Cruising in Prince Edward County

As you cruise east past Cobourg, along the edge of Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton, the 69 foot Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse is impossible to miss. Built in 1840, it is the second oldest lighthouse on Lake Ontario. Remarkably, it has changed very little over the past century. The surrounding provincial park features an extensive network of trails and over three kilometres of sandy beach. As a result, it has become a popular destination for both boaters and visitors. Brighton also offers a rich history, with many century homes built during the prosperity of the Prohibition era.

Presqu’ile Bay marks the western entrance to the Bay of Quinte. From here, you can enter the eight kilometre Murray Canal, which connects directly into the system. As part of the Trent Severn Waterway, it operates from mid May to mid October, although hours can vary. The canal, constructed in 1889, includes two swing bridges, the Brighton Road Swing Bridge and the Carrying Place Swing Bridge. In addition, a small toll is required after passing through the Brighton Road Bridge, so it is best to have payment ready.

After passing through the Murray Canal, you arrive at the mouth of the Trent Severn Waterway. This 386 kilometre system offers endless cruising opportunities. If you choose to stop here, Trent Port Marina provides modern facilities and easy access to nearby shops and restaurants. In particular, it is worth visiting the Kawartha Dairy ice cream stand, a local favourite.

Continuing east, you will reach the town of Belleville. This is another excellent stop, with the downtown core located just a short walk from the marina and yacht club. In addition, the area offers a wide range of dining options. The Boathouse Seafood Restaurant is especially well known, with many locals claiming it serves some of the best fish and chips in the region.