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Outdoor Recreation & Adventure

10 Things to do in Brockville over Family Day Weekend 2018!

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The Family Day Long weekend is coming, and just in the knick of time! It’s seems like at this time of year, the February blues seem to creep in, and winter just seems to go on…and on. Thankfully mid-month, a three day weekend of family fun livens things up! There are so many awesome winter fun activities happening, it won’t be hard to fill up your weekend! Better yet, many of these events and activities are FREE! Gather your family and friends, and enjoy some quality time together. Make memories and embrace winter!
Glide Around in the Great Outdoors
Grab your skates, and head over to an outdoor rink this weekend! A few we recommend visiting include:

  • The “Back Pond”: The Mac Johnson rink is open for skating  this winter! On Saturdays there is Family Skating from 1:00pm-3:00pm, with Friends of Mac Johnson wildlife Area volunteers serving hot chocolate and coffee at the skating shelter! Check out their Facebook Page for rink updates.
  • Rotary Park: Rotary Park will be busy this weekend with all of the Winter Classic events going on, but you won’t want to miss the free RBC Family Day Skate on February 19th from 11:00am-2:00pm.
  • Memorial Park Rink: Located near the bottom of Laurier Hill, Memorial Park is great spot to skate! The rink is open from 11am-10pm on weekends, and washrooms and change rooms are available in the Rotary Field House from 12:00pm-8:00pm.

Roald Dahls Willy Wonka Live Show
Bring the family out for a fun night in the world of Willy Wonka on February 15th-17th at the Brockville Arts Centre! The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory lights up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale.
Brockville Winter Classic Weekend
From February 16th-18th, come join in on the fun during the Brockville Winter Classic Weekend! This long weekend is jam packed with family fun activities, including a family skate, New York Rangers Alumni game, Party in the Parkette live music, games and so much more! For a full weekend schedule click here.
Visit the Aquatarium
Spend part of your weekend with the family discovering the St. Lawrence and river life at the Aquatarium! Try out the high ropes course, or “walk the plank” doing the AquaDrop! This unique discovery centre is open 10:00am-5:00pm all weekend.
CRCA Family Day Fun at Mac Johnson
Looking for something outdoorsy to do for the Family Day holiday? The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority presents a program of Family Day Fun on Monday, February. 19th, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, at the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area. Try out a snowshoe and cross-country ski trail, or participate in the outdoor scavenger hunt and ride down the an ice slide at this fun event!
Front of Yonge/Mallorytown Winter Festival
Celebrate the winter season with this 2 day family-oriented festival on February 16th-17th! Jam-packed with activities for all ages, check this fun event out over family day weekend!
Wonder Movie at Brockville Public Library
The Library will be playing a free family movie on February 18 from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Wonder is  an inspiring story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters the fifth grade. Grab a seat and don’t forget to bring some snacks!
Snow Sculpting at the Brockville Museum
Let out your artistic side at the Brockville Museum with Snow Sculpting on February 19th form 10:30am-4:00pm! No experience is necessary of course! The museum will also be open on February 17th, so feel free to stop in with the family and learn about Brockville’s history – including all of the neat things that were made here!
Paintball at Stingers
Head over to Stingers Paintball this weekend for some indoor fun! February 17th is BYOP Day, so come in from the cold and shoot off all those leftover paintballs! Games will run all day long.
YMCA Family Day Open House
Interested is checking out what the Brockville YMCA has to offer? Their Family Day open house is the perfect opportunity! On February 19th from 8:00am -4:00pm you can use the facility for free. Many activities are taking place throughout the day, including an open swim, Discover Scuba, Floor hockey, basketball, face painting and more!
 

Spice Up Your Winter Routine at the Triangle Ski Club!

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For those who do not know about the Triangle Cross Country Ski Club of Brockville, it’s time to put it on your radar! If you’ve ever been interested in cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snow biking, plus much more, you do not have to look any further than less than 25 minutes outside of Brockville!
The Club dates back to the 70’s, and offers 35km picturesque ski trails, 3 loop/6km snowshoe trails, both at beginner, intermediate and expert levels. Organized night skis, Jackrabbit program, and many social events throughout the year are also offered by the club. It is requested that day users make a contribution of $10.00, which includes access to the club’s ski trails, and use of a large selection of ski equipment*.  Affordable memberships are also available for families and individuals, and kids training lessons take place on Sundays (when there’s snow!).
Their Annual Fall Open House and Trail Tour Day is fast approaching, taking place on Sunday December 10th 2017 from 10:30am to 3:30pm. Get a feel for what the club offers by taking part in this fun filled day of snow (fat) biking, hiking and trail running – and if there’s snow there will be skiing! Tours of the trail system will commence at 11:000am and 1:30pm, enjoy refreshments and meet the executive and fellow ski club members.
If you’re looking to try something different, make time for exercise, and explore the picturesque countryside that the greater Brockville area offers, the Triangle Cross Country Ski Club has you covered! If winter activities really are not your thing, the club is working towards moving to a year round facility, to offer mountain biking, trail running, hiking, adventure racing and photography workshops. So stay tuned!
For more information on directions, day use, becoming a member, trails, etc., please visit the club’s website.
* Please contact a club member or director if you are interested in using the equipment.

Fun Outdoor Outings This Holiday Season

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Let’s welcome the wintry weather, and get outside this holiday season! Sure, sitting by the fire with a warm mug of hot chocolate, while watching your favourite holiday movie does sounds pretty great. But some days – or nights, it’s exciting to get out of the house to explore and discover the area, and have fun!  Plus, there’s something refreshing about spending time outdoors, it can leave you feeling energetic, happy, and stress free – who doesn’t want that?! Lucky for us, there are fun festive events and activities in the area that will make the chilly weather much more enjoyable! Here are just a few ideas to get you started!
Santa Claus Parade and Tree Lighting
November 25th
Downtown Brockville & City Hall
This year the Brockville Santa Claus Parade will be an evening parade! Head downtown for the tree lighting at city hall at 4:30pm, and then watch the parade put on by the Brockville Rotary beginning at 5:00pm. Enjoy as the floats light up the night! There will be food donation boxes available for the Brockville Food Bank.
Celebrating the Season – In Delta
December 2, 9, & 16
Lower Beverly Lake Park & Delta Mill
Bundle up for an evening stroll or wagon ride around Lower Beverly Lake Park to see all the trees and building all magically lit with over 90,000 lights. Christmas carols will be playing throughout the park, and don’t forget to bring your camera and wish list when you visit Santa’s workshop! (Admission is $5). Stop in at the Delta Mill for a free tour from 5:00pm-8:30pm. Come to Delta and take in the festive lights!
Walk or Hike at One of the Fabulous Trails in the Area
Step into nature with your family, friends, dog, or for some one-on-one time by yourself! This is a fun way to get some exercise, while catching up with your loved ones over the holidays. Check out the look-out point at Landon Bay, get a good hike in at Jones Creek, or stroll along the Mac Johnson Trails.
Alight at Night
Dec 1-2, 7-10, 14-17, 21-23, 26-31 & Jan 1-6
Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg
Bundle up for an evening stroll through this picture perfect postcard setting! Close to one million lights adorn the heritage building, trees, and fences of Upper Canada Village creating a one-of-a –kind backdrop for its annual Alight at Night Festival – a true winter wonderland!
Lumina Borealis
Dec 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21-23, 26-31, Jan 1-6
Fort Henry, 1 Fort Henry Drive, Kingston
Where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River, in historic Fort Henry, the spirit of winter has found a place to live. Every night it howls softly into the wind, a spell concealing it’s beautify form anyone but those with a warm heart. Find your path through an enchanted land, across a frozen landscape, to reignite your winter spirit at Lumina Borealis.

‘Fall’ for hassle-free camping in the Thousand Islands

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Looking to extend your summer? An island escape awaits you and your family this fall at Thousand Islands National Park!
Summer can last a little bit longer as Thousand Islands National Park now offers a variety of fall accommodation options to meet any family’s needs, whether you’re looking for a comfortable nature experience or something more adventurous.
A cross between a tent and a rustic cabin, the Parks Canada oTENTik accommodations provide a camping experience made easy! Equipped with beds and mattresses for six people, a table and chairs, lighting, a cellphone charging station and even a charcoal barbecue, all you have to bring is your sleeping bags, dishes and whatever food you’ll need to satisfy your gang’s appetite after a day spent outdoors!
Thousand Islands National Park has island and mainland properties located between Kingston and Brockville.  For an island retreat, there are five oTENTik accommodations located on Gordon Island (2) and McDonald Island (3) that are accessible only by boat (including shuttle possibilities), canoe or kayak. These islands offer more private campsites for families looking for some tranquility. There are five additional oTENTik accommodations on the mainland at Mallorytown Landing that are accessible by car and provide an incredible view of the river. These mainland accommodations are popular and fill up quickly.
Are your children the adventurous type? Are they looking for a complete change of scenery? There’s nothing better than pitching your tent on an island to feel like you’ve reached the ends of the earth, while staying close to home. The park offers 62 rustic campsites, spread over several islands. All you have to do is choose your campsite, light a campfire and gaze up at the stars.
If you want another way to stretch your legs while taking in a landscape of rugged rock faces and majestic pines, hiking the trails at Jones Creek, Landon Bay, Mallorytown Landing or on the islands is just the thing. The entire family can also set off to explore the magnificent views of the Thousand Islands by taking a bike tour along the river on the paved bike path that takes you along the 1000 Islands Parkway. Take our word for it, after such an active day, you’ll have earned those toasted marshmallows around the campfire.
Thousand Islands National Park is open until October 9th and provides the perfect setting for your fall family getaway! Breathtaking landscapes, a wide range of fun activities, accommodations to suit all tastes and, best of all, the opportunity to create lasting memories for your little ones. You can reserve it all now on the Parks Canada website.
Summer doesn’t have to be over, and planning a fall escape has never been so easy! Book an oTENTik, kick off your shoes and relax – you’re on island time!

Railway Tunnel FAQs

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Canada’s First Railway Tunnel is now open to the public

A huge crowd turned up on Saturday, August 12th to celebrate the grand re-opening of Canada’s Oldest Railway Tunnel here in Brockville, and to be the first people to walk the full length of the tunnel after the opening. Outfitted with a multi-coloured, programmable LED light show by Philips Lighting that can be synced to music or sounds of a train passing though, they also highlight the natural geological formations and man-made elements of the tunnel. This experience is one that is already shocking visitors and locals alike and impressing everyone who goes through, it is definitely not one to be missed!
After our staff had a chance to experience the tunnel for themselves, we talked with the committed volunteers who made the re-opening possible to get some of our most pressing questions answered:
What are the mineral deposits?’
Limestone. The softer  looking part is limestone that has disintegrated over time, seeped through cracks above and re-solidified
Why does the tunnel drip?
Because the tunnel is underground, groundwater naturally seeps into the tunnel year round. Consider wearing  a hat, jacket, or rain poncho (FYI: You can purchase a rain poncho for $2 from the Railway Tunnel Information Centre on King Street)
What are the square cut outs for?
Beams and scaffolding could be inserted for workers to stand on to be able to fix the tunnel
What are the tall shafts in the tunnel for?
Exhaust outlet for train fumes: some could be 50 feet high
In which year was the railway tunnel built?
1860
How tall is the tunnel?
14 feet, 9 inches
How long is the railway tunnel?
524.6 meters
What was the last year the tunnel was in use?
1970
Under which famous Brockville building does the tunnel go?
City Hall
What is the importance of the tunnel?
It is Canada’s First Railway Tunnel
How much money did the City of Brockville invest in the original tunnel construction?
$400 000
On which day did the construction of the tunnel begin?
September 16, 1854
When did the first train pass through the tunnel?
December 31, 1860
How did Blockhouse Island get connected to the mainland?
Rock from the tunnel construction project
Can we skate through the tunnel in the Winter?
Unfortunately the tunnel will not be open to the public in the Winter months unless for special occasions.
An interesting fact about the tunnel is that it remains the same temperature year round and so it does not freeze! It feels cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter but maintains a consistent temperature throughout.
How much does it cost to walk through the tunnel?
Admission is FREE, there is no charge to visit the tunnel. If you enjoy your visit and would like to make a donation, there is a donation box near the north portal to help support the ongoing maintenance and future site development.
When can I visit the tunnel?
The tunnel will be open during daylight hours and locked each night from mid-May to mid-October.
The committee has confirmed that until September 30, 2017 they tunnel will be guaranteed to be open from 9am-9pm daily.
For more information about the Brockville Railway Tunnel, please visit brockvillerailwaytunnel.com or stop by their information centre at 66 King Street West, Brockville (Tuesdays through Saturday, 12-4pm)

QUIZ: Which Brockville Island Are You?

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Brockville is home to a number of islands in the 1000 Islands, each with it’s own set of characteristics.
Learn more about the different islands and find out which island matches your personality the best with our fun quiz!
 


Find out about the features and amenities of each of Brockville’s Islands on the City of Brockville’s interactive island map found by clicking here

The Great Waterway’s “On The Way” Crew Visits Brockville

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Our regional tourism organization, The Great Waterway, has embarked on a 26 day adventure from Kingston to Cornwall. They are joined by co-founder and co-owner of Improbable Escapes, HIPSTORY, and the Kingston Collective, Melissa, and actor and executive producer of Stained Tie Films Ltd, Scott.
Melissa writes about her trip to the Aquatarium, Skywood, Fulford Place, a sneak peak of our Railway Tunnel, and more!
“I’m a huge animal lover, so I get really excited to see animals regardless of if they are land or water dwellers. It made my day when we started off the morning with a visit to the Aquatarium in Brockville. Scott and I raced on antique row boats (I obviously won) and then we began to explore the aquarium. There were so many creatures, but my favourite animals were the otters! They were incredibly adorable and it was a fun experience to watch them get fed. I would never have known, but the Aquatarium also has a high ropes course! At first, I thought it was designed for children as it was themed to resemble a ship, but as soon as I started climbing, I realized that it was actually fairly difficult! It was a good challenge. Similar to Skywood, it was a lot of fun and it makes you feel  preeeeetty invincible!”
Read more from Melissa as she writes about her adventures as part of the “On The Way” tour through our region here: Castles, Tree Top Trekking and Otters! Life is Good.
 

Brockville Cruise Line Selected as one of the 10 Best Boat Tours in Canada

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Recently we were proud to see 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises out of Brockville selected as one of the 10 best boat tours in Canada as selected by The Culture Trip. We love seeing anything from Brockville make it into a top 10 list, and our local cruise line is certainly deserving of this designation. No visit to the 1000 Islands is complete without getting out on the water by boat, and a cruise of this iconic region is the best way to see and learn as much as possible.
“Boat tours are an excellent way to experience Canada, as it’s home to many stunning lakes and has the world’s longest coastline. Tours around the country can take visitors to see whales, puffins, icebergs, fjords, waterfalls, and so much more. Here are 10 of the best boat tours in Canada.” – Hayley Simpson, The Culture Trip
Click here to see who else made the list!
 

Family Day in Brockville 2017

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This Family Day (Monday, February 20th) spend the day exploring indoors and outdoors all over town for special activities and programming planned just for that day!
The Aquatarium will be offering a jam-packed day of family fun and activities on Family Day:

  • 50% off all admissions
  • 10:00am-11:00am: animated Storytime in the Singer Castle Library (more geared toward the younger ones)
  • 11:00am-12:00pm: free family pictures taken with Oscar the Otter at the green screen.
  • 12:00pm: popcorn and a movie in the theatre ‘Trolls’
  • 1:30pm-2:30pm: astronomy presentation in the Pilot House using the Planetarium
  • Ongoing throughout the day: optional programming utilizing the Ropes Course. At each element of the course, there will a team building challenge for participants to complete together. All challenges/tasks are designed to foster trust, communication, and problem-solving.

In addition, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday they will have three family friendly movies starting with Finding Dory that you can view in the theatre for no additional charge.

This Family Day, the Brockville Museum is pleased to once again offer our Back Pack Program to visiting families.
Loaded with interesting things and fun activities, your self-directed scavenger hunt through the museum will reveal behind-the-scenes stories that most visitors never get to hear.
The Brockville Museum is open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Family Day, and don’t forget that admission is by donation (the backpacks are provided as a FREE activity with admission).

The Brockville Public Library will be celebrating the opening of their newly renovated Childrens Room

  • 10-10:30am for opening speeches,
  • Children’s performer between 10:30-11:30am with refreshments being served.
  • ‘Trolls’ will be playing at noon

Mac Johnson Wildlife Area will be hosting a Family Day Skate 10am-3pm
Join us for a special day of family activities. Bring out your skates and skis and skate on the pond or ski on the cross-country ski trails. The ice slide will be open. From 10am to noon, join in on the ski and snowshoe challenge. You can bring your lunch or buy something at the barbecue.

Maitland Snowfest at the MERC Hall, Maitland
Skating,Skiing, Snowshoeing throughout the day (dependent on ice and trail conditions)

  • 9-11am $2 Pancake Breakfast
  • 10am Happy 150 Birthday Canada
  • 10:30am Horse & Wagon Rides
  • 11:30am Maitland Firemen & Outdoor Games
  • 12:30pm Kids Snow Soccer with Firemen
  • 1-2pm Karate for kids (indoors)
  • 2-3pm Hockey Game

How will you spend your Family Day?

Discover Nearby Parks Canada Sites in 2017 for Free

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Parks Canada is celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Confederation by offering free admission to all Parks Canada Places in 2017. With the sites even easier to access, this is your chance to get out and explore the natural beauty and historic sites in our region. Please note: not everything is free – camping and specialty program fees still apply
It is recommended that you order your Parks Canada 2017 Discovery Pass online before you plan to travel to make site access easier and more efficient. When the site launched in December, over 900,000 people went online to order their free 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Passes in the first month.
On a local level, we have two Parks Canada sites operating close by: Thousand Islands National Park (found just West of Brockville), and Fort Wellington (in Prescott). Keep reading for a list of what is free and what isn’t at both sites.

Fort Wellington National Historic Site

2017 offers free self-guided entry for all age groups, and special Canada 150 rates for guided tours. Specialty Program fees apply.
The site is open to the public from May 20th-October 9th.
In July and August they are open 7 days/week from 10am-5pm, and in May, June, September and October they are open from Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from 10am-5pm
Guided Tour Rates

  • Adult: 2016- $11.20, Canada150 rate- $7.30
  • Senior: 2016- $10.70, Canada 150 rate- $7.30
  • Youth: 2016- $9.20, Canada 150 rate- $7.30
  • Family: 2016- $9.80 flat rate + $7.30/person, Canada 150 rate- $7.30/person

Specialty Programs (visit their website for details)

  • Fire-A-Cannon- $73.60
  • Fort Kids- $14.90

Thousand Islands National Park

In 2017, vehicle parking fees will be free in lieu of admission. In addition to the islands and visitor centre, this park operates a number of mainland trail systems and offers boat launching. Fees apply for boat launching, island camping, oTENTiks, mooring, and specialty programs. Click here for a full list of fees
The Park’s operating season is from May 20 – October 9, 2017 which includes Island Services, Jones Creek Trails, Mallorytown Landing boat launch and trailer parking, and the Mallorytown Landing oTENTiks (please note that the oTENTiks will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September and October). Booking for camping and oTENTik starts on January 18, 8am on the Parks Canada Website
The Visitor Centre will be open from May 20-September 4 from 10am-4pm on weekends from May 20-June 24 and 7 days/week between June 24 and September 4.
Hours of operation for the Visitor Services Office at Mallorytown Landing May 20 – September 4 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information about visiting Thousand Islands National Park, click here to visit their website.
 

From the Parks Canada website:

“For all of 2017 this pass gives you unlimited opportunities to enjoy National Parks, National Marine Conservation Areas and National Historic Sites across the country!
Please note:

  • You only need to order one pass for your group or family if you are all travelling together. A 2017 Discovery Pass is valid for everyone arriving in the same vehicle at a national park, or arriving together at a marine conservation area or historic site.
  • The Discovery Pass is only accepted at national historic sites which are operated by Parks Canada.
  • Activities such as tours or parking that normally carry a separate fee may not be covered by the Discovery Pass.
  • Camping fees are not included with the Discovery Pass
  • Validity Period: January 1st 2017 to December 31st 2017.
  • Display: The 2017 Discovery Pass must be hung from the rear view mirror of the vehicle facing forward or it can be placed on the front driver side dashboard facing up.”

If you have any questions regarding the above Terms of Use, please contact the National Information Service at 1-888-773-8888 or email information@pc.gc.ca.

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