Trent Hills

Trent Hills is home to all kinds of nature and outdoor experiences, including the spectacular Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge. But that’s just the beginning. Trent Hills is recognized nationally as a “Trail Town”, thanks to its waterway and water-side communities. Campbellford and Hastings are located along the historic, 386km-long Trent-Severn Waterway, making the area a great place to fish, boat or paddle. Land-based trail options, including the Trans Canada Trail, are available for hiking and cycling. A short drive south and you’ll find another jewel to explore: Warkworth, a vibrant agricultural and designated arts community. 

Here are some highlights to help you plan your trip here. 

Campbellford

Campbellford is located at Lock 11,12 on the Trent-Severn Waterway. You’ll find lots to do on both sides of the town’s main bridge. 

• Walk, cycle – or just take in the view – above the Ranney Gorge, on the suspension bridge that connects to Ferris Provincial Park. As you make your way across this 300-ft-long (91 m) bridge, you’ll see the water far below and an incredible panorama all around you.

• Get a great selfie in front of Canada's Giant $2 Coin, showcasing polar bear art created by artist Brent Townsend, who lived in Trent Hills. If you stand in front of it, just so, and open your arms just-so-wide, you’ll look like you are holding this massive coin over your head. (The perfect pose to build your superhero status!)

• Follow your taste buds around town and pick up treats like fresh curd at Empire Cheese, mint meltaways at the World’s Finest® chocolate outlet store, or a famous (and very fluffy) cream-filled donut at Dooher's Bakery. 

• Take part in some of the many fun festivals and events here, from local food to music to agriculture. 

• Be surrounded by world-class music, performed live in a 400-seat timber frame barn (or in the fields) at Westben, just 3 km out of town.

• Order some popcorn and take in a modern movie in classic style at Aron Theatre Co-operative, a charming, refurbished movie house.

• Sample award-winning craft beer in a former Methodist church at Church-Key Brewing Co. Continue the craft beer tour with a stop into Fogorig Brewing, about 9 km outside of Campbellford. This family-run farm brewery has an old mill (c. 1834), open fields, and stunning hilltop views.

Optical illusions at Campbellford's giant $2 coin.

Hastings

Hastings is known as "The Hub of the Trent". With its location at Lock 18 on the Trent River, it’s the gateway to Rice Lake. 

• Bring your fishing gear and see why Hastings was voted the Ultimate Fishing Town in Canada by the World Fishing Network. The Hastings Bridge is the only roadway bridge in Ontario where you can legally fish. (It’s also a great stop in the spring, just to see the pickerel and perch navigate under the bridge.) 

• Explore a fairly flat portion of the Trans Canada Trail. From Hastings, you can walk, cycle, cross country ski or snowshoe using the app for this former rail trail route. In Trent Hills, the nation-wide trail passes through Hastings and Campbellford, over the Ranney Gorge, and further east to Hoard’s Station. (Snowmobiles and ATVs are also permitted.)

• Enjoy a picnic in Pisces Park, located along the shores of the Trent-Severn Waterway, and watch the boats float by. 

• Pose for a selfie beside Pisces Pete in Pisces Park. Pete is a 12-foot-tall stainless-steel fish, a walleye, crafted by Canadian artist Bill Lishman to mark the importance of fishing in Hastings.

• Sample some craft beer at Focal Brewing Co. about 5 km south of town. Visit on Trivia Night for even more fun.

• Take in the Waterfront Festival and other events created for family fun.  

• Stop by the Hastings Village Marina. Its deck is a great place to view the fast water, flowing through dam chutes of the first dam built on the Trent in 1844. 

• Book a cozy cottage or campground along the Trent-Severn Waterway. You’ll find lots of places to stay and boats to rent – or fish right off the dock. 

Take a selfie with Pisces Pete in Hastings

Warkworth

Warkworth is a friendly, country village with a smattering of uptown style. Nestled among seven hills, Warkworth is both a rural arts hub and a long-standing agricultural community.

• Take the time to stop and smell the lilacs. You’ll find more than 65 varieties at the Warkworth Lilac Festival held in May. 

• Bring your clubs and get in a round or two of great golf. Home of so many rolling hills, it’s not surprising that there are three 18-hole golf courses here within a short drive. 

• Try some of Northumberland’s finest maple syrup at the Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival in March. You’ll find pancakes piled-high, maple taffy making, and sleigh rides.  

• Bring home some foodie finds from K Okay Cafe & Roasters (the house roasted coffee and scones are divine), The Village Pantry (gourmet cheeses, foods and cooking gear), and Centre & Main Chocolate Co. (artisanal chocolate with local ingredients like saffron or honey).   

• Discover one-of-a-kind works at artisan studios. You’ll find inspiration in glass, clay, beeswax, and even metal for outdoor art.  

• The community’s rich arts heritage is on display at The Ah! Arts and Heritage Centre with local exhibits and special events.

• Stroll around the village and you’ll see some cool architectural features including whimsical gargoyles and intricate 19th century stonework. Warkworth is steeped in early settlement history.

• Get some fresh air on the Millennium Trail. You’ll also get some incredible photos. This 2.6 km trail is wheelchair accessible, and easy to reach from the bridge on Main Street.

• Drive around to capture an Instagramable moment, from old barns and architectural details to breathtaking hilltop views. To plan before you go, you can check out Trent Hill’s self-guided walking and driving tours.

Can you spot the unique details in Warkworth?