Family
Activities
Aquatarium
Start your adventure in the heart of it all at the Aquatarium. Friendly staff and volunteers are ready to welcome you to this indoor discovery center filled with interactive exhibits, educational programs, and animal habitats. Promoting curiosity and activity through programs about the ecology, history, culture, and lifestyle of the 1000 Islands, you can have fun while watching animals like otters, beavers, and fishes that live right here in the St. Lawrence River. Challenge yourself on the high ropes course, and be on the lookout for new things happening all the time.
Aquatarium Express Train
Choo, choo all aboard the Aquatarium Express! Get ready for our conductors to take you on an adventure through the Brockville Tunnel. Kids and adults alike will enjoy a ride on the Aquatarium Express. The Aquatarium Express will leave the station starting May 21st every weekend between the hours of 9 am and 4:30 pm.
Ropes Course
Children and young souls who are up for a challenge can experience climbing through the rigging of a tall ship with our one-of-a-kind ropes course! Experience what it would be like to balance on the bowsprit, or crawl across the yard arm like a crew member. Pretend you are a rum runner smuggling barrels across the border, or climb up our ratline wall as you look at the 40-foot drop below.
The highlight for many when they visit the Aquatarium is getting to see the otters, Brock and Oliver, and Justin Beaver! There’s so much to see at the Aquatarium though, you can easily spend an entire day there! Be sure to check out the Power of Water area, which shows how the St Lawrence River has shaped our daily lives. Learn about hydroelectricity and the shipping channels that run through our area, as well as how water physically shaped our world through erosion. There’s also the Creation touch pond, where you can learn about what Brockville was like 10,000 years ago when it was underwater and home to whales, seals and other amazing creatures. Let the budding news anchor in your family try out the green screen and pretend to report on one of the major 1000 Islands news stories in the region. You can even take a photo with a themed background and have it sent to your email.
The Aquatarium also pays homage to the ships of the St Lawrence. You can visit the HMS Ontario’s Captain’s Cabin and see what it was like to be on a warship in the 18th century. There are also replicas of the Sir Robert Peel and the Keystorm wreckages in the tanks of local fish. Check out the replica of the SS Kingston, a ferry that went up and down the St Lawrence. You can even go inside a replica of the Magedoma, the famed yacht owned by the Fulfords.
There’s always something new to check out at the Aquatarium, so be sure to visit often!
AQ Escape Room
May 27th-July 3rd, 2022
Grab your crew and get ready for an all new escape room experience at The Aquatarium!
Keep an eye on our website for more details!
AQ at Home
During homeschooling there are offerings for teachers with Virtual Classroom Tours and Virtual Classroom Workshops. All resources can be found in the learning zone: https://aquatarium.ca/learning-zone/
General public Virtual Tours are available individually at $20 per person or $100 for a private group virtual tour.
Aquatarium’s retail shop will be open Wednesdays through Sundays.
Cruises
No visit to the 1000 Islands would be complete without a boat cruise through the islands! Brockville has its own boat cruise company in the heart of our waterfront, and there is also another tour company just outside of Brockville in the village of Rockport. Both tours offer amazing views of the 1000 Islands, and are worth checking out.
1000 Islands Cruises
Operating from Brockville’s waterfront in the city’s historic Downtown District, 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises offers a variety of cruises sure to satisfy every taste and budget. Get your motor runnin’ on the islands’ only high speed tour boat, the ‘WildCat’ or experience the islands in a more traditional way aboard a variety of sightseeing, dining cruises and special events.
While in Brockville, be sure to take in some of the City’s other attractions including, the ‘Aquatarium’ – a 32,000 sq. ft. interactive learning centre devoted to the ecology, geography and history of the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands or, stroll through Canada’s Oldest Railway Tunnel running a quarter mile under the City – a testament to our rich industrial past.
Revel in your view of the mighty St. Lawrence River and ogle ships from around the world from any of Brockville’s five waterfront parks or, take in one of the City’s many festivals, offered on most weekends, all summer long. Enjoy a stroll through the historic downtown where you’ll discover rich architectural treasures of this one-time ‘Millionaire’s Capital of Canada’ and check out the many shops and services where you’ll discover our unique variety of home-grown hospitality.
30 Block House Island Pkwy. Brockville, Ontario, CANADA K6V 4S9
(613) 345-7333
1000islandcruises.com
Rockport Cruises
Just west of Brockville, tucked in between Highway 2 and the river, is the village of Rockport and the home of Rockport Cruises. These cruises go through the heart of the 1000 Islands, and zig zag across the Canada / USA border so you can experience the beauty of both sides of the St.Lawrence River. There are many cruises for you to choose from, all depending on the amount of time you have available to you.
Starting at 60 minutes, the “Heart of the Islands” cruise will let you experience a taste of the 1000 Islands. For those hungry for a bit more, the “Palaces and Palisades” cruise takes you in and around the 1000 Islands for 2 hours and lets you see and learn more about the area. Start by seeing a statue of Saint Lawrence watching over the river named after him, and then cruise through the cottage country referred to as Millionaires Row. These cottages are not your average summer getaways! The cruise even circles Boldt Castle, but doesn’t stop there.
If you’re wanting to see Boldt Castle up close, be sure to check out the “Boldt Castle Tour”. This 4 hour boat tour will take you to Boldt Castle and let you explore the grounds – but don’t forget your passport! Boldt Castle is an American island. If you have a full day to explore the islands and castles of the area, you can check out the “Two Castle Tour.” This tour will let you experience both Boldt and Singer Castle during this six hour cruise.
Miniature Golf
1000 Islands Miniature Golf Centre & Driving Range
1000 Island Miniature Golf Centre has renovated and updated a local iconic Miniature Golf Course that has served the Brockville area for decades. What started out as a local hang-out in the late 1950’s has had a new lease on life and since turned into a leading Miniature Golf Course in the area. They offer guests of all ages a chance to unleash their inner child with a memorable experience in their beautifully landscaped 18 hole Miniature Golf Course.
1850 County Road #2 East | (613) 499-9546 | 1000islandminigolfcentre.ca
Parks
Centeen Park
Brockville’s most eastern park along the St.Lawrence River, Centeen Park is a playground for those who love to be in the water. Centeen Park is well equipped for those who are learning to scuba dive, with changing stations and an easy-to-access stairway into the river. It is also the home to the Brockville Underwater Sculpture Park, a unique scuba diving training experience with dozens of statues available to explore.
For those who aren’t ready to try scuba diving, swimming is always an option at Centeen Park. Many people who have grown up in Brockville will have memories of spending hot summer days jumping off the seawall into the river. Be sure to try this unique Brockville experience, and relax on the grass afterwards and dry off in the sun.
Blockhouse Island
Home to many of Brockville’s waterfront festivals, Blockhouse Island is the heart of the downtown waterfront. Many locals enjoy driving or walking around the island (which isn’t really an island anymore) and grabbing an ice cream from Fat Les’ Waterfront Patio. You can grab your tickets for an island boat cruise at 1000 Islands and Seaway Cruises, or simply sit by the water’s edge and watch as the boats and tankers go by.
Hardy Park
Filled with big shady trees and a beautiful path along the waterfront, Hardy Park is a wonderful place to bring a picnic and spend an afternoon. The gazebo hosts live music often through the summer, and many groups use Hardy Park as the home to their festivals, such as the Big Brothers Big Sisters annual Ribfest in August. The accessible washrooms and play structure makes Hardy Park a popular destination for families with young children. Dream the day away watching the boats go by as people relax along the Brock Tail at Hardy Park.
St Lawrence Park
The park has a beautiful safe sandy beach ideal for children which is supervised during the summer period. Washrooms, change rooms, and a canteen are in operation from June through to September. A canoe and kayak launching area is available at the western edge of the park.
525 King St W, Brockville, ON K6V 3N4 | (613) 345-1341 | brockville.com
Rotary Park & Splash Pad
Rotary Park offers year-round free activities for all ages, including a splash pad, accessible play area, skateboard park, Ontario’s first paved bicycle pump track, and basketball court. In the winter, there is a new P&G pavillion and a newly covered hockey rink with refrigeration system that provides ice from December through March. There are washrooms and a skate change hut. Ample public parking is available around the park, and it is immediately adjacent to the Brock Trail
148 George St, Brockville, ON K6V 5J7 | brockville.com
Brockville Off-Leash Dog Park
While all of Brockville’s parks allow dogs in the parks with a leash, sometimes, dogs deserve a treat as well. A run around the Brockville Off-Leash Dog Park is fun for dogs of all sizes. This fully fenced in park can be found just off the 401’s North Augusta exit, behind the Brockville Youth Arena. Spanning two acres, there are two sections – one for mature dogs, and another for smaller dogs and puppies. There is a shaded area with lots of trees, lots of grass to roll in, and two watering stations for the dogs.
Indoor Activities
Perhaps the weather just isn’t cooperating, or you need a break from the outdoors – Brockville has you covered. There are some great ways to get inside and still have fun!
Brockville Railway Tunnel
The Brockville Railway Tunnel was built between 1854 and 1860 to service the Brockville and Ottawa Railway. Completed 21 years before the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, this historic tunnel predates all other major tunnel projects in Canada, including the rail tunnels in the western Rockies. A committee came together to renovate this historic site for the people of Brockville in 2011, and in 2017, the tunnel opened its doors to the public once again.
Accessible from either end, the Brockville Railway Tunnel is a great way to reach the waterfront and downtown core. The rails have been replaced with a smooth concrete path, and the tunnel is now lit with a state of the art LED light and sound display. Both the north and south entrances have wheelchair-accessible access, so it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
1 Block House Island Rd | (613) 342-8772 | brockvillerailwaytunnel.com
Stingers Indoor Paintball (and more!)
Don’t let the name fool you – this location is so much more than paintball! Located right next to Highway 401, Stingers provides fun for the entire family. Of course, paintball is where it all started for Stingers, with 16,000 square feet of space, dressed strategically with bunkers, cars, and even a two-story building to hide in! There’s also laser tag, with one of Canada’s largest playing fields, at 17,000 square feet. You can play just like your favourite first-person shooter video games, where you can have a killstreak and even call in a chopper strike! The integrated sound system will have you running from enemy fire, and the whole game has a live scoreboard and a video feed for spectators.
More into traditional sports? Stingers has you covered. With batting cages, basketball, squash, volleyball, badminton, pitchers mound, ping pong, floor hockey and even pickleball available, you can practice your favourite sport, even when it’s the middle of winter!
Capitol Axe Throwing
Brockville’s very own Axe Throwing venue provides you with a clean and family friendly environment to enjoy the new and fast growing sport of Axe Throwing!
Brockville Shopping Centre: 125 Stewart Blvd | thecapitolbrockville.com
Skedaddle Escape Rooms
An interactive entertainment experience for all ages- where customers solve clues and puzzles to ‘escape’ from a themed room in the time allotted. All new rooms include-The Big Dig, The Mausoleum, Rum Runner’s Reserve & Picture Perfect.
Skedaddle offers a gathering space to play board games, card games and other games. Skedaddle is a great place to run group events, host birthday parties and tournaments, as well as team building exercises and corporate training workshops.
40 St. Andrew Street | (613) 246-6075 | skedaddleescaperooms.wixsite.com
Sunnidell Golf – Virtual Golf
You can golf without worrying about rain delays at Sunnidell! Open year-round, the golf simulators offer 42 world-renowned courses that will challenge players of any skill level. All you need to do is book a time, bring your golf clubs, and select the course you want to play. It takes about an hour to complete 18 holes. From tee to green, these simulators will let you try every shot available. If you’re a bit intimidated at stepping up to the tee on the real course, come practice at Sunnidell Golf’s virtual course.
The Memorial Centre and Centennial Youth Arena
Canadians love their winter sports! The Memorial Centre and the Centennial Youth Arena are home to Brockville’s figure skaters and hockey players throughout the year. These facilities are maintained by the City of Brockville, and can be rented through the city’s website. This site also lists the opportunities for public skating at both arenas.
Brockville and Area YMCA
The YMCA is one of Canada’s oldest charities, and chapters can be found across Canada. If you are a YMCA/YWCA member, your membership will grant you access to the Brockville YMCA! The Brockville YMCA has a 6-lane 25-metre pool, hydro-therapy pool, sauna, a gymnasium and various studios, a conditioning area and 4 outdoor tennis courts. If you’re not a YMCA member, don’t worry – the Brockville YMCA have day passes available for individuals and families.
Local Gyms
Brockville is home to many gyms and studios that offer day passes, or are members of national chains where your membership will give you access across the country.
- Planet Fitness (No Day Passes, but Black Card gives national access)
- Peak Performance
- CrossFit BECC
- Snap Fitness Brockville (day passes and shared national access)
- RM Fitness Studio
- Subramanya Yoga
Arts & Theatre
The arts are alive in Brockville! No matter what your interest, you will find something for everyone in Brockville.
Brockville Arts Centre
Built in 1858, the Brockville Arts Centre remains one of the most unique and historic performing arts centres in Canada, and is recognized as one of the finest medium-sized historic theatres in Canada. Home of various community theatre companies, the Brockville Arts Centre also plays host to many different touring performances throughout the year. In 2009, the Brockville Arts Centre went through a two-million-dollar restoration, including the installation of 700 high-quality seats. The theatre is air-conditioned, has ample free parking, and the bar in the lobby is licenced.
The theatre lobby is also home to one of the region’s top art galleries. Be sure to check out the beautiful pieces of art while on an intermission of a show, or even just when stopping in to pick up your tickets.
Film Brockville
Film Brockville is a non-profit group associated with the Toronto Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Film Brockville provides film-goers transformative experiences through access to Canadian and international independent films which they would not normally have the opportunity to see. Films run regularly throughout the year at the Brockville Arts Centre.
Sunday Concerts In the Park
Every Sunday through July and August, you can bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket to Hardy Park and enjoy a free concert on the waterfront. Featuring local talent, bands, and performers, this series is enjoyed by everyone who attends.
The theatre lobby is also home to one of the region’s top art galleries. Be sure to check out the beautiful pieces of art while on an intermission of a show, or even just when stopping in to pick up your tickets.
Marianne Van Silfhout Gallery
The Marianne Van Silfhout Gallery is a state-of-the-art community art gallery located at the front atrium of the St Lawrence College Campus. It is the focus of the visual arts for Brockville and the larger Eastern Ontario area. This gallery is also the location for live art battles – live competitive painting events held across the country.
St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival
Follow the river east and you’ll find Prescott, home of the St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival. This festival, which began back in 2003, has evolved from a single show in the town’s outdoor amphitheatre to a festival with two mainstay Shakespeare productions, as well as a Sunday series of events and an education program. These shows are incredibly popular, especially on a warm summer’s night. Take in a night of culture at the St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival in Prescott, Ontario!
EarthShade Art Gallery & Studio
Fine Art / Original Artwork Cards / Unique Jewelry & Gifts / Phyrography and more…. Custom Orders / Art Classes
5 Buell St, Brockville, ON K6V 4X9 | Earthshadeart.com
From Here to Infinity Gallery and Bookstore
From Here to Infinity Gallery operates from an historic 1840’s building in beautiful downtown Brockville, Ontario. Purveyor of the unique, the gallery also operates an archive holding thousands of historical negatives and photographic prints as well as an eclectic collection of antiquarian and fine books, ephemera and other interesting paper and historically viable items.
213 King St W, Brockville, ON K6V 3R7 | (613) 558-5735 | Facebook Page
Fun Art Paint Parties Studio & Gallery
Fun Art Paint Parties Studio is a small intimate gallery located in the King West Arts District of Brockville. Weekly Classes, Open Studio and beautiful original art is for sale in the studio. Pop in and paint, all supplies and instruction is included. This is fun art , Just Paint Over It!
7 Perth St. Brockville ,ON K6V 5B9 | (613) 213-5306 | funartpaintparties.ca
medium effort | fine art supplies
Our goal is to promote and grow the arts in our community by providing an inspiring and inviting space to foster creativity. Quality supplies, classes, seminars, and workspace