Brockville & 1000 Islands

Beautiful Brockville, originally called Elizabethtown, the settlement was renamed in honour of Major-General Isaac Brock, a hero of the War of 1812.

Brockville became Ontario’s first incorporated self-governing town on January 28, 1832, two years before Toronto. Prepare to be charmed by this year-round playground!

There’s more to Brockville than meets the eye. Between its pleasant vibes, clean air and zero traffic jams, it won’t take you long to realize that in addition to its expansive waterfront vistas and abundant parks, Brockville is a small yet complete city where everything you need is close at hand.

Brockville is ideally situated between two international bridges to the United States. 210 km west of Montreal, 110 km southwest of Ottawa, 340 km east of Metro Toronto and 22 km by highway from northern New York state, Brockville is well situated for your vacation getaway and easily accessed from major cities.

Start your adventure in the heart of it all at the Aquatarium. Friendly staff and volunteers are ready to welcome you to this indoor discovery center filled with interactive exhibits, educational programs, and animal habitats. Promoting curiosity and activity through programs about the ecology, history, culture, and lifestyle of the 1000 Islands, you can have fun while watching animals like otters, beavers, and fishes that live right here in the St. Lawrence River.

Canada’s First Railway Tunnel was completed in 1860 for the Brockville and Ottawa Railway and later owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway until being acquired by the City of Brockville in 1983.

The Tunnel is a remarkable example of Canada’s Pre-Confederation industrial heritage that this restoration project has been repurposed for the benefit of recreation, tourism, and economic development. Key features of the Tunnel restoration include a new paved concrete floor and state-of-the-art energy efficient lighting for safety and to highlight the Tunnel’s architecture and geology.

The Brockville Railway Tunnel offers another immersive experience with its accessible pathway and a mesmerizing LED light and sound display. Reviews from millions of TripAdvisor travelers place this attraction in the top 10% worldwide and it was named TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Award in 2021.