River.

The city is home to a Canadian first, the Brockville Railway Tunnel, a historic feat of design and engineering completed years before construction on the Canadian Pacific Railway even broke ground.

The arched-stone tunnel was completed in 1860 to connect the main railway line to the city’s industrial waterfront. Trains ran through the railway tunnel for more than a century, including wood burning, then steam and eventually diesel locomotives. Depending on the season, visitors can walk the 525-metre tunnel — which stays at a consistent 13 C all year — while enjoying a sound and light show projected on its walls.

<strong>In the afternoon: </strong>Continue your drive east to Cornwall along the waterfront-hugging Highway 2. Make a stop at the Windmill Brewery, a family-owned brewery near Johnstown. Pick up some souvenir bottles of the 1838 Pilsner, its flagship Czech-style beer commemorating the bloody Battle of the Windmill, which saw a group of Americans attempt to invade Upper Canada.

The story of Upper Canada runs deep in this part of the province, with several choices for history buffs to enjoy. Hop back onto Highway 401 and drive east for a half-hour to Upper Canada Village. This historic property features interpreters in traditional period costume, creating a “living history” of the 1860s. Step into an authentic working bakery, sawmill, blacksmith, schoolhouse and cheese factory.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/wh-Discover-Upper-Jan29-2.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-164978" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/wh-Discover-Upper-Jan29-2.png" alt="Brockville" width="2048" height="1365" /></a>

On the outskirts of Cornwall at Long Sault, you can visit the restored heritage buildings at the Lost Villages Museum. These sites preserve the story and artifacts of small communities which existed along the river, prior to flooding as part of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project construction in the late 1950s. Both historical attractions are open seasonally, so check their opening dates before leaving.

Cornwall is known for the Riverside Trail, part of a larger recreational path following the St. Lawrence River. In town, cyclists, runners and walkers can enjoy water bottle refill stations, park benches, nature trails and picnic areas. Cyclists can also explore the pathway from Cornwall to Upper Canada Village — running more than 40 kilometres – along the Long Sault Parkway, a series of islands connected by a quiet roadway just west of the city. The Cornwall Civic Complex in Lamoureux Park is a great starting spot, with free parking steps away from downtown.

<strong>In the evening: </strong>Bed down at Auberge Chesley’s Inn, a heritage bed and breakfast located on traditional lands of the Mohawk Akwesasne Community in the heart of Cornwall. The inn provides complimentary bicycles and is close to the cycling trails. Or consider a unique overnight experience by staying at the Montgomery House on the edge of Upper Canada Village. The historic, log building combines modern comforts with 19th century charm and sleeps eight. It includes a fully equipped kitchen.

For dinner, drop by the upscale Truffles Burger Bar, where its patties are anything but ordinary. Choices include the Giant Beef Burger — 12-ounces of beef — or more unique choices like kangaroo, bison, elk, boar and lentil. If burgers are not your thing, you can opt for its bucket of deep-fried chicken with sauce and fries on the side.
<h3><strong>DAY TWO</strong></h3>
<strong>In the morning: </strong>The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” is celebrated in Cornwall, which is the birthplace of the McIntosh, Canada’s national apple. In town, they like to brag that every McIntosh in the world is related to the first Mac picked here in 1830. Scour the local bakeries for apple-flavoured pastries and baked goods. Grab a coffee to go and hit the road; it’s time to start driving west again toward Toronto.

Drive along Highway 2 to the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, just past Ingleside. The sanctuary has more than eight kilometres of self-guided nature trails through a variety of wildlife habitats, including forests, old fields, wetlands and open water. Birders and nature lovers can view almost 200 bird species, take a stroll or peek into the Interpretive Centre. Take note that dogs are not permitted on the sanctuary’s trails.

<strong> In the afternoon: </strong>After enjoying the area’s natural attractions, get onto Highway 401 and head toward Brockville to grab some lunch from one of its downtown eateries. The highway exit for Stewart Boulevard leads right past the historic and British-classical design County Court House (a National Historic Site) and to the Aquatarium, Brockville’s anchor attraction on the waterfront. Aquatarium is a hands-on, interactive discovery centre exploring the colourful seafaring history, culture and ecosystems of the St. Lawrence waterway. There are exhibits about pirates and shipwrecks, a climbing course designed to look like a recreation of the rigging of a sailing ship, several large aquariums and an underwater observation bubble.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/wh-Discover-Aquatarium-Jan29-9-3.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-164980" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/wh-Discover-Aquatarium-Jan29-9-3.png" alt="Ours to Discover" width="6000" height="4000" /></a>

The drive home west along Highway 401 goes by a little faster if you watch for the changes in geography — wave goodbye to the mesmerizing Canadian Shield, enjoy the rolling hills of Northumberland County and look for views of Lake Ontario. Before you know it, you’ll see the tall buildings of the Toronto skyline on the horizon.
<h3>For the drive</h3>
Pick up some books about the region and entertain your driver along the way. “Voices from the Lost Villages” by Rosemary Rutley tells the story of the towns lost with the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway. On the fiction side “All My Worldly Goods” is a mystery novel by local author Maggie Wheeler, who weaves the history of the region into her story.
<h3>COVID-19 need to know</h3>
Ontario is currently in a modified Step 2 of its “roadmap to reopen,” with indoor dinning banned. The Niagara region is currently dealing with the rise of the Omicron virus. Some restaurants are providing curbside pickup and takeout service. Please call ahead to confirm. Many businesses are open, also with limited capacity.  Visit niagararegion.ca for the latest information on COVID-19 in the area.
<h3>Drive guide</h3>
<strong>Day one</strong>
<ul>
 	<li><strong> 7:30 a.m.</strong> Leave Toronto</li>
</ul>
Drive east on Highway 401
<ul>
 	<li><strong> 11 a.m.</strong> Tait’s Fresh Start</li>
 	<li><strong> Noon</strong> Brockville Railway Tunnel</li>
 	<li><strong> 1 p.m.</strong> Windmill Brewery</li>
 	<li><strong> 2 p.m.</strong> Upper Canada Village</li>
 	<li><strong> 4 p.m.</strong> Lost Villages Museum</li>
 	<li><strong> 5 p.m.</strong> Riverside Trail</li>
 	<li><strong> 6 p.m.</strong> Check into hotel</li>
 	<li>7 p.m. Truffles Burger Bar</li>
</ul>
<strong>Day two</strong>
<ul>
 	<li><strong> 9 a.m.</strong> Cornwall bakery</li>
 	<li><strong> 10 a.m.</strong> Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary</li>
 	<li><strong> Noon</strong> Lunch in Brockville</li>
 	<li><strong> 1 p.m.</strong> Aquatarium</li>
 	<li><strong> 3 p.m.</strong> Drive back to Toronto</li>
</ul>

Ours to Discover: Brockville and Cornwall

wh-DiscoverCollingwood-Downtown-October9

<em>About this series: With COVID-19 restrictions having eased over the last few months, Wheels wants to inspire you to get ready to explore — but only when it is safe to do so. This series of daytrips and longer drives highlight great experiences you can have in the province and across Canada, ands show you why this country is “Ours to Discover.”</em>

The dramatic Niagara Escarpment dominates this part of the province, which is known as South Georgian Bay. There are the Blue Mountain hills, communities such as Collingwood and Thornbury, fruit orchards and a luxuriously long stretch of waterfront.

The climate of Georgian Bay — part of Lake Huron — and the soil of the escarpment create perfect conditions for growing apples. On your road trip, watch for signs indicating the Apple Pie Trail, a collection of orchards, farmers markets, cideries and wineries, cafes and bakeries dedicated to showcasing the area’s connection to this fruit.
<h3><strong>DAY ONE</strong></h3>
<strong>In the morning: </strong>The shortest way to drive from Toronto to the Blue Mountain area is north along Hwy. 400 before veering northwest on Hwy. 26 into the heart of Collingwood. It’s a two-hour drive if the traffic co-operates.

If you want to experience a more scenic route, another option is to meander Ontario’s secondary highways and roads to Thornbury, a town west of Collingwood. Punch the destination into your GPS and head cross-country through Caledon, Orangeville and Shelburne. It adds about 20 minutes to the drive but is a great way to explore this rural part of Ontario.

Promising “the best pies and tarts in Ontario,” the Ravenna Country Market is a family-owned general store just south of Thornbury. It has become a destination thanks to its specialties, including Montreal smoked meat on flatbread, frozen entrees such as chicken pot pie and shepherd’s pie, and its selection of pies and butter tarts (ours barely made it out of the parking lot before being devoured).

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/wh-DiscoverCollingwood-Tarts-October9.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-162346" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/wh-DiscoverCollingwood-Tarts-October9.png" alt="Collingwood" width="3264" height="2448" /></a>

Thornbury is the largest apple growing region in Ontario and orchards blanket the rolling countryside. Just down the road from Ravenna is Oaklane Orchards, where you can buy a ready-picked bag of Honeycrisp (or a dozen other varieties) or stretch your legs and wander the orchard to pick-your-own

<strong>In the afternoon: </strong>Take a relaxing stroll along the main street of Thornbury. Pop into the Thornbury Bakery Café for a sweet bite (its cinnamon buns sell out early and there are three types of butter tarts) or a sandwich to-go. Owned by the same family since 1901, the café bakes seven types of bread daily and create sandwiches filled with chicken avocado and Thai peanut rolls. Vegan, keto and gluten-free products are also available.

After, stop at the Thornbury Village Cider &amp; Brew House for a quick snack on the patio and a bottle of their excellent craft cider. This is a stop on the Apple Pie Trail, and it serves a spiced apple cider described as “liquid apple pie in a bottle.” Both its Blood Orange Cider and the single-varietal Honeycrisp Apple Cider are addictive. Undecided? Try a flight of tasting glasses if you aren’t the designated driver.

Drive east on Hwy. 26 and <strong>s</strong>lide into the Blue Mountain state of mind. Spend a few hours at the Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain; an electronics-free property where silence is golden (reservations needed). Its traditional Nordic hydrotherapy circuit is based on stations for hot and cold relaxation. There’s also a Forest Bathing Trail (no charge), a self-guided path that is a way to connect with nature by taking a walk in the woods. Studies have shown that forest bathing enhances health, wellness, happiness and sleep.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/wh-DiscoverCollingwood-Bathing-October9.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-162342" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/wh-DiscoverCollingwood-Bathing-October9.png" alt="Collingwood" width="3024" height="4032" /></a>

<strong>In the evening: </strong>If you’re camping, Craigleith Provincial Park is right on the shoreline of Nottawasaga Bay – less than a 15-minute drive from either Collingwood or Thornbury. Or check in at one of Blue Mountain Village’s many properties. Tradition rules at the Blue Mountain Inn, one of the area’s original hotels, located just outside the hubbub of the main village of Blue Mountain. Inside the pedestrians-only village there are hotels, ranging from big-name chains to small cottage-style units to suit every need.

Make the short drive to Collingwood and stop at the 1858 Caesar Bar for a pre-dinner glass of Canada’s national drink, the Caesar. Named after the year Collingwood was incorporated, the 1858 serves more than 50 types of Caesars, from a classic to one featuring maple and barbecue flavours. You can also build your own Caesar at a station full of meat, dairy, seafood and veggie fixings. Made in Collingwood, bottles of Caesar Elixir – containing everything needed to create mild, medium, hot, jerk, bacon and buffalo Caesars at home – are the perfect souvenirs.

Stop for dinner at the Fig &amp; Feta, where the menu is full of every Greek dish imaginable. Choose from platters of souvlaki, pastitsio, moussaka and grilled calamari and appetizers featuring garlicky tzatziki. There’s also a market section with shelves of imported Greek specialities like wines, olive oils, cheeses, fig jams and house-made sauces.
<h3><strong>DAY TWO</strong></h3>
<strong>In the morning: </strong>Whether you need a cup of java or a full breakfast in the morning, the main street of Collingwood is full of options. Espresso Post is a favourite with locals. Its wraparound wooden counter is piled with trays of grab and go baked goods, including Portuguese custard tarts, chocolate walnut scones and raspberry lemon cornmeal muffins.

If you prefer a sit-down meal, grab a table at Duncans Cafe, a family-owned local institution. Duncans is known for plates of eggs benedict complete with salmon, peameal bacon and homemade Hollandaise, spicy huevos ranchero wraps, and standards like French toast and omelettes. If you are on the run, grab a coffee and a wedge of its famous carrot cake.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/wh-DiscoverCollingwood-Fig-October9.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-162345" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/wh-DiscoverCollingwood-Fig-October9.png" alt="Collingwood" width="3024" height="4032" /></a>

<strong>In the late morning: </strong>Hurontario Street – Collingwood’s main drag – is perfect for browsing unique clothing and home decor shops. For a locally made memento, pick up an environmentally friendly, plant-based candle from Serendipity Soy Candles. There are hundreds of scents to chose from (including Blue Mountain Air) and they come in sizes ranging from tea lights to jumbo.

<strong>In the afternoon: </strong>It’s a short drive from downtown Collingwood to Blue Mountain Village, where you can shop, ride the mountain coaster, rent a bike, tackle the climbing wall or play mini putt.

You can also find a little solitude by driving up the hillside – follow the roundabout to Scenic Caves Road – and hike the trails at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. Set within a protected UNESCO biosphere reserve, there are five kilometres of well-marked pathways winding through forests of sugar maple. Trails branch out through the famous caves and rock clefts and there are panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment. If heights are not a problem, one trail includes the longest suspension bridge in southern Ontario. Drink in the natural beauty before driving back to Toronto.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/wh-DiscoverCollingwood-Caves-October9.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-162343" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/wh-DiscoverCollingwood-Caves-October9.png" alt="Collingwood" width="3456" height="4608" /></a>

<em>Portions of this trip were sponsored by Ontario Parks and South Georgian Bay Tourism, which did not review or approve this story.</em>
<h3>For the drive</h3>
Download “Stories from Another Day,” a Collingwood Museum podcast exploring the triumphs and tragedies that shaped this popular Ontario destination.
<h3>COVID-19 need to know</h3>
Most restaurants, stores and attractions are open with reduced capacity. Note that the government-mandated proof of vaccination rule is in effect. Check provincial guidelines before you head out on your road trip.
<h3><strong>TIMELINE: </strong>Drive guide</h3>
<strong>Day one</strong>
<ul>
 	<li><strong> 8 a.m.</strong> Leave Toronto</li>
</ul>
Drive north on Hwy. 400

Head northwest on Hwy. 26
<ul>
 	<li><strong> 10 a.m.</strong> Ravenna Country Market</li>
 	<li><strong> 11:30 a.m.</strong> Thornbury Bakery Café</li>
 	<li><strong> 12:30 p.m.</strong> Thornbury Village Cider &amp; Brew House</li>
 	<li><strong> 2 p.m.</strong> Scandinave Spa</li>
 	<li><strong> 5 p.m.</strong> Campsite or hotel</li>
 	<li><strong> 6:30 p.m.</strong> 1858 Caesar Bar</li>
 	<li><strong> 7:30 p.m.</strong> Fig &amp; Feta</li>
</ul>
<strong>Day two</strong>
<ul>
 	<li><strong> 9 a.m.</strong> Breakfast</li>
 	<li><strong> 10 a.m.</strong> Downtown Collingwood</li>
 	<li><strong> 12 p.m.</strong> Blue Mountain Village or Scenic Caves Nature Adventures</li>
 	<li><strong> 5 p.m.</strong> Drive back to Toronto</li>
</ul>

Ours to Discover: Collingwood and Blue Mountain, A region filled with trails

Main (1)

<em>About this series: With COVID-19 restrictions expected to ease over the next few months, Wheels wants to inspire you to get ready to explore – but only when it is safe to do so. This series of daytrips and weekend drives highlights great experiences you can have in the province once conditions allow and show you why Ontario is “Ours to Discover” this summer and beyond.</em>

The small town of Gananoque is a gateway to the Thousand Islands, a part of Ontario that has long drawn people to its magical shorelines. Originally this land was sacred to the Iroquois, who called it “The Garden of the Great Spirit.” Later, American Loyalists displaced from the eastern seaboard settled on the northern side, clearing forests to create farmland.

This region is designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and has been nicknamed the “ancient backbone of North America” (to the Mohawk it’s “The Bones of the Mother”). Long ago, successive glaciers eroded the mountaintops, compressing the landscape before finally melting. Once towering peaks are now knobby outcrops of land surrounded by water: the Thousand Islands. The tally is actually 1,864, but a patch of land must be above water 365 days a year and support a living tree to make the official count.

At its heart, is Gananoque.
<h3><strong>DAY ONE</strong></h3>
<strong>In the morning: </strong>

Get into the car and point it east on Hwy. 401, heading straight for the Thousand Islands region. It’s just under a three-hour drive but with each passing minute you’ll leave GTA gridlock behind and slide into the eastern Ontario views of lakes and rivers, small towns and stunning tree-blanketed Canadian Shield landscape.

Stretch your legs right by the Gananoque waterfront at 1000 Islands Kayaking. They have rentals, as well as half-day and full-day guided trips. Getting out on the majestic St. Lawrence River is the best way to get up close and personal with the beautiful Thousand Islands. New for 2021 are guided sunset paddling tours (Wednesday through Saturday). <a href="http://1000islandskayaking.com"><em>1000islandskayaking.com</em></a>

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Kayaking-1-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-160287" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Kayaking-1-scaled.jpg" alt="Gananoque" width="2560" height="1920" /></a>

In the afternoon:

Pick up some takeout at The Old English Pub on downtown’s main street. They have standard pub fare, with an upscale twist – like curried lamb sliders and truffle oil mac &amp; cheese. Bag it and take it down to eat by the waterfront (the long stretch of accessible waterfront is a Gan highlight). <a href="http://theoldenglishpub.ca"><em>theoldenglishpub.ca </em></a>

Next, ditch the water and take to the skies on a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of the Thousands Islands. 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours offers five different options, from 10 minutes to a full-hour above the shoreline, the waterway and the islands. The flights are a small group affair – a maximum of three passengers from the same party, with masks required. It’s a heart-racing way to see local highlights like the Thousand Islands International Bridge, Boldt Castle and many of the iconic islands.<a href="http://fly1000islands.ca"> <em>fly1000islands.ca </em></a>

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/RO031148-1-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-160290" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/RO031148-1-scaled.jpg" alt="Gananoque" width="2560" height="1696" /></a>

<strong>In the evening: </strong>

Time to check in at The Gananoque Inn &amp; Spa, a classic riverside property dating back to the 1860s when it housed the Gananoque Carriage Works. The main building has 29 rooms, some with river views and others with balconies. The inn is a short walk to downtown and to the riverfront parkland. <a href="http://gananoqueinn.com"><em>gananoqueinn.com</em></a>

It’s a short stroll along the shoreline and across a small bridge to dinner on the patio at The Purple House Café. This quirky, charming little property is renowned for its salads and pizzas, wood-fired in an outdoor oven. Call first as opening times are at the whims of the weather gods! <a href="http://purplehousegan.com"><em>purplehousegan.com</em></a>

<em> </em>Fingers crossed that restrictions have been lifted and you can catch a play at the excellent Thousand Islands Playhouse, an Ontario theatre renowned for its quality productions. Full-length plays are scheduled to begin in August. <a href="http://1000islandplayhouse.com"><em>1000islandsplayhouse.com </em></a>
<h3><strong>DAY TWO</strong></h3>
<strong>In the morning:</strong>

Fuel up with amazing coffees, lattes, teas and breakfast goodies at Laverne’s Eatery downtown (<a href="http://laverneseatery.com"><em>laverneseatery.com</em></a>) and then head out on a leisurely drive (or bike on the paved bike path) along the beautiful Thousand Islands Parkway, beginning at the east end of Gananoque. There are many spots to pull out and swim, and restorative hiking trails at Landon Bay, just 10 minutes from town. <a href="http://frontenacarchbiosphere.ca/explore/hiking/landon-bay-cantre"><em>frontenacarchbiosphere.ca/explore/hiking/landon-bay-centre</em></a>

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Lavernes-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-160288" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Lavernes-1.jpg" alt="Gananoque" width="450" height="600" /></a>

<em> </em>If you’ve got time, make a quick stop at the Parks Canada visitor centre at the Thousand Islands National Park (<a href="http://pc.gc.a/en/pn-np/1000/activ/experiences/mallorytown"><em>pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/1000/activ/experiences/mallorytown</em></a>) and then head north off the Parkway to BUSL Cider in Mallorytown. BUSL is the perfect spot to pick up a unique souvenir in a bottle of handcrafted cider with flavours like raspberry hibiscus, cherry or pear. <a href="http://buslcider.com"><em>buslcider.com </em></a>

<strong>In the early afternoon: </strong>

Plan for lunch just off the Parkway at Cornwall’s Pub in Rockport, on one of the best waterfront patio settings with sweeping views of the islands. Rockport is a tiny, historic hub with big offerings for visitors. (<a href="http://facebook.com/cornwallspub"><em>facebook.com/cornwallspub</em></a>)

It’s hard to leave the beauty of the Thousand Islands Parkway, but head back to the Gananoque waterfront (fast route is along Hwy. 401, which parallels the scenic Parkway) for an afternoon foray onto the water.

During the 1920s prohibition era, the maze of river channels was a quick route for speedboats loaded with illegal hooch making quick runs from Canada to the United States. These days a popular (and legal) way to get on the water is aboard one of the scenic boat cruise tours with City Cruises Gananoque. There are one-hour to five-hour itineraries that meander past the famous landmarks and give passengers a real feel for the Thousand Islands. There will be limited numbers on board, so book tickets in advance.<a href="http://cityexperiences.com/gananoque/city-cruises"> <em>cityexperiences.com/gananoque/city-cruises</em></a>

<strong>In the late afternoon:</strong>

One last stop downtown at a local purveyor of fine brews: the Gan Brewing Co. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir of flavours from a local, family-owned business. Located downtown in the renovated Axelworks and Spring Factory, they have a dog-friendly patio where you can sip a cold one from their extensive selection of IPAs, Pilsner, stouts, lagers and more. (<a href="http://ganbeer.com"><em>ganbeer.com</em></a>)

Before getting back in the car, take a cooling swim at Joel Stone Park – it has a beach, a dock for diving and a splash pad for the kids.
<h3><strong>SIDEBAR: For the drive</strong></h3>
<strong> </strong>For such a small town, Gananoque is awash in musical talent. Check out the music of local bard, Kevin Head (<a href="http://kevinheadmusic.com"><em>kevinheadmusic.com</em></a>) or download the music of The Bells (remember songs like “Fly Little White Dove Fly” and “Stay Awhile”?). Gananoque is home to two of The Bells’ founding members, who both still gig locally.

If you have a passion for theatre and art, tee up the Thousands Islands Playhouse Podcast and join in on conversations with actors, directors and designers about using their creativity at home during the pandemic. <a href="http://1000islandsplayhouse.com/playhouse-podcast"><em>1000islandsplayhouse.com/playhouse-podcast/</em></a>
<h3><strong>SIDEBAR: COVID-19 need to know</strong></h3>
In general, eastern Ontario has experienced low COVID-19 rates, but the region is still under provincewide restrictions and guidelines. Detailed information is at Leeds, Grenville &amp; Lanark Public Health. (<a href="http://healthunit.org"><em>healthunit.org</em></a>)
<h3><strong>SIDEBAR: Timeline/Drive guide</strong></h3>
<strong> </strong>Day one
<ul>
 	<li>8 a.m. leave Toronto if taking the leisurely route via Hwy. 401</li>
 	<li>11 a.m. kayaking at 1000 Islands Kayaking</li>
 	<li>1 p.m. takeout lunch from The Old English Pub</li>
 	<li>3 p.m. take to the skies with 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours</li>
 	<li>5 p.m. check in to your room at The Gananoque Inn &amp; Spa</li>
 	<li>6:30 p.m. walk over for a wood-fired pizza at The Purple House Café (no reservations, open until 9 p.m.)</li>
 	<li>Season dependent: catch an evening show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse</li>
</ul>
Day two
<ul>
 	<li>9 a.m. get brekkie and coffee at Laverne’s Eatery</li>
 	<li>10 a.m. head out for a rural driving tour along the Thousand Islands Parkway</li>
 	<li>12:00 p.m. lunch at Cornwall’s Pub in Rockport</li>
 	<li>2 p.m. hop aboard for a scenic cruise through the Thousand Islands</li>
 	<li>4 p.m. before leaving town pick up some brew at the Gan Brewing Co. and get in a quick swim at Joel Stone Park</li>
 	<li>6 p.m. Drive back to Toronto via Hwy. 401</li>
</ul>

Ours to Discover: Gananoque

wh-DiscoverKingston-Breakwater-June5

<em>About this series: With COVID-19 restrictions expected to ease over the next few months, Wheels wants to inspire you to get ready to explore – but only when it is safe to do so. This series of daytrips and weekend drives highlights great experiences you can have in the province once conditions allow and show you why Ontario is “Ours to Discover” this summer and beyond.</em>

<em><strong>For the full series, click<a href="https://www.wheels.ca/wheels-tags/ours-to-discover/"> here</a>.</strong></em>

&nbsp;

Kingston is the gatekeeper to the beautiful Thousand Islands region, sitting at the point where the waters of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the Rideau Canal meet. In the city’s historic downtown, you will find stately limestone buildings and restored stone carriageways, farmer’s markets and sidewalk patios, and numerous one-of-a-kind shops. This road trip where you can walk though the past while still experiencing a vibrant, modern city.
<h2><strong>DAY ONE</strong></h2>
<strong>In the morning: </strong>The fastest route from Toronto is to drive east along Hwy 401 and should take just over two hours. With an early enough start (and a more leisurely mindset), detour south at Hwy 49 through Picton – stopping at one of its local bakeries – and continue along Hwy 33 east to the Glenora Ferry. After a short ferry crossing, continue driving on Hwy 33 into the heart of Kingston. The latter route increases your travel time but makes for an unhurried and scenic start to a weekend getaway.

Once you arrive in Kingston, get your bearings by taking one of Kingston Trolley Tours hourlong rides to learn more about some of The Limestone City’s more than 300 years of history. Or stroll through the heart of Kingston at the water’s edge, where the docks and parkland of Confederation Basin face City Hall, a masterpiece of 19th-century classical British Renaissance architecture. The compact downtown is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle (regular and e-bikes available from Ahoy Rentals).

<strong>In the afternoon:</strong> Grab a takeout lunch from Sally’s Roti Shop for an authentic Caribbean wrap full of meat and curried potatoes enveloped in a homemade roti. It is the perfect meal to enjoy during an excursion on the free Wolfe Island Ferry, which is just a five-minute walk from Sally’s. The 45-minute round-trip ride features spectacular views of Fort Henry National Historic Site, the Royal Military College of Canada and the Kingston skyline.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-159507" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-DiscoverKingston-FortHenry-June5.jpg" alt="limestone buildings" width="1280" height="850" />

If you prefer to dine-in, stake out a spot on the patio at Olivea and watch the goings-on on Springer Market Square. The restaurant is known for its rustic Italian dishes made from scratch, staying true to time-honoured recipes and using only local ingredients. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, you can even cross Brock Street to browse the stalls at the Kingston Public Market. Held in the square, it is Ontario’s oldest operating farmers’ market, having been established in 1801. This is also the spot where Confederation was proclaimed in 1867.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-159508" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-DiscoverKingston-Market-June5.jpg" alt="limestone buildings" width="1280" height="854" />

End you afternoon experiencing one of Kingston’s best features – its water. Enjoy one of Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises tours of the harbour and the nearby Thousand Islands archipelago, or rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or canoe from Ahoy Rentals, located west of downtown next to the PumpHouse museum, and explore on your own.

<strong>In the evening: </strong>Check into the Frontenac Club, a newly restored 176-year-old limestone inn in the heart of downtown. Guests at the boutique hotel can enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast in the morning and relax on its rooftop patio in the evening. If you have kids in tow, reserve a suite with separate living and bedroom areas at the Marriott Kingston Water’s Edge, an easy walk to downtown. A breakfast buffet is included, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, indoor pool and whirlpool.

For dinner, book a courtyard table (or get takeaway) at iconic Chez Piggy. Located in a renovated livery stable it is known for its eclectic mix of international cuisine made using the best local ingredients. Alternatively, enjoy a gourmet pizza cooked in the wood-fired oven and featuring toppings like blackened chicken or spiced salami at Wooden Heads. End your evening by walking back to your hotel while enjoying a traditional Italian gelato infused with local berries from Mio Gelato, or a scoop of old-fashioned chocolate from White Mountain Homemade Ice Cream.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-159510" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-DiscoverKingston-Piggy-June5.jpg" alt="limestone buildings" width="1280" height="852" />
<h2><strong>DAY TWO</strong></h2>
<strong>In the morning: </strong>Start the day by fueling up with a pain au chocolat from Pan Chancho, one of the enormous buttermilk muffins from Card’s Bakery or the signature caramel apple latte at Crave Coffee House &amp; Bakery, before heading to Fort Henry National Historic Site.

With roots dating to the War of 1812, this landmark fortress is part of the Rideau Canal’s UNESCO World Heritage designation and is a must-visit for families and history buffs. Dominating the hill overlooking Kingston and the water, the walled fortification holds guided tours, explaining with pomp and circumstance how the fort and its soldiers protected the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario from American attacks during and after the war.

<strong>In the afternoon: </strong>Order a late takeout lunch from the Black Dog Tavern’s menu of upscale pub food, such as its buttermilk-brined, country-style fried chicken served with fries and slaw, before walking down Brock Street to enjoy a picnic by the waterfront at Confederation Basin.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-159505" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-DiscoverKingston-BalckDog-June5.jpg" alt="limestone buildings" width="1280" height="853" />

After lunch, there are 20 museums and historic sites you can visit, but one of the city’s most popular tours is a look behind the walls of the decommissioned Kingston Penitentiary, a National Historic Site and Canada’s oldest and most notorious maximum-security prison. A few blocks away, on the campus of Queen’s University, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre’s permanent collection includes three Rembrandts, Inuit and Indigenous art, and historical and contemporary Canadian pieces.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-159506" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-DiscoverKingston-Etherington-June5.jpg" alt="limestone buildings" width="1280" height="960" />

<strong>In the late afternoon: </strong>Explore the west of downtown – a short walk away from Queen’s campus – by following the waterfront trail to the Gord Edgar Downie Pier (named after the late-singer of The Tragically Hip) at Breakwater Park, everyone’s favourite swimming spot. After drying off, stop by the Kingston Public Market for a jug of eastern Ontario maple syrup, before getting into your vehicle and beginning your drive back to Toronto.
<h2><strong>For the drive</strong></h2>
Kingston is known for its deep musical roots that span a range of genres. The city has been the home base for iconic Canadian band The Tragically Hip (a downtown street is even named after it), singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer and the roots-rock group The Glorious Sons. You can also cue up “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” on audiobook by Kingston author Iain Reid. The psychological thriller about a couple on a road trip was also recently adapted into a film for Netflix.
<h2><strong>COVID-19 need to know</strong></h2>
Kingston has experienced some of the lowest COVID-19 rates in Ontario, with the area currently following the restrictions and guidelines set by the province. Detailed information on local measures is available on the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox &amp; Addington Public Health website (<em>kflaph.ca</em>).
<h2>Drive Guide</h2>
<strong>Day one</strong>

• 7 a.m. Leave Toronto
• Drive east on Hwy 401
• 9:30 a.m. Arrive in Kingston
• 10 a.m. Stroll around downtown
• 11 a.m. Kingston Trolley Tours
• 12:30 p.m. Sally’s Roti Shop or Olivea
• 2:30 p.m. Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises or Ahoy Rentals
• 5 p.m. Check into hotel
• 6:30 p.m. Chez Piggy or Wooden Heads
• 8:30 p.m. Walk to hotel

<strong>Day two</strong>

• 9 a.m. Pan Chancho, Card’s Bakery or Crave
• 10 a.m. Fort Henry National Historic Site
• 1 p.m. Black Dog Tavern
• 2 p.m. Kingston Penitentiary Tour or Agnes Etherington Art Centre
• 4 p.m. Breakwater Park
• 6 p.m. Drive back to Toronto

<em>NOTE: Times are suggestions only</em>

Josephine Matyas

Articles by Josephine Matyas

Ours to Discover: Brockville and Cornwall

Ours to Discover: Collingwood and Blue Mountain, A region filled with trails

Ours to Discover: Gananoque

Ours to Discover: Kingston a Weekend Escape to The Limestone City