In Belleville, waterfront trails meet city history, a year-round outdoor market and a theatre featuring music and comedy. When planning, you can choose between different areas of interest: several trails vary in length, surface and route; heritage sites focus on building history and architecture. The city’s trail network spans more than 45 kilometres and connects waterfront areas, parks, downtown and rural landscapes.
Trails along the Bay of Quinte and the Moira River
The Kiwanis Bayshore Trail runs along the north shore of the Bay of Quinte. It is about 2.75 kilometres long, paved and lit. The paved Shirley Langer Trail is about one kilometre long and connects to the eastern end of the Kiwanis Bayshore Trail. The Shirley Langer Trail also has a seasonal winter use: it is groomed for cross-country skiing during that time.
Two other trails follow the Moira River. The paved and 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 partially paved and runs through Riverside Park along the Moira River. On the Bay of Quinte, the approximately 3.25-kilometre Zwick’s Park Trail forms a loop; it is paved and well lit. The routes therefore differ not only in their approximate length, but also in whether they follow the river or form a loop along the bay.
Which details matter for your choice depends on whether you prefer a shorter connection, a route through a park or a loop. The surfaces also vary: the Riverside Park Trail is partially paved, while the sections described for the other three trails are paved. The lit routes are the Kiwanis Bayshore, Parrott Riverfront and Zwick’s Park trails.
Market and live performances
The Belleville Farmers’ Market is a year-round outdoor market on Market Square behind City Hall, in the heart of downtown. Local farmers, food producers and artisans sell fresh and locally made products there. If you’re planning a visit, it’s best to check the latest operating information, as details may change.
The Empire Theatre has 700 seats and opened in September 2003. It presents national and international musicians, as well as comedy. Its live performances add another way to experience Belleville beyond its trails and historic buildings. Check the schedule if you have a particular evening in mind.
Building history and heritage
Glanmore National Historic Site is in the historic Old East Hill neighbourhood. The building was constructed in 1882–1883 for banker John Phillips and his wife, Harriet Dougall Phillips. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada for its exceptional Victorian Second Empire architecture and artistic design. Its formal interior has been restored to its 1880s appearance and includes hand-painted ceilings, elaborate woodwork and reproductions.
City Hall also tells the story of Belleville’s architectural history: it was built in 1872 and was formerly known as the Town Market Building. Its features include stained-glass windows, original brickwork and wooden roof trusses. Four self-guided heritage tours focus on City Hall, designated historic sites, places of worship and historic commemorative plaques. These themes offer different ways to explore the city’s history alongside its architecture during your stay.
Explore more destinations
Explore more destinations: Bancroft, Quinte West, Gilmour, Coe Hill, Tweed, Lake Saint Peter, Maynooth, Madoc.
Back to the regional travel overview: Hastings County.
