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Canada Day 2020 – Celebrating During COVID-19

It’s no surprise that after the year we’ve had so far (can you believe it’s only June?!) that Canada Day 2020 is going to look a little different this year. We’re physically distancing, we’re wearing masks, but we’re still going to celebrate. After all, it is the Canadian national anthem’s 40th birthday, and our flag’s 55th birthday! COVID-19 can’t stop us from celebrating safely!

Brockville Tourism is working together with the City of Brockville and other local organizations to make sure this Canada Day is fun and safe for everyone.

Week Before Canada Day: Let’s Decorate!

Brockville Tourism is decorating outside our visitor centre leading up to the big day, and we’re asking everyone to join in!

Throughout our physical distancing, painted rocks have been popping up along the Brock Trail with inspirational messages of hope. The young and young at heart are invited to paint a red and white rock with their own inspirational messages on them and leave them in our boat facing Water Street! We will be painting the boat red for the occasion, and want to have a full rock garden of messages from locals, so feel free to join us today!

June 29th – July 1st: Canada, Let’s Get Together!

The national celebration of Canada Day starts early online! Visit the Canadian Heritage website starting June 29th to take part in online activities including cooking challenges, sports challenges, innovation challenges and discovering the hidden treasures of digital Canada! Take part on social media and rise to the challenge!

All Day: Show Us How You’re Celebrating Canada Day 2020 Photo Contest

Brockville, we know that this year is going to be a little different from how we celebrate Canada Day. Maybe you’ll dress in your favourite red and white, or maybe you’ll bake a Canada Day dessert. Perhaps Canada Day is always celebrated with a big barbecue, or a jump in the St. Lawrence River. However you celebrate Canada Day, Brockville Tourism wants to see how you’re celebrating! Take photos or videos of how you are celebrating throughout the day, and there will be two ways to enter:

Use the hashtag #ClearlyBrockville AND #CanadaDay on either Instagram or Twitter to be entered before 11:59 pm on July 2nd.
Email your photos to contest@brockvilletourism.com before 11:59 pm on July 2nd.

The winner will be chosen at random and will win a family dinner prize pack from Cowan’s Dairy!!

KEEP AN EYE ON THIS SPOT FOR PHOTOS FROM CANADA DAY 2020!!

All Day: National Celebration Celebration Kit

The Canadian Heritage website has set up a full day of activities packs for the entire family. Learn more about the maple leaf through the Arts And Culture activity pack, discover the Peace Tower through the History, Symbols and Traditions activity pack, explore the outdoors and enjoy physical activity with the Beaver activity pack, and cook up a culinary storm with the O Canada activity pack.

9 am – 12 pm: MS Teddy Bear Picnic Goes Virtual

This is an event the whole family can enjoy! Families are encouraged to host their own teddy bear picnics at home and share their photos with ont-leeds@mssociety.ca. You can learn more about this festival on the MS Society’s Teddybear Festival Facebook Page.

9:30 am: InstaChoir Canada Performs

InstaChoir Canada will be broadcasting a performance at around 9:30 am on Canada Day. There will be a few local voices, and this can be watched through Facebook, Youtube or the InstaChoir website.

10 am: Brockville Road Runners 5K Run/Walk From Home – Together Individually

This Canada Day tradition will continue no matter what! Join the Brockville Road Runners in their annual fundraising event for the Brockville and Area Food Bank.

To take part, register online through Trackie and make a donation. Donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt from the Food Bank at the end of the year. Then on Wednesday, July 1st, wear your best Canada Day colours, step out your front door, turn left and GO. Keeping with tradition, 5km is the distance, however, if a 1km walk or run is more suited for your age or ability, feel free to join in that way! What is important is that you’re participating and having fun. Together Individually is the title this year, so make sure you’re following all the COVID-19 guidelines while taking part. You can also feel like you’re running together by joining the Brockville Road Runners Club Facebook Group!

11 am: O’Canada – The Brockville Remix

Join us on Facebook at 11am for a special treat – sing O Canada with local dignitaries, Brockville City Council and community members!

1 pm – 2 pm: Canada Day Across the Country

For the afternoon, we’ll be taking part in the national ceremonies happening online and on CBC! There will be a daytime show, Canada Day Across the Country hosted by Serena Ryder and Pierre-Yves Lord. Watch Sudbury, Montréal, Québec, Moncton, Winnipeg, Yellowknife and Calgary.

8pm – 10pm: Canada Day Together

We will continue to take part in the national ceremonies by tuning in to the evening show, Canada Day Together on CBC or online. Serena Ryder and Pierre-Yves Lord will be hosting once again, and there will be a collection of great performers from coast to coast to coast! You can see the full lineup on the Canadian Heritage website.

Brockville Tourism Development Fund

The Brockville Tourism Development Fund (BTDF) is a newly established fund that supports efforts to grow tourism activity in the City of Brockville.

This fund has two streams:

The Festivals and Special Events Stream provides support to festivals (new or existing), conferenced, major sporting events, and other events that demonstrate the capacity to attract a significant number of visitors to Brockville.
The Attractions and Tourism Product Development Stream provides support for enhancements to or the creation of new infrastructure, business, product offering or facility that will result in a measurable improvement to the tourism offering in Brockville.

Eligibility

Applications will be assessed to determine their suitability in achieving the following expected results, where applicable.

An increase in tourist attendance, overnight stays and visitor spending in Brockville
Marketing plan must target non-residents
Positive regional, provincial, national or international exposure
Enhancement of Brockville’s tourism offering
Support or creation of direct and/or indirect jobs
Support of Brockville Tourism 2020 objectives
Eligible organizations are private for-profit, private non-profit, BIA’s or public organizations

Key Tourism Objectives 2020

A focus on shoulder or winter season activities
A focus on multi-language capabilities
Strategy to encourage multi-night stays
A focus on environment & environmentally friendly/sustainable practices
A focus on partnerships/collaboration and/or travel packages with other entities in Brockville

Funding Amounts

The Brockville Tourism Development Fund grant amount is $25,000 in 2020. Applicants can apply for funding from $1500 to $5000. The BTDF is a discretionary program with a limited funding allocation. In some cases, a project that meets all program criteria may not be approved for funding as other projects may more effectively meet the criteria. Evaluation guidelines have been created for use by the Advisory Committee. Applicants are welcome to view the guideline documents, to understand how the different criteria will be evaluated. Applicants are encouraged to use the guidelines to ensure their application provides all the required information.

Application Forms

Please download the application form and save it to your computer before filling it out. Once completed you can save the completed application and submit by email or in hard copy.

BTDF Overview 2020.pdf
BTDF 2020 Evaluation Guidelines – Product Development.pdf
BTDF 2020 Evaluation Guidelines – Event and Festival Application.pdf
BTDF 2020 Application – Product Development Stream.pdf
BTDF 2020 Application – Festivals and Events Stream.pdf

Application Process

There will be one intake of applications for 2020. The deadline to submit is March 31st, 2020, at 11:59pm. Applications will be reviewed by a subcommittee of the Tourism Advisory Committee. The Committee will meet by mid-April to provide a final review of applications. If successful, the application will be approved and funds dispersed within a two to four-week time period.

Thousand Islands Film Festival 2020

River of Lights Playlist 2019

You’ve seen the display, and now the River of Lights is stuck in your head. Or maybe, you only got to see a few minutes of the lights and want to know what the whole display sounds like. Don’t worry, we’ve got it taken care of! Here are some of the songs being used throughout the River of Lights 2019 show.

Lights of Christmas – TobyMac with Owl City

Jingle Bells – Barenaked Ladies

Sandstorm – Darude

Thunderstruck – AC/DC

Wizards Of Winter – Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Mary Did You Know? – Jeremy Camp

Christmas / Sarajevo 12/14 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Begin December 2019 With A Bang!

The countdown is on – we are now within one month until Christmas! This coming weekend, Brockville is going to really pull out all the stops. There will be a lot to see and do, and it all starts on Friday.

Friday, November 29th

Black Friday

The American tradition is now firmly engrained in Canadian shopping culture, and downtown Brockville is going to embrace it – including Brockville Tourism! Many of the stores in Brockville will have their own Black Friday sales, including along King Street. To find out specifics for individual stores, we recommend checking the Downtown Brockville website, flyers or social media to find out what kind of deals they will be offering. It’s a great opportunity to keep your money local during the holidays while still getting a great deal.

We CAN tell you though that the sales at Brockville Tourism are going to be fantastic. All regular priced items in store will be 30% off, not including consignment and food items. There also will be an hourly giveaway for Island Breakfast 2020 tickets, so shop early and often for your best chance to win!

Downtown Tree Lighting – 7pm

Once you’re finished shopping, head down to the bottom of Courthouse at the fountain to see the lighting of the new mega tree! This is going to be Brockville’s biggest and best tree yet, so you’ll definitely want to come watch the official lighting of it. The Winter Classic crew will also be on hand to keep everyone warm with hot chocolate, and there will be food donation boxes available to help the Brockville Foot Bank.

Saturday, November 30th

Breakfast with Santa – 8:30am (Sold Out)

That’s right – it’s week two of Breakfast with Santa, and this one is going to be the most unique one ever! Hosted at the giant igloo at the Brockville Christmas Market, kids of all ages will get to meet with Santa. Make sure you bring your camera for some photos, and your letter for Santa as well!

If you were unable to book tickets to the Breakfast with Santa, don’t worry! There will be one more on December 7th at Brimstone Wood-Fired Pizza, and tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Christmas Market – 10am to 5pm

The first edition of the Brockville Christmas Market will take place on the weekend of November 30 – December 1, 2019. This is an outdoor market, and will take place rain or shine, so make sure you’re dressed for the weather! The Christmas Market will take place at the Tunnel Plaza (not in the tunnel, but the south exit at Blockhouse.)

There’s going to be a lot to see and do, including music and children’s activities! There will be a climbing wall, a bouncy castle and a gigantic 50′ slide. It’s not all kids events though – in the evening, there will be the Rock the Block Dinner and Igloo party. This 19+ event will be filled with great music from Johnny Pandora, a Japanese rockabilly group. If you enjoyed the Red Hot and Blue festival this summer, you’ll love the music in the igloo! Tickets are $75 for both the dinner (Starting at 6pm) and party, or $10 I(In advance, $20 at the door) for the party beginning at 8pm. Capacity is 100 people, so don’t wait!

Brockville Rotary Santa Claus Parade – 5pm to 8pm

It’s going to be a “Dickens of a Christmas” this year in Brockville during our annual Santa Claus Parade. The parade will begin at the corner of Pearl Street East and North Augusta Road at 5pm. It will go south on North Augusta Road to King Street East, and then turn right onto King Street East. The parade will run along King Street and will finish at the Metro and Old Leons lot.

River of Lights Opening Night – 8pm

It started with the tree of lights on Blockhouse Island. This year, it has spread to all of Blockhouse Island! Come and see the River of Lights, starting on November 30th. It will run right through December and will wrap up on January 2nd.

After the Santa Claus Parade, make your way down to the Tunnel Plaza. There will be a few speeches after the parade, and then the switch will be flipped to turn on the River of Lights display. On the opening night, Blockhouse Island will only be open to foot traffic, so make sure you’re dressed for the weather.

Sunday, December 1st

The Christmas Market will continue to run through December 1st, from 10am to 4pm. Once the Christmas Market is closed, the River of Lights display will run from 4pm to 11pm. From 4-5pm and from 10-11pm, the lights will be a static light show. Between 5-10pm, the lights will run as a sound and light show that you can listen to from the speakers outside or through your car radio! Keep an eye on the River of Lights Facebook event to find out the dial number.

Otter Build a Snack – 1pm to 3pm

If you’re worried about Brockville’s resident otters not getting Christmas gifts, don’t worry! The Aquatarium will be running their Otter Build a Snack program every Sunday in December from 1-3pm. For $5, you will be able to choose the shape of your snack, make it, personalize a gift tag for the otters, and will receive a picture of the snack and the Aquarist giving the treat to the otters through email. This event will run first come first serve while supplies last per date.

Throughout the first week of December…

Make sure you check out different local Christmas markets and bazaars throughout December. They’re a great way to have a unique gift that supports local artists.
If you want even more Christmas lights, be sure to check out Clow’s Christmas Trail on the weekends throughout December.
Christmas Community Days at the Aquatarium will be the home of the Brockville Farmers’ Market through December. Get into the Aquatarium for free and shop local!
The Festival of Small Halls will be hosting a Christmas concert at St.Johns United Church. “The ONCE” will be performing on December 6th

To keep on top of everything happening in Brockville, both through the holiday season and throughout the year, make sure you’re on our mailing list! We send a schedule out of events happening throughout the next seven days every Thursday.

Get Ready for Halloween 2019

We are less than two weeks away from Halloween, and all along the St.Lawrence, people are getting ready to be scared!

Tunnel of Terror – Brockville Railway Tunnel

Returning to the Brockville Railway Tunnel is the Tunnel of Terror! This half kilometre walk is different to any other walk through the tunnel – filled with your darkest nightmares, the scariest creatures, and other things that go bump in the night. Tickets are $10 each, and it runs from 6pm to 9pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. The evening Tunnel of Terror walks are NOT recommended for children!

Not brave enough for the evening Tunnel of Terror? Looking for something a bit more family friendly? The Kids Tunnel of Terror should be right up your alley! On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, between 1 and 3pm, children 10 and under will be able to go through a tamed down version of the Tunnel of Terror for $5 each. Parents will be able to attend with their child for $10 and will then receive a bracelet that will give them admission to a nighttime Tunnel of Terror as well.

The proceeds from the Tunnel of Terror event will go towards the Senior Support Services – CPHC and the Brockville Railway Tunnel.

Prescott Zombie Walk – Downtown Prescott

The town of Prescott takes their Halloween celebrations VERY seriously. On Saturday, October 19th from 1 to 6pm, there will be the 4th annual Zombie Walk! Face-painting and trick or treating will be happening on King Street West. There also will be a spooky talent show from 1:30-3:30pm, as well as zombie yoga, a zombie market, and the zombie walk! The Zombie Walk will depart from the Zombie Central (the clock tower) at 4pm, so make sure you’re there with time to spare. All these events will be collecting for the South Grenville Food Bank, so help the undead take a bite out of hunger and get ready for Halloween.

Prescott Town Hall Terror – 360 Dibble St W

While you’re in Prescott, it’s worth sticking around for the Prescott Town Hall Terror! Running on October 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th from 7pm to 10pm, this spooky walk through the very haunted second floor of the town hall will definitely scare you and get you in the spooky spirit.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children, and donations will also be accepted for the Food Bank to get entered for door prizes.

Pumpkinferno – Upper Canada Village

Pumpkinferno is a great, family friendly event happening every weekend through October at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg. Over 7000 hand carved pumpkins take over the village, making it feel warm with that eerie Halloween light from the jack-o-lanterns. To learn more about Pumpkinferno, check out our review from the event this year here!

Fort Fright – Fort Henry, Kingston

Fort Henry is entering it’s 12th year of scares with their Fort Fright. Visitors will be horrified as they make their way through the dry-ditch and inner walls of the fort. Admission includes the Fort Fright scares, a coffin ride, the haunted carnival, and then experiences from Haunted Walks, Improbably Escapes and more! Follow the story of Mindset Research as they deal with the aftermath of a failed research project. Researchers conducted tests to see how radiation and technology affect all living things over time. By increasing these levels dramatically, devastating outcomes are witnessed and the project is shut down. However, some of the test subjects have gone missing…

Tickets can be bought online, and general admission is $25 each.

All Hallows Hoedown – Brockville Legion

Looking to combine your love for Halloween with your love for country music? Check out the Brockville Legion on October 25th for the All Hallows Hoedown Halloween Party! Enjoy performances from Country Rocks and Dirty Alibi. There will also be costume contests, red neck games and more! Don’t wait on this one – book your tickets online at 1000 Islands Snapd, or buy your tickets through band members. This party WILL sell out!

Halloween Hullabaloo – Brockville Legion

Back for year six, the Halloween Hullabaloo is back on October 26th! This party is for Halloween lovers, done by Halloween lovers. The organizers go to great lengths to make sure they throw the best party, have the best decorations, and the best music. And of course, there will be a tons of costume prizes and loads of fun.

There will be two great photo ops to make sure your great costume gets the photographic justice it deserves. Ryan James will start off the evening with live music. Abandon Eden will then really kick things into full gear with music from the 60’s to the present. Ohm’s Law will round out the evening with music from the 90s.

Tickets are $15 each, and are available from the Legion, band members, or directly through the Facebook event page.

Thriller: Brownman Ali – Court House Lodge

Jazz and Hip-hop trumpet player Brownman Ali will be leading an all-star quartet through his annual Thriller concert on October 26. Experience the entire “Thriller” recording by Michael Jackson, interpreted and re-worked in a jazz fashion. Costumes and Thriller dance moves are encouraged! Tickets can be bought through Eventbrite or at the venue.

Halloween Activities – Downtown Brockville

Looking for somewhere fun and familiar to go trick-or-treating on Halloween? Downtown Brockville is the place to be! Many of the downtown Brockville shops will be handing out treats, and there will also be a Treat Trunk event where other members of the community will be able to register to give out candies and decorate their vehicles. For more information about the Downtown Brockville Halloween events, check out their website or Facebook Event page.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Brockville Arts Centre

The cult classic is coming to the Brockville Arts Centre on October 31st! Come in costume and be prepared to have a lot of fun.

For those unfamiliar, the Rocky Horror Picture Show is a movie about a newly engaged couple who break down in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr.Frank-N-Furter.

Rule 1: Please be advised, only the following items are allowed in the theatre:

Newspaper
Flashlight or glowsticks
noise makers
rubber gloves
bell
party hat

Rule 2: DO NOT BRING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING INTO THE THEATRE (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:)

eggs
rice
dry toast
squirt gun
prunes
hot dogs
ANY FOOD PRODUCT
rolls of toilet paper
lighters / open flames
confetti
playing cards
super soakers
…and anything else not mentioned in the approved list.

Rule 3: All purses, bags, jackets, and pockets may be searched before entering the theatre. Please leave anything not allowed in your car.

Rule 4: No cameras or recording devices are allowed into the theatre. You may take as many photos as you like before and after the show, but while the film is running, all photography is forbidden.

The theatre reserves the right to confiscate props. Failure to comply will result in ejection from the theatre without a refund.

Tickets can be bought on the Brockville Arts Centre website, and are $10 a person.

What's Happening – Labour Day Weekend 2019

If you haven’t been keeping up with our site, social, or mailing list the past few weeks, let me catch you up. Labour Day Weekend is going to be a Big Deal™️ in Brockville. We have major events happening everywhere you look! Last week we checked out the details for Big River Brockville. Let’s take a look at everything happening throughout the weekend so you can plan the last long weekend of the summer accordingly.

To find a specific event, click on the festival name:

Red Hot and Blue Rockabilly Festival
Tall Ships Challenge Brockville
Shootout Fishing League
SNOlympiad Canadian Snowball Throwing Championships

Red Hot and Blue Rockabilly Festival

The Red Hot and Blue Rockabilly Weekend has been running for 13 years now, and is one of the biggest rockabilly festivals in Canada! In case you haven’t heard of it, Rockabilly began as a type of popular music, originating in the southeastern US in the 1950s, combining elements of rock and roll and country music. Now though, refers to the subculture of people who enjoy 50’s style music, fashion and way of life.

Thursday, August 29th

The Red Hot and Blue festival kicks off with a Patio Party at the Brockberry Grill featuring the Shakedown Combo. This patio party goes from 5pm to 8pm. The night is still young, however! Continue the party at the Court House Lodge with the official kick off party, featuring the HellBent Rockers and the Ichi-Bons. Tickets will be available to pick up throughout the day at the Spitfire Cafe.

Friday, August 30th

Ticket for the weekend are available for pickup throughout the day, starting at 10am, at the Spitfire Cafe. The first event for Friday is the Vintage Market and Antique car meet-up! This will take place at the Brockville Railway Tunnel Plaza. At 2:30pm, the Shakedown Combo will be performing. At 4pm, Krystal Jyl and the Jacks will take over the stage. The party then moves back to the Brockberry Grill for another Patio Party, with the TrebleTones performing.

The party then moves to the Brockville Legion for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Party! This ticketed event will run from 8pm to 2am, and will have a great lineup of performers, including Sean Mencher, Shaun Young, Jittery Jack & Miss Amy, and Teddy Fury. DJ Black Dice and Pat White will keep the dance party going until the early hours!

Saturday, August 31st

Tickets are still available during the weekend at the Spitfire Cafe starting at 10am. Once again, the Vintage Market and Antique Car Meet-Up will be running through the day at the Brockville Tunnel Plaza. There are some great activities throughout the day!

10am – DJ David Faris
11:15am – Jive lessons
12:15pm – Fashion Show #1
12:30pm – Swelltune Records Showcase
2:30pm – Fashion Show #2
2:45pm – Swelltune Records Showcase
5pm – DJ David Rocketship

That evening, you can relive both the 50’s and your teen years with Prom Night at the Brockville Legion! Dress your best and dance the night away with live performances such as the Chris Casello Combo at 9pm, Tammi Savoy along with the Chris Casello Combo at 10:30, and the Dreamboats perform at midnight. The party doesn’t stop until 2am!

Sunday, September 1st

It’s the final day of the Vintage Market and Antique Car Meet-Up so make sure you head down to the Brockville Tunnel Plaza! There will be lots of live music throughout the afternoon.

12pm – Sloe Gin Fizz
1pm – DJ Tony B Good
1:30pm – Cadillac Rumble
2:30pm – DJ Tony B Good
3pm – The Black Moon Boys

Enjoy the end of the summer with a 50’s style Surf ‘n’ Cruise along the St.Lawrence River! Please make sure you’re at the boat by 4:30 for a 5pm departure. After the cruise, there will be a BBQ Dinner and Wrap Party at the Court House Lodge with the Shook Boys. Scott Harvey will be hosting, and DJ David Faris will perform throughout the evening.

Monday, September 2nd

If you’re just not ready for the weekend to be over, head over to Moose McGuires for the Bye Bye Brunch. From 11am to 1pm, you can celebrate the Labour Day weekend with all your new Rockabilly friends.

Tall Ships Challenge – Brockville

The Tall Ships Challenge is an exciting series of festivals throughout the Great Lakes that takes place every three years. Brockville has been taking part since 2013, and can’t wait to play host again this year. There are a lot of events happening throughout the weekend, so let’s take a look at what is available to do!

Please note: Many of these events are ticketed, and the tickets have been on sale for months. If you do not have a ticket currently, please check with the front gate at Blockhouse Island before going to the event location.

Friday, August 30th

Brockville’s going to be a busy place starting Friday! If you can, avoid parking downtown and use either the free shuttle service, or take advantage of the Brockville Tunnel’s parking fundraiser – $10 a day to park at the north end of the tunnel and access the downtown core through the tunnel!

Starting at 2pm, the grounds will open for the events. There will be a classic and antique boat show taking place in the inner harbour at Blockhouse Island, along with food vendors and a vendors village. At Hardy Park there will be activities for the kids. The Brockville Infantry Company of 1862 will have an encampment set up in Centeen Park, and there will be lots to do while waiting for the official start of the festival.

Parade of Sail – 4pm

The Parade of Sail is what kicks off everything tall ships during the Labour Day weekend. Starting at about 4pm, the Parade of Sail will make its way along the waterfront, with all the ships on full display. From the Eastern end of Blockhouse Island to Centeen Park, you will get a great view of all the ships in all their glory. To get the best views, make sure you have your general admission wristband or festival passport on hand to gain access to the grounds.

Captain’s Reception – 7pm

After the Parade of Sail, the Captain’s Reception is a ticketed event that will welcome the captains of all the Tall Ships to Brockville. Guests with a ticket will be able to tour the Bluenose II and the Pride of Baltimore II at Centeen Park without all the lines that will be present during the day. There will be live entertainment, drinks, and finger foods available. It’s a great opportunity to see these two gorgeous ships without the lineups! The event starts at 7pm.

The Empire Sandy Dinner Cruise – 6:30pm boarding

If a dinner cruise sounds more up your alley, the Empire Sandy will be hosting one! With boarding starting at 6:30pm and running until abut 10pm, this ticketed event is going to be a great one. There will be a full dinner with appetizers and dessert available as you enjoy the sunset over the 1000 Islands. Please note: all Empire Sandy events will be leaving from Blockhouse Island, NOT Hardy Park as originally listed.

Saturday, August 31st

Grounds open today at 9am, but if you’re early to downtown Brockville, you can have a look around the Brockville Farmer’s Market! Saturday is going to be a busy day, so if you’re looking for something specific at the market, go early and buy quickly!

Throughout the day, once again there will be the Classic and Antique Boat Show in the harbour, food vendors along Water Street, vendors in the Vendors Village, kids entertainment in both Hardy Park and Blockhouse, and the Brockville Infantry Company Encampment at Centeen Park. Make sure you check out the Leeds County Draft Horse Club Display as well throughout the day!

Tall Ship Deck Tours – All Day

These tours require a Festival Passport, which can be bought at the front gate of each park. This passport will allow you access to board all the shops at the Tall Ships Festival.

Please Note: The Empire Sandy will be offering speciality sail outs during the festival, and so will not be available for deck tours. If you wish to board the Empire Sandy, please consider purchasing a ticket for the sail outs or the dinner cruises.

Empire Sandy: Sail outs and Dinner Cruise

The Empire Sandy will be hosting sail outs throughout the day, and all of them are ticketed. Any leftover tickets will be sold at the main gate of Blockhouse Island. Please note: all Empire Sandy events will be leaving from Blockhouse Island, NOT Hardy Park as originally listed.

Morning Sail: 9:30am – 11:15am
Early Afternoon Sail: 11:45am – 1:30pm
Mid Afternoon Sail: 2:00pm – 3:45pm
Dinner Cruise: 7pm – 10pm (Please be ready for boarding at 6:30pm)

Youth Sail Training Zone – 11am

Are you interested in learning how to live like a sailor? You can make a sailor’s headband while learning navigation and how to chart a course on a ship! The Aquatarium and Bytown Brigantine will be on hand to help you learn all about life on the water.

Fair Jeanne, St.Lawrence II & Black Jack Sailing Adventures – 6pm

The Fair Jeanne, the St.Lawrence II and the Black Jack will be hosting a sailing adventure that is ticketed. You can become part of the crew of Brockville’s tall ships, and have a hands on experience to take the helm, set the sails, learn about reading charts and experience how to sail a Tall Ship. Trainees must be 12+ and must be able to move around the ship without mobility aids. Please wear closed toe, flat, rubber soled shoes.

Empire Sandy Dinner Cruise – 6:30 Boarding

If you’re interested in spending your dinner time on the Empire Sandy, there will be another dinner cruise on the Saturday. With boarding at 6:30pm, please make sure you’re there on time so the boat can leave at 7pm! Please note: all Empire Sandy events will be leaving from Blockhouse Island, NOT Hardy Park as originally listed.

Captain’s Reception – 7pm

There will be another ticketed Captain’s Reception at Centeen Park at 7pm. You will be able to access the Bluenose II and the Pride of Baltimore II without the long lines, and will get to enjoy live entertainment, light appetizers, and drinks will be available.

Sunday, September 1st

September already! We’re going to finish off the Labour Day Weekend starting at 9am with the gates opening. If you missed the Brockville Farmer’s Market on the Saturday, you’re in luck because the market will make a rare Sunday appearance! It’s also the last day of the Classic and Antique Boat Show, the Brockville Infantry Company Encampment, all the kids entertainment, and the vendors village. Also, cehck out the Leeds County Draft Hourse Club Display at Hardy Park!

Tall Ship Deck Tours

Sunday is your last chance to get to explore the Tall Ships! Make sure you have your festival passport and arrive early to check out the ships!

Empire Sandy Sail Outs

The Empire Sandy will once again be taking people out for trips on the St.Lawrence. These tickets can be bought at the front gate of Blockhouse Island, so please make sure you check availability!

Morning Sail: 9:30am – 11:15am
Early Afternoon Sail: 11:45am – 1:30pm
Mid-Afternoon Sail: 2pm – 3:45pm

Please note: all Empire Sandy events will be leaving from Blockhouse Island, NOT Hardy Park as originally listed.

Fair Jeanne, St.Lawrence II & Black Jack Sailing Adventures – 6pm

Once again, the Fair Jeanne, the Black Jack and the St.Lawrence II will be teaching people how to become the crew of a ship! During this hands-on experience, you can learn to set the sails, take the helm, read charts and sail a ship! Remember, this is a ticketed event, so check availability with the ticket counter at Blockhouse Island! Trainees must be 12+, be able to move around the ship without a mobility aid, and be wearing closed toe, flat, rubber soled shoes!

Empire Sandy Dinner Cruise – 6:30 boarding

To close the festival and the Labour Day Weekend, the Empire Sandy will be taking one last group of diners out on the water for a sunset cruise with a full dinner. Make sure you’re on the boat at 6:30pm so the boat can leave at 7pm! Please note: all Empire Sandy events will be leaving from Blockhouse Island, NOT Hardy Park as originally listed.

Bonus – Aquatarium Discount!

If you show your Festival Passport at the Aquatarium between August 30th to September 1st, you’ll receive a special festival rate of $12.99 – a savings of 35%!

Shootout Fishing League

August 31st – September 1st

Shootout Fishing League is a professional Bass tournament running from Saturday August 31st to Sunday September 1st. The boats will be taking off from Hardy Park at around 7am, and it is a sight to see! If you are an early bird, definitely make your way down to the park to see the professional fishing boats take off! Weigh in will be around 3:30pm in Hardy Park.

SNOlympiad: Summer Snowball Throwing Competition

The SNOlympiad is looking for Canada’s top male and female snowball throwers to send to the World Championships in Ottawa next year! The first Canadian Snowball Throwing Championship will be held in Brockville this year, and will be the qualifier for entry to the world championships.

Competitors will be judged on:

Distance
- Each participant throws three self made snowballs for distance. The longest distance recorded in feet of the three qualified throws is scored. 1 foot = 1 point
Accuracy
- Each participant throws three self made snowballs. Each throw is measured on the accuracy of hitting the bullseye target. You can earn up to 25 points per hit.
Velocity
- Each participant throws three self made snowballs and the velocity of each throw is registered on the radar gun in Miles Per Hour (mph). The highest velocity of the three throws is recorded for scoring.

September 1st

The first annual snowball throwing competition will be held at Fulford Park (91 1st Avenue) . It will start at 9:45am with the opening ceremonies and an opening throw by dignitaries. At 10am the preliminary competition will start for the men and women divisions. At 1pm the finals will take place, and the winners will be announced.

Interactive Spectator throws For Charity – 2pm

If you want to give the snowball throwing a try, come by at 2pm to try your hand at the speed and accuracy throws. For $5, you can have three throws. Net proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville, and funding will be matched by EXIT Realty Eastern Ontario.

With such a busy weekend, you’ll be relieved to see the Labour Day Monday is relatively quiet! On Monday, September 2nd, take the time to relax and get ready to go back to school, back to work, or just close summer out with a relaxing day, perhaps taking in the waterfront once again!

Big River Festival – A Complete Guide

It is the inaugural year for Brockville’s Big River Festival! For those who might not know what’s going on throughout the end of August, or haven’t heard of Big River Festival yet, this post is for you! We’re going to break down the next week to make sure you’re ready for days of fun right up to the Labour Day Weekend!

Friday, August 23rd

Canadian Dock Jumping Championships – Hardy Park

We start the Big River Festival with the Canadian Dock Jumping Championships. This is a national competition for dogs and their owners that happens every year. Regional events have happened throughout the summer for dogs to qualify, and the best of the best will be competing for the title of champion in Canada.

Brockville Museum Walking Tours – Brockville Museum

The beginning of Big River Festival will mark the end of Brockville Museum’s walking tours throughout downtown Brockville. At 3pm, the Historic Waterfront Walking Tour will explore the waterfront and tell stories about Brockville’s history. Then at 7pm, Brockville’s Criminal Past Walking tour will tell the tales of Brockville’s past, including stories of one of the largest bank heists in Canadian history. Tickets can be bought in advance on Snapd 1000 Islands, or at the Brockville Museum for $8 a person.

Saturday, August 24th

Brockville Farmers’ Market – Market Street West

Enjoy walking along Market Street West as vendors sell their locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods, preserves, maple syrup, arts and crafts and more!

Canadian Dock Jumping Championships – Hardy Park

Saturday is going to be a great day to check out the dock jumping, since it will be a good mix of practices and competition. It’s also the day where you can bring your dog down to Hardy Park to try it themselves! The full schedule of events can be found on the Canadian Championships website.

Sunday, August 25th

Canadian Dock Jumping Championships – Hardy Park

The final day of dock jumping! Make sure you check out the finals and see which dog is crowned champion!

Beachfest – St Lawrence Park

Starting at 10am, Beachfest is a fun and free family event! At 10am, there will be a church service hosted by The Pier Christian Church. Then at 12pm, the free activities and entertainment begin. There will be games and activities put on by different groups in Brockville. These include events like a sand castle building contest, face painting, art, a scavenger hunt, and a volleyball tournament. There also will be a petting zoo, bouncy castles, and the chance to see some of the Brockville Fire trucks!

Free popcorn and cotton candy will be available, and Loaves and Fishes will be hosting a barbecue, with all the proceeds going to Loaves and Fishes. Squeezers Lemonade and Goodies will also be there with their fresh squeezed lemonade, funnel cakes and deep fried Oreos!

For more information or for the detailed schedule of events, check out the Facebook Event page. Make sure you RSVP right away!

Sunday Concerts In the Park – Hardy Park

Come see the final concert in this annual summer series! Christ and Alex with the Great Music Guys will be performing at 6:30pm at the Gazebo in Hardy Park. Bring a chair, sit back and enjoy the season closing performance. Note: If the weather is bad, the concert will be at St.John’s United Church.

Monday, August 26th

WPBS TV Screening: Great Lakes Now + Starry Night – The Aquatarium

WPBS will be offering a free screening of an episode of “Great Lakes Now” in the theatre at the Aquatarium for Big River Festival! The episode will be “Ships and Shipwrecks” and will focus on the CSL Welland, a series of locks that allows ships to bypass Niagara Falls and the people who work on board . The series is all about the world’s largest system of fresh water, focusing on the environmental, economic and political issues that surround the Great Lakes and the people who use, cherish and protect them.

The showing will be opened by the WPBS President and General Manager, Mark Prasuhn. The event is free, but you are encouraged to pre-register on the WPBS website.

Guests will also be able to visit the 4th floor Pilot House on a first come, first served basis to look up and explore the galaxy and planets. The presentation explores our solar system and highlights what’s visible in the night sky that evening. The tour includes constellations, planets, the moon, colliding galaxies, and exploding star, glowing nebulae, star clusters and planetary transits. It will be an exciting journey into space, based on computer generated large format images projected on the planetarium.

Tuesday, August 27th

Film Screening – “Maiden” – Brockville Arts Centre

There will be a screening of the documentary film “Maiden” presented by Film Brockville. The film tells the story of Tracy Edwards, a 24-yer-old who became the skipper of the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World race in 1989.

There will be a screening at both 2pm and 7pm, and tickets are available through the Brockville Arts Centre.

Big River Night on Blockhouse Island – Tunnel Plaza

Enjoy a free, family friendly evening of entertainment to celebrate our beautiful waterfront! There will be live performers including Gerry Mitchell and a hula hoop performer. Activities will include face painting, pirate shop painting, a kids booth by the Brockville Public Library and a race at 5:45 by the Brockville Yacht Club.

5:30pm: hula hoop demos, face painters, art INDEED pirate craft, popsicles and giveaways in the railway tunnel plaza
5:45pm: Brockville Yacht Club race in the St. Lawrence River (best viewing location is from Hardy Park – sail boats will pass by tunnel plaza between roughly 6:00-6:20pm)
6:00pm: Gerry Mitchell performance
6:30pm: Hula Hoop show
7:00pm: Gerry Mitchell performance (second set)
7:30pm: Hula Hoop show (second set)

Wednesday, August 28th

Live Music at the Waterfront – Fat Les Waterfront Patio, Blockhouse Island

Come visit the waterfront for a “Big River” drink, dinner and an ice cream at the Waterfront Patio! There will be live entertainment, including The Rifle & The Writer, Rebekka Paige and Colby Latocha. This event will be hosted by Fat Les Waterfront Patio on Blockhouse Island.

Ghost Tours – Fulford Place

What roams the halls after the lights go out? Come learn more about Fulford’s more spooky stories after hours by taking part in a 30 minute ghost tour around the haunted mansion. Tickets can be bought at the Kensington Parkway Quickie, Fulford Place or online at Eventbrite. Reservations are required, so make sure you buy your tickets in advance!

Elvis: The Concert – Brockville Arts Centre

Pete Paquette will bring the classic music of Elvis back to life with his live band. Throughout the concert, experience the entire musical career of Elvis, through the 1950’s, Elvis in leather, and his explosive Vegas years. Tickets are $35 each, and can be bought on the Brockville Arts Centre’s website.

Thursday, August 29th

Brockville Farmers’ Market – Market Street West

Come spend the morning down at the Brockville Farmer’s Market! Grab some lunch, some fruits or vegetables, and have a stroll past the different vendors selling their locally grown and produced goods.

Music on the Veranda – Fulford Place

Come enjoy the final performance of Music on the Veranda at Fulford Place from 12pm to 1pm. Pack a lunch and enjoy the music of Yvan Petit, a country singer, guitar plater and member of Johnny Reid’s band. Admission to Music On the Veranda is by donation.

Elvis: The Concert – Brockville Arts Centre

Come relive the classic music of Elvis Presley with Pete Paquette and his live band during the two performances on Thursday at 2pm and 8pm. Enjoy all the hits as Paquette goes through Elvis’ entire career of music.

Aquatarium After Dark with YukYuks Comedy – Aquatarium

Standup comedy will be taking over the Aquatarium once the doors close to the public! Come see the Aquatarium while enjoying cocktail hour from 6-7pm with live music from Amelia Foley. Then at 7pm, the following comedians will perform:

Geoffrey Appelbaum
Patrick Haye
Rachelle Elie
Sebastien Bourgault

There will be a cash bar and refreshments available by Moose McGuires.

Homemade kettle chips or popcorn – $3
Theatre service “hot box” including 3 chicken wings + sauce, 2 bruschetta, 2 fried pickles and a bag of kettle chips – $15
Table service appetizer platter – $20 (preorder and served 30 minutes before the show)

Tickets can be bought online through the Brockville Arts Centre.

Big River Brockville Islands Sunset Cruise – 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises

Enjoy a sunset cruise throughout Brockville’s islands with the 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises. This cruise, leaving at 6:30pm, will be a special cruise designed to enlighten passengers, about our rich history along the St.Lawrence River, and will tell stories of shipwrecks, the islands, and different unique stories that may not have been heard before. These stories have been developed and delivered by the staff of the Brockville Museum, and are going to be well worth the trip! Tickets can be booked through the 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises website.

Movies in the Park: Aladdin – Hardy Park

The final movie of the summer will be the 2019 remake of Aladdin! Come enjoy the bouncy castles, snacks and free popcorn from 6:30 until sunset. The movie will begin once the sun has set. Bring a chair and arrive early to make sure you’ve got a good spot!

This list only takes us up to the Long Weekend! Keep watching Brockville Tourism’s website to get all the details about Big River Festival, the Red Hot & Blue Rockabilly Festival, Shootout Fishing League Solo series, the SNOlympiad and of course, Tall Ships!

Festivals In and Around Brockville August 2019

It’s time for the Civic Holiday long weekend! The weather looks like it’s going to be great this weekend, and hopefully this weather holds on for the entire month, because we have a LOT happening in and around Brockville this August! Let’s have a look at all the festivals happening throughout the month.

Automotion – August 4th

Blockhouse Island, Brockville: 9am – 4pm

Brockville’s annual waterfront car show is returning for its 33rd year this year! Come check out these cars in beautiful condition at Blockhouse Island and take a chance on the Brockville Lions Club 50/50 draw. There will be music playing at the stage by the Brockville Tunnel between 1pm to 4pm, so bring a chair and settle in for a full day of entertainment. Gates open at 9am, so make sure you’re there good and early!

Admission Fee: $5
Children under 12 with an adult: Free

Annual Blueberry Social – August 4th

Tony Kall Park, Mallorytown: 1pm – 4pm

Bring a chair and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of live music and blueberry desserts with ice cream at Tony Kall Park, behind Mallory Coach House Museum. Banjo Bob and the River Road Ramblers will be performing, and the blueberries will be plentiful.

Admission: $5

Brockville Ribfest – August 8th-11th

Hardy Park, Brockville: 11 am to 10:30 pm

Brockville Ribfest has been a local favourite for years! Ribbers from across North America will be visiting Brockville to compete for your votes. But even if you’re not a fan of ribs, there is something for you to enjoy at Ribfest! There will be a children’s fun zone including a bounce castle, and a fun zone for the grownups too with the beer garden! Throw in a fishing derby, volleyball tournament and loads of vendors selling different types of treats and goods, and you’ve got one of Brockville’s most anticipated annual festivals!

Admission: Free

Downtown Brockville FunFest and Sidewalk Sale – August 17th

King Street, Downtown Brockville: 9am-4pm

Enjoy a day of fun during Downtown Brockville’s sidewalk sale and FunFest! There will be bouncy castles, buskers, live music, electric vehicle rides, games, and of course great sales! There will be summer clearance sale for many of the shops, and makes sure you enjoy some food from one of the many restaurants along King Street!

Admission: Free

1000 Islands Poker Run – August 17th

Tall Ships Landing, Brockville: 12pm-2pm

One of the biggest and baddest festivals that Poker Run America runs will be racing through Brockville on Saturday, August 17th! Starting in Kingston, Brockville will be the lunch stop and the location of card 2. Come check out the boats as the racers stop for a quick break, and enjoy the thrill of the engines as the boats race off to their next stop!

Big River Festival – August 23rd – September 1st

The inaugural Big River Festival will be taking place during the last weekend of August in Brockville! There will be many events happening throughout the week, so let’s break down some of the major events that will be celebrating everything great about our beautiful St.Lawrence River!

Canadian Dock Jumping Championships – August 23rd – 25th

Hardy Park, Brockville

Opening the Big River Festival is the Canadian Dock Jumping Championships! Canine Watersports Canada is wet, wild, and most of all, wonderfully wholesome entertainment for every member of the family. Watch as dog-and-handler teams work together atop a 36-foot dock, adjacent a 45-foot-long pool filled with water. Dogs fly through the air and land in the water with a dramatic—and occasionally audience-drenching—splash, after which the longest jumper is deemed the winner in several disciplines and divisions. Competitors will be coming in from across the country for the chance to compete for the national title – Canada’s 2019 Elite Champion! There will be loads to watch and listen to, as well as food and vendors to keep you comfortable through the whole weekend, so bring a chair down to Hardy Park and come see these amazing dogs in action!

Red Hot & Blue Rockabilly Weekend – August 30 – September 2nd

Blockhouse Island, Brockville

The 50’s are alive and well in Brockville! Come to one of Canada’s biggest rockabilly festivals and enjoy the non-stop music and dancing, as well as a vintage market and antique car meet-up.
For the complete lineup, check the Red Hot and Blue Rockabilly Weekend Website! Make sure you buy your tickets soon – https://www.rhbweekend.ca/tickets

Shootout Fishing League – August 31 – September 1st

Hardy Park, Brockville

The Shootout Fishing League will be hosting a professional bass fishing tournament in Brockville! After being named one of the best bass fishing locations in North America, Brockville should be a great place to see professional fishing in action. The boats take off at 7am, and weigh-in will be at 3:30pm.

Snolympiad: Summer Snowball Throwing Competition – September 1st

Fulford Park ball diamond

What is more Canadian than throwing a snowball? Brockville is hosting the first national snowball throwing championship, and the top male and female will be able to enter the world championships in Ottawa in 2020!

Competitors will be judged on:

Distance: Each participant throws 3 self-made snowballs for distance. The longest distance recorded in feet of the 3 qualified throws is scored. 1 foot equals 1 point.

Accuracy: Each participant throws 3 self-made snowballs. Each throw is measured on the accuracy of hitting the bulls eye target for 25 scoring points per hit.

Velocity: Each participant throws 3 self-made snowballs and the velocity of each throw is registered on the radar gun in Miles Per Hour. The highest velocity of the three throws is recorded for scoring.

Brockville Tall Ships® Festival – August 30 – September 1st

Brockville Waterfront

The crown jewel of the Big River Festival, the Brockville Tall Ships® Festival will be returning for 2019! These majestic ships will be arriving in Brockville on the Friday and will be available for tours throughout the weekend. On Friday afternoon, the Parade of Sail will take place, led by the Bluenose II, and is the best opportunity to get photos of the ships. make sure you check the special ticketed events as well, such as the dinner and the captain’s reception!

Tickets can be purchased at www.tallshipsbrockville.com/tickets or the Brockville Art Centre’s Box Office.

And those are just the major festivals! There are loads of events happening throughout the month, including weekly guided tours, daily boat cruises, and individual events happening within each of these festivals. For more details, make sure you check our Events Calendar, or even better, sign up for our weekly mailing list! Every Thursday, we provide a weekly breakdown of events happening throughout the Brockville area!

Canada Day Weekend Celebrations 2019

With the official start of summer coming tomorrow, people are making their plans for all the summer long weekends coming up. The first long weekend is coming up soon – Canada Day Weekend!

1000 Islands Regatta

Canada Day weekend is going to start with a roar – quite literally! The 1000 Islands Regatta will be taking place from June 28-30th at Blockhouse Islands, and will be the host of the hydroplane racing league. These boats are essentially planes without wings, flying down the St.Lawrence at breakneck speeds, reaching over 100 MPH easily! Racing will take place on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30am until 5pm. After the races, there will be live musical performances.

Platinum Blonde will begin the weekend on Friday, June 28th. This Canadian rock band will be performing all their classics throughout the night. Supporting act is Bourne To Rock

Canada Day 2019 - 1000 Islands Regatta -Jason Blaine

Canadian country music star Jason Blaine will perform on Saturday, June 29th. This singer from Pembroke, Ontario will really keep the audience going after a day of racing, so look forward to that. The supporting act is Jordy Jackson.

Canada Day 2019 - 1000 Islands Regatta - The Northern Pikes

Closing the festival concert series will be The Northern Pikes. These Canadian legends and Juno nominees will really keep the energy going after the trophy presentations on the main stage at 5pm. Their supporting acts are Dead Root Revival and Reckless 4.

Weekend passes and day passes can be bought at the Brockville Tourism office, or online through Snapd 1000 Islands. People who purchase advance passes will be given priority front of line access to the concert series.

Royal Brock Craft, Vendor and Bake Sale

Royal Brock Retirement Living will also be hosting an event on June 30th. Their Craft, Vendor and Bake Sale will take place from 11am to 3pm. There is no charge for entry, and the event is open to all members of the public. If you are able, you are encouraged to park across the street at the shopping centre, as there is limited parking at the Royal Brock. Make sure you have your cash on hand and come check out their goods!

1000 Islands Tower Open For Sunset

What better way is there to build up to Canada Day than by watching the sun set over the gorgeous 1000 Islands? 1000 Islands Tower will be hosting their sunset views on June 29th and 30th. Bring your camera to the very top level and get some breathtaking photos! Regular admission applies, and more information can be found on their website.

Canada Day Activities

Canada Day 1K/5K

The day of Canada Day will have a selection of events happening. Starting early at Rotary Fieldhouse 429 Laurier Blvd., the Brockville Road Runners will be hosting their annual Canada Day 1K and 5K run on July 1st. There will be two events happening

Kids (Under 13) 1K Run
Starts at 8:45am
Cost: Free
There will be medals for top male and female runners in three age groups – Under 7, Under 10 and Under 13.

Safety: The race is entirely on the trail path, with no road crossings

The 5K Race
Starts at 9am
Cost: $15 for Brockville Road Runner Club members, $20 for non members, and family is $35
There will be trophies for the overall male and female winners and medals for the top three male and female finishers in their category.

City of Brockville Canada Day Activities

Once you’re done at the run, head to Brockville City Hall for Canada Day festivities. At 11:45am, there will be a procession to the Court House Green. Led by the Brockville Pipe and Drum Corp, there will be a march of Scarlet Clad Infantry Re-enactors, representatives from the Brockville Rifles, the Brockville Police Services, those who have served our country during times of war and peace, and local dignitaries.

At noon, everyone will sing “O Canada” on the Court House Green, followed by speeches. Cake will then be served to the public.

MS Society Teddy Bear Festival

A great family fun event will be the 1st Annual MS Society Teddy Bear Festival, held at Hardy Park. They have a great schedule of events happening throughout the day that will be fun for the whole family.

8am-11am – Pancake Breakfast (Adults: $5 Children: $3)
11am-11:15am – Opening Ceremonies
11am-12pm – Best decorated bike contest
11:30am-12pm, 1pm-1:30pm, 3pm-3:30pm – Story time by the Brockville Theatre Guild
12pm-12:45pm – SMA Karate Brockville demonstration
12:45pm – 1:30pm – Subramanya Kids Yoga
1:30pm – Teddy Bear Parade
2pm-2:45pm, 3pm-3:45pm – Royal High Tea Party ($6)
2pm-4pm – Children’s Muster Photo Booth in 1862 Militia Uniforms presented by the Brockville Infantry Co.

For more information, be sure to check out the Facebook Event page.

Fort Wellington Canada Day Celebration

If an afternoon of history is more your style, be sure to check out Fort Wellington’s celebrations in Prescott. Open from 10am to 4pm, the fort will have free admission throughout the day. There will be family activities, historic demonstrations, and refreshments to help make this Canada Day a memorable one.

For more information, check the Fort Wellington website.

Thousand Islands National Park

Looking to go experience something truly Canadian? Head out to Thousand Islands National Park and get to paddle in a voyageur canoe! Tours depart from Mallorytown Landing every hour on Monday July 1st from 10a.m. to 4p.m. and can be booked in advance by calling (613)923-5261 ext 140. You also will get to hear stories and learn more about the Thousand Islands. It is $4.90 per paddler.

Aquatarium

The Aquatarium will be open for those wanting to escape the heat for a few hours on Canada Day from 10am to 5pm. Added bonus – if you show up in patriotic Canadian outfits, you will receive 25% off regular admission rates!

Brockville Ghost Walks

If you’re looking for something to do as the sun is setting, and it’s too early for the fireworks, come join Brockville Tourism’s Ghost Walks! They run every Monday at 7pm, and you’ll be back at downtown Brockville with time to spare to make it to the fireworks.

Tickets can be bought on the EventBrite website or through the Facebook Event listing.

Canada Day Fireworks

In the evening, there will be a fireworks display over the St.Lawrence River between 9:30 and 10pm. Please note, if there are high winds or a chance of lightning, the event will be postponed until the following evening. Any updates will be found on the Brockville City website or their Twitter account.

Canada Day At the Moose

Moose McGuire’s will also be hosting an event. With their location at Tall Ships Landing and their patio, it will be a great place to catch the fireworks or just to relax! For $25 at the door, you will get to enjoy free food, free swag and live music. The Windmill Brewery and Gananoque Brewery will also be on the cafe patio to celebrate everything Canada. 10% of all the ticket sales and alcohol sales will be donated to our local food bank.

For more information, check out the EventBrite page to RSVP (It helps them know how much food to prepare!)

1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises

If you’re in the mood to watch the fireworks from a unique perspective, perhaps check out the 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises Canada Day Fireworks Dinner cruise! This three hour extended version of the regular dinner cruise is a relaxed and casual buffet dinner as you sail along the 1000 Islands at sunset. Then, settling in along Brockville’s waterfront, you’ll be able to enjoy Brockville’s fireworks in style!

For more information or for tickets, please check the 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises’ website.

Search Results

Canada Day 2020 – Celebrating During COVID-19

Week Before Canada Day: Let’s Decorate!

June 29th – July 1st: Canada, Let’s Get Together!

All Day: Show Us How You’re Celebrating Canada Day 2020 Photo Contest

All Day: National Celebration Celebration Kit

9 am – 12 pm: MS Teddy Bear Picnic Goes Virtual

9:30 am: InstaChoir Canada Performs

10 am: Brockville Road Runners 5K Run/Walk From Home – Together Individually

11 am: O’Canada – The Brockville Remix

1 pm – 2 pm: Canada Day Across the Country

8pm – 10pm: Canada Day Together

Brockville Tourism Development Fund

Brockville Tourism Development Fund

Eligibility

Key Tourism Objectives 2020

Funding Amounts

Application Forms

Application Process

Thousand Islands Film Festival 2020

Friday, February 28th, 2020

2pm – Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind (91 minutes)

7pm – The Song of Names (113 minutes)

Saturday, February 29th, 2020

11am – Cannes Lions – International Festival of Creativity (110 minutes)

2pm – The Secret Marathon (77 minutes)

5pm – Reception and Dinner on Stage

8pm – Parasite (132 Minutes)

Sunday, March 1st, 2020

11am – Oscar Nominated “Live Action Shorts” (105 minutes)

2pm – Dark Waters (126 minutes)

7pm – Uncut Gems (135 minutes)

River of Lights Playlist 2019

Lights of Christmas – TobyMac with Owl City

Jingle Bells – Barenaked Ladies

Sandstorm – Darude

Thunderstruck – AC/DC

Wizards Of Winter – Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Mary Did You Know? – Jeremy Camp

Christmas / Sarajevo 12/14 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Begin December 2019 With A Bang!

Friday, November 29th

Black Friday

Downtown Tree Lighting – 7pm

Saturday, November 30th

Breakfast with Santa – 8:30am (Sold Out)

Christmas Market – 10am to 5pm

Brockville Rotary Santa Claus Parade – 5pm to 8pm

River of Lights Opening Night – 8pm

Sunday, December 1st

Otter Build a Snack – 1pm to 3pm

Throughout the first week of December…

Get Ready for Halloween 2019

Tunnel of Terror – Brockville Railway Tunnel

Prescott Zombie Walk – Downtown Prescott

Prescott Town Hall Terror – 360 Dibble St W

Pumpkinferno – Upper Canada Village

Fort Fright – Fort Henry, Kingston

All Hallows Hoedown – Brockville Legion

Halloween Hullabaloo – Brockville Legion

Thriller: Brownman Ali – Court House Lodge

Halloween Activities – Downtown Brockville

The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Brockville Arts Centre

What's Happening – Labour Day Weekend 2019

Red Hot and Blue Rockabilly Festival

Thursday, August 29th

Friday, August 30th

Saturday, August 31st

Sunday, September 1st

Monday, September 2nd

Tall Ships Challenge – Brockville

Friday, August 30th

Parade of Sail – 4pm

Captain’s Reception – 7pm

The Empire Sandy Dinner Cruise – 6:30pm boarding

Saturday, August 31st

Tall Ship Deck Tours – All Day

Empire Sandy: Sail outs and Dinner Cruise

Youth Sail Training Zone – 11am

Fair Jeanne, St.Lawrence II & Black Jack Sailing Adventures – 6pm