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Five Places You Have To Go Swimming In Brockville

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Located on the St.Lawrence River, Brockville has many great places to go swimming to cool off through the summer. Some of them are well known, while others are more off the beaten path and not as easy to find. Check out some of the popular locations to swim for locals in Brockville.

Brockville Visitor's Guide

Centeen Park

Centeen Park is a great place to go swimming if you’re a stronger swimmer. The water gets deep quickly, and the sea wall at the edge of the park makes getting in the water pretty adventurous if you’re feeling it. We love going to Centeen to swim so much, we made jumping off the sea wall into the river our cover for the 2020 Brockville Visitors’ Guide! It’s an experience that everyone growing up in the area will be familiar with. We want to make sure that our visitors know about this location as well. 

Swimmers, take note – on top of being a great swimming spot, Centeen Park is also very popular with scuba divers, so be sure to look before you leap! The St.Lawrence River is filled with amazing shipwrecks to explore. If you’re a new or inexperienced diver, you might need some practice with the currents. That’s where the Brockville Underwater Sculpture Park can help! You can explore underwater sculptures that were created by local artists and students and placed by Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS) while you practice scuba diving in the St.Lawrence River.

St. Lawrence Park

On the other side of town, you will find another very popular swimming location – St.Lawrence Park. There’s no mistaking that you’re in the entrance to the 1000 Islands at St.Lawrence Park – you can see the islands begin as you sit on the beach.  This park’s sandy beach is perfect for spending the day relaxing with the kids. The water is shallow and protected from the main currents of the St.Lawrence River by being a little bit more inland. A dock marks the boundaries of the swimming area. If you go past it, be prepared! There is a very strong river current going just outside of the marked area.

Cunningham Park

This quiet little park is a little further off the beaten path. Nestled inside of a residential area in the west of Brockville is Cunningham Park. Just like Centeen Park, Cunningham has a seawall to jump off of, but the only way out of the water is the ladder. Never the less, this swimming location is popular with locals in Brockville. Out of all the swimming spots in Brockville, Cunningham Park perhaps requires the strongest swimming skills, as the currents are not too far from the edge of the river.

Lyn Valley Conservation Area (Lyn Pit)

If you’re looking for a swimming spot that might be a little warmer and a little more sheltered, Lyn Valley Conservation Area (locally known as Lyn Pit)  might be your best bet! This swimming hole can be found just outside of Brockville. The water in this spring-fed lake is calm and quiet. The water is usually a bit warmer than the river itself too. This swimming location is so popular, there are swimming lessons throughout the summer through the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley.

Brown’s Bay Beach and Picnic Area

Brown’s Bay has a long history in the area. It continues to be a great stopping point for people during the drive between Toronto and Montreal. Just west of Brockville on the 1000 Islands Parkway, Brown’s Bay is a part of the Parks of the St.Lawrence. It does have a daily fee, which can be found here. This beach and picnic area is a great place to spend the day with the kids. There is also a playground and space to play sports.

Brockville has some great swimming locations in our area. However, outdoor swimming can be unpredictable and is affected by the elements. Be sure to check out the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit’s weekly Beach Results to make sure the water is safe to swim in.

Bonus: Brockville Rotary Park and Splash Pad

Looking for somewhere for the really little ones to have a great time and cool down? The splash pad at the Rotary Park is perfect for children to go and cool down without having to know how to swim.

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What’s New at Brockville Tourism – July 3rd, 2020

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As the city begins to reopen, as does the Brockville Tourism office! We’ve been hard at work to make sure that tourists visiting Brockville will have a great time, and this week we were able to make two big announcements involving Prudence Heward and new funding received!

Brockville Tourism Now Selling Prudence Heward Beaver Hall Group books for Brockville Museum

Prudence Heward books sit in front of display at Brockville Museum

Can’t wait for the Brockville Museum’s “Painting Picnic with Prudence Heward” exhibit to open? Good news! Brockville and 1000 Islands Tourism has partnered with the Friends of the Brockville Museum to make two books about the Beaver Hall Group available for purchase locally: “The Beaver Hall Group and Its Legacy” and “The Women of Beaver Hall”.  Both image-rich, hardcover books feature works by Prudence Heward are available through Brockville and 1000 Islands Tourism for the $60 list price each.

Proceeds from the sale of the books support the Friends of the Brockville Museum, a registered non-profit volunteer organization that supports museum programming and exhibition initiatives.  For more information about the Friends, including ways to support them, please visit: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/friends-of-the-brockville-museum

Both books are written by Evelyn Walters, who was a tremendous asset in helping the Brockville Museum assemble their exhibit, including making the donation of a work by Fernbank neighbour to the Hewards, Ruth Eliot, who exhibited alongside Heward, the Beaver Hall Group, and the Group of Seven.

The Brockville Museum’s “Painting Picnic with Prudence Heward” brings together for the first time, works by Heward (1896-1947) which exclusively feature Brockville and area scenes.  An associate of the Beaver Hall Group of painters, a Montreal group of both female and male artists active primarily in the 1920s. Heward spent her summers at the family’s cottage at Fernbank.  There she was known to host “painting picnics” with her friends and colleagues including A.Y. Jackson and Sarah Robertson.  As a result of these gatherings, a number of lesser-known works by these well-recognized artists were created depicting the Brockville area.  The exhibit, which includes loans from a dozen private collections and institutions, was set to open March 31st.  Although opening has been delayed due to the pandemic, a scaled down version of the exhibition is available online: https://brockvillemuseum.wixsite.com/digitalmuseum/painting-picnic-with-prudence-hewar

From the publisher (Dundurn):

THE WOMEN OF BEAVER HALL

This beautifully produced book portrays the life and work of Emily Coonan, Nora Collyer, Prudence Heward, Mabel Lockerby, Mabel May, Sarah Robertson, Anne Savage, and Ethel Seath. Long-lost catalogues, old newspaper reviews, and personal papers document their story, and more than 60 reproductions bring to light paintings that have lain hidden for more than fifty years.

THE BEAVER HALL GROUP AND ITS LEGACY

(a follow-up to The Women of Beaver Hall) Delves into the engrossing life stories of the twenty-five artists who belonged to the Beaver Hall Group and the Women of Beaver Hall. Over seventy-five images gleaned from museums and private collections highlight the work of these pioneering artists who changed the course of Canadian art. Written for student and scholar alike, The Beaver Hall Group and Its Legacy is a must for every art lover’s library.  (Includes one of the local works featured in the Brockville Museum exhibit).

Brockville Tourism receives $98,000 RRRF Grant

Brockville & 1000 Islands, ON 2 July 2020 —The Brockville Chamber of Commerce Tourism Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) is delighted to announce it has been awarded funding from the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) from TIAO (Tourism Industry Association of Ontario). The RRRF represents 30 million dollars injected into the province of Ontario by FedDev Ontario to support DMO’s. The Brockville DMO has been awarded $98,000 from the fund that was approved to create new tourism experiences and market our destination. 

“We are very grateful to have access to this funding. These past few months have been very difficult for our industry and even harder on our tourism attractions and business owners,” said Katherine Hobbs, Tourism Manager for Brockville. “The funds will allow support for those businesses and visibility for our destination.” 
 
The Brockville DMO’s goal at this time is to provide safe experiences for the community and also for travellers.  As Brockville Tourism looks forward to the next year and beyond we intend to showcase our communities’ outdoor attributes, attractions and businesses that rely on traveller spending to survive; notably our restaurants, retail shops and accommodations. This also includes supporting local artists, musicians and videographers.  

A mural on the north wall of the Tourism building is planned in partnership with the Brockville Walls Project, pending Council approval, to showcase the attributes of our beautiful City. The mural is intended to engage and support local artists, pique interest in public art, and ultimately promote our City via photos posted from both locals and travelers. The mural will contribute to the heritage, beauty and culture of our community.   

Additionally, planning is underway for a “hyperlocal” campaign to help directly support our business and attractions. “The tourism staff are working on the details of a Safe Experience Campaign to assist local businesses in the near future. Details are to be unveiled by the end of July,” said Hobbs.  

 “The funding we have received will contribute to a long-awaited recovery for our businesses.  It gives us a chance to promote all we have here in Brockville and the 1000 Islands while still respecting social distancing,” said Pamela Robertson, Executive Director of the Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce.

According to recent studies by the Ontario Government, full recovery of the tourism sector is expected to take until 2024. The RRRF funding will complement the $350,000 in funding announced by Minister Lisa MacLeod during her visit to Brockville on June 13, 2020.  That funding is intended to market the 1000 Island Region and will be awarded to the South Eastern Ontario Regional Tourism Organization, RTO9, in the fall of 2020.  Details on how that funding will be used by RTO9 to help us in our region during the recovery years will be announced later this year.

About the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce: The Brockville Chamber is part of a network of Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade that exist in every community across Ontario and Canada. The Chamber network consists of 65,000 businesses provincially and 170,000 businesses nationally. Locally, the Chamber has over 400 members and is recognized as this area’s official “Voice of Business” since 1906. This voice is an effective force in influencing issues and legislation affecting your business and our community. It is a membership-based and not-for-profit association that is led by an elected volunteer Board of Directors. The Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce manages the Destination Marketing Organization for the tourism industry in Brockville. 

For further information please contact:  
Katherine Hobbs, Tourism Manager  
613-325-8927 
Katherine@brockvilletourism.com

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Canada Day 2020 – Celebrating During COVID-19

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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.

Canada Day Painted Rock

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:

  1. Use the hashtag #ClearlyBrockville AND #CanadaDay on either Instagram or Twitter to be entered before 11:59 pm on July 2nd.
  2. 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!!

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.

Explore Downtown Brockville While Social Distancing

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It’s a difficult time for all of us right now. While all of us exercise social distancing in the coming days and weeks, we know that making sure you get outside is still important. Together with the Downtown Brockville Business Improvement Area, Brockville Tourism has developed a fun addition to your outdoor time, for both the young and the young at heart.

Downtown Brockville Easter Egg Hunt

From now until April 13th, you can explore downtown Brockville businesses from a safe distance and take part in a scavenger hunt! Businesses in the downtown core (North to South: James St – St. Lawrence River East to West: Orchard St – Gilmour St) have posted easter egg posters like the one below:

Easter Egg Hunt Sample Poster

What you will need to do is fill out this form with the name of the location of the egg. Then, describe the egg in the window. Once you’ve filled in as much as you can, scan or take a photo of your completed form and send it in to info@downtownbrockville.com by April 13th. You will then be entered for a draw for a $25 Downtown Brockville gift certificate!

Easter Egg Design Contest

Want another opportunity to enter? Not a problem – you can enter through our Easter Egg Design contest! We want to see your best Easter Egg designs. Even better if they have a bit of Brockville flavour to them as well!

Print out the image above, or download the pdf file here, and design your egg. Then, share it on social media using both the hashtags on the poster. You can share it through Twitter, Instagram, or our Facebook Pages wall.

Brockville Tourism:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrockvilleTourism/
Twitter and Instagram: @BrockvilleTour

Downtown Brockville:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downtownbrockville/
Twitter: @dt_brockville
Instagram: @downtownbrockville

If you are looking for an extra entry, make sure you mention where you would spend your gift certificate! You have until April 13th to enter.

Now is a very confusing time for many of us. If you have the means to do so, please continue to support your local restaurants that remain open for take out and delivery. When this time of social distancing is over, we want to be sure all our favourite businesses are there with us.

Business Support Through the COVID-19 Pandemic

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If you are a business owner of any kind, we know that this period of uncertainty is very difficult. During this time, we want to provide some information for things you can do to both help and receive help over the coming weeks and months.

How to Help

Offer Your Supplies and Services to Those In Need

If you are a business that has the following items in your supplies, please consider taking part in the Canadian Government’s request to help Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

N95 Mask needed during COVID-19 Pandemic

The government is looking for surplus stock of the following items:

  • Disposable N95 masks
  • Disposable surgical masks
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Vinyl gloves
  • Gowns
  • Bottles of hand sanitizer
  • Other prevention products

They are also looking for people who can provide the following services:

  • Guard / security services
  • Nursing services
  • Food services
  • Laundry services
  • Accommodation maintenance services
  • Personal services
  • IT support services
  • Other services

If your business can help during this time, please consider filling out this submission form with how you can help. Please contact your local Provincial Senior Business Advisor or Strategic Account Manager if you have any further questions.

If Help Is Needed

Gift Certificate Support Through AttractionsOntario

People are being actively encouraged to purchase gift certificates right now to help companies in the future. Buying a gift certificate brings in income right now, and also ensures people will come into your store again once the emergency measures are lifted.

If you are a tourism attraction or business and offering gift certificates, please contact AttractionsON to let them know about your online gift certificate sales. They have a page dedicated to these gift certificates, and they will be promoting these offers on social media as well.

For more information, or to submit your business, please reach out to:

Tine Elgsaether
Membership Coordinator
tine@attractionsontario.ca

RDA Funding

Your local RDA (Regional Development Agency) is here to help businesses as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

These RDAs are on the front line of economic development in Canada, and can help to address key challenges that businesses are facing economically. They are monitoring the current COVID-19 situation closely, and watching the impact it has on our local economies.

If you are a tourism operator or small- or medium- sized business or organization and have received RDA funding and COVID-19 is affecting your operations, you are encouraged to contact your local RDA office. Your local RDA office can review your situation and provide guidance.

  • You may be eligible to receive additional funding and/or flexible arrangements.
  • Further support will be determined on a case-by-case basis as the situation evolves.

If you are a tourism operator or small- or medium- sized business or organization impacted by the sudden shifts in the economy and need pressing assistance, the RDAs could assist you with:

  • Access to federal funding to help you stay in business.
  • Advice and pathfinding services to other federal programs and services available.

For further information, please contact FedDev Ontario.

These programs are being run through their individual organizations, so please be sure to reach out to the individual programs for further information.

Having Fun Through March Break 2020

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March Break is quickly coming up, and we wanted to shine a light on three camps taking place that will fill your kids days with fun and excitement.

The Aquatarium’s March Break Camp

This camp is already sold out, but there is a waiting list!

From March 16-20, your kids can enjoy a week of discovery through the unique themed days throughout the week! There will be hands on activities, creative crafts, exciting experiments, and lots of fun experiences.

Monday: Winter Wonderland
Tuesday: Mad Scientist
Wednesday: All About Animals
Thursday: STEAM Powered
Friday: Otterly Amazing

If you can’t make if tor the full camp, be sure to reach out to the Aquatarium to see if there are any availabilities for single day registrants.

Camp runs from 9am – 4pm each day. Before and after care is available as well for an additional fee of $5 a day. There is also a partnership with Moose McGuires to offer an optional hot lunch program for an additional $25+HST for the week.

The Aquatarium camp is $170 for the week or $40 for the day. Inquiries about availability can be sent to adumbrille@aquatarium.ca or through the Aquatarium’s website.

Frontenac Arch Biosphere Nature Camp – Mac Johnson

If your kids are more into nature, then maybe check out the March Break camps through the Frontenac Arch Biosphere at Mac Johnson!

While the Monday is sold out, there are still a few spots remaining for Tuesday-Friday (as of Monday, March 9th.) Each of the sessions have their own theme as well, so you can pick and choose which ones spark your interest! Each day costs $30 to register.

Tuesday, March 17 – Tracks and Scat

If your child likes to solve mysteries and find hidden treasures, this camp is for them! Winter is a great time to find clues about the forest. The snow lets people see the tracks of the local animals, and where they’re going. Follow tracks on a great Animal Scavenger Hunt, complete with prizes and special treats.

Wednesday, March 18 – Winter Travel

Bring a cardboard box or two and put your creativity to the test as you build your own toboggans. You’ll also get to experiment with the best ways to travel through the snowy trails in the winter, using the snowshoes, toboggans and skis.

Thursday, March 19 – Winter Camping

Did you know winter camping is a real thing? This day will be packed with adventure, using compasses to navigate trails, setting up a real campsite, enjoying a cookout and building your own shelters. Learn about what works best for insulation and how to stay dry. You’re also welcome to bring a food that can be cooked on the fire, or something warm that can be enjoyed outside.

Friday, March 20 – Spring and Things

Spring is just around the corner! Ice and snow are melting, and you might even get to see some bugs moving around. It isn’t too long until the birds will return home and be chirping along. Investigate what causes all these changes and how this affects the forests, ponds and fields in Mac Johnson. Weather permitting, you’ll go bug collecting and make a bee hotel that can attract the pollinators to your garden. You can even start your own greenhouse!

For more information or to register, check out this link.

Stingers March Break Day Camp

This camp is a great day filled with exercise and fun as your kids play lasertag, basketball, batting cages, pickleball, badminton, hide & seek, splatmaster paintball, and more. Bring running shoes, a lunch and a snakc with plenty to drink.

Stingers Indoor Paintball is opening its doors for kids 6-12 and the camp will run from 9am – 4pm. For more information, please contact Stingers Indoor Paintball or check their Facebook Event page.

When and Where to go Skating In Brockville

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The cold weather is really beginning to set in here in Brockville. With that comes all the fun cold weather sports that can be done. In Brockville, skating is a popular option for things to do, since we have both indoor and outdoor opportunities to skate!

The skating season in Brockville actually begins early in the fall, as the Memorial Centre and the Centennial Youth Arena has ice starting in September. If you’re ever wondering what opportunities are throughout the year, you can always check on the City of Brockville’s website as well to see about ice times and rentals.

Skating will be available indoors until the end of March at both the Memorial Centre and Youth Arena.

Indoor

Public Skating

In the 2019/2020 season, public skating takes place on Saturdays from 7:30-8:50pm at the Centennial Youth Arena, and Sundays from 1:00-2:20pm at the Memorial Centre. It costs $2.50 a person.

There will be a Family Day public skate on Monday, February 17th, 2020 from 11am-12:30pm. This public skate is free, courtesy of Royal LePage.

March Break

There will be skating opportunities throughout the March Break. From Monday, March 16th – Friday March 20th 2020, the ice will be available from 1:00-2:20pm. It costs $2.50 per person.

Adult Skating

If you’re looking for the ice to be a little less crowded, or at least less crowded of children, there are adult skate times at the Memorial Centre. Adult skating takes place on Mondays and Thursdays from 2:00-3:00pm, and Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00am. There are a few exceptions to these dates. Be sure to check the official public schedule on the City of Brockville Recreation website.

Parent and Tot Skating

Have a child and they want to learn to skate? Take them to Parent and Tot skating at the Memorial Centre! This ice time is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-10:00am. It costs $2.50 for 1 adult and 1 child. Each additional person is $2.50.

Outdoor

In Brockville, we are very lucky to have not just indoor, but outdoor rinks. There are two rinks, weather permitting, where people can skate and play hockey. In the north end of the city, there is the Memorial Park on Laurier Boulevard. Downtown, there is the newly renovated Rotary Park off George Street. These rinks are all dependant on the weather and ice conditions, so be sure to check the weather conditions, the City of Brockville website, or the Rotary Park’s Facebook page for details. Weather permitting, these are the hours of ice time:

Rotary Park

Monday – Friday: 7am – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9am – 10pm

The washrooms are open from 8am to 10pm daily. Lights are off at 10:30pm.

On Mondays from 5:00-6:60pm, it is Girls Only Hockey.
On Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30pm and Saturday and Sundays from 9:00-10:30am, it is skating only, with no sticks allowed on the ice.

The synthetic ice rink is skating only at all times – no sticks on the ice.

When the ice hockey rink is closed, the washrooms will also be closed.

Memorial Park

Monday – Friday: 7am – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday: 11am – 10pm

The lights go off at 10:30pm every night.

The Rotary Field House with change rooms and washrooms is open from 4pm – 10pm on weekdays, and 12pm – 8pm on weekends and holidays. if the ice is closed, the Rotary Field House will also be closed.

Begin December 2019 With A Bang!

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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

Black Friday gif

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)

"Santa's Coming" gif December

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…

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

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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.

Pumpkinferno 2019

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With Thanksgiving finished, it’s full steam ahead towards Halloween. You’ve got two weeks to get ready, and a stroll through Upper Canada Village while lit up with jack-o-lanterns is a perfect opportunity! It’s time to check out Pumpkinferno!

Pumpkinferno is an outdoor art exhibit that is made up of 7000 handcrafted pumpkins. These pumpkins are lit along a kilometre long path throughout Upper Canada Village. It’s open on weekends from Thursday to Sunday, and will run into October 27th.

Pumpkinferno Wizard

Pumpkinferno Schedule

September 27, 28, 29Friday to Sunday
7 PM – 10 PM
October 1Accessibility Night
October 3, 4, 5, 6Thursday to Sunday
7 PM – 10 PM
October 8Accessibility Night
October 10, 11, 12, 13Thursday to Sunday
7 PM – 10 PM
October 14Thanksgiving Monday
7 PM – 10 PM
October 17, 18, 19, 20Thursday to Sunday
6:30PM – 10 PM
October 21Accessibility Night
October 24, 25, 26, 27Thursday to Sunday
6:30 PM – 10 PM
Last Tickets Sold9:30 PM

Admission

Tickets Sold Online
Fridays, Saturdays & Thanksgiving Sunday
Military (5 yrs +)
*only available at the door with photo ID		$10.00
Adult (19 yrs +)$18.00
Student (13 – 18 yrs.)$16.00
Youth (5 – 12 yrs.)$12.00
Child (4 yrs. and under)FREE
Thursdays & Sundays
Adult (19 yrs +)$16.00
Student (13 – 18 yrs.)$16.00
Youth (5 – 12 yrs.)$12.00
Accessibility Night
Per person (5yrs. +)$16.00
Tickets at the Door
Only available on non-sold-out evenings
*excludes Military tickets		$25.00

There are a wide variety of displays that will amaze and enchant visitors of all ages. From steampunk to super heroes, there’s sure to be something that will catch the imagination of attendees. We’ve included a few of our favourite displays below.

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