Discover the best things to do in Trenton, Ontario, and the City of Quinte West. From the National Air Force Museum of Canada to the scenic Sager Conservation Area and the tastes of the Trenton Deli, find your next adventure.
Tucked along the banks of the Trent River, where the waters of the Kawartha Lakes pour into the Bay of Quinte, lies one of the province’s most underrated cities. Trenton, synonymous with one of Canada’s largest Air Force bases, is a community that has flown under the radar of most travellers in the province. But I think that illusion is starting to slip.
Trenton might be known for its military base, but there’s a lot more to the city than meets the eye. This city is a gateway to stunning natural landscapes, a hub for small-city urban living, and offers a wealth of culinary and cultural gems that are starting to catch people’s attention. Beyond that, Trenton is just one part of the greater city of Quinte West, an amalgamation of towns and cities throughout the Bay of Quinte that are home to some of Ontario’s undiscovered gems.
Trenton is a city with some pretty powerful neighbours. I mean, Prince Edward County, with its epic provincial parks, charming small towns, and dramatic wine trail, tends to get a lot of attention. While travellers need to, basically, pass through Trenton in order to get there, most people don’t take the time to stop
But I did, on a family road trip through Belleville, Kingston, and on to adventures in Quebec, and let me tell you, I was impressed.
About Trenton and Quinte West
Trenton’s location is strategic within Quinte West and the Bay of Quinte. Originally a key port city for lumber exports during the 19th century, it was chosen as the location for Canadian Forces Base Trenton in 1931. That decision shaped its destiny for the next century as the city served as the key hub for the Royal Canadian Air Force. While that military heritage helped shape the city’s economy, its people shaped Trenton’s unique culture.
Today, the city sits in the Quinte West region of Southeastern Ontario, and its blend of industrial and military history has combined with waterfront vibes and artistic culture. Influence from the wildly creative Prince Edward County has drifted over the bay, and Trenton is a city on the move. The city has become an easy home base for those wanting to explore “the County,” but those doing so are quickly realizing that there’s more to Trenton than meets the eye.
Top Things To Do In Trenton and the City of Quinte West
If you’re planning on spending some time in Quinte West, it helps to come prepared. After spending some time exploring the top attractions in the region, I’ve got a few tips that will help shine a light on Trenton’s top things to do, see, and where to eat.
History and Culture in Trenton
Trenton may be a city of less than 50,000 people, but it’s punching above its weight in the culture category. Now, much of that culture revolves around its military history, but there are plenty of experiences that lie outside that as well.
- National Air Force Museum of Canada: This is a cornerstone Trenton attraction. This sprawling museum and experience centre is focused on Canada’s military aviation history, and there are some absolutely jaw-dropping exhibits. Don’t miss the one-of-a-kind Halifax Mk VII heavy bomber, and the vast outdoor plane exhibits. You can book tickets online here or grab them at the door.
- Quinte Museum of Natural History: From the outside, this tiny museum, located in an industrial plaza on Dufferin Ave, might not look like much. But a step in the door reveals a museum that mirrors its home city, with exhibits that punch far beyond its weight. During our visit, the museum had an incredible display on the evolution of whales from land-dwelling mammals to the largest creatures on earth. You can find out about their current exhibits here.
- Old Church Theatre: Housed in a beautifully restored historic church, the Old Church Theatre presents an intimate space for live music, theatre, and comedy. The theatre is a cultural hub in Trenton with a diverse calendar of events, ranging from folk and blues concerts to comedy nights and special performances. You can check out their current shows here.
Outdoor Adventures In Trenton
One of the things that I love about Trenton is its access to amazing nature. From the sparkling waters of the Trent River and the Bay of Quinte to gorgeous conservation areas and
- Sager Conservation Area: Sager Conservation sits about 25 minutes from downtown Trenton. This beautiful conservation area is home to one of the largest drumlins in the region, and an observation tower on its peak offers sweeping views of Quinte West and the Trent River Valley.
- Paddle The Trent River and Bay of Quinte: The Trent River flows through the centre of Trenton, and it’s a hub of activity from the spring to the fall. For just $20, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards from the Trenton Rowing and Paddling Club and spend the day exploring the river all the way down to the Bay of Quinte.
- Presquile Provincial Park: Just 20 minutes from Trenton is one of my favourite Ontario Provincial Parks. Presquile Provincial Park is a sparkling reminder of Ontario’s beauty. A long stretch of beach on the blue waters of Lake Ontario, amazing camping and glamping, and one of the province’s prettiest and oldest lighthouses.
Best Food and Drink In Trenton, Ontario
To truly experience Trenton, you need to dive into the local culinary scene. After all, food and drink go hand-in-hand with good times. IF you’re looking for great places to eat while in the city, here are a few suggestions:
- Tomasso’s Italian Grille: For a more upscale dining experience, Tomasso’s Italian Grille is a local landmark popular for its authentic, made-from-scratch Italian fare. The restaurant is located right on the banks of the Trent River, offering a fantastic waterfront patio for a memorable dining experience with a view.
- Wannamaker’s Bakeshop: Every great town has an amazing bakeshop, and in Trenton, that’s Wannamaker’s on Dundas St. This creative bakery makes monster-sized doughnuts and cinnamon rolls that were as big as my 11-year-old’s head. I stock up on treats every time I visit.
- Trenton Deli: If you’re looking for something super casual and you love those “local favourites,” Trenton Deli is for you. This popular market and sandwich shop is just down the street from Wannamaker’s on Dundas St. It’s a staple for classic deli sandwiches and hot, quick breakfasts. You can check them out here.
Where To Stay in Trenton
Whether you’re looking to explore the best things to do in Trenton or use the city as a home base for adventures along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Presquile Provincial Park, Belleville, or Brighton the city offers some excellent accommodations to help you relax.
- Comfort Inn Trenton: Located just off Highway 401 in Trenton, the Comfort Inn Trenton is a comfortable and classic accommodation. It has a rating of 4.0 out of 5 from 497 reviews on Booking. You can check out their current rates and availability here.
- Ramada by Wyndham Trenton: Located right off Highway 401 on Glenn Miller Rd, the Ramada is an easy-to-access hotel with decent reviews. You can check out their rates and availability here.
- Travelodge by Wyndham Trenton: Located off historic Highway 2 on the shores of the Bay of Quinte, Travelodge is a 2-star hotel with a review rating of 3.8 out of 5 from 519 reviews on Booking. You can check out their rates and availability here.
Are You Ready To Discover Trenton, Ontario?
Trenton may not be Ontario’s most sought-after vacation destination, but it’s a great city to explore. The museums, food, and culture of Trenton were far more than I had expected when I visited; in fact, my stop at the Quinte Museum of Natural History is still one of the highlights of my 2025 summer road trip.
If you find yourself with some time in Trenton, experience the city’s attractions, restaurants, and outdoor adventures, you won’t regret it either.
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Kevin Wagar is a founder and editor of Ultimate Ontario. He has been working in the travel media industry since 2015 when he founded his family travel website Wandering Wagars – Adventure Family Travel.
Over the years Kevin has developed a deep love for his home province of Ontario and aims to showcase the incredible experiences and amazing small businesses found within it.