A quaint, family-friendly escape from Ontario's urban hubs, Belleville offers the perfect backdrop for an autumn getaway.iStockPhoto / Getty Images
Nestled in the crown of Lake Ontario, the small city of Belleville offers plenty of family-friendly activities and fun. From pumpkin patch visits to — arguably — the best $1 milkshakes in the province, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a weekend.
Belleville is centrally located just a short drive away from Toronto, Kingston and Ottawa, making it the perfect destination for a peaceful weekend getaway without losing too much time behind the wheel. When staying at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, you’ll be sure to get a good night’s sleep as well.
Here are five ways to spend a weekend with family in Belleville.
Stroll through the charming downtown
Wake up and order a knockout espresso with a crisp, buttery croissant for breakfast at Belleville’s gem of a French cafe, L’Auberge de France. If you can snag a spot on their patio, you’ll feel like you’ve been instantly transported to the cobblestones of Montmartre in Paris. Then, walk down Front Street and peruse the offerings at Park Provisioners Barbershop & Haberdashery and Pure Honey clothing boutique. Grab lunch on the patio at Paulo’s Italian Trattoria and order the unexpectedly delicious Naomi’s Favourite: a blistered thin crust pizza topped with pesto, pine nuts, mango and brie cheese. Spend a leisurely afternoon browsing for bohemian antiques at Funk N Gruvn A-Z, then admire works of art at Gallery 121. Take a scenic walk across the pedestrian bridge to hunt for undiscovered treasure at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store and unwind at Belleville’s Public Library. After a hearty dinner at Capers, sit back in front of a livestream concert put on by the Empire Theatre.
Wander through the wetlands of Presqu'ile park with the whole family and look out for any one of a few hundred species of bird.iStockPhoto / Getty Images
Explore the outdoors
Belleville is rich with natural wonders just a short drive from the city’s core. The Bleasdell Boulder, an ancient geological formation, is estimated to be 2.3 billion years old. At 6.7 metres high and 13.4 metres long, the mammoth-sized rock is over two storeys tall. From there, venture to Presqu’ile Park, a bird migration hotspot where 338 different species have been recorded. Avid outdoors people can conquer the eight kilometre hiking trail, while folks seeking a slower pace can enjoy the more leisurely one kilometre boardwalk stroll that leads straight to one of the largest protected marshes on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch!
Sample the local delicacies
Belleville is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in Southern Ontario, and there is no shortage of farms where fresh produce abounds. A visit to the area isn’t complete without a trip to Campbell’s Orchards, a classic country produce market, which is just a 10-minute drive south of the city. There you can frolic in the pumpkin patch, go on a wagon ride and savour the best cup of hot spiced apple cider you’ll ever taste. Try a famous loonie shake at the local favourite Reid’s Dairy and be sure to pick up a bag of curds from Maple Dale Cheese while you’re there. If there’s still room for dessert, stop at Belleville’s very own version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, Donini Chocolate, and pick up an assortment of velvety artisanal chocolate bars (the retail store is currently open for curbside pickup.) Belleville is also home to the factory that manufactures crispy Hawkins Cheezies, so be sure to stop by any grocery store and look for the classic red and white striped bag.
Experience the culture
Visit Glanmore National Historic Site, a stately mansion built in 1883; tour the interiors to find out how Belleville’s wealthy Phillips family lived in the Victorian era. Or, take the time machine back even further and head to the Belleville Cemetery to look for the grave of Susanna Moodie, the legendary Canadian author who chronicled her experiences as a settler in Canada in Roughing it in the Bush. Aviation fans will love the National Air Force Museum of Canada, which is located on a military air base, Canadian Forces Base Trenton. The 75,000 square-foot museum is perfect for social distancing and houses a fully-restored WWII Halifax bomber as well as a number of other majestic planes. Nearby Prince Edward County is a hotbed for artists and contains dozens of galleries and artist studios, so spend a day immersed in art with the self-directed Prince Edward County Studio Tour.
The Radisson Country Inn & Suites has amenities to suit the whole family, like pullout couches, fireplaces and a pool for the kids.supplied
Kick back and relax
With so many activities to do, you’ll surely be exhausted after a long day of running around the Quinte region. The best way to relax is to kick up your feet and enjoy a good book during a cozy stay at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Belleville. A bag of microwave popcorn and the in-room pull-out couches are perfect for an impromptu family movie night — or you can opt for a quieter evening curled up with a book by the lounge fireplace. If the kids aren’t tuckered out yet, they certainly will be after a swim in the hotel pool. We hope you enjoyed your whirlwind weekend in Belleville. Lights out.
At the Radisson Country Inn & Suites, comfort and care comes above all else.supplied
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The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson has implemented the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol program in partnership with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. The in-depth 20-step cleanliness and disinfection protocols ensure guest safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out. So, leave the worrying to Radisson Hotels and enjoy your time away.
Please note: Due to COVID-19, the hours and availability of food service, pools, fitness centres and other amenities may be disrupted — contact Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Belleville directly for specific details.
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