October is for road-tripping
October 8, 2020The leaves are changing, the weather is cooler and you are looking for fun ways to enjoy the sunshine before the s^*# shows up. We hear you loud and clear. Here are a couple road trip worthy destinations to make this October.
No matter where you travel across Cornwall and SDG Counties you will be delighted by the fabulous fall colours that cover the acres upon acres of open forest and fields. This article highlights a few stop worthy destinations, but really the drive to get there is a destination in itself. Bring a friend so they can capture the scenic beauty on their phone or camera while you drive safely. Many of the destinations listed below can be accessed along the Heritage Parkway, and we recommend you take that old hwy 2 as much as you can to discover the waterfront in the autumn light.
Art and history destinations
St. Raphael’s Ruins Cornwall Community Museum Pumpkinferno
Cornwall Community Museum 160 Water Street, Cornwall Heritage Parkway route
Nestled within Lamoureux Park is the Cornwall Community Museum. Housed in the original Wood family home, the museum teaches visitors about it’s original owner and the history behind the unique stone building from the 1840’s. The museum also houses many artifacts from the Cornwall area discover over hundreds of years. Take in the history of Cornwall and discover how it has continued to change.
Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame 19687 William Street, Williamstown
Add some life to your 2-step at the Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame. In addition to recognizing inductees, you will also discover a collection of memorabilia pertinent to the music and culture of the SDG Counties.
St. Raphael’s Catholic Church Ruins 19998 County Road 18, Williamstown
One of the earliest Roman Catholic churches in English-speaking Canada, the St. Raphael’s Catholic Church Ruins were consumed by fire in 1970. Fortunately, the outer walls were spared and its impressive scale and fine masonry work make it a worth while exploration.
Lost Villages Museum 16361 Fran Laflamme Drive, Long Sault Heritage Parkway route
The museum consists of ten heritage buildings moved and restored from The Lost Villages and surrounding areas, which were permanently submerged by the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1958. In all, approximately 6500 people were displaced by the project, 530 buildings moved, and countless other homes, schools, and businesses demolished.
Pumpkinferno 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg Heritage Parkway route
Visit the award winning Pumpkinferno at Upper Canada Village and witness the one-of-a-kind showcase of thousands of carefully carved pumpkins. The numerous displays tell a story through art and is an out of this world experience not to be missed.
Outdoor exploring destinations
Eco Garden Waterfall Cooper Marsh Boardwalk Lamoureux Park
Cooper Marsh 20020 County Road 2, South Lancaster Heritage Parkway route
Explore the outdoors at Cooper Marsh, a cherished portion of one of the most significant wetlands in Ontario. You can follow the wetland boardwalks to explore the marsh and isolated ponds, climb the viewing platforms and visit the viewing blinds to discover more than 130 species of birds that call Cooper Marsh their home.
Cannamore Orchard’s Acres of Terror 1480 County Road 32, Crysler
Head over to Cannamore Orchard’s Acres of Terror, eastern Ontario’s most terrifying Halloween attraction. You can creep your way through the House of Terror, the Spooky Village and Fog Maze then test your nerves on the Spooky Wagon Ride. Be warned this place has real live witches, warlocks vampires and who knows what else. (Maybe you should bring a friend)
Lamoureux Park 100 Water Street, Cornwall Heritage Parkway route
Your love for nature will be ignited with a visit to Lamoureux Park arboretum, eco gardens and waterfront trail. Discover many different species of trees, fish and amphibians and the secret waterfall hidden within the gardens all along the picturesque Waterfront Trail.
Guindon Park Floral Drive, Cornwall Heritage Parkway route
Hike or bike through the trails at Guindon Park with designated walking and mountain bike trails, as well as a world-class BMX track. Take in kilometers of scenic beauty highlighted by a variety of flora and fauna. The park also has a play structure, picnic areas and washrooms making it a great family destination.
Shopping destinations
Laura’s oil and vinegar bar Shop Downtown Mrs. B’s
Downtown Cornwall Pitt Street (Between third and Water Street), Cornwall Heritage Parkway route
Enjoy free 2-hour parking in the downtown core while you stroll down Pitt street enjoying unique shops, yummy bakery’s and taking in some local art. Visit one-of-a-kind shops like Life’s Little Pleasures, Crushed Lane, Love and Lee, Kids Korner and Melody Music, and that just in the first block. Nestled between the shops are numerous bakeries and restaurants to give you that little pick me up you might need to stay charged. You’ll also find along your way an art gallery and various outdoor art displays to really round out your downtown destination.
Laura’s – The Art of Living & Giving 1140 Brookdale Avenue, Cornwall Heritage Parkway route
Described as one of the best gift shops in eastern Ontario, Laura’s has it all. Flowers, home décor, fashion, unique gifts and gourmet food and kitchen items including an olive oil and balsamic vinegar bar. Best of all Laura’s is part of the BYOB program that allows shoppers to reserve the store all to them selves for a safer and relaxed shopping experience.
Mrs. B’s 609 Pitt Street, Cornwall
Also a BYOB participant, Mrs. B’s offers a safe shopping experience for unique and hard to find gift items. From candles to collectibles and home décor to personalized items you will find something for everyone at Mrs. B’s
Food and drink destinations
Stone Crop Acres Marlin Orchards Rurban Brewing
Rurban Brewing 412 Cumberland Street, Cornwall
Discover the very successful micro-brewery retirement project of a husband and wife duo Andy and Karen, with a two-decade history in brewing. Rurban’s unfiltered and unpasteurized beer is meant to be living – not subjected to unlisted chemicals or hazardous materials. Stop into the retail shop/taproom, where you can find samples, cans, and growlers, all where the brews are made.
Humble Begginings Brewing Co. 25 Thorold Lane, Ingleside Heritage Parkway route
Small batch, hand crafted, community focused, locally crafted beer. Visit Humble Beginnings Brewing Co. and experience their taproom, bottle shop, and beer garden sure to please the beer lover in you.
Marlin Orchards 6864 Orchard Road, Cornwall Heritage Parkway route
Marlin Orchards is the perfect stop for some crisp apples, beautiful mums, delicious apple cider doughnuts and many other fall favorites. Start checking off some of those holiday shopping list items at Marlin’s gift shop, with many unique gifts, crafts and gourmet food items.
Avonmorre Berry Farm 16365 County road 4, Avonmore
Shop, pick and explore at Avonmorre Berry Farm. Grab some jam or a pie or 2 for the road along with your freshly picked seasonal fruit and or veggies. Take a wagon ride, or explore the kids play area and grab a few photos with the fun photo props.
Stone Crop Acres Winery and Vineyard 5242 Smiths Road, Morrisburg
Sip away the afternoon at Stone Crop Acres. Enjoy a tour, and a sampling of locally crafted wines as well as a selection of local organic cheese and bread just a stones throw from the vineyard. Be sure to check the events calendar to book a live concert experience hosted by partner Harmony Concerts.
Play it safe!
We all have a part to play in combating the spread of COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to wear masks in indoor public spaces and practice frequent hand washing and physical distancing. For the latest guidelines and restrictions related to COVID-19, please visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit website.
Keep exploring!
Looking for other fun things to do in Cornwall? Check out the Explore section of our website for other fun-filled activities to keep you busy. Better yet, consider extending your stay with a night at one of our great accommodations!