Once a thriving film studio town where silent movie pilots soared across the silver screen, Trenton is now home to real Royal Canadian Air Force pilots and Canada’s largest air force base. Trenton is also known among boating and fishing enthusiasts for its excellent angling and world-class marina.
1. TRENTON KIWANIS WALLEYE WORLD LIVE RELEASE FISHING DERBY
Bay of Quinte
On May 4 and 5, the Kiwanis Club hosts its fishing derby with a $10,000 top prize. The winner gets bragging rights, the fish get to go free, and the Kiwanis Club gets to support local youth.
To register, visit: kiwaniswalleyeworld.com
2. TRENT-SEVERN WATERWAY
45 County Road 33 #29 (Lock 44)
Take your boat or kayak through the 386-kilometre Trent-Severn Waterway route and pass 44 locks. If you prefer terra firma, you can watch the boats go by at one of the many lookouts along the canal. The waterway opens on the May long weekend.
3. FRONT STREET FARMERS’ MARKET
67 Front Street
Also starting on the Victoria Day weekend, the Front Street Farmers’ Market is teeming with vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, ciders, maple syrup and artisanal products. Pick up some local cheeses and meats for your picnic. New hours 9am-2pm Saturdays only. Call: 613-392-2841 ext. 4416.
4. CENTENNIAL PARK
12 Couch Crescent
Have your first picnic of the season, while the kids explore the splash pad, skate park and playground. The park features a paved path, an amphitheatre, trails, and the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Arena and sports fields. Splash pad opens in May.
Open 6am-11pm quintewest.ca
5. MOUNT PELION PARK AND LOOKOUT
399 Dufferin Avenue (north end of MacLellan)
Affectionately known as “Trenton’s Mountain,” this park is a drumlin formed by ancient glaciers. Samuel de Champlain stopped atop the hill in 1615 to survey the Bay. Climb the steps to the observation deck and enjoy the views atop the 30-foot tower.
6. CLOCK TOWER
Dundas Street W. (at the foot of King Street)
Speaking of towers, the 90-foot limestone structure was constructed in 1888, and has clocks on four sides that tell the hour. Although it’s not open to the public, this historically designated landmark makes an excellent selfie backdrop.
7. DOWNTOWN SHOPPING
DBIA office at 6 Dundas Street W.
Take the historical walk from Fraser Park along Dundas Street to the Old Town Hall. Stop in at one of the many cafés or local bakeries for some homemade treats or peruse artisanal shops selling local and imported meats and cheeses, specialty clothing, hand-printed textiles and homewares. Visit: downtowntrenton.ca.
8. TRENT PORT MARINA
15 Creswell Drive
End your day by the water at the world-class, 375-slip marina and event space. The marina is also Blue Flag-certified, recognizing projects like the turtle sanctuary and installations of Seabin and LittaTraps that divert garbage and microplastics away from the waterways. Enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset on the marina’s patio. Visit: trentportmarina.ca
Story by:
Micol Marotti
Illustration by:
Thérèse Cilia
