Hastings County

Ancient forests, limestone steps along the river, lakes and a distinctive geological history define Hastings County. The area also offers museums, a historic village and experiences centered on rocks and minerals. As you plan your trip, you can choose between days spent in nature by the water, discovering local history and following a scenic route.

Forest Trails, River and Wetlands

At Vanderwater Conservation Area, a 16-kilometre network of trails winds through ancient forests to the Moira River. There, water flows over a series of limestone steps. The transition between forest and river makes this a rewarding place for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors and wants to include a longer trail in their day’s plans. The stated distance refers to the trail network; it does not describe the duration of a single outing.

McGeachie Conservation Area offers another natural setting, with hiking trails, a creek, beaver dams, wildlife and expansive wetlands. The area is also home to an original house that is almost 150 years old. Those interested in both the landscape and the marks left by people will find several different things to explore here.

Lakes and a Route for the Road

At Lake St. Peter Provincial Park, visitors can rent canoes or kayaks for the day and explore Lake St. Peter. The park also has two sandy beaches. The lake is also the northern terminus of the Hastings Heritage Trail. This offers different options: a day on the water, time at the beach or a chance to see the course of the trail.

Scenic Route #8 Weslemkoon Lake Trail also offers a scenic highlight. It runs from Gilmour to Weslemkoon Lake, with Wadsworth Lake along the way inviting visitors to stop for a swim. The route can be part of a trip plan where the journey through the landscape matters just as much as the destination.

Rocks, Caves and Local History

Bancroft is home to several attractions focused on rocks and minerals. Every summer, it hosts the Rockhound Gemboree, Canada’s largest annual gem and mineral show, with more than 100 vendors. Those who would rather search for themselves can take part in a rock and mineral hunt at the Princess Sodalite Mine Rock Shop and discover nearly 100 different types of finds. Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves offers a guided tour of Ontario’s largest known cave. These experiences give a trip a geological focus without limiting visitors to just one way of exploring.

The Bancroft North Hastings Heritage Museum is located in the former headquarters of the Bronson-Weston Lumber Company. Ten galleries explore the history of the community. In Stirling, Farmtown Park showcases rural Ontario culture and the history of farming and farmers. Exhibits include information about making cheese and butter; the Heritage Village represents a unique rural small town from the 1930s. For a trip focused on local life and history, these offer a different emphasis from a day spent in the forest and by the water.

At Eagles Nest Park, an interpretive trail provides information about early Indigenous presence in the region, early European settlement, and the park’s geology, flora and fauna. Nature and history come into view together here. Travelers with a range of interests can add these topics to their itinerary alongside museum visits or attractions focused on minerals.

Getting There and Choosing a Base

Hastings County lies between Toronto, Ottawa, the Bay of Quinte and Algonquin Park. From Ottawa, travelers can reach many of the county’s small towns by car in under two hours by taking Highway 7 west. From Toronto, it’s a two-hour drive east along Highway 401 to Belleville; from there, travelers can continue by car on the highways to the communities of Hastings County.

These travel options offer a starting point for finding a vacation rental or cottage. Consider which places and experiences you’d like to focus on, and choose your base accordingly. Traveling via Ottawa and continuing from Belleville are different ways to enter the region. The main factor in your choice is what you’d like to discover during your stay.

Places in Hastings County include Coe Hill, Quinte West, Tweed, Madoc, Stirling, Maynooth, Lake Saint Peter, Belleville, Bancroft, Gilmour and Marmora.

For the broader travel overview: Ontario.