TAKE A DRIVE...
...MEET US HERE The protocols put into practice throughout the Bay of Quinte have made the region a safer place.
DIGITAL GUESTBOOK
(safely)
Sign in for your safety: the experts at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health have created a digital guestbook. It’s a totally confidential—and voluntary—tool that health officials can use to contact you if required, or to send important health updates. Visit hpepublichealth.ca/guestbook.
Don’t forget to wear a mask while you’re out and about within the community. And if you need a replacement, there are plenty of local shops and makers selling non-medical masks so your chin, mouth and nose are comfortably covered. For the latest recommendations on face coverings, visit ontario.ca/page/face-coverings-and-face-masks.
Preventing the transmission of a virus works best when hands are clean. Washing them often with soap and water is best, but businesses here are well equipped with plenty of hand sanitizer. For a refresher course in proper hand hygiene, visit publichealthontario.ca.
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Speaking of sanitizer, our businesses have gone above and beyond their (already excellent) cleaning protocols to meet and exceed industry standards. You can be assured that surfaces throughout the region are being cleaned and disinfected regularly for your safety and comfort.
Let’s get physical(ly distant)! You could gauge your (two-metre) distance with a hockey stick or pool noodle, but since we usually leave ours at home, we can rely on other measures like physical distancing floor and wall stickers and impermeable barriers (like plexiglass) to minimize close contact with others.
PROTOCOLS IN PRACTICE BAYOFQUINTE.CA/PROTOCOLS-IN-PRACTICE
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JEN ACHILLES
Media & Design
DUG STEVENSON Executive Director
TRANER
(the jokester)
LA ROCHA
(the leader)
HOWDY!
FROM THE BoQ TEAM
Would you believe us if we told you that over two weeks this past fall, we went on a horseback adventure in the hills, dove for a shipwreck in Lake Ontario and attempted our first-ever kick at spelunking (successfully, we might add)? If there’s one thing that world chaos has taught our BoQ Team, it’s that we’ve ended up in a spectacular region. None of us is from the Bay of Quinte, but we’re all pretty darn thankful it’s where we’ve settled. It’s a terrific area to raise a family, it’s safe and affordable, and it’s got a diverse jobs sector and enough outdoor adventures to swing a stick at (safely). What a great resumé for the place we call home. 4
COPYRIGHT
2021 BAY OF QUINTE REGIONAL MARKETING BOARD
WELCOME
COURTNEY KLUMPER Digital Marketing
TREVOR NORRIS Business Development
SAFFRON
DIOSA
(the thinker)
(the charmer)
This is us exploring the region on horseback at Fina Vista Farm
The past year has challenged us to explore every nook and cranny, and we keep finding new things (hence the spelunking). We bet that if you’re reading this intro, you’re up for that same challenge. When you take a drive and meet us here, you’ll also find some pretty great people behind the businesses that dot our waterfronts and mark our landscapes. We knew that already, but the power of this community’s relationships has been magnified of late, with Bay of Quinte locals banding together to support each other through tough times. The pandemic forced us to take a year off from printing for the first time since we started producing these Discovery Guides in 2013, but we’re feeling good to be back with our seventh edition and the stories it tells about our home. One disclaimer, though—readers beware—once you visit, you might end up wanting to call this place home, too. GET IN TOUCH:
BAYOFQUINTE.CA
INFO@BAYOFQUINTE.CA
613-968-4427 FOLLOW US:
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THÉRÈSE CILIA
strawberrysnail.com Thérèse is a painter and illustrator whose whimsical and meticulously detailed artwork finds a home in children’s books, fine art prints, stationery, textiles and commissions. She is inspired by stories of the human spirit and the natural world.
EMILY DE SOUSA
JEN CORMIER
seasidewithemily.com
thenextriplist.com
Emily is a travel writer covering sustainable tourism and coastal travel, plus wine and food culture. She is the founder of Seaside with Emily, a sustainable travel brand that helps millennial women experience the world through food and drink.
The best trip ideas might be right in your own backyard. On her blog The Next Trip List, Jen curates her favourite travel adventures while discovering that there’s nothing quite like sticking close to home and being a tourist in your own province.
CONTRIBUTORS KELSEY MONIZ
MELANIE HARRINGTON
MIRANDA FABRICIUS
@easthill_revival on Instagram
coffeeandgloss.com
Melanie is the owner and operator of Dahlia May Flower Farm, located in the rolling hills of Quinte West. She is a lover of nature and brings her work and background in art and horticulture to her passion for growing beautiful flowers.
As an old-home enthusiast, Miranda shares bits of hometown history and her latest renovation projects on Instagram. Miranda is often found sketching out floor plans, or pulling up carpet with hopes for well-preserved hardwood underneath.
Kelsey has been blogging since 2009, having started her career at a Canadian teen magazine called Vervegirl. In addition to working with Belleville’s Downtown District Business Improvement Area, Kelsey continues to write on her blog, called Coffee and Gloss.
dahliamayflowerfarm.com
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CONTRIBUTORS
ASH MURRELL
ashmurrell.com
Generous, kind and always up for a laugh, Ash is a photographer who likes to experiment and has a deep appreciation for capturing the story behind the subject. He is originally from the UK, and we feel pretty lucky that he ended up here in the BoQ.
JEANNIE PHAN
ANDREW TAYLOR
jeanniephan.com
@justdadbloggin on Instagram
Jeannie is an award-winning freelance illustrator with years of experience in the field. She works in a broad spectrum of subject areas, and her client list includes The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Globe and Mail, The Walrus, NPR and Vogue, to name a few.
A proud father of two magnificent girls, Andrew is telling his dad-life story on social media and creating a place to share tips and advice for new parents and families. Finding success in a world where he never thought he would, he has worked with multiple brands and products both locally and nationwide.
RONALD RIVERA
@dacrivera777 on Instagram A photographer born and raised in the Philippines, Ronald loves a good collaboration. Having recently graduated from the Public Relations & Event Management Program at Loyalist College, he has set his sights on becoming a significant member of the Canadian media industry.
AMIE RENAUD
LAUREN YAKIWCHUK
@adventuring.amie on Instagram
justinpluslauren.com
Originally from Quinte West and a fan of the Bay of Quinte region, Amie has always been an explorer at heart. She now spends her time exploring the West Coast by bike, hike and boat and is passionate about sailing, outdoor adventure and building community through her lifestyle and writing.
Lauren is a full-time vegan travel blogger and content creator slowly travelling the world in search of the best outdoor adventures and sustainable travel experiences. When she isn't travelling, she spends time at home in Mississauga with her partner Justin and their two rescue cats.
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO EDITOR ELIZABETH D’ANJOU FOR HER IMPECCABLE WORD WIZARDRY
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CHECKING IN What do bowties, Polaroids and hotels have in common? They’re classics, and there’s a reason classics are always in style. In the case of hotels, it’s hard to turn down a free breakfast and an afternoon by the pool. Between Belleville and Quinte West, there are over a thousand hotel rooms under brand-name roofs, prepped with industry-leading cleaning protocols, like We Care Clean™ and Clean Stay™, to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Plus, they’re easily accessible from Highway 401—and our historic downtowns are just a jaunt away.
THE AMENITIES ROOMS
Towels and bathrobes and free toiletries—these are a few of our favourite things! Accessibility features like roll-in showers mean a comfortable stay for every traveller. So throw your bags down and get cozy on that stack of perfectly plush pillows—you made it.
SWIMMING POOLS
Indoor or outdoor pool? It deep-ends where you stay. Either way, pack your suit, sunblock and goggles for some splish-splashy fun. At the handful of waterfront properties in the region, you could even make the dash from the hotel to dip your toes into the bay.
BREAKFAST + SNACK BARS
Take your pick between a modified dine-in breakfast and grab-and-go options to suit your comfort level. Late-night cravings are no match for the on-site snack bars; your travel companion(s) will crown you the road-trip hero when you return with an armful of sweet, salty and sour morsels to munch on.
FREE PARKING + Wi-Fi
Pocket the money you would have paid for parking in the city, and save it instead for the sights and sounds of the Bay of Quinte region. Make the most of the free Wi-fi by checking local beach reports, booking your dinner reservation or ordering online from that cool brewery you saw on Instagram. 8
ACCOMMODATIONS
Many hotels in the region are pet-friendly, which means there’s room for the whole family to tag along.
At select properties, your phone can provide contactless check-in and become your digital room key.
Live like a local; restaurants, shopping, parks and other attractions are within walking distance of most hotels.
BAYOFQUINTE.CA/STAY-A-WHILE
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A WEEKEND ADVENTURE IN BELLEVILLE Written by Emily De Sousa
This is the Bay of Quinte
Bayshore Trail photographed by Monika Kraska
fter spending a weekend in Belleville, I know that this area is so much more than a drive-through city on the way to Prince Edward County. It is a beautiful, flourishing place with small-town charm, an incredible foodie scene, a sense of community and an impressive cohort of young entrepreneurs. I arrived around dinnertime on a Friday and checked into an adorable converted carriage house in the Old East Hill neighbourhood; it’s definitely one of the most charming places I’ve stayed in during my travels. The bright furniture and large windows made the place feel super welcoming. It’s hard to beat the location, too. You can walk to Belleville’s Downtown District in less than 15 minutes, admiring the historic homes along the way. This made for the perfect evening stroll to pick up takeout dinner from Capers, a favourite local dining option that serves seasonal dishes and local craft beer. After a long workday and a few hours of driving from Guelph, I was stoked to devour their Smash Burger with a beer from Wild Card Brewing Company and call it a day. 10
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The next morning began with breakfast from the famous L’Auberge de France. This bakery is well known for its pastries, so I had to get my hands on some! I grabbed a coffee and a couple of fresh croissants to go so I could enjoy a picnic breakfast in one of the city’s parks. Belleville has a great trail system that can be used by pedestrians or cyclists to easily navigate the city. If you need to rent a bike, Ideal Bike is in the heart of downtown and they can set you up for a few hours to do some exploring. I ended up walking the Riverfront Trail to Zwick’s Park, where I finally dug into my croissants, which did not disappoint. Flaky, warm, and eaten in a beautiful park—I could’ve been fooled into thinking I was in Paris! After soaking up the sunshine in Zwick’s Park I headed back to the Downtown District, which is home to tons of cute shops and boutiques, each with its own unique charm.
Because one would have been lonely ;)
Picnic lunch in Zwick’s Park
One of my favourites was Pure Honey Boutique; the shop has very earthy, feminine vibes and so many beautiful in-season pieces to choose from. I almost purchased a whole new wardrobe here! Around the corner at Funk & Grüven, I found myself shopping for apartment furniture that I do not need. There were so many great finds that I couldn’t help myself ! Belleville also has another unique reclaimed furniture store, Attic Revival, that will convert second-hand skeptics into professional thrifters. After all that shopping I had worked up an appetite, so I headed to Chilangos Mexican Restaurant for lunch. It was hard to decide what to order because their menu is full of delicious, authentic Mexican dishes. I ended up going with the Tres Amigos to start and ordered Tacos Dorados as my main dish. Of course, I washed down my nachos and tacos with a refreshing Margarona. Funk & Grüven A-Z photographed by Johnny C.Y. Lam
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My initial late-afternoon-to-early-evening plan was to enjoy the city’s annual Porchfest event, an East Hill neighbourhood celebration of music where musicians perform on front porches to an audience that moves from house to house. Unfortunately, this year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19, but I’ve already marked it on my calendar for next year! Instead, I continued exploring the Downtown District shops and galleries. I also popped by the Village Wings mural on Bridge Street East, which is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city—and conveniently located across the street from my next stop.
A scene from Porchfest 2019
Bridge dining this way!
The Lark is a spirited neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar in the downtown core. I had their gnocchi for dinner and it was amazing! I also tried their Spill the Tea cocktail, an excellent gin-based drink made with aquafaba instead of egg whites, to make it vegan friendly! The atmosphere inside The Lark was very warm and welcoming, even with all the safety precautions in place. For late-night fun in Belleville, I suggest checking out The Pier Patio for the waterfront view and live music every Friday and Saturday night. It’s the perfect nightcap after an adventure-filled day. If local beer is more your thing, grab a seat on the massive riverfront patio at Signal Brewing Company just north of the city. It’s the ideal setting to enjoy a cold, locally brewed beer on a hot summer day. Phew, that was a lot of stuff to see and do in 24 hours. I’ll definitely be adding an extra day or two to my next visit as I continue to discover this ever-changing, dynamic city.
Patio views at Signal Brewing Company
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VISIT DISCOVERBELLEVILLE.CA
CHOOSE BELLEVILLE Belleville is a thriving community that cultivates creativity. The arts, historic neighbourhoods, small independent shops, waterfront trails, craft beer, live music and the very best food and dining experiences make it the perfect place to enjoy small-town charm with big-city amenities.
Photograph courtesy of Holly McMurter Photographs
Whether you’re staying for a weekend, a week or even longer, accommodation options include nine hotels plus a variety of short-term rentals to fulfill your getaway needs for business or pleasure.
Discover #discoverbelleville
CHOOSE BELLEVILLE AND EXPLORE MORE OF OUR CITY AT DISCOVERBELLEVILLE.CA
A FAMILY STAYCATION IN QUINTE WEST Written and Photographed by Andrew Taylor
Visiting Dahlia May Flower Farm
y family and I recently moved to the Bay of Quinte area from the city. We have been slowly adjusting to our new life in the region and realizing just how much there is to do here. Our fresh start has shown us how beautiful this place is, so when we needed a getaway, with our two daughters in tow, my fiancée, Shannon, and I packed our bags and headed to a riverfront cottage within the region. It seemed like a perfect staycation destination. As soon as we arrived, all of our eyes lit up. We had pulled up to a beautiful four-season cottage—with a loft!—located right on the Trent-Severn Waterway. We immediately loved the view and how peaceful it was in this northern part of Quinte West. 14
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Our first stop that night was to Dimitri’s Pizzeria and Restaurant just down the road in Frankford. As soon as we walked in the door, the friendly staff welcomed our kids with great big smiles; we loved the family atmosphere! We’ll definitely be coming back again and bringing our appetites with us. We returned to the cottage full and happy, ready to settle in for the night. The next morning we headed out to the nearby Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area. I love that this adventure is a short hike, making it very doable for our kids. We had a nice family walk along the trails, where the kids kept talking about how excited they were to “see the big rock.” They had lots of fun discovering the area and running wild around the rock, and we definitely made some fun and silly memories!
This is the Trent-Severn Waterway.
From there we took a trip to Dahlia May Flower Farm. This small, female-owned operation grows a variety of flowers, supplying fresh, seasonal cut blooms and bouquets at a farm stand on Stockdale Road. I love that my family and I got to explore this beautiful setting; it was just so magical. After our morning adventures the kids were hungry, and mom and dad needed coffee—which meant it was time for lunch. We made our way to The Riverbrake Cafe in downtown Trenton for fresh, delicious sandwiches and a spectacular view of the Trent River. After we finished eating and walking through downtown, we felt pulled towards our next local business.
Front-row seats at the cottage
Do you know what my favourite treat is? Well, anything sweet, really! I’d heard many good reviews about a nearby bakery: Wannamaker’s Bakeshop. They are known for their delicious, fresh baked goods! Fresh cinnamon buns, doughnuts, cookies—this is a piece of heaven to me. Looking at all the freshly made doughnuts and unable to decide, we chose to pick up a half-dozen to take away. The Oreo, chocolate dip and vanilla dip with sprinkles were our favourites. Massive treats from Wannamakers Bakeshop
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Objects are larger than they appear in this photo.
After coming back to the cottage, it was time to sit back and relax by the fire and admire the view of the Trent-Severn before dinner. Once we were all rested, we made our way down to Momma’s Diner, which has a classic diner look to it. The friendly customer service paired perfectly with our order of a classic cheeseburger and fries—just what we needed. The kids enjoyed their chicken fingers while pretending to read the menu together. It was a quiet night, which was what we needed after a full day of activities! The next day we woke up ready to explore more of what the Bay of Quinte has to offer as we slowly made our way home. We stopped at Sager Conservation Area, which has an excellent trail that’s not long at all, even with two kids—our girls were running through the leaves like there was no tomorrow! The stairs on the trail are a bit of a workout, so be prepared, but once you’re at the top, you’ll see the amazing lookout tower! After a few flights of stairs you can enjoy the great view of the surrounding forests and hills.
But not these two, they are in fact small. The kids tackle the Sager Conservation Tower
Next stop: Grills Orchards! This country market and orchard provides an opportunity to learn, explore and have some fun. With a full stock of fresh vegetables, fruits and tasty products, they are a terrific local food store with an entire section dedicated to local artisans and craft makers. Depending on current safety restrictions, Grills also offers pick-your-own apples and wagon rides to the pumpkin patch and corn maze. (This is a picture from 2019; we’re crossing our fingers for next year!) Even though our staycation is over, we’ve discovered that there’s lots more to do. We can’t wait to continue exploring the local shops and outdoor activities here in the Bay of Quinte. This staycation adventure was so much fun! And a good reminder that getting away doesn’t have to take you very far from home.
Hoping for a wagon ride at Grills next year!
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VISIT QUINTEWEST.CA
COME ASHORE & discover
Photographed by Ash Murrell
Situated on the shores of the Bay of Quinte at the mouth of the Trent-Severn Waterway, Quinte West is a safe, well-planned community surrounded by rich farmland and over 85 km of trails in 3,300 acres of parks and conservation areas. All that plus two amazing lookouts, nine golf courses and one small ski hill (with a big heart) means plenty of space for the perfect outdoor adventure.
Written and photographed by Lauren Yakiwchuk righton radiates smalltown charm and is the perfect home base for outdoor adventures, like hiking at Presqu’ile Provincial Park and Proctor Park Conservation Area. That charm extends to Main Street, where you can shop for one-of-a-kind treasures at local businesses. It’s also a foodie’s paradise: you can visit farm stands and markets, pick your own fruits and vegetables and taste delicious meals from restaurants that you’ll only find here. Add in a picturesque lakeside accommodation and you’ve got plans for a wonderful weekend getaway. Presqu’ile Provincial Park features a captivating landscape of dense forests, sandy lakefront beaches and the largest protected wetland on the north shore of Lake Ontario. There are over 16 kilometres of trails, making it the perfect place to spend a half or full day. In October the colours are awe-inspiring, and once winter arrives you can go crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing. There’s also a magnificent lighthouse, where I learned about the region’s history of disastrous shipwrecks. The Birdhouse Nature Store is around the corner from Presqu’ile, so it’s easy to combine a visit to the shop with your trip to the park. They’ve got all your bird-watching essentials, whether you’re looking for bird houses, feeders or seed. Less than a kilometre north of downtown Brighton is Proctor Park Conservation Area, which is home to the historic Proctor House Museum (open to the public in July and August). I visited Morning coffee at the Tiny House
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Proctor Park for its scenic hiking trails; although the main loop trail spans only three kilometres, it was one of my favourite paths to wander. It goes up and down short hills through the Butler Creek Valley. You’ll be surrounded by tall trees and can venture across small wooden bridges and be dazzled by the nature that surrounds you.
Seven acres transformed into two corn mazes.
The area is also dotted with many small farms, like the family-owned and operated Cricklewood Farm. They sell fresh produce and locally made food items, and you can pick your own apples, pumpkins and raspberries, depending on the season. In the fall, get lost (like I did!) in their elaborate corn maze, which has a different path carved into it each year. My next stop was just down the road at Cheer Farms, a popular farm and market that has supplied the community with farm-fresh produce for decades. While there’s an impressive display of fruits and vegetables just outside the shop doors, there’s a sizable selection indoors, too. This is where you’ll find their famous baked goods, like pies, pastries, candy apples, butter tarts and apple crisps. For those in the know, Dunnett Orchards is one of the best places for apple picking in Brighton. It’s been a staple in the community since it opened in 1909. You can wander the orchards and pick your own apples, or grab a bag of ready-picked ones to go.
Lost then found at Cricklewood Farm
Speaking of food, Lola’s Cafe downtown is a top choice for breakfast, lunch and delicious coffee any time of the day. Lola’s caters to those following vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets, with those selections clearly marked on the menu. There’s a calm and casual dining atmosphere indoors, but I also enjoyed relaxing on the small sidewalk patio out front. Row upon row of apple trees at Dunnett Orchards
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The Rendezvous Food Truck
For a variety of tempting comfort foods, the Rendezvous Airstream trailer-turned-foodtruck at Timber House Resort is a must. I suggest the vegan black bean burger, which is absolutely delicious. In need of a sweet treat? Mrs. B’s Country Candy is a local Brighton chocolate shop where the treats are made the old-fashioned way: by hand, and one batch at a time. The chocolate here is high quality and super fresh, and it contains no preservatives. There’s milk, dark and white in various shapes and designs to celebrate every occasion. For a cool shopping experience, Special Effects Lifestyle Boutique is a lovely little shop inside a charming home from the 1850s. You can wander through the rooms to find treasures and surprises around each turn. I loved the selection of boutique clothing and accessories, beautiful art pieces, home decor and locally made gourmet food products.
This is Lake Ontario right here.
During my staycation, I settled into a tiny house with a big view, which certainly lived up to its name! The cozy cabin is perched on the edge of Lake Ontario, with stunning scenery from the deck and from the Muskoka chairs by the fire pit. It’s surprisingly spacious and bright, with a kitchenette, bathroom, seating area—with spectacular views of the lake—and a loft bedroom. It’s secluded and super peaceful. Brighton is an idyllic small town and a great spot for your next Ontario road trip. There’s an adorable main street with delightful shops, mouth-watering dining options and farm-fresh foods at local markets. And nature is right on your doorstep!
A very big view
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VISIT BRIGHTON.CA
YOU T H + EXP ER I ENCE + CI T Y MOVING E X P ER T S Tim McKinney grew up in the Bay of Quinte and has over 30 years of experience in the local real estate market. Sarah and Alexandra know what younger buyers are looking for in a property and have a wealth of community connections. With almost half of their 100 homes sold in 2020 going to buyers from outside the area, Team Tim McKinney are experts in finding you what you want in the Bay of Quinte region. Team Tim McKinney Re/Max Quinte Ltd. Broker & Sales Representatives
timmckinney.com
Written and Photographed by Jen Cormier
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The Fox Pod at Lil Crow
rowing up near the Bay of Quinte, there were many times when I travelled by Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, either passing it along the highway or going through it on the way to nearby summer adventures. It had always sparked my curiosity, so I finally decided to stop and explore this unique part of eastern Ontario. I discovered that it can be well worth getting off of the main roads and exploring unknown (to me) parts of the province. The culture, art and natural attractions made this a truly special trip, and a meaningful opportunity to learn about the Kenhtè:ke Kanyen'kehá:ka, which means Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte in the Mohawk language. 22
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If you are looking for a place to unplug from the hustle of everyday life, Lil Crow Cabin fits the bill. The stunning panoramic views, the kayaks for paddling the bay, and the outdoor hot tub for an evening spent stargazing are all a part of the experience. The sheer beauty of this place alone will put you in a relaxed frame of mind. Making this spot truly unique are the special touches added by owners Kimberly and David Maracle. You’ll want to spend some time admiring the murals outside the cabin and the curated collection of Indigenous art inside. David himself is a worldrenowned artist, and some of the collection is his own work. We made great use of the kayaks at the cabin; you can launch into the bay right from the property, explore the marshes and islands just off the shore, then time your return to watch the sun set over the water. We took a paddle on a brisk October day, and the stunning colours during the golden hour made the experience even more glorious—it felt like the middle of summer.
Epic sunsets on the Bay right here.
Sunset on the Bay of Quinte
The Lil Crow property is expanding, too. In addition to the Fox Pod Den—which we stayed in—there is also the main cabin (with a hot tub and gazebo), the Crow Nest Bunkie (a bedroom glamping unit with gazebo) and the Beaver Pod Den (a second glamping unit, complete with a cozy fireplace). Sorry, kiddos, all units are adults only. During my stay, I learned about a number of local artisans who are carrying on Mohawk traditions and culture through their art. One such artist is Rebecca Maracle—a fourth-generation Mohawk feathersmith. Using plumage from a variety of birds, her designs tell stories of spirituality and emotion. If you are looking for a dream catcher that is truly hand crafted by a local artist, this is the place to go. A glimpse inside the cabin
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We made an appointment at Millside Ceramics, the home studio of artist Marleen Murphy, to check out her collection. Pieces that caught my eye included friendship circles, smudge bowls and medicine wheels, all of which are rooted in traditional teachings. Marleen’s work is such a special part of Canadian storytelling that it was chosen to represent Canada at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver; you’ll definitely want to take home a piece from her collection yourself. I loved her assortment of holiday ornaments, perfect for my own tree and as great gifts with a special story behind them. Afterwards, we made our way to Christ Church, Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal of the Mohawk, an impressive church with much historical significance. Built by the Mohawks over 170 years ago, it is one of TheChapels Gallery Royal Café outside the United only six Kingdom, and one of two in Canada. I’d recommend also taking a respectful walk through the church graveyard, which is the resting place of Dr. Oronhyatekha, one of the earliest academically accredited Indigenous medical doctors in Canada. If you love history, stop and read the plaque about his life—it’s fascinating. A few of Marleen’s Millside Ceramics
Enjoy the little things in life.
Millside Ceramics
Finally we ventured to Native Renaissance, a gift shop, art gallery and café all under one roof. The Native Art Gallery showcases a wide variety of work by well-known Indigenous artists, and the gift shop carries everything from handmade moccasins to children’s books and toys. The gift options here are excellent if you have little ones to shop for. Upstairs you’ll find the Gallery Café, where you can enjoy the popular daily quiches and traditional fare like corn soup and cornbread. The Territory is taking extra care with safety protocols, ensuring health is a top priority for the community. It’s best to get in touch with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Administration office before planning your visit.
Gifts galore at Native Renaissance
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VISIT MBQ-TMT.ORG
KENHTÈ:KE KANYEN'KEHÁ:KA Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Tyendinaga, as part of the Mohawk Nation, is a healthy, sustainable Kanyen'kehá:ka community, built on and united by our language, culture, traditions, knowledge and history. We exercise our rights and responsibilities for the protection of and respect for our people, our land, our resources and the environment.
ANNUAL EVENTS
MOHAWK LANDING
TYENDINAGA POW WOW
MOHAWK FAIR
Every May Across from 353 Bayshore Rd mbq-tmt.org
Every August Tsi tkerhitoten Park 275 Bayshore Rd mbq-tmt.org
Every September Tyendinaga Fairgrounds 1807 York Rd mohawkfair.com
mbq-tmt.org
MEET THE FARMERS
In a region with a generations-long history of agriculture, we celebrate what we grow. Written & Photographed by Courtney Klumper
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Things at Palliser Downs began with strawberries in 2005, but it’s been these oblong blue gems that are taking over their hearts (and orchards, since 2011). To say that the haskap (photographed here by James) is like a blueberry might imply that it isn’t delicious in its own right. Its intensely blue flesh invites the comparison, but it dances on your tongue between tart and sweet with a juicy acidity that keeps you reaching for another handful. The Potts say that the haskap plant is quite resilient in cooler climates, thriving in the (often) wet conditions of their property and capable of surviving a chilly frost. James and Audrey are the very definition of warm and welcoming to farm visitors. They started the farm after closing their used bookstore in downtown Belleville in 2003. But having retired from business ownership and, before that, from teaching careers does not mean they are showing any signs of slowing down. If the overflowing bookshelves and stacks of books hiding under their coffee table are any indication, James and Audrey are lifelong learners—as well as educators. They are vocal champions for nutrient-dense foods like the haskaps, strawberries, tart cherries, currants and saskatoon berries they tend so carefully.
VISIT @PALLISERDOWNS ON FACEBOOK
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AGRICULTURE
askap berries will be the next big thing, if you ask James and Audrey Potts. The couple, whose farm sits at the intersection of Frankford Road and Highway 62 in Quinte West, started growing this lesser-known berry a few years back.
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AGRICULTURE
ass on the pumpkin-spice products and go straight to the source instead. Cheer Farms may have garnered a reputation as an autumn destination for apples, pumpkins and squash, but Farmer Dave (as he is affectionately known) is harvesting the freshest produce throughout the entire growing season. Along with his wife, Loraine, and their two daughters, Kim and Jennifer, they go at full speed from Mother’s Day weekend through Christmas Eve, including hosting an impressive 30-foot booth at Brighton’s annual Applefest. The Cheer family’s business started out as a humble roadside stand: “We transformed it from nothing to everything we have here today,” says Kim. That “everything” includes a large cooler for picked produce; frozen meals prepared in the on-site kitchen; bins and baskets stacked high with fresh fruits and vegetables; and shelves filled with gourmet culinary products from across Ontario and Canada. Oh, and the real treat: Loraine and Jennifer whip up homey baked goods—a number of which are family recipes—that fill the shop with an irresistible aroma of butter, vanilla and cinnamon that you’ll wish you could capture in a bottle. Like other local farmers, they can’t keep up with the demand, so they have plans to expand the business even further with a larger kitchen, a walk-in cooler and freezer and possibly (fingers crossed) a pickyour-own section in the apple orchard to make customer visits that much more of a farm experience. “We want to make a memory for people, not just be a stop along the way,” says Jennifer.
VISIT CHEERFARMS.COM
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The holiday season is abundant with traditions, and the Martin family has made cutting your own Christmas tree a treasured one in the Quinte area since they opened in 2006. What started as a family tradition of cutting trees with Janet and Paul’s own kids 29 years ago grew over time —much like the balsam and fraser firs and blue spruces that grow on their farm in the rural part of Belleville—into the idea for their business. Paul had anticipated the farm being a retirement project, but with growing support from the community, fellow tree growers and organizations like the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association, it’s developed into a year-round project for the Martins. From April through to Christmas, work on the farm is full-time and includes planting, weeding, pruning and removing cones—by hand—from each of the 42,000 or so trees. The trees, which take about seven or eight years to grow to a holiday-ready eight-foot height, cover 45 acres; this leaves visitors with plenty of choice as they search the verdant property for their perfect tree. The entire farm experience is a festive one, with Christmas music piped outside the large gabled barn, toasty warm bonfires, and local sweet treats as well as wreaths, urns and other holiday decor available in the retail section. Even though their so-called retirement project turned into a full-time job, Paul says they wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love the outdoors, and we all love Christmas … visitors often refer to the farm as ‘our farm.’ People love coming here.”
VISIT DENMARFARMS.COM
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AGRICULTURE
ould it be terribly clichéd to say that the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year at Denmar Farms? Possibly, but it is the reason Janet and Paul Martin started the Christmas tree farm in the first place.
Peter Piper can have his peppers. We prefer picking pecks of perfect apples. Use this handy apple map to find your own picking place. Illustration by Jeannie Phan 1 - COATES ORCHARDS FARM MARKET bit.ly/coatesorchards 639 County Rd 30, Brighton (613) 475-1685
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2 - CHEER FARMS cheerfarms.com 365 Main St, Brighton (613) 475-1717 3 - CRICKLEWOOD FARM cricklewood.ca 14953 County 2 Rd, Brighton (613) 475-4293
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4 - APPLE GATES ORCHARDS bit.ly/applegatesorchard 728 Stockdale Rd, Quinte West (613) 392-3172 5 - CREW’S COUNTRY MARKET f @Crews Country Market 1125 County Rd 40, Quinte West (613) 394-3519
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6 - DUNNETT ORCHARDS ruralroutes.com/dunnett 143 Dundas St, Brighton (613) 475-0465
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7 - GRILLS ORCHARDS grillsorchards.com 886 Grills Rd, Quinte West (613) 968-6757 8 - HILLTOP FRUITSTAND hilltopfruitstand.com 202 Johnstown Rd, Quinte West (613) 394-4923 34
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AGRICULTURE
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PETAL POWER In our opinion, whoever said “flowers are always a good idea” was a genius. You know who else we consider a genius? Melanie Harrington from Dahlia May Flower Farm. She put this list of flowers together to show you not only what she (and her dedicated team) grows on her farm but also what you could grow yourself.
d tra t e Illus
by Th
a se C ili érè
DAHLIAS
Dahlias are easy to grow and incredibly rewarding. The flowers come in a SUNFLOWERS rainbow of colours and are excellent for If you are hoping to raise a cutting. Every year their roots produce gardener, have your children tubers that multiply the plants for a gift plant sunflowers! Large seeds that keeps on giving! Consider these your make it easy, and some varieties gateway into a life of gardening. grow up to 12 feet tall! 38
PARROT TULIPS
Their ruffled petals and striking colours make them a far cry from your basic tulips. Plant these in your garden in the fall and be rewarded in May with blooms that will return every spring— if you can fight the urge to cut them, that is!
AGRICULTURE
ANEMONES
One of the most eyecatching and productive early bloomers. Pro tip : Start these corms in your house in February for an early taste of spring, transplanting them outside in April.
ZINNIAS
The perfect companion for your tomatoes and cucumbers because they deter cucumber beetles and tomato worms. Bonus points? They bloom all summer long, are drought tolerant and, best of all, attract butterflies!
DAFFODILS
Many specialty shops offer types with double centres, ruffled and RANUNCULUS uniquepetals colours. Ra-NUN-cue-lus is Get bulbs in the certainly a mouthful! ground during the This reliable flower fall and enjoy pops up in gardens in blooms every May and June and will spring for years last for weeks to come. in a vase! 39
DEEPLY ROOTED by Melanie Harrington y father is responsible for instilling in me a sense of wonder at the natural world. I remember planting sunflower seeds with Dad as a four-year-old. Imagine the marvel of planting a tiny seed and watching it grow into a flower that towered over me! It was like magic, and I was hooked. Thirty years later I’m still surrounded by blooms, growing over three and a half acres of cut flowers at Dahlia May Flower Farm in the rolling Murray Hills of Quinte West. Growing flowers is a wonderful way to bring birds, bees and butterflies right into your own garden. The best part? It’s easy to do, and you don’t need much space to do it. Pop some seeds in the ground and practice patience. You will be rewarded with splendid abundance.
Happy planting!
Photograph by BKH Photo
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PEONIES My grandmother's garden full of peonies ignited my love for these hardy blooms. Many peonies will flower for decades, creating generations of peony lovers. These flowers are perfect for cutting and enjoying in your house. They do have one drawback: it seems peonies and ants go hand in hand. Ants are attracted to and eat the sweet nectar secreted by the peony bud. Before taking peony flowers into your home, turn them upside-down in a bucket of water to remove any ants. DAHLIAS My parents’ love of this bloom inspired the name of our farm, Dahlia May, and today we grow over 3,000 dahlia plants a year. Dahlias grow from a tuber (which looks similar to a potato) that you can plant in the spring. Every fall the tubers must be dug up after the first frost and stored inside in paper bags for the winter. SUNFLOWERS Sunflowers can be planted to use as support for peas and beans to climb. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when planting sunflowers; beyond the classic yellow there are many shades of red, brown, copper, cream and even black available. Every year we plant over an acre of sunflowers on our farm for visitors to walk through and photograph. It’s a pretty dreamy place to be in September! FOLLOW ALONG WITH @DAHLIAMAYFLOWERFARM ON INSTAGRAM
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TULIPS Years ago, I had the opportunity to visit tulip fields in the Netherlands while they were in full bloom. Row upon row of colour for kilometres on end—I was blown away. Every spring we do our part to recreate that magic here in the Quinte area, growing over 60,000 specialty tulips on our flower farm. These tulips are all cultivated for cutting, to brighten the tables of many in our community. Pro tip: Keep the squirrels and chipmunks from digging up your bulbs by planting them at least eight inches deep.
BUILD YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Our neighbour, Prince Edward County, is Canada’s fastest growing wine region. Booking a wine tour package makes it really easy to stay up here and tour down there.
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Illustration by Jeannie Phan 1 - GRANGE OF PRINCE EDWARD WINERY grangewinery.com 990 Closson Rd, Hillier (613) 399-1048 2 - ROSEHALL RUN VINEYARDS rosehallrun.com 1243 Greer Rd, Wellington (613) 399-1183
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3 - SANDBANKS WINERY sandbankswinery.com 17598 Loyalist Pkwy, Wellington (613) 399-1839 4 - CLOSSON CHASE VINEYARDS clossonchase.com 7 629 Closson Rd, Hillier (613) 399-1418
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5 - KARLO ESTATES WINERY karloestates.com 561 Danforth Rd, Wellington (613) 399-3000 6 - KEINT-HE WINERY & VINEYARDS keint-he.ca 49 Hubbs Creek Rd, Wellington (613) 399-5308 7 - HUFF ESTATES WINERY & INN huffestates.com 2274 Prince Edward County Rd 1, Bloomfield (613) 393-1414 44
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FOOD + DRINK
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PERFECT PAIRINGS
When life gives you lemons, you might as well make lemonade—and by lemonade we mean beer and cider. And, as luck would have it, the BoQ is home to some pretty amazing local craft beer and cider makers. So, we’ve travelled the world without leaving the region to bring you this list of tasty take-out options from around the globe, then paired them with some local liquids to help make staying put a little easier to swallow.
GERMANY MEXICO
KOREA ITALY JAPAN
Gogi Korean Grill Chicken Bulgogi f @GogiKoreanGrill Tomasso’s Italian Grille Seafood Fettuccine tomassos.ca Toro Sushi Rockstar Special f @torosushi2012
AMERICA
GREECE
Vito’s Souvlaki Dinner vitosbrighton.ca
JAMAICA 46
Chilangos Mole Poblano Con Pollo chilangos.ca
Burger Revolution Burger of the Month burgerrevolution.ca
INDIA
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The Gables Restaurant Jägerschnitzel thegablesrestaurant.net
Royal Haveli Lamb Vindaloo royalhaveli.ca Caribbean Jerk Spot Curried Goat Roti f @caribbeanjerkspot
BAYOFQUINTE.CA/LETS-EAT
FOOD + DRINK
KOLSCH
Rudimentary Kolsch-Inspired Ale wildcardbrewco.com
STOUT
Gamma Ray Imperial Coffee Stout signal.beer
PILSNER
Radio Tube German-Style Beer signal.beer
CIDER
Crisp, Acidic Bottle Conditioned Cider daughterscider.ca
LAGER
Cardinal Truth Lagered Red Ale wildcardbrewco.com
PORTER
Back Roads Vanilla Porter meyerscreekbrewing.ca
DOUBLE IPA
Notoriously Juicy Opaque Double IPA wildcardbrewco.com
IPA
Power Cut New England IPA signal.beer
SOUR
Volt Dry Hop Blackberry signal.beer
BAYOFQUINTE.CA/LETS-SIP
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Experience the flavours of authentic homemade Mexican cuisine in Downtown Belleville. 394 Front St, Belleville, ON (613) 771-9292 chilangos.ca
Dine on the riverside patio this summer!
Fri & Sat till 7pm (July & August) November – April Daily 11am – 5pm
$10 for a flight of five wines or complimentary with the purchase of two or more bottles.
tours
May – October Daily 11am – 6pm
tastingS
HOURS
Founded in 2000, Sandbanks Winery is one of the region’s oldest and most outstanding wineries, offering a large selection of award-winning VQA and reserve wines. With an array of local cheeses, charcuterie and treats available, sit back and relax in the vineyard picnic area with a glass of wine while taking in the wonderful atmosphere of Prince Edward County.
Complimentary
FIND US
vineyard tours daily
17598 Loyalist Parkway Wellington, ON K0K 3L0 (613) 399-1839
at 11am, 12pm and 2pm during the summer season.
sandbankswinery.com
In addition to the food grown in the Bay of Quinte there is food made here—like breakfast cereals, organic canned goods, aged cheddar and squeaky cheese curds. Oh, and did we mention the sweet and savoury snacks like butter tarts, chocolate and Cheezies? When you buy local you know your treats haven’t travelled very far, so things are fresher—and the environment benefits too.
kelloggs.ca
Look for the products labelled with the Proudly Made in Bay of Quinte logo at grocery stores across the region. All of them are a part of our daily life and contribute to the region’s economic development and prosperity. reidsdairy.com
mapledalecheese.ca
blackdiamondcheese.com baldersoncheese.ca
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FOOD + DRINK
doninichocolate.com
mrsbscountrycandy.com
racepacecoffeeco.com
blaq-brew-coffee-roasting.myshopify.com
rachelstarts.com
cheezies.com
spraguefoods.com
pastatavola.ca FOR MORE OF WHAT’S MADE IN THE BAY OF QUINTE VISIT QUINTEDEVELOPMENT.COM
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MAKE IT IN BAY OF QUINTE Join our growing community of innovative entrepreneurs, successful businesses and talented employees.
You’ll be in great company!
Discover the advantages, incentives and opportunitIes — call today!
1-866-961-7990
quintedevelopment.com info@quintedevelopment.com
Save up to 20% when you stay 2+ nights
245 North Front Street Belleville, ON K8P 3C3 (613) 966-6622 1-800-830-5222
countryinns.com
Canada’s Oldest Co-Ed Day & Boarding School Since 1857
Financial Assistance Opportunities Available
Learn more albertcollege.ca
info@albertcollege.ca | 613-968-5726
WORKING
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS Community is the name of the game here; ours may be small, but it’s bursting with great ideas and even greater passion plus the grit required to overcome the most unexpected of challenges.
CHARLETTE EDWARDS JC STYLES
wearejcstyles
Describe your business. We are a hair studio that focuses on and specializes in bridal up styles, natural balayage and keratin treatments. What brought you to the region? I grew up in Cobourg and my husband, Josh, grew up in Carrying Place. When we got married we settled down in Brighton because it was halfway between our jobs.
What attracts small business owners and creatives to the Bay of Quinte? Some of this year’s young entrepreneurs were born and raised here, some never left; others stumbled upon our waterfront community by chance.
What makes the Bay of Quinte a good fit for your business? We absolutely love being in this area because of the people that live here.
What they all share is a drive to make things happen. They’ve answered concerns like “Will I find a job in a small town?” and “There’s nothing to do here.” by creating opportunities for themselves and infusing a big-city aesthetic into local events and experiences that will make you want to stay a while (like, forever).
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the area? Taking risks is totally okay. If your plans don’t go as you would have hoped or wanted, simply reroute.
The BoQ teems with artists, chefs, consultants, health professionals and a whole lot in between—and we’ve only just scratched the surface of what this region’s entrepreneurial minds have to offer.
VISIT BAYOFQUINTE.CA/YOUNG-ENTREPRENEURS
What was the hardest thing about starting a business? I can be really impatient, but I have learned that entrepreneurship takes a great deal of patience.
How has COVID-19 affected you and your business? The announcement startled us. Fear, worry and wondering really crept into our minds as to how our lives were going to change in the coming months, since the business had to shut down. Josh and I really needed to consider how we were going to let this affect not just our personal lives but also our business. We decided that we would take the time during the big shutdown to work ON the business instead of working IN it. I didn't realize how much we needed that break to actually have time to update our social media platforms, create new content and have breathing room to start dreaming new dreams. We took the fear COVID-19 brought and turned it into hope. With adjusted hours and services, we were able to maintain a lighter load once we re-opened. 55
WORKING
BRAD & RACHEL GIBSON
JESSICA SAINT-DIC
OPOMA FARMS
SAJESS EVENTS
opomafarms.com
Describe your business. Opoma Farms is a generational farm that has evolved over the years. We are now primarily focused on our 100% grass-fed, grass-finished Red Devon beef. What brought you to the region? I grew up north of the area, in Springbrook, so it was an easy transition to the Bay of Quinte. But my main reason for moving here was my wife. What makes the Bay of Quinte a good fit for your business? The supportive community. There is a real following in the Bay of Quinte for supporting local. What was the hardest thing about starting a business? Going from a 40-hour-a-week job with biweekly paycheques to a career in farming, where your capital gets tied up for long periods of time, made it a little scary. What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the area? Re-invest in the community. Support other small businesses, local sports teams and community events. How has COVID-19 affected you and your business? At the start of the year we implemented an online ordering website with Squarespace. Initially this was set up with the idea that we could expand our market and eventually offer a self-serve option, but during the shutdown this system became instrumental in how our business was able to survive. We shut down walk-in traffic and collectively, with our customers and community, embraced online ordering with socially distant pick-up only. We are very grateful that we were unknowingly proactive but also that when the community was faced with a crisis they turned to us, rolling with these changes and keeping healthy, nutrient-dense foods at the forefront. 56
sajevents.ca
Describe your business. An event planning business that specializes in curating beautiful, stress-free weddings and events. What brought you to the region? I moved here straight from Haiti a little over seven years ago and decided to stay after graduating from Loyalist College. What makes the Bay of Quinte a good fit for your business? It is beautiful, there are talented vendors to collaborate with, and it’s quickly becoming a wedding destination. What was the hardest thing about starting a business? For me, the hardest thing was the famous "impostor syndrome.” What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the area? Remember why you started and invest in yourself and in your business. What surprised you about starting a business in a smaller community? My services are needed and very welcome! How has COVID-19 affected you and your business? The planning side of my business is primarily done at a distance, so that did not change much. But heaviness was definitely a factor that affected my work as a result of postponements and uncertainties surrounding COVID-19. I had to grieve and step away, all while keeping the business relevant! During the shutdown my focus switched from planning to learning. I read books, took courses, watched tons of Instagram Live videos related to business. Since the end of June, we started planning again with fewer in-person meetings but the same quality of service. Some days are better than others, but I am hopeful; my faith keeps me grounded. Better days are ahead!
WORKING
BRENDAN TROY
JENNIFER ORAM
ALAIR HOMES BELLEVILLE
SONGBIRD REFLEXOLOGY
Describe your business. Alair Homes is a custom home builder and renovator.
Describe your business. A unique health and wellness experience in a peaceful atmosphere that allows you to fully engage in a reflexology therapy treatment.
alairhomes.ca/belleville
What brought you to the region? Our young family was looking for a quieter place to live, and a slower, more relaxed pace in life. Plus, we knew the area from past schooling. What makes the Bay of Quinte a good fit for your business? Growth. The Bay of Quinte region is one of incredible growth, and therefore great possibility. What was the hardest thing about starting a business? When starting a business, a lot is placed on one or two people; for me, that was myself and my incredible wife. What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the area? Just start. Take the dive and give it all you’ve got. Describe your perfect day off. I'm a big wildlife and nature nut, so my best day off would be spent with my family and dog in the forests or fields around our house. What’s your secret to surviving winter? Embrace it! Winter is an absolutely beautiful season that comes with amazing activities. What surprised you about starting a business in a smaller community? The need for our services. This area’s population is higher than one would think. How has COVID-19 affected you and your business? Our industry has changed a lot. Costs are higher, timelines are longer. Our largest change has been in scheduling our trades, trying to ensure that each trade has their own space on a work site to ensure safety.
songbirdreflexology.ca
What brought you to the region? My husband and I were living near Barrie and we wanted to be closer to our families in eastern Ontario. What makes the Bay of Quinte a good fit for your business? Being integrated with nature and wildlife and being close with other business owners in our community. What was the hardest thing about starting a business? A lot of research had to be done in different places. What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the area? Be confident in your vision; it’s important to be true to yourself and how you see your business running. How has COVID-19 affected you and your business? Besides procuring PPE for staff and clients, Songbird re-opened mid-June with a limited number of appointments per day to allow for thorough disinfecting between clients. The business has always been set up to run efficiently while respecting and promoting the health and safety of our clients. Our booking system continues to be user-friendly online, and we use Square as our payment system, which allows for tap payments and emailed invoices. Appointments are also booked with buffer time on either side to ensure that there is no overlap between bookings. Songbird is set back from the road in an open, beautiful countryside setting with lots of fresh air. Appointments can even be booked for outside treatments on the beautiful porch, weather permitting! 57
WORKING
JOSHUA LABELLE & REBEKA ROBERTS BLOG BoQ
blogboq.com
SHYRA & RYE BARBERSTOCK OKWAHO EQUAL SOURCE
okwaho.com
Describe your business. A digital media company offering promotion of services, products, employment opportunities and events to the millennial demographic.
Describe your business. An Indigenous-owned global consultancy and design thinking firm that specializes in Indigenous social innovation, social enterprise, finance and procurement.
What brought you to the region? A better quality of life to raise a family, and an area that is open to creative new businesses.
What brought you to the region? Initially, we moved to the region because Rye wanted to return to where he grew up and because I was pursuing my graduate studies through Queen’s University in Kingston.
What makes the Bay of Quinte a good fit for your business? The people and business owners here are a huge part of what has made our business experience wonderful. What was the hardest thing about starting a business? Being our own biggest critics! What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the area? Be bold or different because that just might be the thing that people love most about your business. How has COVID-19 affected you and your business? Once the pandemic really took its course, finding new content for our blog and social media pages became challenging due to restricted contact. It was a stressful time for a lot of businesses, and some even had to close until further notice. It wasn’t exactly the most appropriate time for us to interview anyone. But we did notice many businesses adapting to the drastic changes and creating new ways of doing business. We posted about these new ways and any changes each business was making to adapt. So, we really pushed the importance of buying local and supporting our community. Content shifted to personal stories of dealing with the pandemic, and we featured local makers and small businesses in the area. It’s been a major change, but we are happy to see the community come together. 58
What makes the Bay of Quinte a good fit for your business? A tight-knit business community in the region has provided the opportunity to develop strong collaborative relationships. What was the hardest thing about starting a business? We were unable to access startup capital and had to self-fund our first venture. What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the area? Be patient, have persistence and be adaptable to change. What surprised you about starting a business in a smaller community? It surprised us that we could grow our business across the country and expand into a global brand while maintaining our corporate headquarters here in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. How has COVID-19 affected you and your business? One major change is that all of our client meetings are now conducted online or by phone. This was a major change for us, as we had previously enjoyed meeting our clients face to face. We had to postpone all of our scheduled in-person workshops, but luckily we still have several projects that we can work on from home.
WORKING
QUINTE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (QBDC)
AMANDA MEI NORTHUMBERLAND HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTRE northumberlandhealthcentre.ca
Describe your business. I am the chiropractor and owner of Northumberland Health & Wellness Centre in Brighton. What brought you to the region? I needed to move somewhere that allowed for a more balanced lifestyle. What makes the Bay of Quinte a good fit for your business? Sustaining a healthy work-life balance, which would have been compromised if I had started a business in a more urban area. What was the hardest thing about starting a business? Taking the first step in believing you can stand on your own and make a viable business succeed. What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the area? Make all your mistakes on a small scale and learn from them. Then when you get bigger you will have a good knowledge of what works best for your business. How has COVID-19 affected you and your business? When we first closed our doors there was a lot of uncertainty about when we would be able to reopen, and I went through a grieving process. But as with many challenges, once you have passed that initial stage you get creative about what you might be able to do instead. For me it was creating social media content, which was something I had always neglected. COVID-19 motivated me to increase my digital presence in order to keep patients up to date. I filmed videos creating informative content that includes tips and tricks so they would have tools to use at home. Now that we are open again, I have an increased appreciation for in-person appointments.
284B Wallbridge-Loyalist Rd Belleville (613) 389-2543 qbdc.ca
RESOURCES LOCATED AT QBDC SMALL BUSINESS CENTRE (613) 961-0590 smallbusinessctr.com
TRENVAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (613) 961-7999 trenval.ca
BDC-BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK OF CANADA (613) 389-2543 bdc.ca
QUINTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (613) 961-7990 quintedevelopment.com
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES BELLEVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 5 Moira St East, Belleville (613) 962-4597 bellevillechamber.ca
QUINTE WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 97 Front St, Quinte West (613) 392-7635 quintewestchamber.ca
BRIGHTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 143 Main St, Brighton (613) 475-2775 brightonchamber.ca 59
#B
THIS PAGE clockwise from top left: @lostwithluis @hooked.onlove @jeanettesonya @jennwendyy
TE
OFQUIN Y A
Who knew a hashtag would be such a deep source of inspiration? Since its conception, and with almost 90K tags to date, #bayofquinte has been helping us create a user-generated library of amazing memories to draw upon and share. Thank you, everyone, for tagging your shots of this place we call home and capturing its essence so effectively. We are so glad to share our love of the region and to see that you love it too. Good work, BoQ!
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THIS PAGE clockwise from top left: @myosmteam @downtownbelleville @signalbrewingcompany @heather_case @nvisionphotos
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @BAYOFQUINTE
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MUST DO IN BoQ
Because we live and work in the Bay of Quinte region, we’ve learned a thing or two about a thing or two, like all the things to do, see, eat and explore around here. Join us on social media as we share must-do activities in the BoQ, and check out the rest of our must-dos with a visit to bayofquinte.ca/must-do-in-boq. addle up for a smooth ride on one of the Paso Fino horses at Fina Vista Farm in Quinte West. This breed of horse is known for its calm demeanor, which makes riding one a great experience for those new to horses. The trails covering this 100-acre farm go through the beautiful Oak Hills just east of Highway 62 . You will find a mix of winding forested pathways, open rolling fields and plenty of stunning scenery. There are times when it feels like a different time and place; the quiet as you look up in the enchanted forest of tall pines is incredible. Camilla, the owner of the farm, is a CHACertified Master Instructor and offers a variety of riding options, from private instruction to guided group trail rides like the one we went on. All rides are by appointment only. Text or call 519-829-6161 if you are chomping at the bit to ride! On horseback at Fina Vista Farm
All set to paddle on a pop-up rental - Photo by Anna Fraiberg
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uring the summer months, the multi-acre Zwick's Park is the place to go for adventure, food and fun, especially with the recent addition of Belleville's Pop-Ups on the Bay. A growing village of brightly coloured shipping-containers-turned-retail-shops where you can rent bikes, kayaks, canoes and paddle boards, eat from food trucks and lick as many ice cream cones as you like (as long as they are your own). Located steps from the bay, the pop-ups are a great excuse to get outside and have some fun. Every year there is something new—we can’t wait to see who pops up next.
EXPLORE
laustrophobians beware! There are some pretty snug maneuvres required when exploring the scuttlehole caves in North Belleville’s Sidney Ward. Natural openings in the layers of limestone have created unique geological formations called Karst developments. Features include sinkholes, collapsed caverns and underground channels. One of our group admitted to the overwhelming sadness he would feel if he were to have lost his well-loved comrade on this trip. We are happy to report that all in our crew of cave explorers are safe and sound. Nonetheless, we recommend using caution when exploring these parts. And please respect your surroundings!
A feast fit for a king cooked in a cave
e who chops wood is twice warmed, but those who book a cabin-like Minka tent at Presqu’ile Provincial Park are guaranteed warmth (even if just from the radiant envy of those struggling in the dark with tent poles). This is not your average park: it’s diverse in both activity and landscape— located on the shores of Lake Ontario, the park boasts long stretches of soft white sand (think Caribbean), 300 car camping sites from forest to shoreline, 16 kilometres of trails and paths through woodlands and meadows, a migration hotspot for over 300 bird species, a nature centre and the secondoldest operating lighthouse in Ontario.
A Minka tent at Presqu’ile - Photo by Kathryn Dickson
lthough the physics of the Banya is the same as for other steam saunas of the world, these Russian sweating houses have their own unique traditions, and you can experience the full (and private) authenticity of one right here in Quinte West. As with many European experiences, shyness is not an asset: while you can wear a swimsuit, it is recommended that you go the full monty to get the full steam-cleaning benefit. The best part? After a series of heating and cooling cycles you get to whack your partner with the venik, a water-soaked bundle of leafy tree twigs. Now, that’s invigorating!
The Russian Banya at Notwaste - Photo courtesy of Notwaste
FOR MORE MUST-DOS IN THE BoQ, VISIT BAYOFQUINTE.CA/MUST-DO-IN-BOQ
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Take a tractor ride to the corn maze at Grills Orchards
Play a round of golf at one of 12 Courses
Climb the tower and enjoy the view from the top at Sager Conservation Area
Eat extra-large baked goods from Wannamaker’s Bake Shop Paddle the historic Murray Canal
Hit the slopes at Batawa Ski Hill
Pick your own apples at an orchard
Explore Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Watch a race at the Brighton Speedway Catch a play at the Barn Theatre in Proctor Park
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EXPLORE
BUCKET LIST Enjoy a pint on the patio at Signal Brewing Company
Learn about the RCAF at the National Air Force Museum of Canada
Stop and save a turtle (always move it in the direction it was going)
Win big at Shorelines Casino Belleville
Shop and dine in the Belleville Downtown District
Catch a Belleville Senators Game
BAYOFQUINTE.CA/BUCKETLIST
Attend the Pow Wow on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
Get out on the water from the Pop-Ups on the Bay
Take a trip back in time with a tour of Glanmore National Historic Site Slide down the big hill at East Zwick’s Park
Visit the Historic Chapel Royal of the Mohawks
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Experience locally prepared food at 23 restaurants and cafés. Explore unique treasures at over 40 shops and boutiques. Enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the district.
downtownbelleville.ca
BE A PART OF IT! Written by Kelsey Moniz
The energy in downtown Belleville has changed; I can feel it on a daily basis. Moving from Toronto, I was drawn to the community spirit in the Belleville area. Since I started with the Business Improvement Area in June 2019, I’ve seen a significant amount of progress in a very short time. Despite an unexpected year of challenge and uncertainty, the Downtown District created new reasons for everyone to continue to be a part of it while staying safe and having fun. It takes a passionate community to drive a movement for a strong downtown, and I’m fortunate to be part of this new phase in the city’s history. The physical revitalization that took place a few years ago, during the Build Belleville initiative to beautify the streets and update underground infrastructure, continues to inspire new forms of growth. So, is Belleville the next big thing? In a word—yes. Belleville's downtown was established in 1816 along the Moira River, giving visitors and residents alike access to picturesque views on restaurant patios and a scenic riverside trail that extends to other parts of the city. It is easily accessible by public transit or by car, with plenty of parking along the river. Downtown Belleville spans all of Front Street. It’s where the city began and it remains the heart of the city. It’s now called the Downtown District after a recent major re-brand. Its new identity infuses a youthful and exciting energy into the historic charm of the long-standing downtown core. It’s truly an up-and-coming neighbourhood to live and work in. With move-in-ready spaces with historic features like exposed brick and mosaic tiles, new businesses have the opportunity to develop unique commercial experiences with support 70
As the evolution of the downtown continues, innovative investments are being made, as in the former Memorial Arena. The almost-century-old heritage building is transitioning to the Memorial Marketplace, creating an experience similar to Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market. On the ground floor you can expect to find retail shops, restaurants and a brew pub, while the upper floor is designed for office, studio and gallery spaces. Plans continue to develop; it’s expected to open in the fall of 2021.
Memorial Marketplace concept art created by John Smale from Pace Design
A pedestrian-friendly waterfront green space across from City Hall is the vision for what has been called the Belleville Commons. Alongside the Moira River where it meets the Bay of Quinte, the venue will host community events and programming in addition to giving visitors and residents a place to celebrate the natural assets that can be found throughout the downtown core. Steps away from the Downtown District, the Inner Harbour development on Coleman Street —adjacent to the Bella Flint Heritage Building— will bring additional commercial and office space. Together with proposed residential luxury condominiums, the development has been established as the Harbour District. Festivals and events are a big part of the Downtown District’s ability to motivate people to visit. Finding ways to bring people together but still keep them apart was a strange riddle to solve in 2020, but ideas put into place were celebrated by the community beyond expectation. The summer streets came alive with visual art displays, parking spaces turned into patios and live outdoor music. Come November, the streets were transformed into an enchanted wonderland with over 8,000 lights, along with garlands, festive banners and brightly lit snowflakes. Our downtown streets continue to evolve, moved forward by the businesses, residents and visitors that bring them to life. I’m looking forward to what the future has in store for the incredibly resilient Downtown District. BE A PART OF IT AND VISIT DOWNTOWNBELLEVILLE.CA
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LIVE + WORK
from the BIA as well as the established community of shops and restaurants.
A PLACE TO CALL HOME Photographed by Ash Murrell hat must it be like to move to a new country? To relocate and start over, learn a new language and navigate an entirely new system of government, not to mention an unknown society and culture? A Place to Call Home is a collection of photographs taken by local photographer Ash Murrell that offers us a gracious glimpse into the lives of new Canadians who have made the Bay of Quinte region their home. As part of this project, a short documentary, also called “A Place to Call Home,” by local filmmakers Tess Girard and Ryan J. Noth of Fifth Town Films, follows the lives of students from the Loyola School of Adult and Continuing Education’s ESL program. It captures the liberation that learning to communicate in a new country creates, showing how a group of strangers who face a common obstacle can overlook their differences and become a family.
Emebet Belete Originally from Ethiopia, Emebet has lived in Canada for 23 years, seven of them here in the Bay of Quinte. She is a studio artist and art educator.
“I love the natural setting of my living area, as it is quiet. I look out my back window and I’m able to see and enjoy nature.” — Emebet 72
TO SEE MORE PHOTOS AND WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY, VISIT BAYOFQUINTE.CA/A-PLACE-TO-CALL-HOME
Mark Phillips Having come to Canada 41 years ago, Mark has lived in the Bay of Quinte region for almost 17 years. He is the owner of Mystical Distributing Company, Canada’s largest fireworks importer and distributor. He ended up here by fluke while aiming for Mississauga.
“I love the people here and the easy access to everything.” — Mark Dr. Negar Chooback Dr. Chooback is originally from Iran and has lived in Canada for 24 years. She came to the Bay of Quinte region three years ago to work with two of the doctors she trained with in Kingston.
“My favourite thing about living here is my patients. Of all the places I have practiced, this is my favourite place to be a doctor.” — Negar
Kenny Toor A native of India, Kenny has lived in Canada for three and a half years, and came to the Bay of Quinte region almost three years ago. He is the CEO and chairman of Toor Group and owner of Motel 6 in Quinte West. He moved here for both business and pleasure.
“If I had to choose one thing I love about the area, it would be the people.” — Kenny VISIT IMMIGRATION.BAYOFQUINTE.CA
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Hatt Sisters’ Home
EAST HILL REVIVAL Written and Photographed by Miranda Fabricius
I’ve lived in Belleville’s Old East Hill neighbourhood for a combined 23 years. I’ve lived in three houses, all on the same street. I left for 13 years but I have always loved my city. I always knew that it was the place I would come back to, to make my home again. I fell in love early with the beautiful architecture and the history of this neighbourhood. I love walking the tree-lined streets wondering what it would have been like to walk here when the first couple dozen houses were being built. Here are a few properties on my long list of favourites in Old East Hill. Each of these buildings is a great example of the beautiful architecture here. HATT SISTERS’ HOME The Hatt sisters’ home on Charles is a storey-and-a-half Queen Anne home built in 1909 for two sisters, Letitia and Mary Hatt. One of the sisters was engaged to marry a young German of nobility, but when the Hatt family lost heavily in the stock market the wedding was called off and she was sent back to Belleville. When I was growing up I dreamed about one day living in this house. I loved the expansive and detailed front porch and the beautiful wrought-iron cresting. Today you can see this home, still wonderfully loved and always decorated, celebrating many occasions. 74
LIVING
BELL-RIGGS HOUSE The Bell-Riggs house on Queen Street is one of the oldest homes in the neighbourhood, built in 1855 for John Bell, who worked for the Grand Trunk Railway. It has an impressive tower in the centre and a beautifully decorative wraparound porch to the west. Due to the grand size of the house, it was converted into three large apartments. Fortunately, the home’s beauty and charm has been well maintained, partly due to the historic designation it received in 1985. Bell-Riggs House
BELLEVUE TERRACE Bellevue Terrace, which also has a historic designation, was built in 1876 during an economic recession. James A. Davis was the builder for the first owners, Isaac B. Graham and his brother. The terrace consisted of six separate dwellings, but was converted to 18 apartments in 1929, in the early days of the Great Depression. Other than this, the exterior of the building has undergone minimal change since 1876. CREST VIEW
Bellevue Terrace
I always enjoy it when a house has a name. We have a few named houses in Old East Hill —like Queen Anne Villa and Edgehill—but one house that has always held my curiosity, ever since I was very young, is Crest View. This impressive Queen Anne–style brick home on Pine Street was built in 1889. It has many great details, like the unique ornamental brackets on top of the tower-like bay window. My favourite feature has always been the delightful second-story built-in balcony with circular openings. It looks like the perfect spot to enjoy a morning coffee and watch the world go by. My destiny fulfilled, my husband and I began renovating and restoring Crest View in the fall of 2019; we’re so excited to breathe new life into this lovely historic home. Crest View FOLLOW ALONG WITH MIRANDA ON INSTAGRAM @EASTHILL_REVIVAL
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PEDAL POWER
Written by Amie Renaud
growing network of cycling routes and trails in the Bay of Quinte makes exploring the region by bike a sustainable option that is getting easier. So, leave your car at home—cycling may just become your favourite outdoor activity. LIVELIER STREETS AND HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES Human-powered forms of travel are vital to sustainable, healthy communities. It’s easy to see why—when people walk and cycle, they help build a sense of connection to the place they live, while minimizing traffic congestion and overall carbon footprint (not to mention improving physical health and quality of life). BELLEVILLE: A HOTSPOT FOR CYCLING Expanding its cycling network to become more commuter-friendly, the city of Belleville also hosts an annual cyclocross race that brings in riders from all over the province. Local groups continue to advocate for improved cycling experiences in the city, while locally owned bike shops are redefining their spaces, creating community hubs as a result. PRESQU’ILE PROMISE CYCLING ROUTE Presqu’ile Provincial Park is the featured attraction of this 69-kilometre cycling route with stops throughout Brighton and picturesque views of Lake Ontario. If 69 kilometres seems like a stretch, Presqu’ile offers an 8-kilometre walk/bike lane alongside its road, with lots of picnic tables— the perfect place for a cycling-style 76
picnic followed by a well-deserved and refreshing swim. MOUNT PELION HILL CLIMB For panoramic views of Quinte West, challenge yourself to a hill climb up Mount Pelion followed by an ascent on foot of its upgraded lookout tower. This ride may be quite steep, but the views are well worth the effort. And it’s a breeze on the way down. TAKE IT OFF-ROAD IN QUINTE WEST A converted historic railway, the Millennium Trail is a scenic 46-kilometre multiuse trail that starts off of Highway 33 in Quinte West and takes you into Prince Edward County. It’s popular with runners, walkers and cyclists. For a shorter experience, try the Lower Trent Trail, a 17-kilometre
OUTDOORS
abandoned rail trail winding through Quinte West and along the Trent-Severn Waterway. The trail provides access to loop trails at Bata Island, Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area and the new Batawa Riverfront Trail that connects to the trails as Batawa Ski Hill. GROUPS AND EVENTS Both on and off the road, local groups like Belleville on Bikes, Bike Quinte and Quinte MTB, together with locally owned bike shops, work to promote safe cycling advocacy and education. They support the development of active transportation plans and access to bike parks, organize races and group rides, and host events such as the commuter challenge, Bike Month and summer pop-up events. Getting in touch with a group or shop can be a great way to get started. THE GREAT LAKES WATERFRONT TRAIL This 3,600 kilometre trail follows along the shores of the Great Lakes region, eventually making its way east through Brighton, Quinte West and Belleville. It's an ideal path for a leisurely afternoon ride—or a multi-day adventure for more avid cyclists.
BIKE SHOPS DOUG’S BICYCLE SALES & SERVICES dougsbikes.com 159 College St. W, Belleville (613) 966-9161 GEAR FIX... GO Mobile Gear Shop gearfixgo.com #7 - 2223 Hamilton Rd, (& Mobile Popup) Quinte West (613) 985-7205 IDEAL BIKE INC. idealbike.com 225 Front St, Belleville (613) 779-6979 STEPHEN LICENCE LTD. stephenlicence.ca 288 Front St, Belleville (613) 966-6900 THE BRAKE ROOM thebrakeroom.com 34 Dundas St. E, Belleville (613) 900-0767
GROUPS BAY OF QUINTE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE hpepublichealth.ca BELLEVILLE ON BIKES bellevilleonbikes.ca
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR A NEW CYCLING MAP OF THE REGION COMING IN 2021
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PARKS & H.R. FRINK CONSERVATION AREA & EDUCATION CENTRE 381 Thrasher Rd Belleville
very trail, park and conservation area in the region offers up something out of the ordinary. Don't miss the 500-metre boardwalk through the marshland at the Frink Centre, the 2.3-billion-year-old boulder left behind by a glacier at Bleasdell Conservation Area, the lookout tower at Sager Conservation Area or the view of Presqu’ile Bay from the Proctor Park trail system. We have a whopping 1,200 kilometres of shoreline to explore, winding throughout our region to give you plenty of opportunity to choose the path that suits your level of ability.
SAGER CONSERVATION AREA 30 Golf Course Rd Quinte West
BLEASDELL BOULDER CONSERVATION AREA 760 County Rd 33 Quinte West
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OUTDOORS
RECREATION PRESQU’ILE PROVINCIAL PARK 328 Presqu'ile Pkwy Brighton
SIDNEY CONSERVATION AREA 379 Airport Rd Quinte West
PROCTOR PARK CONSERVATION AREA 96 Young St Brighton
GLEN MILLER CONSERVATION AREA 443 Glen Miller Rd Quinte West
POTTER’S CREEK CONSERVATION AREA 2061 Old Highway 2 Quinte West
TRENTON GREENBELT CONSERVATION AREA 410 Front St Quinte West
GOODRICH-LOOMIS CONSERVATION AREA 1331 Pinewood School Rd Castleton
FOR A LIST OF ACCESSIBLE TRAILS, VISIT BAYOFQUINTE.CA/ACCESSIBILITY
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A WAY OF RECORDING HISTORY ampum are the small cylindrical beads originally made from the shell of the quahog, a round clam found in Atlantic coastal waters, that were traditionally used to create the intricate patterns of wampum belts. These belts are used as a guide to narrate the history of the Haudenosaunee, and empower the person holding it as a representative of their people. The original process of making the wampum beads by hand was arduous. Once found, the shell was broken into white and purple cubes that were clamped in place while a stone or reed drill was used to bore into the cube. Each bead took many hours to forge, and a single string could take up to a year to finish. The finished wampum belts would act as treaties, to hold memories and create bonds between nations. True wampum is scarce today, and many belts have been lost or are in museums. Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Centre on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory had a collection of belts recreated, which are used today for teaching purposes. You can see wampum belts, like the ones pictured to the right, at the Tyendinaga pow wow held every August. 80
BAYOFQUINTE.CA/CULTURE-HERITAGE
THE TADADAHO BELT
THE HIAWATHA BELT
This belt recalls the time when the Peacemaker combed the snakes from Tadadaho’s hair and changed the evil-minded Tadadaho into a pure-thinking leader. The diamonds down the center of the belt represent the thirteen other chiefs who are sitting with Tadadaho at Onondaga to continue the ways of the Haudenosaunee.
This belt is a national belt of the Haudenosaunee. The belt is named after Hiawatha, the Peacemaker’s helper. This belt records when five nations—the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida and Mohawk—buried their weapons of war to live in peace. Each square represents a nation, and the line connects all the nations in peace. Photograph by Monika Kraska
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