How to Spend a Rainy Day in Brockville
Rain in the forecast? Luckily, there are plenty of fun activities to do in Brockville on a rainy day. Whether you’re taking a day for yourself, or spending quality time with friends and family, you can always find something to do in Brockville that will make a rainy day one to remember.
Go on a Journey of Discovery of the Thousand Islands at the Aquatarium
A visit to Brockville isn’t complete without stopping at the Aquatarium for an adventure! Their 16 exhibits offer a unique hands-on experience to learn about the fascinating history and marine life of the thousand islands, so you can experience the St. Lawrence River even when it’s raining! These exhibits will have the kids talking for months, but even adults can learn something new and exciting at the Aquatarium.
And there really is so much to discover at the Aquatarium. For example, did you know that the St. Lawrence river is home to many famous shipwrecks, including the Sir Robert Peel that was seized and burned by a real life pirate named Bill Johnston in 1838? You can explore a replica of the Sir Robert Peel shipwreck as well as other watercrafts that traveled the St Lawrence hundreds of years ago, like the famous Magedoma Yacht sailed by Brockville’s very own George Fullford.
One of the highlights of the Aquatarium is getting to see their star residents: their 2 river otters and north american beaver! Although you can see them in their habitats all day, we recommend planning your trip around 11am or 1:30pm so you can see their snack time and make the most of your Aquatarium experience.
Feel like a kid Again at Stingers Indoor Paintball
After more than a year of lockdown, nothing is more satisfying than blowing off steam with some good old fashioned physical activity with a group of friends.
Stingers is the ultimate indoor playplace, equipped with literally everything the child in you could dream of. From paintball and laser tag courses, to batting cages, to basketball courts, to golf simulators- Stingers has something for everyone to enjoy while you wait for the rain to dissipate.
Even on a sunny day, you can easily spend an entire afternoon challenging friends to sports games or bonding with family over a few rounds of paintball at Stingers. Being one of the most popular attractions in Brockville, it’s wise to make a reservation prior to your visit to secure your spot.
https://www.stingersindoorpaintball.com/services-prices
Take a Walk Through History in the Oldest Railway Tunnel in Canada
Perhaps the most opportune experience in Brockville on a rainy day is to take a stroll through the newly restored railway tunnel on Blockhouse Island. Obviously, you won’t get wet walking through this historical landmark, and on a hot muggy day the tunnel offers a cool, breathable atmosphere that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Travelers from far and wide come to Brockville to witness the oldest railway tunnel in Canada. The railway tunnel was constructed during 1854 to 1860 as part of the Brockville and Ottawa Railway and extends just over a kilometer long. Along your walk you will be delighted to learn about the fascinating history of the city’s railway system and some interesting facts about the streets you’re walking beneath.
The highlight of the tunnel, as noted by travelers, is the light and audio show, 90 minutes in duration and then it restarts. Snap the most eye-catching photo on your instagram feed as the tunnel illuminates with fluorescent hues that will make your eyes gleam with amazement.
The Brockville Railway Tunnel is open from May until October (weather permitting) and is completely free to visit.
Catch some fish along the St. Lawrence River
Fishing is a popular leisure activity in Brockville, and is said to be superior with a little rain. Standing in the rain can be uncomfortable, but if you’re dressed for the weather it is actually the best time to catch some fish along the St. Lawrence River. Worms and other fish food are carried into the river from the run-off, and the water flow increases, putting the fish into a feeding frenzy!
There are many ideal spots for fishing along the St. Lawrence coast, like Blockhouse Island, or the Brockville Narrows channel located about 10 minutes east of downtown Brockville. You will find many species of fish along the St. Lawrence, but Brockville is most known for Northern Pike, Walleye, and Bass. In fact, Bassmaster Magazine noted the Thousand Islands as the best Bass fishing location in 2019!
If you don’t have access to fishing rods of your own, you can borrow some from the Brockville Public Library for free and return them by the end of the day. You don’t need to be a Brockville resident, or have a library card to borrow the rods, either!
Get Lost in the Brockville Museum
When visiting any city for the first time, it’s wise to make your first stop at the local museum. This way you can familiarize yourself with the unique history and culture of Brockville, and learn a bit more about the landmarks in the city that you’d like to visit on your trip.
You can get lost in the Brockville Museums exhibits for hours, learning about the cities fascinating historical figures and even a little about your own family history at the museums award-winning, interactive exhibit, Travel Trunk: Unpacking Brockville’s Cultural Stories.
Learn all about the many products that were, and still are, manufactured in Brockville that helped shape the world today, like Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for Pale People, and St. Lawrence Engines just to name a few. And you can’t leave without taking a picture with the real Canada Carriage Factory buggy that’s on permanent display! The museum also hosts exhibits that are only on display for a limited time, so it’s a good idea to check out their website before you visit.
We are, however, currently closed. We expect to reopen in early August, but by-appointment only, at least for a little while. Details on booking: https://www.brockvillemuseum.com/reservations
Our current temporary exhibit is 200 years of printing history (marking the 200th anniversary of the Recorder & Times); we also have a temporary outdoor exhibit on now until Thanksgiving: “RH Lindsay: Outdoors” featuring reproduced works by local artists RH Lindsay (1868-1938).
