Cornwall, Ont. is a quaint riverfront city with a unique geographical location at the convergence of the Ontario, Quebec, and New York state borders.
With a population of under 50,000, Cornwall is considered Ontario’s easternmost city, and is roughly 430 kilometres east of Toronto or 100 kilometres southeast of Ottawa.
The city straddles the St. Lawrence River and is home to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, which oversees navigation and shipping activities for the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Given its proximity to the river and comprehensive network of about 40 kilometres of recreational paths, Cornwall sees most of its tourism activity during the summer.
One of the city’s main attractions is Lamoureux Park, which runs along the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River. The park serves as the main gathering place for community events and festivals, including Canada Day celebrations and Ribfest.
From July 25 to 28, the city is set to host its annual Ribfest, featuring savoury ribs cooked by award-winning pitmasters as well as live entertainment.
Located within Lamoureux Park is Marina 200, where the majority of the boating activity on Cornwall’s waterfront takes place. The marina has a capacity of 160 boats and is open until Oct. 6, 2024.
One of the city’s hidden gems is Guindon Park, which sprawls across 500 acres and provides access to Cornwall’s off-road bike trails, dozens of kilometres of walking trails, picnic areas, and horseback riding.
If you prefer to do some exploring indoors, you can always check out the Cornwall Community Museum, which is free to visit and features archival materials, furniture, textiles, and household items ranging from different periods in time.
There’s also the Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre — a state-of-the-art building that provides an interactive and historical look at the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project.
Just a seven-minute drive away, you’ll find Archie’s Family Golf Centre, a Cornwall institution that was born in the late 1950s and offers a chance for the whole family to work on their swings or battle it out in a game of mini-putt.
Whether you’re just passing through or spending a few days in Cornwall, there’s no shortage of top-rated restaurants to enjoy, including Thai restaurant Thum’s Kitchen, Edward’s Bistro, Philos Greek Cuisine and Pizzeria, The Spicy Pearl, and Casa Paolo.
If you’re headed for Montreal or Quebec City and are looking for a pit stop along the way, Cornwall is a great place to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and enjoy views of the riverfront before continuing your journey.
Cornwall is located about a four to five-hour drive east of Toronto.
