Discover Belleville

The city has more than 45 kilometres of trails connecting waterfront areas, parks, downtown and rural landscapes. There are also routes of varying lengths and characteristics, a year-round market and places with a history of their own. This lets you get to know Belleville based on specific interests, then look for hotels suited to your trip.

Trails by the Water and Through the City

Several trails can be distinguished by their approximate length, surface and route. The Kiwanis Bayshore Trail is about 2.75 kilometres long, paved and lit. It runs along the north shore of the Bay of Quinte. At its eastern end, it connects to the approximately one-kilometre-long Shirley Langer Trail. This paved multi-use trail is also groomed for cross-country skiing in winter. The connection between the two trails and their different lengths provide a useful reference if you would like to include both routes in your plans.

There are also different routes along the Moira River: the paved, lit Parrott Riverfront Trail is about 1.6 kilometres long and follows the river near downtown. At about 5.25 kilometres, the Riverside Park Trail is longer; it is partly paved and runs through Riverside Park along the Moira River. Both trail descriptions mention the river, but differ in length, surface and route. For a loop along the Bay of Quinte, consider the approximately 3.25-kilometre Zwick’s Park Trail, which is paved and well lit.

The route details highlight different features: a trail along the north shore of the Bay of Quinte, a loop by the bay and several sections along the Moira River. Their lengths also range from about one kilometre to just over five kilometres. If trails are among your travel interests, you can take these differences into account when choosing where to stay, without treating all the routes as the same.

Market and Local Offerings

The Belleville Farmers’ Market is a year-round outdoor market on Market Square, behind City Hall and in the downtown area. Local farmers, food producers and artisans sell fresh and locally made products there. The market brings together different kinds of regional products in a named location. As operating details may change, it is worth checking the latest market information before planning a visit.

Heritage and Culture

Glanmore National Historic Site is located in the historic Old East Hill neighbourhood. It was built in 1882–1883 for banker John. Phillips and his wife, Harriet Dougall Phillips. Its exceptional Victorian Second Empire architecture and artistic design were key reasons for its designation as a National Historic Site of Canada. The distinguished interior includes hand-painted ceilings, elaborate woodwork and reproductions; it has been restored to its 1880s appearance. The building period, architecture and interior offer several distinct historical aspects.

City Hall also has its own building history: it was built in 1872 and was formerly called the Town Market Building. Its documented features include stained-glass windows, original bricks and wooden roof trusses. Belleville also offers four self-guided heritage walking tours. Their themes are City Hall, designated historic sites, places of worship and historic plaques. The subjects range from a single building to different aspects of local heritage.

The Empire Theatre opened in September 2003 and has 700 seats. It presents national and international musicians as well as comedy. If you would like to include cultural events in your travel plans, you can check the programme in advance.

Discover more destinations: Bancroft, Gilmour, Madoc, Quinte West, Tweed, Marmora, Maynooth, Coe Hill

For the broader travel overview: Hastings County.