Brockville – The City of the 1000 Islands

The Seaside Port of Brockville is one that I have “graced” with my presence for several summers on my roadtrips from Ottawa to Toronto. Not only does it have a fantastic fish and chip, but also a fine assortment of watering holes and an assortment of fine Victorian architecture that could make an architect blush! Although the town’s population swells during the summer months when cottagers flock to the coast, this is a place worth visiting year round!

For those of you interested the nearby towns are tiny but hold a lot of old Loyalist history, I recommend checking out Maitland as well as the Blue Church, up near Prescott.

Table of Contents

• Geography
• A Brief History
• What to do in Brockville?
  • Ride Through the Brockville Tunnel
  • Explore the Waterfront and Grab a Fish and Chip
  • Walk Along the Old Court House Avenue and Visit the War Monument
  • Stop by a Local Pub Like the 1000 Islands Brewing for a Pint
  • Spend Some Time Roaming the Ground of the Fulford Place Mansion
  • Check Out the City’s Architectural Heritage Including Victoria Hall
• Conclusion

Geography

Once called Elisabethtown, the city was established on the shores of the St. Lawrence river, between Kingston and Cornwall. Later it would be renamed to Brockville after General Isaac Brock, one of the Heroes of 1812 – honoured for his role in the Battle of Niagara where he gave his life for Canada. To the north of the city you will find the backbone of Ontario’s transportation infrastructure, both the CN Rail (freight) – Via Rail (passenger) right of way and the 401 Highway transportation corridor.

A Brief History

Once occupied by the palisades villages for the First Nation St. Lawrence Iroquois, Brockville was founded in 1784. It was formed as a Loyalist Settlement. At the time both Upper Canada (as it was called at the time, now Ontario) and the Eastern Townships (South Western Quebec) were wild regions slowly being occupied by British subjects fleeing from America after the American Revolution. As a reward for their service they were given these undeveloped regions to start fresh.

During the war of 1812, the town was captured by American forces (1813) yet thrived after in the post war years. It was thus that Brockville became Ontario’s first incorporated self-governing town on in1832, a staggering two years before Toronto, now the capital of Ontario and a mega city. The town was host to a series of government services such a regional courts as well as commercial ventures such as floor mills, medicine production, shipbuilding, saddleries, tanneries, tinsmiths, a foundry, a brewery, and several hotels. Yet its most important industry was that of the railways. In 1855, Brockville was chosen as a divisional point for the Grand Trunk Railway, connecting Montreal and Toronto as well as being connected to the Brockville and Ottawa Railway allowing access to the rich timber trade of the Ottawa Valley connecting it with the Saint Lawrence River ship route.

After the industrial boom of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the town’s growth slowed and it would not be until 1962 that Brockville was granted official status as a city.

What to do in Brockville?

Brockville has always been one of my favourite stops along the 401, not just because of its delicious fish and chip joints! This scenic location is home to a boatload of old masonry Victorians and grand old stone buildings dating from an era where Britannica still ruled the waves. In essence the place is an outdoor palace of architectural delights, with its ancient church spires towering above the St. Lawrence.

Ride Through the Brockville Tunnel

An engineering marvel of Upper Canada, now turned tourist attraction, this attraction is Canada’s first railway tunnel. Built in 1860 it passes directly under downtown Brockville.

Outside the tunnel you will find an old train caboose on display (and used as an escape room). You can now walk inside the tunnel where tasteful uplighting and music brings the structure to life.

Explore the Waterfront and Grab a Fish and Chip

Brockville is a seaside town and it should be no surprise that the waterfront is at the forefront of life here. The lively Harbour is home to many greenspaces including Blockhouse Island park where you will find a Golden Hawk Sabre Jet on display. In the harbour you will find Tall Ships Landing, a modern Marina development with an Aquarium. Furthermore you will find a kiosk for Thousand Island Boat Cruises.

The neighborhood to the west of the marina is composed of old stone buildings. It leads to Centennial Park, the location of the Brockville museum, an attraction worthy of your attention.

It is in this neighbourhood that you will find Don’s fish and chip, the best place to grab a bite in town! Be forewarned there are usually long lines as locals love this place.

Walk Along the Old Court House Avenue and Visit the War Monument

The civic heart of Brockville is clustered around the Courthouse and its great lawn. From here Courthouse avenue leads to the main street perpendicular to it, where you will find a memorial to the Great War.

This area is clustered with administrative and religious structures of great significance to the city.

The Leeds and Grenville County Court House is a National Historic Site of Canada. In front of the bilding, at the edge of the lawn, you will find a bust of Sir. Isaack Brock whom the town is named after. The building dates from 1842, but was expanded later in the 19th century.

Here are a few close ups of the structure, notice that lady liberty crowns the structure, right above the clock. In her hand she holds a Canadian flag.

In behind the building you will find more administrative buildings such as the old county registration office.

Flanking the structure are the spires of two imposing religious structures; the Wall Street United Church and the First Presbyterian Church.

The war memorial strikes an imposing figure, in many ways welcoming the visitor to Brockville due to its prominent location.

Stop by a Local Pub Like the 1000 Islands Brewing for a Pint

Brockville is filled with classic drinking homes such as the 1000 Islands Brewing Company (if you enjoy craft beer!).

For those looking for something more conventional I recommend the Keystorm, although there are many great pubs in town. This pub is usually host to a live band.

Spend Some Time Roaming the Ground of the Fulford Place Mansion

This massive Edwardian stone mansion once belonging to Senator George T. Fulford is once again open for visits. This man was the inventor of the “Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for Pale People” a medical product produced in Brockville. Inside the house displays will give you a good idea of the Fulford medical patents and the lives of its inhabitants.

Check Out the City’s Architectural Heritage Including Victoria Hall

As previously mentioned Brockville is home to some truly spectacular pieces of architecture. Downtown you will find a typical 19th century main street, headlined by Victoria Hall – now a city hall. Conceived in 1832 as outdoor market it still hold a charm that modernity could never match.

The rowhomes beside the Presbyterian church in particular have left me impressed.

Outside of the downtown you will find a collection of old masonry Victorians that may be the prettiest along the St. Lawrence River.

Conclusion

As previously mentioned Brockville has always been one of my favourite stops along the 401. Not only is the fish and chip excellent but a host of microbreweries await the thirsty traveller. Welcome to Brockvegas, a historic small city with an urban flair