In the current context, we have chosen to prioritize outdoor activities in order to respect social distancing. Luckily, our region, Prescott-Russell, is known for its many outdoor activities. We are therefore suggesting five activities to do here before the end of October.

Spend the day at the Vankleek Hill Vineyard and enjoy the view of the vineyard. Nothing better than wine tastings and a charcuterie plate in good company.

Located 10 minutes from the first activity, at Ouimet Farm it’s guaranteed fun! The huge corn maze is sure to keep everyone in your family entertained. Also available on site, the classic activity of the season, picking pumpkins straight from the fields.

The perfect place to enjoy many local products is the Vankleek Hill Farmers Market. Don’t miss your chance, the market is open every Saturday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at 79 Derby Avenue, Vankleek Hill. There is something for all culinary taste, so don’t miss your chance. The market is open every Saturday from 9:30am to 12:30pm.

It’s the Pumpkin Festival at Proulx Maple & Berry Farm! A fun-filled day is waiting for you. On site, several activities such as a corn maze, a cart ride, petting zoo and play structure for kids.

Finally, such a great thing to do this time of the year is to admire the landscapes and the changing colors of the leaves. Why not take a bike ride or enjoy a walk in the Larose Forest. Located in the West end of Prescott-Russell, two parking spots are available: Bourget or Clarence-Rockland. Visit the Larose Forest website to download all the trail maps.

The Prescott-Russell Tourism team wishes you a wonderful Fall season. Don’t forget to let us know when you are passing through our beautiful region by tagging us on social media. Have a great weekend!

 

Despite the pandemic, we have been very blessed with the weather this season and we actually have a few ideas for you to enjoy even more the outdoors and our local products, all while respecting social distancing measures : picnics! Whether it's with family, friends or with a partner, here are the best places to have a picnic in Prescott-Russell.

The “Île du Chenail” is without a doubt a must-see. Located beside the Ottawa River, you will find a magnificent landscape, tables set up for visitors, free parking and the Recycl’art outdoor exhibition just next door to the Le Chenail Cultural Center.

If you venture a little farther east of our region, L'Artisan Farm offers you the picnic experience for this weekend only in their gorgeous orchards. Hurry up and make your reservation!

Combine hiking and picnicking for an awesome day at the Voyageur Provincial Park in Chute-à-Blondeau. Daily admissions are possible, or you can even camp there for the night. The park has a maximum number of people who are allowed per day on the site. We therefore invite you to visit their Facebook page before you travel to make sure that the maximum number has not been reached. Have a good hike!

Jessup Falls Park: the magical landscape of fishermen. Accessible via Highway 17, between Alfred and Rockland, you will find lots of greenery, tables, accessible toilets, free parking and even a little corner just for fishing. Also take this opportunity to stop at the Café sur la Rive to enhance your picnic experience.

With an impressive view once again of the Ottawa River, the Parc du Moulin in Rockland is definitely worth the detour. Easy to reach from Highway 17, this beautiful and peaceful place is the perfect stop to enjoy a moment of relaxation with splendid sceneries.

Nonetheless, let us know when you are stopping by for a visit by using our fav hashtag #SavourTheOutdoors on our social media pages. Have a good trip and enjoy your picnic!

You are interested in visiting our beautiful region in the coming weeks or for a vacation this summer? Here is some information that might be useful to you.

I don't live in Prescott-Russell, can I still visit?

Yes, you can come and visit us!

Please note that traveling between provinces is not prohibited, but not recommended. Furthermore, if you are an Ontario resident, it is not forbidden for you to come and visit our region. However, we recommend that tourists do so with caution and take the necessary precautions to minimize the transmission of the virus.

I want to go camping. Are the campsites open?

Yes.

Our campsites opened on May 16 for seasonal campers. On June 12, private campsites and provincial parks received government authorization to open their doors to all campers.

 Some campsites however decided to keep all public places closed, such as swimming pools, beaches, public toilets, children's playgrounds, etc. Make sure to get informed on all the details related to your stay before your departure and prior to making your reservations.

I am passionate about golf. Can I come and play in Prescott-Russell?

Yes, with certain safety measures.

Golfers must reserve in advance and cannot arrive more than 30 minutes before their game. Groups must be maximum 4 people and a distance of 2 meters must be kept at all times between the participants.

I wish to visit friends and family who live in Prescott-Russell, is it possible?

Yes, you can visit them.

The Ontario government recently announced that as of July 17, the limit for indoor gatherings is increased to a maximum of 50 people and the limit for outdoor gatherings is increased to a maximum of 100 people as long as the social distancing is respected.

I plan to travel in the Prescott-Russell area. Will the restaurants be open?

Yes, as of June 12 but patios only.

Between a nice cold beer or the delicious taste of local food, people will be able to enjoy these on patios everywhere in Prescott-Russell. Since March, several restaurants have implemented delivery and take-out services and they are now serving food on their patios. Seasonal restaurants are actively working to adjust features to accommodate people during this pandemic.

Establishments must take appropriate measures to ensure a distance of at least two meters between customers of different tables, unless these are separated by plexiglass barriers or other impermeable barriers.

As of September 25, restaurants can no longer serve alcohol after 11 a.m. Restaurants and nightclubs must close at midnight and be closed until 5 a.m. the next morning The limits for private unsupervised social gatherings anywhere in Ontario are maintained at a maximum of 10 people at an indoor event or gathering or 25 people at an outdoor event or gathering.

I would like to visit Voyageur Provincial Park. Is it possible?

Yes.

Access to the beaches was allowed on June 12, after the maintenance and water testing was completed. As of June 15, campers already registered with the Ontario Parks Seasonal Camping Program have had access to their campsites in the majority of participating parks.

Beginning on June 22, they will gradually begin to open campgrounds and other facilities, including access to restrooms, clean water and sanitary facilities for trailers. The rest of the backcountry camping will also be available in all provincial parks and conservation reserves.

Plans are in motion to eventually open-roofed accommodation, park stores, rental services, visitor centers, playgrounds as well as sports and recreational grounds. Facilities such as showers, laundries, group campsites, rental picnic shelters and swimming pools will remain closed for the season.

I want to visit Prescott-Russell this summer. Will attractions and activities be open?

Yes, most of them.

After the announcements of the Ontario government last week on June 12, most tourist attractions will be able to open their doors to tourists. Here is the list of tourist attractions that are currently open in the Prescott-Russell region : zoos, art galleries, vineyards, gardens, mini-golf, artisanal products, agricultural farms, provincial parks and outdoor activities.

The Larose Forest has been open to the public since May 16. Hiking trails, as well as mountain bike, motocross and horseback riding trails are open. For the moment, the trails are only accessible from parking lots P1 and P7 (Limoges sector). Please make sure to verify all information when planning your next visit.

Indoor pools, outdoor pools and public beaches were also allowed to open on June 12. Water parks, wave pools and water slides have not yet been authorized to open. Some companies could unfortunately decide to close their doors for the season or to reduce their services in order to ensure that sanitary measures are followed. We strongly recommend that you contact the company in question before traveling to your destination.

I would like to use the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail. Is it open now?

Yes.

The United Counties of Prescott and Russell announced the reopening of the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail parking lots as of Friday, May 22. We ask people who want to use it to respect the health guidelines regarding the physical distance required.

Is the Popsilo circuit open?

Yes.

The circuit has been open since July 3. It is also important to follow sanitary measures : keep a distance of 2 meters and to disinfect your hands.

We also recommend that you visit the Popsilo website to determine the hours of operation for each silo. If the business is not open, you can still make the trip and look at the silos from your car.

I want to visit Prescott-Russell this summer. Do I have to make reservations?

 Yes, reservations are highly recommended.

 In the current context, we recommend that you make reservations before traveling. Whether for a specific activity, dining at a restaurant or for sleeping accommodation, it is best to make a reservation.

I would like to come to Prescott-Russell, but I don't have a car. Are there any other means of transportation available?

Yes, but with certain precautions.

Travelers can rent buses from 417 Bus Line LTD., but all measures issued by public health must be respected. In the bus, people have to keep a distance of 2 meters at all times.

The PR Transpo public transportation service is now active with sanitary measures in place.

You have more questions? Do not hesitate to contact us by phone at 1.800.361.7439 or by email at info@tprt.ca. We will be happy to answer you during our business days from Monday to Friday. See you soon!

Published:  October 25, 2019

Halloween is coming soon and we all have this question in mind: What will my costume be this year? Once you’ve chosen the most original costume, be it a vampire, a mouse or a mermaid, you must carefully choose where we want to spend your Halloween evening! I have some ideas for everyone!

 

On October 25 and 26, a haunted maze is waiting for you at Ouimet Farms Adventure! Escape the monsters while trying to make your way out of the labyrinth ... It will give you chills!

The L’Orignal Old Jail will be haunted for Halloween! Walk by the prison cells, but pay attention: you may see some prisoners’ disgruntled ghosts ...

 

 

We present to you a sample of the Prescott-Russell culinary spirit!

 

1) Perfect for those who love the Pick-Your-Own season, which is in full stride: Raspberry and blueberry dumplings. Visit this link to find out more about this amazing recipe!

 

2) Barbecued tomato nachos! Do I really need to say more to whet your appetite? The recipe is here.

 

3) Pasta fan? Greenhouse tomato and pepper pasta, mhmm… simply past(a)oral! The complete guide is here.

 

Are you looking for places to buy your ingredients or even ready-made meals? Prescott-Russell has lots of them, but here are our favorites!

 

L’Orignal Packing Ltd. - With lots of meats, local products and frozen fruits and vegetables, they have many options for you!

 

St-Albert Cheese Factory Co-op - Renowned for it excellent cheeses and curds, the perfect complement!

 

Orchards - Great orchards to choose from for fruit to colour your meals or even wine to pair with your new recipe!

 

Chez L’Boulanger - A great table with perfect ambiance!

 

La Binerie de Plantagenet - Get your fix of beans!

 

Vankleek Hill Farmers Market - Local products available on the spot for all your culinary needs.

Don’t forget to visit our microbreweries to have a good refreshment with those succulent meals! What better than a good beer to spice up your meal?