Ethan BrownPrescott is a town rich in culture. It’s known for its buzzing art and theatre scene, fascinating history, and fun waterfront activities.
Founded in the 17th century by United Empire Loyalists, Prescott was a crucial port on the St. Lawrence River and played a significant role in military history.
Prescott is home to Fort Wellington, the Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site, and the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival.
It’s a short trip from Ottawa – perfect for quick getaways. It’s a haven for history buffs and families planning kid-friendly outings that won’t break the bank. Thinking of taking a trip here? Read on to see how you can maximize your visit!
Where is Prescott?
Prescott is north of the Saint Lawrence River in southeastern Ontario. It’s located south of Sparkle City and is sandwiched between Riverview Heights and Wexford.
What is the main street in Prescott?
The River Walk District is the area to explore in Prescott, or at least a good place to start. Here you can lounge around the neighbourhood patios, shop at the farmers’ and crafters’ market, enjoy the parks, and see historical sites, like Fort Wellington.
How to Get to Prescott
By car: It’s most recommended to drive to Prescott or avail of a carpool service. If you’re coming from Ottawa, it’s a one-hour drive each way using Highway 416, with a distance of roughly 75 kilometres.
By train: If you’re taking the Rail train coming from Ottawa, Montreal, or Toronto, the closest stop is at Brockville. From there, it will take a 20-minute taxi ride to reach Prescott.
What to Do and See in Prescott
Dive deep into history at Fort Wellington National Historic Site
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Website
Address: 370 Vankoughnet St
Contact: 613-925-2896
Operating Hours: Thursday-Monday ( 10 AM – 5 PM)
Prices:
- Adult (18-64 years old) – $4.50
- Senior (65 years and above) $4.00
- Youth (Below 17 years old) – Free
If history and heritage appreciation are your thing, you can’t miss a trip to Fort Wellington. Here, you’ll get to see one of the best-preserved defensive walls in the country and learn about its significance before, during, and after the war.
It’s a cool experience because you don’t just get to admire the fortification up close; you’ll also see a reenactment of how life was in the 1800s for the members of the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment and their families.
The staff (in costume!) will walk you through its history and answer questions. If you’re bringing family, Fort Wellington has an Xplorers Program for kids aged 6 to 11 years old as well.
Children can get a booklet that will help them maximize the experience, complete with fun ideas and activities to try out. When they finish the activities in the booklet, they can get a certificate of completion and a souvenir.
For those wondering about accessibility, the pathways and the ground floor are wheelchair-accessible. Visitors with limited mobility have the option for interpreters to explain and tell them what’s on the second and third floors.
Bike at the Downtown Prescott RiverWalk District
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Website
Address: 202 King St W
Contact: +1 613-925-2812
Cyclists are more than welcome at Prescott. Downtown Prescott RiverWalk District is growing as a cycling hub in Eastern Ontario. So you’ll find secure parking spaces, repair stations, and bike-friendly businesses here.
It’s wonderful to explore the town on two wheels, especially in the early morning and the afternoon. You can start your route at the Prescott Museum and Visitor Centre. There are cycling maps and trail information available here, plus water refills, and even tips from locals.
Learn how to dive at Prescott Scuba Park
Address: 235 Water St W
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try new things, Prescott has a dive training park where you can safely learn how to dive or refresh your skills. The waters there have minimal current and relatively manageable depths, according to experienced divers.
Plus, they have guidelines available at the site, so you won’t get confused. In case you do get lost, you can just swim north to return to the shore. Check out this guide for specific diving information in the area.
Note that parking can be hard to come by during peak seasons. There are washrooms available from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Have a relaxing walk along Heritage River Trail
Address: Burk’s Falls
Bring your comfiest shoes because Prescott boasts of plenty of parks and trails. One of the most well-known walking paths is the Heritage River Trail. Get your steps in while taking in the sights – you might even spot some birds and butterflies here!
West of the trail, you can also see an arboretum. It’s a great chance to see native tree species in the area. It’s a great way for children to learn about flora and fauna.
Play a game or two of golf at the Prescott Golf Club
Website
Address: 900 Boundary Street
Operating Hours: Daily (8 AM – 2 PM)
Contact: 613-925-5370
If you want to relax and blow off some steam, there’s a stunning 18-hole golf course at the Prescott Golf Club. It faces the St. Lawrence River and is just 40 minutes from Ottawa.
They have a full-service clubhouse, so you can bring your family with you. For food, they have Madison’s by Renegadz there. It’s a lounge and restaurant in one – complete with flat screen TVs and different outdoor and indoor seating options.
Attend the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival
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Website
Address: 202 King St W
Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday (10 AM – 5 PM)
Contact: +1 613-925-5788
Prescott is home to a well-known outdoor summer theatre festival in Ontario – the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival. Here you’ll get the chance to immerse yourself in Shakespearean classics, modern interpretations, musicals, and original plays.
Since it’s an outdoor theatre with steep areas and grass-covered terraces, wear footwear you’ll be comfortable in. Bringing a hat or umbrella to protect you against the elements is also a good idea. Also – don’t forget bug spray!
Where to Eat and Drink in Prescott
Katarina’s Coffee Shop
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Website
Menu
Pricing: $
Address: 513 King St W
Operating Hours: Daily (9 AM – 5 PM)
Contact: +1 613-213-8007
There’s something about this bike-friendly neighbourhood cafe that just feels like home. They serve baked goods, breakfast food, and paninis. Our favourites include their regular benny, bagel sandwiches, and their pumpkin pie.
If you want a sense of calm and peace with the smell of freshly-brewed coffee, this is the place for you.
Outpost Cafe
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Website
Menu
Pricing: $
Address: 164 King St W
Operating Hours: Monday-Friday (9 AM – 2 PM)
Contact: +1 613-925-1662
Another great breakfast spot in Prescott is Outpost Cafe – a nonprofit cafe that specializes in community-building. They serve good food and a whole lot of warmth. What’s amazing is that the place is run by volunteers.
They host plenty of events that give opportunities to meet people in the city. As of the time of writing, they have a bi-weekly meeting for parents and littles. It usually kicks off with baby-friendly activities and ends with coffee chats with other parents.
Aside from fun activities, their apple brie, BLT, and gourmet grilled cheese are must-tries. They also have a weekly soup schedule that you can check out. They’re quite active on social media, and they post updates there.
Little Barcelona
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Website
Menu
Pricing: $$
Address: 991 Industrial Rd Unit D
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday (11:30 AM – 4 PM)
- Wednesday-Saturday (11:30 AM – 10 PM)
- Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Contact: +1 613-918-0702
Little Barcelona is a charming Spanish restaurant that serves amazing tapas, salads, sandwiches, and mains. When the weather’s nice, it’s a must to eat at their patio and chill while eating traditional Spanish food.
Their croquetas, calamari, and pulpo a la Gallega (octopus over sliced potatoes) are magnificent appetizers.
Plus, their Jamón ibérico sandwich is mind-blowingly good. It’s made with 100% acorn-fed ham that’s hand-carved and served on a baguette with tomato and olive oil.
O’Heaphy’s Irish Pub
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Website
Menu
Pricing: $
Address: 101 King St W
Operating Hours:
- Saturday (7:30 AM – 11 PM)
- Sunday (7:30 AM – 10 PM)
- Monday-Tuesday (11 AM – 10 PM)
- Wednesday (11 AM – 10:30 PM)
- Thursday (11 AM – 10:30 PM)
- Friday (11 AM – 11 PM)
Contact: +1 613-925-0006
For drinks, a riverside view, live music, and delicious grilled food, O’Heaphy’s is the place to be. They have different craft beers and alcoholic drinks to choose from, making them a fantastic pub for a relaxed hangout with friends.
The restaurant has a chill vibe and offers dine-in and take-out options. They often host fun events for their patrons, like karaoke nights and trivia nights.
Red George Public House
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Website
Menu
Pricing: $$
Address: 197 Water St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday-Thursday (11 AM – 9 PM)
- Friday-Saturday (11 AM – 10 PM)
Contact: +1 613-925-8800
If you’re looking to enjoy some steaks and down them with some beers, Red George Public House is a good bet. Aside from steaks, they serve some classic comfort food such as pot pies, baked spaghetti, and bangers and mash.
They usually have steak night on Wednesdays, so if your visit falls on such, don’t miss it! The outdoor seating, kind staff, and delicious food will definitely help you unwind.
Where to Shop in Prescott
Prescott Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market
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Address: 197 Water St W
Support local vendors and check out their farmers’ and crafters’ market in Prescott. It’s usually open on Saturdays from May to October from 11 AM to 3 PM.
You’ll usually find local produce, yummy baked goods, preserves that you can take home, and crafts for souvenirs. Usually, buskers play in the area, so you’ll enjoy live music while you shop.
Keep your eyes peeled for specialty food trucks and local home-based businesses. The fun part is you’re not sure what treasures and discoveries you’ll find here. Plus, every single trip could be different!
Once@426 Boutique and Market
Website
Address: 426 King St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday-Friday (10 AM – 5 PM)
- Saturday (9 AM – 2 PM)
Contact: +1 613-349-6408
For fun specialty items and unique finds, Once@426 is a great store to visit. It’s quite a hidden gem because they don’t just have a great variety of clothing and accessories to choose from; the customer service is also commendable.
Aside from women’s clothing, they also offer a selection of food and gift items, including barbecue sauces and rubs, various games and puzzles for the kids, and even beauty and personal care items.
Giant Tiger
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Address: 936 Edward St N
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday (8 AM – 9 PM)
- Saturday-Sunday (9 AM – 6 PM)
Contact: +1 613-925-4615
If you find yourself in a pinch and needing clothes or personal items you forgot to bring with you, Giant Tiger offers good deals. It’s a discount store that carries clothing, groceries, home decor, and everyday needs.
Where to Stay in Prescott
Quality Inn & Suites Prescott
Address: 135 Prescott Centre Dr
Contact: +1 613-342-1206
Quality Inn and Suites is still fairly new. Their rooms are up to standard, clean, and spacious. Plus, the staff is really nice and welcoming.
It’s perfect for short stays and vacations. It’s conveniently located near the tourist spots, and there are restaurants and stores within walking distance in case you need anything.
Dewar’s Inn on the River
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Address: 1649 2
Contact: +1 613-925-3228
If you’re looking for a relaxing and quiet area to stay in, Dewar’s Inn is a good option. It’s a resort located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River that was built on the site of Greenville Brewery.
While it’s not your standard hotel, the cottages are homey and clean. Plus, they have amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, a gas fireplace, a private deck with a grill, and queen-sized beds. You get complimentary breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi, and on-site parking as well.
