3 Days in the Bay of Quinte Region: The Ultimate Itinerary

The Bay of Quinte region in Southeastern Ontario is comprised of five waterfront communities: Belleville, Brighton, Quinte West, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and Greater Napanee. I’ve visited the Bay of Quinte on several occasions now. There are always new things to see and do, plus it’s fun to check out my favourite spots from previous trips, too!

There are dozens of ways to build an amazing Bay of Quinte itinerary. You won’t be disappointed if you choose one or several communities to visit. Plus, from Belleville, it’s easy to take a day trip down to Prince Edward County for more quaint towns, beautiful nature and wineries.

In this Bay of Quinte region itinerary, I’m going to combine a few cities and towns across three days: Belleville, Quinte West, Brighton and Prince Edward County. Have longer than three days in the Bay of Quinte? Consider adding a couple of days in Kingston!

Getting There

Belleville is about a two hour drive from Toronto and four hours from Montreal. If you are planning a road trip in Ontario, start in Toronto, spend a few days in Southeastern Ontario (the Bay of Quinte and Kingston are great choices), and then continue onto Montreal.

For public transportation, the VIA Rail train connects Toronto, Belleville and Montreal. While the VIA Rail train is the most sustainable option, activities and attractions within the Bay of Quinte region are a bit spread out. If you have a car or you’re able to rent a car, I think this is the best choice.

This Bay of Quinte itinerary involves some driving between the various communities and points of interest. Depending on your starting point, I suggest renting a car in Toronto or renting a car in Montreal from Discover Cars where you’ll find the best rates.

Bay of Quinte Itinerary: Day 1 (Belleville)

I’m going to dedicate the entire first day in the Bay of Quinte to Belleville, though I’ll be spending time throughout this travel guide there. I based myself in Belleville for two nights. It didn’t take very long to drive anywhere within Belleville, plus it’s only a short drive to Prince Edward County, too.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Belleville, please take a look at my Belleville travel guide. There are so many things to see and do, including other activities that I’ve experienced on previous visits. Feel free to add more attractions to this Bay of Quinte itinerary as you see fit.

Benji’s Coffee Bar

When I first tried Benji’s Coffee Bar a couple of years back, it was at a popup event in Zwicks Park. They served their coffee from a reconstructed shipping container. Now, Benji’s Coffee Bar has truly leveled up – they have a cafe of their own in downtown Belleville. When you first set foot into the coffee shop, you’ll soon realize that this is a special gem in the city.

Located inside the historic Scale House, Benji’s Coffee Bar offsets the industrial vibes and exposed brick walls with delicate flowers that hang down from the ceiling. They have typical espresso beverages, rotating seasonal drinks and a variety of baked goods.

I ordered the iced Biscoff latte that they were able to prepare totally plant-based with oat milk and vegan coconut whip. I don’t usually order the sweet coffee beverages, but I can’t resist Biscoff and this one was really delicious. If you love coffee and cafes, check out my complete guide to the best coffee shops in Belleville.

Belleville Farmers Market

Established in 1816, the Belleville Farmers Market was once situated inside the Belleville City Hall building. Now, the market is located in the historic Market Square behind the City Hall building in downtown Belleville. This market is open all year round on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Local producers, farmers, artisans and crafters are vendors at the Belleville Farmers Market. This is one of the best places to chat with Belleville and Quinte area farmers and makers about their farm fresh produce or handmade wares. Some things that I noticed at the market included fruit and veggies, maple syrup, baked goods, handcrafted items, plants and fresh cut flowers.

HR Frink Conservation Area

HR Frink Conservation Area is a wonderful place to hike, observe wildlife and get into nature. There are a total of 10km of trails on the north and south sides of Thrasher Road. The parking lot is on the north side of Thrasher Road, and you will need to make your payment at the automated gate before entering.

You can spend less than an hour at HR Frink Conservation Area or up to half a day, depending on how far you walk. I stuck to the north side trails that are accessible right from the parking lot. It’s only a short walk through the forest to reach the Wetland Ecology Boardwalk. In addition, the boardwalk and the trail leading up to it are both wheelchair and stroller friendly.

As the name suggests, the Wetland Ecology Boardwalk is an elevated platform above the wetlands. It’s an excellent place to view wildlife, especially birds around the waterfowl nesting boxes. The walk to the boardwalk trail is pretty short. To extend your hike, continue through the forest on the Boundary Trail (roughly 3km in total).

Meyers Creek Brewing Company

After a nature hike, why not treat yourself to a pint? Meyers Creek Brewing Company is a craft brewery in downtown Belleville serving up refreshing and innovative brews.

They’ve got a spacious patio and porch that also happens to be pet-friendly. While the brewery doesn’t have a kitchen on-site, sometimes they have snacks available (like pretzels) or you are always welcome to bring your own eats.

There are different beers for every taste: the Yardmen (session lager), The Pier (Bohemian pilsner), Hayride (amber lager), Ultimate Lime Smash (lime IPA), Causeway (blackcurrant sour), Back Roads (vanilla porter), The Fringe (brown ale), and so many more. You can also enjoy a beer in their taproom or bring home some cans for later.

Dinner at Bayleaf Authentic Indian Cuisine

Bayleaf Authentic Indian Cuisine offers a collection of modern and classic Indian dishes made with fresh ingredients and tantalizing spices. While I dined indoors, there is a cute little patio out front, too. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and it’s the perfect place for a date night or dining with friends and family.

There are numerous vegetarian items on the menu that can be prepared vegan quite easily, just ask your server. I ordered the chana masala with tandoori roti. It was spicy, fragrant and delicious. Looking for more plant-based eats in the city? Check out my complete vegan guide to Belleville.

Bayshore Trail and Meyers Pier

For an after dinner walk, venture down to the Bayshore Trail and Meyers Pier. The Bayshore Trail is 2.75km long and follows the shore of the Bay of Quinte. This is also part of the lengthier Waterfront Trail that extends throughout Ontario. Admire the boats at the marina and hopefully you’ll see a gorgeous sunset, too.

Where to Stay in Belleville: Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott

I spent two nights at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Belleville when I travelled to the Bay of Quinte region. When checking in, the front desk staff members were so lovely and welcoming.

As my room was located on the second floor and a little bit of a walk, another staff member helped carry my luggage to my room. There aren’t any elevators, but there is additional parking all around the hotel. Afterwards, I parked my car near a side entrance, which ended up being a very short walk to reach my room.

Bay of Quinte Itinerary: Day 2 (Prince Edward County)

While I spent the morning and the evening back in Belleville, day two of this Bay of Quinte itinerary focuses on Prince Edward County. It’s a popular destination for sure, which means that finding accommodation can be tricky at times. Why not stay in Belleville and drive down to PEC for a day trip? That’s what I did!

Breakfast at Birdy’s Fine Casual Dining

Start your day off right with breakfast at Birdy’s Fine Casual Dining. If it’s a nice day outside, be sure to snag a spot on their patio out back. Their menu is homemade and their vegetables and herbs are sourced right from their own garden. They also source ingredients and beverages from many local producers from around the Bay of Quinte and Prince Edward County.

Birdy’s has a breakfast dish called Vegan Breakfast. It includes vegan sausage, fresh fruit, home fries and cinnamon toast. My only complaint about Birdy’s is that they don’t offer any plant-based milks for coffee. I’d love if they started having at least a small container of oat milk or soy milk on hand for those who prefer it.

Shopping in Downtown Picton

It’s time to drive across the bridge from Belleville to Prince Edward County. I spent the second half of the morning in the cute town of Picton. It shouldn’t be a problem to find street parking earlier in the day in downtown Picton. I walked up and down the main downtown street, admiring the buildings and quaint shop displays.

I stopped for a coffee at Lily’s Cafe and then popped over to Books & Company next door to browse the books. There are many unique shops all over town with interesting finds and handmade gifts.

Birdhouse City

As you depart Picton, don’t miss stopping at Birdhouse City on your way out of town. This is a little community of birdhouses at the side of the road, located at Macaulay Mountain Conservation.

The birdhouses are miniature versions of many popular buildings and structures from around Prince Edward County. It all started with one birdhouse, a small version of the Massassauga Park Hotel.

From there, the amount of birdhouses grew when more people, businesses and schools created new birdhouses. Now, there’s quite the collection to witness. A path meanders around the birdhouses, which stand tall on high poles. The birds here live in quite fancy accommodations!

Karlo Estates Winery

In the afternoon, I took a winery tour at Karlo Estates Winery where I discovered some of the best wine in Ontario. Karlo Estates is an award-winning winery, having received numerous accolades at the All Canadian Wine Championships and National Wine Awards, among others. In 2023, Karlo Estates received 23 gold medals for their wine.

Derek Barnett is the executive winemaker at Karlo Estates. He favours traditional methods and was the first to use Canadian oak barrels. Derek has been named “Winemaker of the Year” by The Ontario Wine Awards and “Wine Person of the Year” by the National Capital Sommelier Guild.

Led by co-founder and owner, Sherry Karlo, Karlo Estates also places sustainability at the forefront. They are trailblazers, being the first vegan certified winery in the world, focusing on reducing their carbon impact and using alternative methods that don’t use animal products. By creating plant-based wine, the end result is a cleaner taste profile and a better wine that doesn’t need to turn to cheap animal byproducts to adjust the acidity and flavours.

On my winery tour led by COO and CFO (and Sherry’s partner), Saxe Brickenden, we sampled several white and red wines to start. Then, we took a walking tour of the property with a glass of wine in hand, strolling past the vineyards and onto their picturesque stone bridge. Upon returning, we snacked on a delicious vegan charcuterie board with plant-based cheeses, crackers, fruits and spreads.

Downtown Belleville: Shopping, Street Art and Festivals

Upon my return to Belleville, Front Street was closed down for pedestrian use only because the city’s Buskerfest was taking place. National and international buskers performed various stunts and tricks, often involving those in the crowd for their unique feats. I witnessed one busker bend a metal rod with his sheer strength and another bounce on the world’s largest pogo stick.

The Side Hustle Market was happening at the same time. This is a popup market lining the streets featuring local vendors selling their handmade wares. Even if a craft fair or busker festival isn’t taking place, I still suggest walking town to check out downtown Belleville.

There are quite a few independent shops with handmade goodies and interesting finds. I also love the street art that’s splashed on the sides of buildings and down little alleyways. Downtown Belleville offers an eclectic mix of charming old buildings and colourful murals that I really adore.

Dinner at Chilangos Mexican Restaurant

Chilangos Mexican Restaurant is an unmissable dining establishment in the Bay of Quinte. When I visited, the place was packed (and there’s ample seating indoors!). It’s a favourite among locals and it definitely impressed this Bay of Quinte tourist, too.

The owners immigrated to Canada and brought their tantalizing Mexican cuisine recipes with them. They take delight in sharing the flavours of Mexico City with Belleville and beyond. There are quite a few tempting offerings on the menu. I chose a vegetarian burrito (made vegan) with a side of guacamole and chips.

Bay of Quinte Itinerary: Day 3 (Quinte West and Brighton)

On the final day of my Bay of Quinte itinerary, I had breakfast in Belleville and then continued onto Quinte West. Then, I continued my drive west towards Brighton and Presqu’ile Provincial Park.

I’ve travelled to Brighton in the past, specifically spending a few days just in Brighton. Please take a look at my Brighton travel guide to add even more adventures to this Bay of Quinte itinerary should you find yourself with more time.

Tropical Blends

Tropical Blends transports you to a warm and sunny place through their beachy decor, as well as the colourful palm tree mural on the side of its building. They offer nutritious, fresh fruit smoothies, smoothie bowls, coffee and other tasty menu items. The staff here is also exceptionally nice and friendly, too!

I stopped by Tropical Blends for breakfast and dined on their patio in the sunshine. Of course, my day always starts with coffee, so I ordered an iced Americano with oat milk since it was going to be a hot day. In addition to smoothies, Tropical Blends serves up bagels, toasts, sandwiches and bowls. I got the avocado toast which was topped with cucumber, seeds and sprouts. Yum!

Homestead Farmers Market

I departed Belleville and ventured over to Quinte West for the Homestead Farmers Market. Even though the Homestead Marketplace is closed on Sundays, the Homestead Farmers Market happens every Sunday from 9am to 2pm (seasonally between May and October). This is a brand new market for the region and focuses on local creators, producers and the community.

I browsed the booths and discovered locally made hot sauce, cold-pressed juices, bath and body products, earrings made from dried flowers, handmade stuffies, crocheted wares, and dog accessories. There’s also freshly grown veggies, herbs, freshly baked bread and fresh cut flowers.

Presqu’ile Provincial Park

Presqu’ile Provincial Park is situated on the north shore of Lake Ontario, five minutes south of the town of Brighton. It’s really easy to access this spectacular outdoor space as it’s really close to the town. Make sure you book your reservation up to five days ahead of time on the Ontario Parks website to avoid disappointment.

There are over 16km of hiking trails at Presqu’ile Provincial Park, making it the perfect place to spend a few hours, the entire day, or even longer should you decide to camp there. I suggest going for a walk on the shorter Marsh Boardwalk Trail, which should only take 20-30 minutes to make the complete loop. There are many beautiful views and opportunities to spot birds and wildlife.

Don’t miss seeing the quiet trail around the lighthouse with pretty views of the Bay of Quinte. This is the second oldest operating lighthouse in Ontario. There is also an Ontario Parks shop near the lighthouse, too.

There are also a couple of beach areas and a long stretch of soft, sandy beach with twinkling blue waters. It’s a great place to take a dip or relax on the beach. The beaches are so expansive that you won’t have any problem finding an area to lay down your beach blanket. Plus, it’s a little less visited than the nearby Sandbanks Provincial Park, making it a bit more peaceful.

Lola’s Cafe is a great find in Brighton and I’ve dined there several times now. Located in downtown Brighton, there is a cute little patio out front and an indoor dining space, too. This is a farm to table cafe where menu is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, and there are many gluten-free offerings, too.

The menu is always changing, which means that I’ve been able to try a few different dishes upon my visits. This time around, I opted for the fancy grilled cheese made vegan, which comes with an onion and tomato relish that really elevated the sandwich. I also love their coffee, so I ordered an iced coffee, too.

And there you have it…my Bay of Quinte itinerary! I hope you have the chance to visit this underrated gem in Southeastern Ontario soon. There’s so much to see and do in the Bay of Quinte across its several communities. Hopefully I’ll be back again in the future for even more fun experiences.