Things to Do in Brockville During Summer

Nestled on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, the City of Brockville opens up a world of fun activities that the Thousand Islands region provides – from scuba diving and cruises to wildlife watching.

Here are 20 things to do if you are in Brockville:

If you’re visiting Brockville, check out 25 Summer Adventures and Activities in Leeds & Grenville for more ideas.

Brockville Railway Tunnel

Explore part of Canada’s First Railway Tunnel at this Brockville attraction. This tunnel is a great representation of the country’s pre-Confederation industrial heritage that has been repurposed to become the central hub of the Brock Trail recreational pathway.

The tunnel features an LED light system, and visitors can walk through while listening to music playing. Details

Mac Johnson Wildlife Area

The Mac Johnson Wildlife Area is an all-season favourite in Brockville for outdoor recreation. Its natural and cultural heritage values are brought to life through its 532 hectares of fields, forests, and wetlands, providing opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, picnicking, canoeing, and a nature centre. It is also a frequented site for Trumpeter Swans, as well as 160 other bird species, 600 plant species, and several other animals. Details

Camp at St. Lawrence Park

This is one of the most popular campgrounds in Brockville, offering numerous options for walking, viewing the St. Lawrence River, picnicking, and swimming, all within a short distance of the beautiful downtown area. A pavilion is located in the center of the park, and many visitors use it as an exit point to access nearby diving spots and shipwrecks. Details

Brock Trail

The Brock Trail is a stunning 12-kilometre multi-use trail, shaded and surrounded by nature and is constantly expanding. It follows Buell’s Creek, a reservoir where many people like to fish, and connects to the waterfront trail, passing through several ponds and waterfalls along the way. The trail is extremely well-maintained and is a place of discovery and peacefulness. Details

Aquatarium

Situated on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, the Aquatarium inspires all to interact with life in the 1000 Islands region.

Hands-on exhibits and opportunities to learn and engage with the history, environment, and culture of the region contribute to the center’s mission to both entertain and educate. Details

Fulford Place

Stroll through a landmark of Ontario’s rich heritage and take in the luxurious mansion that is Fulford Place. Senator George Taylor Fulford was a Canadian businessman and politician who amassed a substantial fortune selling pharmaceuticals.

Browse through original paintings, tapestries, ceramics, and statues collected on the Fulford family’s world travels, and take in the stunning architecture, Italianate Garden, and the Beaux Arts house. Details

Block House Island

Block House Island is on the east side of the 1000 Islands, out on the St. Lawrence River. It is a place of serenity and peace, perfect for relaxing in the waterfront park, watching cruise and cargo ships pass by, enjoying a meal at the island bistro, or even picking up a souvenir to commemorate your day out on the island. Details

Brockville Museum

The Brockville Museum focuses on the social and industrial history of Brockville. Gain insight into the city’s past through interpretive displays and the stories of individuals who have shaped the community for over 200 years.

Games, workshops, and programs are available for all ages, and events are held throughout the year, including the Historic Waterfront Walking Tours in the summer. Details

1000 Island & Seaway Cruises

What better way to view the 1000 Islands than a sightseeing or dining cruise? Discover the gems of the eastern 1000 Islands, such as Brockville’s historic waterfront, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and Millionaire’s Row from new perspectives.

If you’re looking for more specific cruises, Thousand Islands & Seaway Cruises offers cruise and theatre packages that include a matinee performance, as well as special event cruises like the Canada Day Fireworks Dinner Cruise.  Details   

Scuba Diving at the Centeen Park Underwater Sculpture Park

With seven shipwrecks near Brockville in the 1000 Islands region, the beautiful water clarity allows divers to truly explore some fascinating century-old shipwrecks. Brockville’s Underwater Sculpture Park is a significant attraction in the area, which involves six human statues looking up, two sturgeon statues (which are prominent in the river) and benches. Details

Brockville Farmers’ Market

Want to get locally made products? Then, visit the Brockville Farmers Market. The market features an array of 50-100 local vendors, providing quality products in categories like clothing, jewelry, produce, woodworking, health and beauty.  Details

Brockville Speedway

Whether you want to enjoy adrenaline-pumping car races or a spin on the go-kart track, Brockville Speedway,  is a must-visit for motor sports enthusiasts. Brockville Ontario Speedway hosts Saturday night races.  Details 

Marianne van Silfhout Gallery

Backed by Marianne van Silfhout’s value of the binding of wilderness adventure and education, and art, this gallery located at the St. Lawrence College in Brockville was opened by this graduate from the Fine Arts program. This gallery not only features exhibits from graduates of the Fine Arts program, but also innovative visual creations by many from Eastern Ontario and other parts of Canada. Details  

Cowan’s Dairy

Cowan’s Dairy teems with history. Originally operating as a dairy in the 1900s, it transitioned into a convenience store in the early 1980s and remained so until the mid-2000s, eventually becoming Cowan’s Dairy. They offer 40 flavours of soft serve, ice cream, homemade fudge, and ice cream cakes for special occasions. If you’re feeling like something different, Louisiana Style Snoballs in every flavor you can imagine, like wedding cake and almond, are available. Details

Canoe or Kayak

Take advantage of the clear waters of the 1000 Islands and rent a boat, canoe, or kayak. Head out and explore the nearby shipwrecks or simply enjoy access to the multitude of islands adjacent to Brockville. Rentals, including single and tandem kayaks and paddleboards, are available through DIVE Brockville at St. Lawrence Park (525 King Street West).  Details 

Ship watching

Ship watching in Brockville offers a uniquely calming experience as massive cargo vessels glide along the St. Lawrence River. Learn to identify ships and time their passage to catch every moment. Prime viewing spots like Blockhouse Island, Hardy Park, and Centeen Park provide perfect riverfront vantage points—bring binoculars, a snack, or a picnic and enjoy this tranquil, slow-motion spectacle.

Brockville Arts Centre

Located in the heart of historic Brockville on the St. Lawrence River, the Brockville Arts Centre welcomes thousands of visitors to view the work of local and regional artists, as well as attend monthly events and screenings. The Arts Centre preserves the site of the previous town hall, marketplace, and Opera House theatre. Details

Brockville RIBFEST

Enjoy mouth-watering ribs, chicken, and other delights during the festival. The event is a major fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters Brockville (August 8 to 10, 2025).  Details

Brockville Tall Ships Festival

Organized by Tall Ships America, this spectacular event brings together majestic Tall Ships from across the Americas and around the world. Held every three years (June 20 to 25), the series rotates between North America’s Great Lakes, Pacific, and Atlantic coasts. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, tall ship tours,  roving entertainers, food trucks, and engaging activities that offer an immersive dive into maritime history and culture.

1000 Islands Brewery

Located in the heart of downtown Brockville, 1000 Islands Brewery crafts a range of beers and hard sodas using locally sourced Canadian ingredients. With over 10 core brands and seasonal selections, the brewery offers something for every taste.  Details

More Things to Do:

Summer Fun in Ontario