Regional COVID-friendly experiences to do on Thanksgiving Weekend

With traditional Thanksgiving plans potentially out the window (thanks COVID!), we wanted to put a few regional COVID-friendly activities you can engage in with your family.

Outdoor Activities

1. Go bird watching at The Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory. Not only can you spot the majestic V formations of Canada Geese head south for the winter, but this banding site is known for yearly reports of rare and unusual species.

2. Count the stars at the Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area. This spot happens to be the most southern of all those in Ontario and offers a night sky experience very similar to what was available more than 100 years ago. Bring the family, some camping chairs or a blanket and enjoy an unimpeded view of the night sky (masks required). The viewing area is open from dusk until dawn – no registration is required and admission is free.  

3. Go fishing. Whether you’re in search of a fun fishing outing with the kids or on the hunt for a trophy fish, you’ll find it in Cornwall and SDG Counties. The region is a perfect doorstep to the mighty St. Lawrence River, one of the world’s best destinations for freshwater fishing for bass, walleye, muskie and carp – and countless other catches in between. 

3. If weather permits, get out on the water one last time. With water abounding in the area, the Bay of Quinte is a water sports enthusiast’s haven. For those without their own equipment, a quick visit to the Trenton Rowing & Paddling Club to rent a canoe, stand-up paddleboard and kayak gear, will set them up for a glorious day on the water.

4. Lace-up and hit the trails! The 8 km Brock Trail runs along Brockville’s beautiful waterfront in the historic downtown and continues north along Butler’s Creek and Buell’s Creek to the south side of the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area on Centennial Rd. This scenic paved pathway accommodates bicycles, roller blades, wheelchairs and strollers. A section of the Trail gives you the option to go West to St. Lawrence Park. 

5. Hop on your bikes and watch the fall colours unfold before your eyes while biking the Frontenac K&P Trail to Sharbot Lake. A distance of 66.5 km (one way) and max elevation of 238 m, the ride to Sharbot Lake provides an immersion in rural scenery. Harrowsmith and Verona offer mid-way rest stops, and the village of Sharbot Lake awaits with a public beach, coffee, ice cream, take-out meals and overnight accommodations.

6. Create the perfect family adventure and go apple picking! Grills Orchards will soon be the apple of your eye as a visit guarantees fun for the whole family. Pick some apples, sip hot cider, and hop on board a tractor ride! Looking for some evening fun? Bring your flashlight to Wynn Farms in Conway and decipher their corn maze in the dark!

Sightseeing & Tours

7. Visit Waupoo’s Petting Zoo and get ready for an extremely adorable day. Your family will be quacking and clucking as you roam the property among the free-roaming chickens and ducks and make friends with the baby chicks that follow!

8. Take a ghost walk…if you dare. Haunted Walks of Kingston is an award-winning and bone-chilling walk through the city’s historic streets. Your guide tells ghost stories during your stroll and we’ve heard of ghost sightings too!

9. Have a family day at the Aquatarium.The Aquatarium is home to live animals and chock full of information about the St. Lawrence from back when it was saltwater. Please note to book online as The Aquatarium currently offers guided tours only due to COVID-19. 

10. Take a helicopter tour: 1000 Islands Helicopter Toursoffers intimate, breathtaking aerial views of the 1000 Islands region with tours ranging from 10 minutes to a full hour in the helicopter! Soar over stunning landmarks such as Boldt Castle, the Ivy Lea Bridge, Singer Castle and the 1,864 islands scattered along the river. These panoramic views will give you a full understanding of why the region is called the 1000 Islands. 

Entertainment, Culture & Heritage

11. Don’t wait until Halloween to get into the spooky spirit, hold onto your loved ones and enter Fort Fright at your own risk! Kingston’s historic Fort Henry is turned into a haunted experience. Want something less scary but equally magical, Pumpkinferno at Upper Canada Village will captivate the entire brood as it is transformed into an enchanted wonderland with over 7,000 handcrafted glowing pumpkins set along a kilometre-long path in a picturesque 19th-century backdrop. 

12. Get Creative: Have fun with your fam jam and make your own scarecrow at the Prince Edward County Scarecrow Festival. This year, you will be able to pick up all of the supplies and create your masterpiece in your home.