Things To Do
in Hawkesbury
Hawkesbury is a small bilingual town on the Ottawa River in eastern Ontario, known for its strong Franco‑Ontarian culture and riverside charm. The town serves as a regional service centre with local shops, community events and a relaxed pace of life. Its location between Ottawa and Montréal makes it a convenient base for exploring both metropolitan centres while enjoying quieter small‑town scenery.
Hawkesbury offers riverfront parks, heritage buildings and easy access to outdoor recreation year‑round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure with a leisurely stroll along the Ottawa River where you can appreciate the serene beauty of the landscape. Visit the Hawkesbury Museum to dive into the rich history and heritage of the area, showcasing local artifacts and photographs. Grab a coffee at a nearby café while soaking in the morning sun.
Head to the charming downtown area and explore the unique shops filled with local crafts and souvenirs. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a restaurant offering traditional Canadian cuisine, maybe try the famous poutine. Afterward, take a scenic drive along the river to enjoy the stunning views and lush surroundings.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot by the waterfront to witness the beautiful hues of twilight over the river. Dine at a local eatery known for its fresh, farm-to-table offerings, indulging in your favorite dishes. Wrap up the day with a leisurely walk to appreciate the town's peaceful ambiance under the stars.
Begin your day with a visit to the nearby Parc de la Confederation, where you can meander through its lush trails and enjoy the natural surroundings. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Pack a light breakfast to enjoy in one of the park’s picnic areas.
After lunch, head to the nearby Calypso Waterpark for some fun and excitement in the water, where various attractions await all ages. Alternatively, consider renting a kayak on the Ottawa River to engage more closely with nature and enjoy the tranquil water. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and enjoying the outdoor vibe.
Finish off with a casual dinner at a riverside tavern, where you can enjoy live music or entertainment. As night falls, opt for a nightcap at a local bar where you can mingle with the friendly locals and share stories from your day. Enjoy the warm atmosphere and anticipate the adventures to come.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4.00 |
| 🚕Local taxi (3 km) | $8-15 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
| 🛒Weekly groceries (per person) | $50-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Bilingual francophone culture with authentic local flavour
- Convenient location between Ottawa and Montréal
- Access to riverfront recreation and quiet nature areas
- Lower costs and friendly small‑town atmosphere
- Limited nightlife and specialty dining compared with larger cities
- Fewer public transit options — a car is helpful
- Seasonal businesses may close in winter or off‑peak times
Places to Visit in Hawkesbury
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset shots over the river, river traffic and reflections; boardwalks and parks provide varied angles.
Tree‑lined paths, open green spaces and views across to Quebec — good for landscape and people‑in‑nature shots.
Colourful francophone signage, heritage buildings and local markets offer charming street photography opportunities.
Forestry trails with seasonal colour — spring wildflowers, autumn foliage and quiet winter scenes.
Local parades, summer festivals and cultural events are ideal for capturing community life and candid portraits.
Food in Hawkesbury
Hawkesbury Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional meat pie often found in local bakeries and family restaurants; especially popular in winter and during holidays.
Must-Try!
Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, along with other comfort staples influenced by Quebec cuisine, available at diners and fast‑casual spots.
Locally caught fish prepared pan‑fried or breaded at select restaurants and seasonal food stands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A seasonal market (check local listings for days) with fresh produce, baked goods, preserves, and occasional ready‑to‑eat stalls featuring local specialties.
During summer festivals and community events you’ll find street food vendors selling snacks like smoked meats, baked treats and regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
French and English are both commonly used — a simple greeting in French (Bonjour) is appreciated; many locals switch fluidly between languages.
People are generally friendly and polite; be courteous in shops and public spaces and observe queueing norms.
Follow local rules for parks and waterways: pack out what you bring, respect wildlife and obey signage for trails and conservation areas.
Safety
Tipping in Hawkesbury
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping follows typical Canadian norms: restaurants 15–20% of pre‑tax bill for good service, rounding up for casual purchases, and small tips for taxi drivers, hairdressers and hotel porters.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Interac). Cash is still used in some small businesses and markets; contactless/mobile payments are increasingly common.
ATMs dispense Canadian dollars; many places near the Quebec border may accept some transactions in cash (CAD preferred). Notify your bank if traveling from abroad to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, humid days and busy weekends — ideal for river activities, festivals and farmers’ markets. Pack sun protection and insect repellent for river and forest areas.
Cooler temperatures and vivid foliage make this a great time for scenic drives and hikes; bring layers for variable days and cooler evenings.
Cold winters with snow and ice; opportunities for snowshoeing, cross‑country skiing and skating. Dress in warm layers, waterproof boots and be prepared for shorter daylight hours.
Variable weather with thawing trails and muddy conditions early on; ideal for birdwatching and seeing rivers rise — pack waterproof footwear and layers.
Hawkesbury at Night
Hiking in Hawkesbury
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive forest with multi‑use trails for hiking, biking and cross‑country skiing; varied terrain and seasonal scenery.
A protected wetland area with a boardwalk and excellent birdwatching opportunities (check seasonal access and hours).
Riverside paths suitable for easy walks, photography and short hikes with river vistas and picnic spots.
Smaller community conservation areas and woodlots offer quiet short hikes and nature viewing close to town.
Airports
How to reach Hawkesbury by plane.
About a 1–1.5 hour drive west of Hawkesbury; offers domestic and international connections and is the closest major airport with extensive services.
Approximately 1–1.5 hours east by car depending on route and traffic; good option for international flights and additional carrier choices.
There are smaller regional aerodromes and private airfields in the area for general aviation and charter services; suitable for private planes or local charters.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of residents are French‑speaking, with strong cultural institutions and community life tied to Francophone heritage.
Many families and workers are bilingual and some residents commute to larger cities for work while living in Hawkesbury.
Surrounding areas include farmland and smaller villages with agricultural traditions and seasonal communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A dominant sport in the region with local minor hockey leagues, community rinks and strong youth participation.
Community soccer and baseball leagues are popular in summer, with municipal fields and recreational programs.
Paddling and recreational boating on the Ottawa River are popular in warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hawkesbury.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at cafés and bistros (salads, soups, vegetarian poutines and grilled vegetable dishes); larger towns nearby offer more varied vegetarian/vegan menus. Ask staff in French or English — many establishments are accommodating.
Basic gluten‑free options exist (salads, grilled proteins) but cross‑contamination in older bakeries can be a concern; call ahead if you require strict gluten‑free handling.
Staff generally understand common allergy requests; communicate allergens clearly and carry translations for more complex needs (e.g., celiac disease).