Top Things to Do in Cornwall, Ontario: A Scenic Drive & Local History from Montreal

Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in South-Eastern Ontario, Cornwall is a charming, historic town that makes for a fantastic weekend escape or overnight trip from Montreal.

Beyond its serene riverside parks and fascinating history, Cornwall sits directly on the Canada–US border, with New York State just across the river. Whether you are interested in local heritage, quiet nature walks, or unique historical sites, Cornwall has plenty to offer.

Here are the top five things to do in and around Cornwall, along with our practical driving tips for getting there from Montreal.

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Lamoureux Park & The Waterfront Trail

Stretching along the town’s southern edge, Lamoureux Park offers stunning, sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River. The flat, well-maintained Waterfront Trail is ideal for a leisurely walk or cycle to stretch your legs after a drive. As you stroll along the riverbank, you can gaze right across the water towards the American shore.

A Park Landmark: The Gateway Clock Tower

While exploring Lamoureux Park, you will easily spot The Gateway Clock Tower, a prominent structure commemorating the history of the old Cornwall Canal. Placed nearby are informative plaques detailing how the 19th-century canal and water power shaped the region, along with preserved historic stonework, including an 1883 Customs carving. It serves as both a picturesque photo spot and a meaningful nod to the town’s industrial roots.

Cornwall Community Museum

Situated right inside Lamoureux Park, this delightful local museum is housed in a historic 1830s homestead. Admission is free, and the highlight of our visit was the incredibly friendly curator, who offered a wealth of detailed local knowledge and stories. It provides a warm and engaging look into Cornwall’s settlement history, industrial heritage, and community life.

A Notable Spot for Next Time: Historic Cornwall Jail

Although it happened to be closed during our visit, another major historical point of interest in town is the Historic Cornwall Jail. Operating from 1833 all the way through to 1990, this preserved facility now offers guided tours that take visitors inside the original cell blocks, courtrooms, and gallows area. If you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for a uniquely atmospheric local tour, it is well worth checking their seasonal opening hours in advance to fit it into your itinerary.

Majestic Architecture: St. Columban’s Parish

Located near the heart of town, St. Columban’s Parish is a magnificent stone church featuring a towering spire and intricate architectural details. Surrounded by well-kept green lawns, its historic facade adds a wonderful sense of character and charm to Cornwall’s streetscape.

Vibrant Heritage & Wall Art: Downtown Cornwall

Centred around Pitt Street, Downtown Cornwall offers a relaxed, walkable atmosphere filled with red-brick heritage buildings, local cafés, and independent shops. Key highlights include the iconic “♥ DOWNTOWN CORNWALL” mural painted on a historic brick facade and colourful rainbow crosswalks that lend a warm, welcoming vibe to the neighbourhood. It is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll and a cup of coffee.

Short Drives Outside Town (Car Required)

Note: The following two attractions are located slightly outside the town centre, so you will need a vehicle to reach them, or a bicycle.

Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre

Located just west of the town, this modern visitor centre sits alongside the massive hydro-electric dam on the St. Lawrence River. Interactive exhibits showcase the incredible scale of the power project and the history of the St. Lawrence Seaway construction, illustrating how engineering drastically reshaped the surrounding region.

The Lost Villages Museum

A short drive further west brings you to this moving open-air museum, dedicated to the nine communities permanently submerged during the 1950s St. Lawrence Seaway project. Historical buildings—including a striking red railway station, a church with unique curved pews, a massive barn, and a former schoolhouse—were saved and relocated here. It offers a poignant, quiet space to reflect on local heritage.

➡ Lost Villages Museum: The Complete Guide to Ontario’s Sunken History

Stay at Century Motel

If you are spending the night in Cornwall, the Century Motel is a convenient and comfortable choice for road-trippers. Parking directly outside your room door makes unpacking seamless, and the rooms come equipped with a fridge and microwave. With a supermarket and an LCBO (liquor store) nearby, it is easy to pick up dinner and drinks to enjoy comfortably in your room.

Driving from Montreal: Scenic Route & Border Tips

Take the Scenic Back Roads Instead of the Highway

While most travel guides recommend taking the main highways (Autoroute 20 switching to Hwy 401), we opted to drive along the scenic country roads running parallel to the St. Lawrence River.

• Relaxing & Low Traffic: Steering clear of heavy highway traffic and transport trucks made for a peaceful, stress-free drive.
• Virtually Same Travel Time: Driving at a gentle pace through quiet countryside and quaint villages took roughly the same amount of time as the highway (around 1.5 to 2 hours).
• Scenic Views: The picturesque river views along the way set a delightful tone for the entire trip.

A Gateway to the USA

Because Cornwall connects directly to Massena, New York via the Seaway International Bridge, it serves as a great jumping-off point if you wish to cross the border for a short excursion into the US during your stay.