Napanee – History, Trails and Water

Napanee offers a variety of travel experiences: changing exhibitions on county history, historic museums, trails through Greater Napanee and activities on the water. You can shape your stay around your interests—for example, focusing on history, trails and scenery, or water and fishing. The County Museum also offers activities for people of all ages, making it a great option for families.

County History and Historic Sites

The County of Lennox & Addington Museum and Archives features changing exhibitions that immerse visitors in the county’s history. You’ll find the museum at 97 Thomas Street East in Napanee. Since the exhibitions change, each visit can focus on different topics. The museum also offers activities for people of all ages; this broad age range makes it a suitable option for families traveling together.

Another glimpse into the past awaits at Allan Macpherson House. Built in 1826, the house is now operated as a museum. Old Hay Bay Church offers a different historical perspective: built in 1792, it is Canada’s oldest surviving Methodist church. It is also operated as a museum and is associated with an annual church service in August. Those interested in history and religious heritage can consider including these sites in their travel plans; the dates given refer to the house and the church, respectively.

The UEL Heritage Centre and Park focuses on a specific moment in history: the first United Empire Loyalists landed there in 1784. The site includes a museum and a campground. This allows you to combine its historical significance with two different offerings, which do not necessarily provide the same visitor experience.

Waterfalls, Trails and Activities on the Water

Springside Park also brings nature and local history together in its own way. Along with waterfalls, the park has a seating area; a kiosk and interpretive panels also share information about local history. You can enjoy both the waterside surroundings and the historical information during a visit to the park.

There are two different options for exploring trails in Greater Napanee. The Waterfront Trail passes through Greater Napanee and runs along Lake Ontario. The area is also home to six loops of the Lennox and Addington County Trails, comprising a total of 600 kilometres of paved roads.

The Napanee River is a fishing spot for spring walleye fishing and also has a remarkable salmon run. If you’d like to include fishing in your trip, spring walleye fishing offers a specific seasonal activity; the salmon run is another feature of the river. The Glenora Ferry carries passengers between Greater Napanee and Prince Edward County. If both places are part of your trip, the ferry is a useful connection to consider when planning.

Choose Napanee for Your Vacation

The combination of county history, nature and activities on the water makes Napanee appealing for a range of vacation interests. When choosing a vacation rental, consider whether museums and historic sites, trails or water activities will shape your trip. The options described offer a variety of ways to plan your vacation—from changing exhibitions to spring walleye fishing on the Napanee River.

More local pages: Odessa, Tamworth.

Back to the main travel guide: Lennox And Addington County.