Historic Ontario city is a hidden waterfront gem waiting to be discovered
Although Brockville, Ontario, might not be the first place that comes to mind for a road trip, its rich history, stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and "unforgettable" railway tunnel make it well worth adding to your list this summer.
Located in the heart of the 1000 Islands region, Brockville delivers exactly the kind of waterfront experience you'd expect the moment you arrive.
You can kick off your time in the city by heading to summertime hotspot Blockhouse Island. Once an actual island, this beautiful yet tiny peninsula — measuring just 0.2 kilometres long — connects to the mainland and hosts a ton of fun events throughout the year.
Photo: Brockville Tourism.
But you don't really need an excuse to visit. Waterside strolls with views of passing boats and freighters, plus some delicious local ice cream, are enough to draw people in.
It's also the perfect place to begin your Brockville experience, just steps from Canada's first railway tunnel, the Brockville Railway Tunnel.
Constructed between 1854 and 1860, the tunnel once connected the city's industrial waterfront to the Brockville and Ottawa Railway. The last train passed through the tunnel in 1969, after which it remained closed and abandoned until restoration efforts began in the 1980s; the tunnel was too small to accommodate modern-day locomotives.
Since it reopened in 2017, it has become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide.
And what does the restoration look like? Well, let's just say it's a marriage between art and history.
The tunnel has been transformed into an immersive underground walkway feels almost unreal. A colourful LED light show reflects off the stone walls while audio effects echo through the corridor. The half-kilometre passage runs beneath the downtown core, connecting the waterfront to the upper part of the city.
If this sounds appealing to you, the Brockville Railway Tunnel is already officially open for the 2026 season. While admission is completely free, the site accepts donations, which go toward general maintenance and lighting effects.
And while you're there, stop by Aquatarium, a zoo that highlights key historic and modern-day facts about the 1000 Islands and its surrounding regions. Dive into the history through attractions like the Boathouse Exhibit, or simply meet and greet the facility's reptiles and amphibians that live at Aquatarium.
Aquatarium is open Friday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so if this is on your to-do list, be sure to plan a visit during the weekend.
Once you're ready to venture beyond Brockville's downtown core, head to St. Lawrence Park, which captures the relaxed atmosphere of a classic Ontario summer.
You can laze around on the beach or kayak along the St. Lawrence River to get a great view of the city from the water. St. Lawrence Park is also perfect for an afternoon picnic and siesta, but if you arrive later in the day, be sure to stay for a gorgeous sunset walk.
No trip to Brockville is complete without diving into the city's history, which is where Fulford Place comes in.
Photo: Ontario Heritage Trust
The mansion-turned-museum, now a National Historic Site, offers a glimpse into the city's wealthy industrial past. The 20,000-square-foot estate was built for late Senator and wealthy businessman George Taylor Fulford and remains one of Eastern Ontario's most striking historic homes.
Guided tours of Fulford Place begin on June 3, with tickets costing just $10.
Photo: Doors Open Ontario
Some may even say the luxurious estate, built between 1899 and 1901, feels worlds away from the nearby relaxed waterfront atmosphere. That contrast is part of Brockville's charm: an interesting mix of river-town character and old-world elegance.
Of course, depending on when you're planning your trip, you may also want to check out the popular Brockville Ribfest, a weekend-long celebration of all things ribs happening in early August. The River of Lights is another beloved attraction for visitors arriving in November.
Whether you visit now in the summer or later in the year, Brockville offers a quieter kind of Ontario getaway with plenty to see and do. Safe travels!
Brockville Tourism
