Visitors to Lennox & Addington County and surrounding area will experience some of the best tourism experiences in Ontario. The region's Loyalist heritage is a magnificent backdrop to superb food and wine experiences, water getaways, and some of the world's best fishing and hiking offerings available anywhere.
Family-oriented attractions such as provincial parks (Bon Echo, Sandbanks), stargazing opportunities (L&A County Dark Sky Viewing Area), histor-ic sites (Fort Henry), as well as cycling and geocaching vacations are just some of the tourism products that attract visitors to the region. More in-formation about family-friendly tourism activities in the region are found below:
Bon Echo Provincial Park
Bon Echo Provincial Park in Lennox & Addington County has long been a favourite destination for painters and photographers. One of the most beautiful of Ontario's Provincial Parks, the focal point of Bon Echo is Mazinaw Rock. At 1.5 km (1 mile) long and 100 m (330') high, the Rock is one of the main draws to this 6,644 hectare (16,500 acre) outdoor oasis. Bon Echo's 530 campsites, amphitheatre, beaches, trails, and picnic areas are visited by more than 200,000 people per year. For more infor-mation, please visit www.ontarioparks.com/park/bonecho.
L&A County Dark Sky Viewing Area
In Southern Ontario, the glare of city lights makes it increasingly difficult to witness the unimpeded beauty of the night sky. Luckily for stargazers, astrophotographers and astronomers, there is the Len-nox & Addington County Dark Sky Viewing Area. It is the most southerly point in Ontario where the night sky is so pristine, offering a night sky experience very similar to what was available more than 100 years ago. The site includes a large concrete pad for camera or telescope setup, or bring a lawn chair for general stargazing. Visit www.DarkSkyViewing.com for more info.
L&A County Trails Cycling Network
Stretching north from the shore of Lake Ontario, the Lennox & Addington County Trails consist of 12 looping road cycling routes that take you along well-maintained county roads for a tour that you won't soon forget. You'll experience the natural beauty, unique history and unforgettable rural charm that Len-nox & Addington County has to offer. For more information, please visit www.CountyTrails.com.
Golfing in L&A County
With four fantastic courses to choose from, you'll love your time out on the links in Lennox & Addington County. Each course offers participants a challenging layout, beautifully maintained greens and fair-ways, not to mention spectacular scenic views that Lennox & Addington is known for. More details can be found at www.lennox-addington.on.ca/things-to-do/experience-the-outdoors/golf-courses.html.
Discover L&A County Geocaching
Geocaching - a high-tech treasure hunting game played by adventure seekers equipped with GPS de-vices or smartphones - has quickly gained popularity in Lennox & Addington to become one of the premier geocaching destinations in Canada. About 1,500 geocaches are hidden within our borders, attracting geocachers 12 months a year. The County's geocaching experience is highlighted by an an-nual event every August that draws more than 1,000 people and currently has the distinction of being one of only 3 events in Canada that currently hold the title of ‘MEGA’ status. For more information, please visit www.LandAGeocaching.com.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks Provincial Park is among the largest and most beautiful beaches in Ontario, with golden sand and sparkling water. Windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and boating compete with sunbathing and swimming as favourite park activities. Sandbanks Provincial Park boasts three sandy beaches, Outlet Beach, Sandbanks Beach and Dunes Beach. Two of the finest bay mouth sandbar and coastal sand dune systems in the province can be found here. For more information, please visit www.ontarioparks.com/park/sandbanks.
Fort Henry, Kingston
Fort Henry was built from 1832 to 1837 to replace an existing fortification from the War of 1812 era. Today, Fort Henry operates as a museum and historic site to visitors from all around the world. Once inside the wooden gates, visitors enter the realm of 19th century military life, experience guided tours, scenic views, heart-pounding musical performances and precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard. You will also see people representing the civilian population of the Fort as schoolteachers and soldiers' wives. The Fort also plays host to numerous special ceremonies and events that take place all season long. For more de-tails, please visit www.forthenry.com.
For more information about tourism activities found in the immediate region, please visit the websites below:
Town of Greater Napanee: http://www.GreaterNapanee.com
Lennox & Addington County Tourism: http://www.BestDayEver.ca
Land O’ Lakes Tourist Association: http://www.TravelLandOLakes.com
Bay of Quinte Tourism: http://tourism.bayofquinte.ca/
The Great Waterway: http://www.TheGreatWaterway.com
Ontario’s Highlands Tourism: http://www.OntariosHighlands.ca
Attractions and points of interest in the surrounding areas
Prince Edward County—approx. 45 mins
Popularly known as ‘The County’ it forms part of the Bay of Quinte Region. The County is a beautiful island ad-venture that is a mecca for artists, nature lovers and anyone looking for a weekend break or a haven for life. Re-nowned for its sailing, fishing and great sand dunes, the County offers live theatre, artist studios and galleries, unique regional cuisine and a growing wine and craft beer industry.
Canadian Forces Base Trenton (Air Force Base)—approx. 45 mins
Located in Trenton, Ontario Canada’s largest air force base National Air Force Museum of Canada
Thousand Island National Park—approx. 1 hr
Group of 1,864 islands located on the Canada-U.S. border in the Saint Lawrence River
Toronto, Ontario—approx. 2 h 30 mins
Canada’s largest city CN Tower Toronto Zoo Hockey Hall of Fame Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada Royal Ontario Museum Ontario Science Centre Distillery District Toronto Blue Jays, Major League Baseball Canadian National Exhibition Canada’s Wonderland
Ottawa, Ontario—approx. 2 h 15 mins
Our Nation’s capital city A multitude of museums – six and counting National Gallery of Canada Parliament Hill Byward Market Calypso Park – a water park White water rafting