Small towns

The Southeast - Ontario

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Altitude above sea level: Ottawa
230 ft

Our visits: So far 2 visits to Huntsville in September 2021 and October 2025 – So far 1 visit in October 2025 to Brockville

Huntsville

Description: Huntsville is the largest town in the Muskoka region. It was founded in 1869 by George Hunt, after whom it is named. Today, the town is primarily a tourist destination. It offers a good base for visiting the nature parks in the surrounding area. In June 2010, the Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville hosted the G8 summit.

More descriptions and pictures of places we visited around Huntsville:
Algonquin PP
Arrowhead PP

Our rating: We really like Huntsville. It is a small, friendly place that offers tourists every opportunity to enjoy a wonderful vacation. We felt very comfortable here on our second visit as well.

Rated 5 out of 5

Brockville

Description: Brockville is picturesquely located about 75 km northeast of Kingston on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. The city was named after British General Isaac Brock. One of the city's attractions is Canada's first railway tunnel. Construction began in 1854 and it was put into operation in 1860. The tunnel was in use for over 100 years until it was decommissioned. The first 279 m of the 527 m long tunnel are now open to visitors. Information boards on the tunnel walls commemorate its history. Near the tunnel entrance, there is also a decommissioned red railway car from the Canadian Pacific Railway.

More descriptions and pictures of places we visited around Brockville:
Long Sault Parkway
1000 Island NP

Our rating: We also really liked Brockville. Unfortunately, we only had half a day to spend there during our visit. It would definitely be worth spending more time here. The small town made a very friendly and relaxed impression on us. It's a place we could definitely imagine coming back to in the future.

Rated 5 out of 5

Iroquois

Description: The lock in Iroquois is located directly on the St. Lawrence River and serves to bypass the Iroquois Dam. The dam regulates the water level of Lake Ontario. Depending on the water level in the lake, ships can overcome a height difference of up to 2 meters here. The lock is in operation around the clock.

More descriptions and pictures of places we visited around Iroqouis:
Long Sault Parkway

Our rating: The lock in Iroquois was a short stopover for us on our way from Ottawa to Kingston. Certainly not a must-see, but a nice place to stretch your legs a little and watch the ships passing through the lock.

Rated 3 out of 5