Brockville has two exits on Highway 401:
- Exit 696 – County Road 29 (Stewart Street)
- Exit 698 – North Augusta Road
The historic downtown, waterfront, and Tall Ships® Festival grounds are less than 5 minutes drive south of either exit on County Road 29 (Stewart) or North Augusta Road.
Free Tour Bus Parking
We suggest that tour bus drivers drop off and pick up their passengers at one of the two designated bus shuttle drop off points (one is on King Street at the intersection of Home Street, the other is at King Street and the top of Market Street East) and then park the bus off-site at one of our designated festival parking lots for the day (at either St. Lawrence College or the Brockville Youth Arena). The driver can then take a free festival shuttle back to the festival grounds to spend the day on site.
If you would like to park on site, we have a designated area for tour buses, but these spaces are limited. This spaces will be available between Water Street East and Broad Street – to access drive south on Broad Street.
Tour bus drivers and tour leaders will receive one complimentary ticket each for whichever Brockville Tall Ships® Festival activity your group will be participating in. Please call Lesley White at 613-342-8772 as soon as possible to make arrangements for tickets and to ensure availability.
General Admission Wristbands are $10/person; Festival Passports are $15 (which allow your guests to get on board the tall ships + admission to the grounds). Specialty cruise tickets range from $45-$50/person. Please refer to our Ticket Page for details on each ticket type.
Suggested Festival Group Itinerary
The following itinerary can be adapted to your group depending on interest and time. You could swap in a 1000 Islands Cruise or tall ship sail out on Saturday for example.
Friday
- 11:30 pm: Arrive in Brockville
- 11:30-1:30 pm: Lunch at one of Brockville’s Restaurants (see suggested restaurants below who are able to accommodate tour groups)
- 1:30-3:00 pm: Visit the Aquatarium (group tour rate is $12.99/person)
- 3 pm: Parade of Sail on the festival grounds (this is a must see event and the best time to take pictures of all of the visiting ships in full sail. Best place to view the ships is from Centeen Park or along the eastern wall of Blockhouse Island. Tour members will need either a festival passport or general admissions wristband to access these sites. (if you end up purchasing sail out or dinner tickets general admission is included in the price, with an option to upgrade to a passport)
- 5-6:30 pm: Free time to shop and explore Downtown Brockville. Dinner on your own
- 7-9 pm: 1000 Islands Cruise with 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
- 9 pm: Leave for hotel
Saturday
- 8-9:30 am: Breakfast at the hotel, or local restaurant
- 10-11 am: Visit the Brockville Museum ($3/person for groups)
- 11 am – 3 pm: Ship deck tours at the festival with time to explore the grounds and view the ships. Lunch on their own
- 4-5 pm: Guided tour of the Brockville Railway Tunnel (Admission is free, there is a fee if you would like a guided tour. Groups of less than 25: $150; groups of 25 or more: $250)
- 5-6:30 pm: Dinner at a local restaurant
- 6:30 pm: Depart
Please review the information below on how to book items in your itinerary that are not part of the festival itself (Aquatarium, Tunnel, Cruise line, restaurants, etc.).
Following you will find more extensive information on Downtown Brockville and our nearby tourism attractions. There is plenty of information so you can plan your tour depending on how much time you plan to spend in Brockville and the 1000 Islands Region. The tourism office is pleased to suggest an itinerary dependent on your interests and time. The Tourism Office will also help arrange tours for attractions that are not regularly set up for group tours. Please call 1-833-369-0620 for assistance.
Explore Downtown Brockville
Enjoy our FREE Downtown Wifi as you discover the city! On the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Downtown Brockville is Alive and Vibrant! Visit the heart of the city – Downtown Brockville! Just a five minute drive from the 401 and steps from the majestic St. Lawrence River and the famous 1000 Islands. You can find shops, restaurants, arts, culture, accommodations, services, and fun activities. Grab a bite from one of our 30+ eateries, and shop at our 60+ unique retail options. Explore Canada’s premiere Heritage Theater, sightseeing cruises of the famous 1000 Islands, Canada’s first railway tunnel and world class freshwater diving, all while enjoying Downtown Brockville’s unique history and architecture.
Nearby Restaurants
Free time to wander and eat? Brockville’s 30+ restaurants or cafes would be happy to serve you.
All Brockville restaurants in the downtown area are listed on the Downtown Brockville website.
If you are looking for group seating for an entire bus, the following eateries can accommodate you. Please provide notice to the restaurant so we can ensure you receive the best service within your timeframes:
Brockberry Grill
64 King Street East
(613) 498 2829
Brockberry is located in historic downtown Brockville and its menu offers a variety of foods, such as salad, burgers, and food from around the world. Despite its many options, Brockberry is known for its meat smoker and its southern-style side dishes. Be sure to also check out the marketplace within the establishment to purchase some delicious treats or meals. Don’t leave without trying the smoked meats or the Thai Chicken Poppy seed Salad.
Island Delight
140 King Street West
(613) 342 3628
http://www.islanddelight.ca/
Island delight offers delicious Chinese & Thai cuisine, ensuring that even picky eaters are sure to find something they love. If you want Chinese food, you can’t go wrong with a combination plate or the shanghai noodle. If Thai is more your style, the Pad Thai or curry dishes are amazing choices! Make sure to try out the spring rolls & wonton soup while you’re there!
Keystorm Pub
2 Courthouse Avenue
(613) 345 0404
http://www.keystormpub.ca/
The Keystorm pub is a welcoming establishment in the heart of downtown Brockville. One of its most popular foods on the menu is the chicken wings. Choose from 15 different sauces and even get them for under a dollar each on Tuesdays! If you’re visiting on a Monday, opt in to the free trivia game which begins at 7:00 for some additional fun with your meal!
Moose McGuire’s
6 Broad Street
(613) 345-5050
http://southcoastgrille.com/
Located in the Tall Ships building (which is also home to the Aquatarium), it also boasts a patio with a spectacular view of the waterfront.
Canada's First Railway Tunnel
South Entrance in Armagh Sifton Price Park (1 Water Street West – Close to Water Street and Market Street West), just outside of the main festival gates on Blockhouse Island Parkway.
North Entrance – 15 Brockville Railway Tunnel (Brock Street & Railway Avenue)
www.brockvillerailwaytunnel.com
Completed in 1860, this 158 year old tunnel runs from the City’s central waterfront area right under the centre of Brockville. Train traffic operated through the 1/2 kilometer (1/3 mile) for 110 years. The Brockville Railway Tunnel was an engineering feat in its day and it still stands strong.
The tunnel was closed to the public until 2017 when it was refurbished. Masonry was repaired while not disturbing the decades of colourful mineral deposits on the walls. New drainage and a smooth, safe, concrete walkway was installed along the full length of the tunnel. A dramatic, programmable LED lighting system, manufactured by Philips Lighting has been installed along the walkway enabling a dazzling and colourful light show which highlights the tunnel’s interior. The tunnel is open to the public daily from 9 am to 9 pm and there is no admission charge.
The tunnel does offer guided group tours from railway experts for a fee that will provide in-depth information about the tunnel, the rail history and the refurbishment.
Contact for guided tours:
Lynn Murray
1 King Street West. Brockville, ON K6V 7A5
Phone | (613) 342-8772 ext. 4431
Costs are $150 for 25 passengers (1 guide) and $250 for more than 25 (2 guides)
The Aquatarium
6 Broad Street
613-342-6789
www.aquatarium.ca
Contact: Brian at belliott@aquatarium.ca for group bookings
From its magnificent setting along the St. Lawrence River, The Aquatarium showcases the wonders of the 1000 Islands region in a captivating and enriching manner that is sure to inspire your curiosity. Imaginative exhibit designs and live animals are combined with innovative interactive technologies to entertain children and adults alike. The 30,000 square foot Aquarium & Discovery Centre is the ultimate waterfront attraction and a natural place to discover the 1000 Islands.
Enjoy a hands-on experience in the Aquatarium touch tanks and voyages though an array of under-tank tunnels and observation bubbles that bring new meaning to getting a fish-eye view of what happens underwater.
Muskie in the aquariums at the Aquatarium
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday to Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
(Open Mondays and Tuesdays in the off season for Tour Bus visitation only)
PRICING (per person) Special Tour Bus Rate: $12.99 Canadian – Payment is by invoice or you can pay on-site.
Allow 60 – 90 minutes per visit
The Brockville Arts Centre
235 King Street West
1-877-342-7122
www.brockvilleartscentre.com
bac@brockville.com
The Brockville Arts Centre (BAC) is located in the heart of historic downtown Brockville within easy walking distance of the St. Lawrence River harbour and a number of fine restaurants. It is recognized as one of the finest medium-sized historic theatres in Canada. Year after year the BAC welcomes thousands of theatre-goers to an experience that makes one feel close and connected to the performers on stage.
The BAC hosts one of the region’s top art galleries, is fully accessible, has 700 high quality seats, and provides phonic in-ear devices for those with hearing disabilities. The theatre is air conditioned, has ample free parking and the lobby bar is licensed.
PRICING: Varies by performance. Please call for pricing
SHOW LINE-UP: Review show schedules at www.brockvilleartscentre.com
1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
Operates from May-October
Operating from historic downtown Brockville, 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises operates a passenger vessel offering unique cruising experiences in the 1000 Islands.
30 Blockhouse Island Parkway
1-800-353-3157
groups@1000islandscruises.com
Pricing per person (please note this is 2019 pricing and may have changed):
- Jewels of the St. Lawrence for groups of 20 or more: $17.50 Canadian
- 1.5 – 2 hour Brockbuster Lunch Cruise for a minimum group of 30: $32.50 Canadian plus tax and service
- 2-3 hour St. Lawrence Soiree Dinner Cruise for a minimum group of 30: $44.95 Canadian plus tax and service
The Brockville Museum
5 Henry Street 613-342-4397 Ext 6223
www.brockvillemuseum.com
museum@brockville.com
The Brockville Museum explores Brockville’s rich industrial and social history through a variety of thematic exhibits and programming options to accommodate the unique needs and interests of your group. The museum is fully accessible with services available in English and limited French-language options.
Hours of Operation:
- Peak Season: Victoria Day Weekend to Labour Day (Mid-May to September) Monday-Saturday from 10am – 5 pm
- Off Season: September to May Monday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm
Pricing (2019 rates):
- Step-On Guide, City Tour $75/bus
- Museum Self-guided Tour $3 per person
- Thematic Talk $5 per person
- Tea Break $9 per person
- Criminal Past Walking Tour $5 per person
Step-On Guide, City Tour
Let one of our costumed docents guide your bus through Brockville’s history. We will highlight some of Brockville’s most notable landmarks and share the stories of the people who called this place home. A great way to introduce your group to Brockville’s rich past from the comfort of your bus. Approximately 1 hour in length. $75/bus (2019 pricing subject to change).
Museum Self-Guided Tour
Let your group explore Brockville’s history at their leisure. An experienced museum staff member will greet your group and provide an overview of Brockville’s history and the museum followed by free time to browse the galleries independently. Allow approximately 30-45 minutes. $3/person (2019 pricing subject to change).
Thematic Talk (includes self-guided tour)
Our Interpretation and Public Program Coordinator can provide an informal lecture on a range of locally-relevant historical topics. We recommend allowing 30-45 minutes for this option in addition to time to visit the museum’s galleries and displays which is included in the fee for this option. $5/person (2019 pricing subject to change).
Tea Break (includes self-guided tour)
Tea and treats are served on real china in a sit-down setting (no plastic dishes here!). Allow approximately 30 minutes for tea depending on the size of your group, in addition to time for visiting the museum’s galleries and displays. Total time commitment for this package is approximately 60-75 minutes. $9/person (2019 pricing subject to change).
Criminal Past Walking Tour
Get off the bus, stretch your legs and explore downtown Brockville on foot with a museum walking tour! Hear the story of one of Canada’s largest bank heists, the twisted tale of the last man hanged in Brockville, what happened during the Queen’s visit, and many other true stories during this 60 minute tour! $5/person (2019 pricing subject to change).
Fulford Place Museum
287 King Street East
Walk the same halls as royalty. Get a rare glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of another era. Discover the story of Senator George T. Fulford, explore the grand Fulford mansion and marvel at the many original family furnishings. Senator George Taylor Fulford made millions of dollars from “Pink Pills for Pale People” – a patent medicine he manufactured in Brockville and sold around the world. Fulford recognized the commercial potential of the readership developed by mass-circulation newspapers and built his business on saturation print advertising. He constructed Fulford Place, a 20,000-square-foot Edwardian mansion between 1899 and 1901. Original tapestries, paintings, statuary and ceramics collected on the Fulfords’ world travels are on display throughout the period rooms and are featured in special exhibits. The original grounds were designed by Frederick Olmsted of the Olmsted landscaping firm, which also designed Central Park in New York City.
Accessibility: Fulford Place is equipped with an elevator (large enough for two people with one wheelchair). There is also a ramp to give visitors access to the veranda.
Group Tour Info: Group tours for 15 or more people are available any time by appointment and onsite bus parking is available. The bus driver and one tour organizer per group will receive complimentary admission. The group rate is $5 plus HST per person (2019 pricing subject to change).
Contact: 613-498-3003 | fulford@heritagetrust.on.ca
