Discovering Seasonal Routes

Summertime in Cornwall

Please note: This itinerary was created in 2021 Be sure to verify the information of every location you’re planning on visiting before heading out.

The short story: Cornwall is one of Ontario’s oldest communities and a historical gem. You can tour the Cornwall Museum, Historic SDG Jail, take the historic walking tour along Cornwall’s waterfront, and visit Lamoureux Park which offers scenic views of the Saint-Lawrence River and Cornwall Island.

Avid cyclists will enjoy the trails along the Saint-Lawrence River. The Trail runs through Guindon Park before turning south at Power Dam Drive. The Power Development Visitor Centre and the impressive RH Saunders Power Dam are worth a visit. Cornwall is also becoming a food destination as the agri-tourism sector is growing quickly in the region. Tracing its roots back to 1784, Cornwall retains the charm of small-town life. Nature lovers as well as arts and culture buffs will appreciate the area.

Calling all history and art lovers! This route found the sweet spot between old and new with loads of culture and history, along with the ability to create new art and explore with colors. Of course, we included some sweet treats and some of the best foods Cornwall has to offer. Hop on and enjoy the beautiful views of the Saint-Lawrence River.

Recommended travel dates: from August to end of October.

Travel area: Cornwall Ontario and surrounding area.

Directions to Iroquois:

From Ottawa: Take the 417 East up until the 138 South all the way to Cornwall.
From Toronto: Hop on the 401 East and let it lead you to your destination.
From Montreal: Take the 20 West which then becomes the 401 West all the way to Cornwall.

Download the itinerary right into your Maps application before leaving:

Option 1: Day trip (excludes accommodations but includes all other activities).
Option 2: Weekend trip (includes accommodations).

Prefer a printed itinerary?

Download the printable PDF (includes full weekend itinerary with accommodations).

Day 1

On your way to The Lost Villages Museum, start your day on the right foot and stop at Cowan’s Dairy located at 1195 Second Street West, Cornwall. They have all the regular treats including soft and hard ice cream, sundaes and milkshakes as well as homemade fudge. They even put a rural twist on the traditional beaver tail by concocting a warm and crispy pastry named the Cow Tongue. Get yours with the topping of your choice; they have so many flavours to pick from.

They also make delicious homemade fudge. If you can’t pick just one flavour, take the variety box and sample as much as you want. They also make excellent gifts! If you are not already tempted, try one of the many ice cream flavours: toasted s’mores, cotton candy, pralines & cream, black cherry, chocolate fudge brownie or lemon poppy seed. There is literally a flavour for everyone.

The Lost Villages Museum, located just on the outskirts of Cornwall at 16361 Fran Laflamme Drive, Long Sault, consists of ten heritage buildings, moved and restored to Ault Park from The Lost Villages and surrounding townships by the Lost Villages Historical Society. The buildings commemorate the flooding of July 1, 1958. Over 6,500 people were displaced for the construction of the Saint-Lawrence Seaway and International Hydro Electric Project.

Twenty years later, in 1977, The Lost Villages Historical Society was founded to tell the story of the homes and inhabitants. Learn about the history behind Ingleside and Long Sault or take in the sights on the walking path adjacent to the water. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day this summer. The buildings will be open to view but not to enter. The general store will be open with limited capacity.

Spicy Pearl, located at 9 First Street East, Cornwall, recently marked its first anniversary. The restaurant brings the flavours of Caribbean and Thai to the community with dishes from jerk chicken to thai curries. The community’s response has been amazing since the opening. Stop for lunch or dinner to try Jamaica’s national dish Ackee and Saltfish or Drunken Noodle.

The friendly owners Roger Caron and Yada Somrong, are passionate about the authenticity and flavour of all their dishes. All their dishes are made from scratch and from the best ingredients out there. Made without MSG and with food sensitivities in mind, you’ll have a clear conscience and your taste buds will thank you. You can also pick up some delicious eats such as ribs and jerk chicken as well as Thai skewers. The flavours will brighten your day! Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Rurban Brewing located at 412 Cumberland Street, Cornwall, initially opened its doors in December 2015. The region is quickly becoming a local craft beer route with its many breweries. Husband-wife duo Andy and Karen Rorabeck has produced well over three dozen different beers since 2015, with the Cornwall Golden Lager becoming the flagship product. During the warmer weather, refresh yourself with a cold Salted Lime Gose or the Cornwall Golden Lager on the patio.

The brewery features a retail shop and taproom where they offer samples, flights, cans and growlers. The tap room and patio will be open Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can also take beer to go. No reservations are being taken at the moment.

Accommodations

Stay at the Chesley’s Inn located at 40 First Street West, Cornwall. Built in 1814, Chesley’s Inn is one of the oldest inn in Ontario. You will be greeted by Hamish, the Inn’s resident Scottish Terrier. The beautiful gardens tended by the owner will impress you as much as the Georgian architecture.

Guests can enjoy the beautiful views with an afternoon treat and tea, take advantage of the complimentary bikes, and enjoy delicious breakfast highlighting local organic ingredients. The award-winning inn offers three bedrooms including breakfast. They also have a one two-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, ideal for families and you can also bring your pet (breakfast not included). They are a Safe Travel establishment and are conveniently located at a walking distance from Spicy Pearls and Rurban Brewing. Book your stay on the website.

Day 2

Every Sunday during the summer, the Cornwall Kinsmen Farmers’ Market welcomes you from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., where 30 local producers gather to offer you the best of their products: seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, meats, jams, maple syrup, baked goods, honey, beer and wine, in addition to soaps, bath bombs and handcrafted wood creations.

Find the market in the parking lot at St-Lawrence College in the East end on Montreal Road. It is the ideal place to meet the farmers and artisans who share their passion and pride for local products. Moreover, a small food court area allows you to savour your finds on the spot, so why not take advantage of it to have a picnic in the sun!

Get your creativity stream flowing at Creation Workshop located at unit 7, 812 Pitt Street, Cornwall. Paint your own ceramic at the studio. They have the customary mugs but also plant pots, garden gnomes, dinosaurs or figures for the children to choose from for your next project. They offer a wide variety of projects to paint.

Book your spot for patio painting with the kids, with a friend or your partner. They also host wheel classes and offer canvas and ceramic painting techniques. Visit their website or Facebook page to book a reservation and for hours of operation. During regular store hours, walk in to paint; you will be welcome if tables are available.

Birchwood Restaurant and Bar located at 119 Sydney Street, Cornwall offers lunch, Happy Hour and dinner fare. The chef/owner Carson Killham’s menu is inspired from fresh seasonal produce and New Zealand influence includes the lunch favourite, the pesto chicken sandwich, a refreshing zucchini salad, bowl of chorizo gnocchi, ramen and East Coast scallops.

The Birchwood Bruschetta is ideal for sharing during Happy Hour, complemented by wine, a cocktail or a beer from their extensive list. It’s the perfect combination for a sunny afternoon on the patio. Please note reservations are recommended due to limited patio seating. Hours of operation are Tuesday / Wednesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for lunch and Happy Hour, Thursday / Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for lunch, Happy Hour and dinner, and Saturday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner!