15 Things to Do In July 2018
We can’t believe it’s already July, time sure does fly by! Therefore living in the moment and enjoying the right here, right now is crucial. Summer 2018 has already got off to a great start, and to keep the good times coming, this month is jam packed with summer fun activities, events and things to do!
Make some memories, have a laugh (or more like a bunch!), be adventurous, and #explorebrockville!
1. Take a Walking Tour
Criminal Past Walking Tours with the Brockville Museum begin July 6th! Explore Brockville’s darker stories of the past, including one of the largest bank heists in Canadian history, and the twisted tale of the last man hanged in Brockville! Tickets can be purchased at the museum or through Snap’d 1000 Islands.
Brockville Ghost Walks are back this year! Delve into spooky tales, and haunting history with stories re-told from Nany Fraser’s “Mysterious Brockville” book. These spooky walks will begin July 9th and will continue every Monday in July at 7:30 pm and will continue every Monday in August at 8:00pm until August 18th. The Ghost Walks will commence at the Hardy Park gazebo, and you will be taken on a journey by foot that will last approx. 1.5 hours. Tickets can be purchased through the Brockville & 1000 Islands Tourism office.
2. Live Musical Performances
Lucky for us, there is no shortage of live music in Brockville! From fabulous shows at the Brockville Arts Centre, to intimate shows at Spitfire Café…there are performances to enjoy just about every week! Additionally, the 4th Annual DIFA Summer Festival will be taking place July 27-28 features awesome music and delicious food, and the 1000 Islands Bluegrass Jamboree at Happy Green Acres takes place July 19-July 21.
3. Patio Lounging
What better way to enjoy summer weather than to sit out on an outdoor patio with a great meal and drink in hand? You’re in luck because Brockville offers some wonderful patios all over town! Downtown, enjoy river views from Crow’s Nest Bistro, South Coast Grille, and Buds on the Bay, or the historic King Street views from Keystorm Pub, Brockberry Cafe & Suites, and Shawarma Garden. The beautiful garden patio at Buell St. Bistro is a must, and you can enjoy pizza al fresco at Brimstone Wood-Fired Pizza.
4. Take a Floral Workshop
It’s time to get creative in Downtown Brockville with Wild Little Roses. This cute shop is offering some wonderful floral and wreath workshops this month! On July 5th, there is a County Essence Floral Workshop, on July 10th a Succulent Wreath Workshop, and on July 26th a Simple and Elegant Floral Workshop.
5. Check out the Otter Pups at the Aquatarium
The otter pups at the Aquatarium are now in their new exhibit for you to enjoy! They have a grassy play yard, and a swimming hole to play around in, and they will for sure put a smile on your face!
6. Movies and Concerts in the Park
Grab your blanket, some snacks, your friends and family, and enjoy an evening in the park watching a movie on the big screen! Movies in the Park is a free event (including popcorn), thanks to Brockville Police Services. Movies begin at dusk.
Upcoming movies:
July 5: Peter Rabbit
July 12: Sherlock Gnomes
July 19: Wrinkle in Time
July 26: Jumanji
August 2: Greatest Showman
August 16: Thor Ragnarok
August 30: MYSTERY MOVIE
Hardy Park is also host to Concerts in the Park on Sunday evenings. Check out their summer musical schedule.
7. Come Diving
Brockville and the 1000 Islands region has gained critical acclaim as being the “World’s Best Fresh Water Scuba Diving” destination. On Top of that, Brockville is on the list of the best 5 places to scuba dive in Canada – so what are you waiting for!? Brockville is also the site of an underwater sculpture park, located off the shore of Centeen Park in downtown, with new sculptures added just recently. For more info on diving, check out: SOS Thousand Islands Chapter, and Dive Brockville.
8. Pick your own Raspberries at Tincap Berry Farm
Delicious raspberries are yours for the picking, beginning in July at the Tincap Berry Farm. They are typically available for two-three weeks, so follow their Facebook Page for updates on when picking begins! The farm also offers locally grown fresh vegetables, and pre-picked berries!
9. Hit Up a County Fair
It’s the season for county fairs, and July brings two favourites to “town”. The Lansdowne Fair is up first, running from July 20th-July 22nd. A lot is happening this weekend, including a Midway, Talent Show, Agricultural Education Barn, Demo Derby, Pie Eating Contest and so much more! The Delta Fair begins the weekend afterwards on July 26th-29th. Check out Monster Truck Mania, animal land, the midway, and musical performances by 21 Gun Salute to AC DC, Brea Lawson, 80’s ENUFF, magic shows and more!
Lansdowne Fair Schedule
Delta Fair Schedule
10. Take a Bicycle Tour
Are you looking to see everything Brockville has to offer or aren’t visiting for long? Are you in search of eye-opening history and vibrant views? Look no further than Thousand Islands Bicycle Co. to tour Brockville’s historic and beautiful downtown. Their friendly and informative guides will take you throughout the scenic downtown area, allowing you to learn more about Brockville while enjoying fresh air and exercise.
11. Brockville Farmers’ Market
Every Thursday and Saturday the Brockville Farmers Market pops up on Market St. West, offering locally grown and produced food items, home décor, arts and crafts and everything in between! Enjoy live entertainment on Saturdays while you stroll up and down both sides of the vendor packed street.
12. Take a River Dip
With these HOT temperatures lately, a refreshing swim is just what you’ll need! The St. Lawrence River will give you a quick cooling fix, and there are lots of spots to take a dip. Centeen Park offers the option to take a plunge and jump into the river, or you also have the option to walk in. Sanddocks (Thomas St.) is a smaller scale of Centeen that is another great spot in the Downtown Area. Additionally, at St. Lawrence Park there is a beach area to relax near the river and shallow waters.
13. Give Brockville’s Escape Room a Crack
Escape Brockville is one of the newer additions to Brockville’s “Things to Do” list, where you skills are tested to “Escape the Freight”. Book your Escape online.
14. Rent a Kayak or Boat
Looking to get out on the river? Renting a Kayak is a great option if you do not have a boating license, plus you’ll get some exercise! Dive Brockville offers kayak rentals (as well as paddle board, canoes, and bikes!), with close access to the river to put your kayak in right away! If you do have a boating license, Gilbert Marine offers a wide variety of motor boat options (also including kayaks and canoes!). 1000 Islands Kayaking offers, guided kayak tours and rentals as well if you are looking to take a kayak out West of Brockville.
15. Discover the Garden Trail
A mix of fourteen private and public gardens and garden centre displays connect to make up the Garden Trail throughout Leeds Grenville. The trail features many unique gardens that feature perennials, shrubs, trees and food production. View the Garden Trail Brochure here, or pick up a copy at Brockville & 1000 Islands Tourism, 10 Market St. West.
Bonus: Shakespeare Festival
The highly anticipated St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival begins July 14th with As You Like It, and The Taming of the Shrew on July 18th. Located at the Prescott harbour at an outdoor amphitheatre, the play is perfectly located for a Roman experience, and what better way to enjoy theatre than with the beautiful St. Lawrence River as a backdrop? Check out their website for more details and times of showing, as well as their “Monday Night Live” event.