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River Activities

Aquatarium Grand Opening

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Please join us in Brockville starting on Friday, May 6th to help celebrate the grand opening of Brockville’s newest waterfront attraction, The Aquatarium.
Grand opening weekend calendar of events:

Friday May 6

9:30amRibbon Cutting CeremonyOutside
11:20amSmudging CeremonyOtter Habitat
11:30amOtter Feeding TimeOtter Habitat
4:00pmEarly Closing

Saturday May 7

11:30amOtter Snack TimeOtter Habitat
1:00pmFeed the Fish TalkLighthouse Theatre
1:00pmRope Tying DemonstrationHMS Ontario Upper Deck
1:30pmIan Coristine Book SigningDockside Living
2:00pmThe Iroquoise ProjectLighthouse Theatre
3:30pmSomething’s Fishy About the St. Lawrence RiverLighthouse Theatre

Sunday May 8

Mother’s Day – First 200 Moms get a flower
11:30amOtter Feeding TimeOtter Habitat
2:00pmSonshine and Broccoli Children’s Music ShowLighthouse Theatre

The Aquatarium is located at 6 Broad Street in Brockville. Find out more information about their amazing, interactive exhibits on our earlier post or visit their website at www.aquatarium.ca

Boat Cruising in the World Famous 1000 Islands

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The 1000 Islands constitute an archipelago of 1864 islands that straddles the Canada-U.S. border in the St. Lawrence River as it emerges from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario. They stretch for about 80 km downstream from Kingston, Ontario. The 1864 islands range in size from over 100km2 to smaller islands occupies by a single residence, or uninhabited outcroppings of racks that are only home to migratory waterfowl.
The region was a part of the War of 1812 between the British Empire and the United States. Many sites from the war still can be found such as Fort Wellington in Prescott and the Garrison on Chimney Island in Mallorytown along the 1000 Islands Parkway. Some masonry “castles” remain as international landmarks. The most famous examples are ‘The Towers’ on Dark Islands, now called Singer Castle, and Boldt Castle on Heart Island.
Of course, no visit to Brockville would be complete without a cruise of the world famous 1000 Islands. Departing from Blockhouse Island in the City’s historic downtown, 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises operates a fleet of boats offering a close-up view of the islands. Choose from a variety of traditional sightseeing, dining and entertainment cruises, or get your motor running aboard the Islands’ only high-speed passenger boat, the ‘Wildcat’ (shown above)- safe, family fun; an adventure for all ages.
The above is an excerpt from the 2016 Brockville & 1000 Islands Visitor Guide. Stop by our office to pick up a copy today.

Visit the Aquatarium on your next trip to Brockville

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The Aquatarium is more than just an aquarium. This leaning centre offers a full range of interactive exhibits and activities for the entire family.

The Otter Experience

Our furry little friends invite you to take a step out of the ordinary and explore the 1000 Islands from their point of view. These friendly water pups will keep you captivated as they swim and play throughout the massive glass-enclosed river habitat.

The Aquaria

The Aquaria is a gateway to the underwater word with hands-on learning and exploration. The fish tanks at the Aquatarium showcase three distinct aquarium habitats in the St. Lawrence River: lake, river and shore, each with its own unique ecosystem.

The Ropes Course

Climb across the rigging of our two ships, the SS Kingston and the HMS Ontario, before walking to the edge of the deck. Take the 40-foot plunge down to the ground floor, or take a comfortable slide off the SS Kingston. There’s even a mini ropes course and scramble net for the littlest explorers.

Learn and Discover

Get a close look at the invertebrates that live in the waters of the 1000 Islands, or put your learning into action at the water table, where you’ll do real experiments that illustrate the power of the St. Lawrence River.
The above is an excerpt from the 2016 Brockville & 1000 Islands Visitor Guide. Stop by our office to pick up a copy today.
Check out our previous post on the Aquatarium to find out more about what you will discover inside, or visit the Aquatarium’s website.
 

Brockville: City of the 1000 Islands

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Situated at the eastern gateway to this famed tourism region, Brockville truly is the ‘City of the 1000 Islands’. Get up close to the islands on a traditional of high-speed adventure cruise or delve into the islands’ stories a little deeper with a visit to the Aquatarium: Brockville’s new interactive discovery centre devoted to the history, geography and ecology of the region.
Ogle ships from around the world plying the St. Lawrence Seaway channel from one of five waterfront parks. Explore Brockville’s many historical treasures with a visit to the Brockville Museum, Fulford Place, Canada’s First Railway Tunnel, Fort Wellington or on a stroll through the historic downtown where you’ll discover an abundance of architectural treasures of this one-time Millionaire’s capital of Canada. As night falls, take in a show at the Brockville Arts Centre – one of Eastern Ontario’s premier stages or an outdoor performance at the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival.
Come and visit Brockville, but be warned; once you discover the city’s charm and succumb to its hospitality, you will want to stay longer! Brockville and 1000 islands Tourism if open year round to help you make your visit memorable.
The above is an excerpt from the 2016 Brockville & 1000 Islands Visitor Guide. Stop by our office to pick up a copy today.

Aquatarium Opening March 1st

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The much anticipated new Brockville attraction, the Aquatarium, announced today that they will be opening on March 1st, 2016. Hot on the heels of a video released yesterday showing the “stars” of the Aquatarium, the river otters, making themselves at home in their new habitat, this announcement shows that all of the final pieces have come together to launch this amazing new attraction.
The Aquatarium is Brockville’s newest waterfront attraction that looks out over the Brockville Harbour and into the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands. With a variety of interactive experiences and adventures that inspire critical thinking through storytelling and play, you will discover the diverse wildlife of the islands, explore the area’s unique history and culture, learn about the economics of the St. Lawrence River, and get your body moving in their recreational experiences.
From their press release earlier today:
We are extremely excited to announce that Eastern Ontario’s newest year-round attraction will be open to the public on Tuesday March 1st, 2016 at 10:00 am. All the details can be found on our website at www.aquatarium.ca
“I am so pleased that we are able to make this announcement today.” said Bill Rogerson, Executive Director of the Aquatarium. “It has been a log time coming and I am excited for visitors to be able to share in all the interactive experiences, hear amazing stories about the 1000 Islands region, and see all the things there are to do in this very special place. We couldn’t have reached this point without the great support of all our partners in the region, our dedicated volunteers and devoted staff.”
A Grand Opening ceremony is being planned for early May to align with the busy tourism season. 
We were lucky enough to get invited to take part in a photo shoot before the doors officially opened and got to capture the reactions of a group of kids exploring this new attraction for the first time. Below is a sneak peak of some of what you will find behind the Aquatarium’s doors. (click on a photo to enlarge it)

Level 1:

Granite Sphere – Explore great shipping ports all over the globe as you trace paths of international commerce forged with the help of the mighty St. Lawrence River.
Kelpie – Explore the Kelpie, a sailboat with an original 1000 Islands-made engine!
Sir Robert Peel – Explore the remains of the St. Lawrence River shipwreck the Sir Robert Peel, a steamboat that was seized and burned by real-life pirate Bill Johnston.
Rotary Bathysphere – Rise up from the depths as you enter the Aquatarium

Level 2:

Dive Tank – Visit our underwater shipwreck!
Water Lab – Bring your class or club to lean about aquatic science.
Activity Room – Book our room for your meeting, birthday party or special event.

Level 3:

Aquaria – Dive into the aquatic world of the St. Lawrence River from a “fish eye view”.
Biosphere Hall – Explore this region and the globe.
Creation – Discover a world from more than 10,000 years ago, right in our own backyard!
Green Screen – Cherish the magic moments you create with the cutting edge technology of our Aquatarium Green Screen experience.
HMS Ontario – Travel back in time to a forgotten era of battles, forts and shipwrecks.
Otter Habitat – Learn about our river otters, a vital animal in the St. Lawrence River ecosystem.
Ropes Course – Experience climbing through the rigging of a tall ships on our one-of-a-king ropes course.
SS Kingston – Discover the steam ship SS Kingston, once a popular ferry for travel down teh St. Lawrence River.
Discovery Hall – Immerse yourselves in the shipping history of the St. Lawrence River, from the age of sail to the age of steam, while you watch intrepid explorers climbing the ropes course above your heads.
Power of Water – Lean how the waters of the St. Lawrence River have shaped the world around us.
The Lighthouse Theatre – Explore a stunning range of possibilities in and around the St. Lawrence River with video footage that whisks you away with the wonder of nature.
Boat House and Skiff House – Experience first-hand the adventure, challenges and thrill of life on the St. Lawrence River.
Magedoma – Gently glide back in time in the famous yacht Magedoma as you embark on a recreated tour through the 1000 Islands.
Singer Castle Library – Step into a world of mystery at the Castle Library, where the walls have eyes, and secret passageways are waiting to be discovered. A room of stories, secrets and activities for kids.
Frontenac Post Office – Step inside our island post office and learn about this region’s history and culture.
Herpetology – Lean about invasive species, the Americl Eel, and reptiles and amphibians in the 1000 islands region.

Level 4:

Wind Wall – Sail your own miniature sailboat the the Aquatarium Wind Wall.
Pilot House – Enjoy the spectacular view, practice your navigational skills at our boat simulator or learn about the solar system in or planetarium presentations.

Hours:

The Aquatarium will be open year round, 7 days a week from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Admission:

Adult $19.99
Senior (65+) $14.99
Youth (13-17) $14.99
Child (4-12) $9.99
Child (3 and under) free
For more information, click here to visit the Aquatarium’s website

Brockville Makes It Into the Top 10

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We always love finding mentions of Brockville across the internet, helping us to expose a wider audience to our city’s charms and appeal.
This week we had the honour of being featured as one of Expedia.ca’s “10 Canadian Cities You Must Visit in 2016” appearing alongside Nanaimo BC, Halifax NS, and Jasper AB. Brockville is joining the ranks of well-known Canadian cities and gaining recognition as a 1000 Islands Destination.
Because of our accessible waterfront, world class attractions, and historic downtown, we have something to offer everyone, from the theatre-goer to the rugged, outdoor adventurer. Brockville is a beautiful city that is easy to access by car, boat, or train. Between two international bridges, the waterfront is just minutes off of the 401 highway by car; is walk-able distance from the Via Rail train station; and has day-use boat docking for boaters just steps from downtown shopping and restaurants.
We hope that you will join us as the new, year-round, waterfront attraction, the Aquatarium, opens this Spring and offers even more ways to discover Brockville and the 1000 Islands.
To find out which other cities made the top 10 and to why Brockville was chosen, you can read the article here

Discover Brockville's Star Attractions

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Plan your perfect 1000 Islands getaway by exploring the many attractions, festivals and events that will make your visit to Brockville one to remember. One of the most picturesque areas in the world, the 1000 Islands is world famous for its beauty, rich landscape, compelling history, and its many waterfront attractions and events. Crystal clear waters and famous sunken ships make the 1000 Islands one of the best fresh water scuba diving sites in the world.
Brockville is rich in culture and heritage and is proud to have numerous museums and attractions to showcase the wonders of our magical region. Be sure to take time to learn about the history of Brockville; appeal to your senses and incorporate an arts, culture or history experience into your visit; take in a live theatre performance, or attend one of the many festivals and events in the region.
Enjoy the serenity of the 1000 Islands with its hidden island coves, granite cliffs and scenic sunrises.  Explore miles of scenic trails as you get closer to nature or practice your golf swing.  The 1000 Islands and the St. Lawrence River is a playground for both the young and the young at heart.
The Brockville & 1000 Islands Star Attractions include:
The Aquatarium (opening in 2015!)
The Aquatarium will inspire all ages to further explore the 1000 Islands region. The 26,000 square-foot Discovery Hall contains ever-changing family activities that make every visit different. For example, during a showcase film in the interactive theatre, you will discover, through live video feed, a diver exploring a shipwreck. You will be able to ask questions and share in the underwater experience.
The 1000 Islands
The ‘1000 Islands’ is actually made up of 1,864 islands that straddle the Canada-U.S. border in the St. Lawrence River as it emerges from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario. They stretch for about 80 km downstream from Kingston, Ontario. The 1,864 islands range in size from over 100 km2 to smaller islands occupied by a single residence, or uninhabited outcroppings of rocks that are only home to migratory waterfowl.
Islands in the 1000 Islands are owned by a number of different parties – some are privately owed by both Canadian and American residents, 29 are owed by the City of Brockville for day use, picnicing, docking and overnight camping, and some are National Park Islands managed by Parks Canada. Experience the islands yourself by personal watercraft or by taking a 1000 Islands Cruise to tour the waterfront.
Some masonry “castles” remain as international landmarks. The most famous extant examples are “The Towers” on Dark Island, now called Singer Castle, and Boldt Castle on Heart Island (these castles can be visited during the summer months by boat or by boat cruise).
Boat Cruises
Discover the 1000 Islands and Brockville’s waterfront with a cruise. Enjoy a 1 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour, or full day cruise to explore the region, admire the properties and cottages on the islands and riverfront, and learn about the history and beauty of the islands. With many different cruise lines to choose from, you can find the perfect cruise for you and your family to enjoy.
Historic Sites
In a city steeped in history, Brockville is home to Fulford Place National Historic Site and the downtown core boasts historic buildings, both businesses and private homes. Just 20 minutes down the road in Prescott is Fort Wellington National Historic Site where you can explore what it would be like to live in a real fort from the War of 1812.
Outdoor Beauty
The scenery in the region is picturesque and completely unique. From outdoor trails, paved walking and cycling paths, paddling routes, island camping, golf courses, cross country skiing and snowshoe trails, to world-famous fresh water scuba diving, there is something to impress any outdoor enthusiast. No matter how you enjoy the outdoors, Brockville has something to offer.
Live Theatre
Located in the heart of historic downtown Brockville, the Brockville Arts Centre is recognized as one of the finest medium sized historic theatres in Canada. Hosting live theatre, musical headline acts, and cinema, there is something to see year round.
Nearby in Prescott, the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival presents Shakespeare outdoors on the banks of the St. Lawrence River annually during the summer months.