Quinte West: Trails, Water and Nature

Discover Quinte West through its trails, nature and waterways. More than 85 km of unpaved, multi-use trails offer different ways to get outdoors. There are also routes of varying lengths and character, a natural history museum and insights into the Trent-Severn Waterway. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on outdoor activities, nature observation, geology or life along the canal.

Trails for Different Outings

The Lower Trent Trail passes through rural and urban areas of Quinte West, connecting Glen Miller and Glen Ross over 17 km. Most of the trail is non-motorized, accessible and bike-friendly. For a shorter outing, the Trenton Greenbelt Conservation Area has the Jack Lange Memorial Walkway: this 3 km gravel trail is suitable for walking, hiking, cycling and watching boats.

The trails in the parks also vary considerably. The Kiwanis Riverside Park Trail lies on the east side of the Trent River, between the two bridges on Ontario Street in Trenton. The paved trail is 3 m wide, and the area also includes upgraded parking and outdoor facilities. Hanna Park has well-marked nature trails through deep forest, suitable for walking and hiking. Depending on your interests, you can choose a paved trail, a gravel trail or nature trails.

Forest, Rocks and Views

Nature observation takes centre stage on the mostly wooded Bata Island Trail, where there are opportunities to watch birds and small animals. The Bleasdell Boulder Conservation Area has a 1.5 km loop through different types of forest. The trail crosses Big Boulder Creek and leads to the Bleasdell Boulder. If you want to add another notable stop to your hiking plans, the Sager Conservation Area has a 1 km trail leading up to a 30-foot-high observation tower. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Geology and Canal Culture

The Quinte Museum of Natural History uses exhibits and programs to foster curiosity, conservation and learning about the natural world. “Fossilized Quinte” showcases local fossils from the Bay of Quinte region. In “Rocks Revealed,” rock and mineral specimens illustrate the local geological history. The museum offers a different way to explore nature than the outdoor trails, focusing on fossils, rocks and minerals.

Quinte West is home to Locks 1 through 7 of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Lock 1 is the waterway’s first lock station. Staff explain how locking works to new canal boaters and offer advice on navigating the canal. The Waterfront Trail follows County Road 64 into Quinte West, then runs parallel to the 5.4 km historic Murray Canal. If you’re interested in waterways, you can consider both the trail’s route and the locks and canal when planning your trip.

Local Products and Events

The Front Street Farmers’ Market features a variety of local makers, bakers and producers. Brambleberry Farm offers berry picking. Both experiences offer a different focus from the hiking trails and museum, drawing attention to local products and produce. Doors Open Quinte West is an annual fall event offering free public access. Visitors can explore the history of local organizations, businesses and attractions in Quinte West.

When choosing a vacation rental, it can help to decide in advance what you want to focus on during your stay: will hiking and cycling take centre stage, are you particularly interested in nature observation and geology, or would you also like to explore local products and canal culture? The trails, exhibits and experiences described here offer different options.

More destination pages: Bancroft, Gilmour, Coe Hill, Maynooth, Marmora, Tweed, Lake Saint Peter, Belleville.

For the broader travel overview: Hastings County.