Spring has sprung and we’re ready to ditch the winter coats and boots for another year. These 18 bucket list activities are sure to put some spring in your step as we welcome the new season!
Buy Blooms
Nothing says spring like a beautiful bouquet of rad ranunculus or terrific tulips! Grab some stems from a local grower like Dahlia May Flower Farm or The Willows. There are also plenty of specialty flower shops across the region to get your flower fix this season.
Birds of the Bay
Our region is packed with conservation areas and parks (find them on our interactive map), making it a dream for the ornithologist, amateur or otherwise. Presqu’ile Provincial Park is a major birding hotspot with over 330 recorded species, and the spring migration marks the return of waterfowl and songbirds.
If you’d like to catch a glimpse of birds in your own backyard, grab some supplies at the Birdhouse Nature Store in Brighton.
Trek the Trails
Boardwalks are one of our favourite ways to get outside in the spring without getting our shoes too muddy! Visit the Marsh Boardwalk at Presqu’ile Provincial Park (Brighton), or the Wetland Ecology Boardwalk at H.R. Frink Conservation Area (Belleville). Both are accessible for strollers and mobility devices. They also offer an opportunity for some marsh bird spotting.
For paved waterfront trails, head to the Kiwanis Bayshore Trail (Belleville), Zwick’s Park (Belleville), Centennial Park (Quinte West) or Springside Park (Napanee)
Cycling
Discover the best-kept secrets off the beaten paths of the Bay of Quinte region! From family-friendly trails to challenging routes that’ll give you a new perspective on Ontario gravel cycling adventures, Bay of Quinte gravel cycling routes cater to riders of all experience levels.
Each route is thoughtfully created with cyclists’ needs in mind—considering traffic, road surfaces and seasonal changes. Seeking the perfect Ontario gravel biking experience with panoramic vistas and charming small-town stops? Grab some friends, check your tires and explore a collection of routes that often include stops at local eateries, breweries, and attractions. Your next two-wheeled adventure starts at bayofquinte.bike!
Mountain Biking
In the warmer months, Batawa Ski Hill has six single-track mountain biking trails, available for free and open to the public. Read Andrea Jengle’s Guide to Biking the Batawa Trails for more information and get acquainted with the trails before you head out.
Farmers’ Markets
The Bay of Quinte is home to lots of farmers’ markets and stands where chefs, locals and travellers flock to sample the best the region has to offer. And of course, no market would be complete without local artisans, makers and bakers sharing their one-of-a-kind goodies! Check with each market for opening dates this season.
BoQ ART & CULTURE TOUR
Hit the road as we tour around the BoQ from Brighton to Napanee. We’re here to help get you acquainted with our art and culture scene by visiting galleries, artist studios, performance venues and public art displays.
Hit the Links
The Bay of Quinte region is quickly becoming Ontario’s best golf destination, with thousands booking Bay of Quinte golf packages each year. It’s no wonder—Score Golf Magazine agrees, praising the region for its combination of value, course quality, and convenience.
The region boasts 12 courses in total, including the “Big Four”: Black Bear Ridge (one of Score Golf’s Top 59 courses in Canada), Trillium Wood (a Golfer’s Choice top hidden gem), Timber Ridge (voted 10th best value course in Canada by Score Golf), and Bay of Quinte Golf Club, now expanded to 27 holes and also home to Nineteen Restaurant. Check with each course for opening dates, or hit up one of several golf simulators to practice your swing.
A Day at the Museum(s)
Spend some time learning something new at the museums across the region. Be sure to check their websites before visiting, as they often have special programming for families or travelling exhibits.
Geocaching: A real-life treasure hunt
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt where you use GPS to find hidden containers, sign the logbook, and maybe swap a trinket. It’s a fun way to explore the Bay of Quinte—and we’ve added five new BoQ geocaches to the mix of plenty already hidden across the region.
Downtown Shopping
As soon as the temperature hits double digits for the first time, we’re ready to start updating our wardrobes for the warmer months or give our homes a little spring refresh. It’s the perfect excuse to spend a day exploring the four downtowns across our region, where historic buildings line the streets alongside a unique mix of locally owned shops and restaurants.
Cast a line on the bay
The Bay of Quinte is known for its world-class walleye fishing, and the season opens once again on the first Saturday of May. The bay will be buzzing with the hum of boats as anglers take to the water that weekend for the Quinte Fishing Series Walleye Weekend and the new Quinte Walleye Festival.
Visit Springside Falls
The best time to see Springside Falls in action is when the water is rushing from the spring runoff. Just a short walk from downtown Napanee, this park has a paved trail, seating and plenty of green space—early spring picnic anyone?
Rainy Day Activities
Don’t let the rain dampen your day. We’ve got you covered, literally, with these indoor activities. Strike up some fun at the bowling alley, crack the code in an escape room, or take aim with axe throwing. For something more low-key, kick back with a spa day, flip through your next favourite read at a bookstore, or hit the mall for some retail therapy. Rainy days don’t stand a chance here.
Paddles up!
The brand new Pickleplex Social Club in Belleville has 8 bookable indoor pickleball courts. The sport is quick to pick up and easy to learn, making it a great way to get moving and enjoy some friendly competition. As we move closer to the summer months, outdoor courts will start to open so you can play under the sun.
TRY SOMETHING NEW WITH BEST OF THE BAY
This year’s Best of the Bay winners highlight the standout businesses, makers, flavours, and experiences that make our region unforgettable. Explore the top picks across every community and discover the local legends worth celebrating, like 4x winner for Best Brewery, Meyers Creek Brewing Company, 5x winner for Best Bakery, Wannamaker’s Bakeshop, or new inductee for Best Ice Cream in Brighton, The Tin Roof.
Categories include Food & Drink, Shop or Service, Art & Culture and Regionscape.
TURTLEY AWESOME!
Flip to pages 46-47 of our Bay of Quinte Discovery Guide 11th Edition to read all about the turtles of the bay. These ancient reptiles will soon be found in wetlands across the region again, and most notably at the Belleville Turtle Pond.
PS – Did you know we have 8 Discovery Guides you can read, with another one on the way? Click the link below to access our Discovery Guide library.
Attend a local event
From festivals to artisan markets, live music to cultural events, and everything in between, our events calendar is your go-to guide for what’s happening in the BoQ. Some highlights for the spring include downtown Belleville’s Savour the Heat spicy food contest on May 9 and the 242nd Annual Mohawk Landing Ceremony on May 24
