Why You Should Take The Off-Ramp To Belleville, Ontario

For years, my family has driven past this one stretch of highway on the 401 on our Ontario road trips, never once taking the off-ramp. We always thought the Bay of Quinte, Belleville, and Trenton weren't worth the time.

But on this trip, we challenged that idea and discovered the Bay of Quinte region is a family road trip destination in its own right, full of epic outdoor adventures, cool culture, and delicious local food.

From Belleville to Trenton, this is my family's guide to an unforgettable weekend getaway in the Bay of Quinte.

In this video, we'll show you why this region is anything but boring. Here are some of the incredible places we visited on our trip:

02:10: Sager Conservation Area (Frankford): Sweeping 360-degree views from atop a 30-foot lookout tower.
4:20: Old Bank Cafe (Frankford): Delicious sandwiches and treats at a charming creekside cafe.
4:45: H.R. Frink Conservation Area: A peaceful marsh boardwalk perfect for a family wildlife scavenger hunt.
6:25: Chillango's Mexican Restaurant: A local Belleville success story with great burritos! - Note, Chilangos now only has ONE location in Belleville.
7:00: Reid's Dairy (Belleville): A local institution for ice cream and sweet treats!
7:35: National Air Force Museum of Canada (Trenton): Soar into history with historic planes and cool simulators.
8:18: Wannamaker's Bake Shop (Trenton): A local favorite for baked goods and cinnamon buns as big as your head.
8:45: Quinte Museum of Natural History: A small but fascinating museum with a unique display on whale evolution.
9:40: Paddling The Trent River with rentals from Trenton Rowing and Paddling Club.
10:10: The Pier Patio Bar & Grill (Belleville): Dinner with a view at a local hotspot on Myers Pier.
10:55: Gourmet Diem (Belleville): A downtown spot known for its fresh, local breakfast sandwiches.
11:05: Glanmore National Historic Site (Belleville): A stunning Victorian-era mansion that feels like a trip back in time.

Have you ever explored the Bay of Quinte, Belleville, or Trenton? Let us know your favourite spots in the comments below! If you loved this video, smash that like button and subscribe for more family travel adventures!