Best attractions and places to see around Cornwall include a diverse range of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural venues. This region is known for its dramatic coastline, ancient castles, and unique ecological projects. Visitors can explore rugged cliffs, serene beaches, and wild moorlands, alongside vibrant art scenes and picturesque fishing villages. Cornwall offers a variety of experiences, from exploring historic landmarks to enjoying its distinctive natural beauty.
Last updated: September 30, 2026
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The Long Sault Parkway hops across 11 islands for more than 10 kilometres through the Saint Lawrence River, but here’s the twist: these islands are the high ground left behind when construction of the Saint Lawrence Seaway flooded former riverside communities in 1958. The Parkway’s islands were deliberately linked after the flooding, which makes the whole place feel a bit like an outdoor history map. Today, beaches, trails, and picnic spots sit above a partly submerged landscape, including an old canal lock that scuba divers can still explore underwater.
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Woodlands Beach is a quiet riverside stop along the Long Sault Parkway, with a sandy shoreline, calm Saint Lawrence views, and plenty of space to picnic or relax by the water. Swimming and canoe/kayak access make it an easy place to turn a walk or ride into a proper summer pause.
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Mille Roches Beach is a broad sandy pause along the Long Sault Parkway, perfect for swimming, picnicking, or simply stretching out beside the Saint Lawrence. Look beyond the beach, and there’s a remarkable story under the water: the Parkway’s islands are linked to the Lost Villages, flooded during the construction of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in the 1950s.
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You never know quite what you'll see along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. This stretch of it spans the entire waterfront of Cornwall, offering great views of the historic Cornwall Canal and the Saint Lawrence River.
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This portion of the paved, multiuse Great Lakes Waterfront Trail passes through bustling Lamoureux Park. In the park you'll find a busy aquatic centre, a civic complex, a community museum, Rotary eco-gardens and much more.
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The Cornwall area, particularly along the Saint Lawrence River, offers several natural highlights. The Long Sault Parkway Islands provide a unique landscape formed by the flooding for the Saint Lawrence Seaway, featuring beaches, trails, and picnic spots. You can also enjoy the sandy shores of Mille Roches Beach and the quiet riverside setting of Woodlands Beach, both perfect for relaxing by the water.
Yes, many attractions around Cornwall are ideal for families. The Long Sault Parkway Islands offer beaches, trails, and picnic areas suitable for all ages. Both Mille Roches Beach and Woodlands Beach are great for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the Saint Lawrence River. The paved Waterfront Trail (Lamoureux Park) also passes through a park with an aquatic centre and eco-gardens, making it very family-friendly.
The area around Cornwall is excellent for cycling and walking. You can explore various routes along the Saint Lawrence River and the Long Sault Parkway. For cycling, consider routes like the 'Ingleside Coffee & Bakery loop' or the 'Long Sault Dam – Mille Roches Beach loop'. Many of these routes are detailed in guides such as Road Cycling Routes around Cornwall and Cycling around Cornwall. There are also traffic-free options, including loops on the Waterfront Trail, which you can find in Traffic-free bike rides around Cornwall.
Yes, the Waterfront Trail (Lamoureux Park) and the broader Great Lakes Waterfront Trail are paved and multi-use, making them wheelchair-accessible. These trails offer great views of the historic Cornwall Canal and the Saint Lawrence River, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
The Long Sault Parkway Islands hold significant historical importance. They are the remnants of high ground left behind when the Saint Lawrence Seaway was constructed in 1958, flooding former riverside communities. The Parkway's islands were deliberately linked after this event, creating a unique landscape that serves as a living outdoor history map. Under the water, scuba divers can even explore a partly submerged old canal lock, connecting visitors to the 'Lost Villages' story.
For swimming and relaxation, Mille Roches Beach is a broad sandy beach along the Long Sault Parkway, perfect for a day out. Another excellent option is Woodlands Beach, a quiet riverside spot with sandy shores and calm Saint Lawrence views, also offering canoe and kayak access.
Cornwall offers a variety of cycling routes for different preferences. You can find road cycling routes, touring bicycle routes, and even traffic-free options. Examples include the 'Ingleside Coffee & Bakery loop' for road cyclists, or the 'Long Sault Dam – Wooded and Waterfront Trail loop' for touring bicycles. Many routes utilize the scenic Long Sault Parkway and the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. Detailed guides like Road Cycling Routes around Cornwall and Traffic-free bike rides around Cornwall provide more information.
The Waterfront Trail (Lamoureux Park) is a particularly vibrant section of the paved, multi-use Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. It passes through the bustling Lamoureux Park, where you'll find a busy aquatic centre, a civic complex, a community museum, and Rotary eco-gardens. This makes it a great spot for both active recreation and cultural exploration, with excellent views of the Saint Lawrence River.
Yes, the history of the Saint Lawrence Seaway is deeply embedded in the region. The Long Sault Parkway Islands are a direct result of its construction, representing the high ground of communities flooded in 1958. The story of these 'Lost Villages' is a significant part of the area's heritage, offering a unique perspective on human impact and adaptation to environmental changes.
For an easy and relaxed outing, consider the Waterfront Trail (Lamoureux Park), which is paved and multi-use. There are also several easy cycling routes listed in the Traffic-free bike rides around Cornwall guide, such as the 'Wooded and Waterfront Trail loop from Cornwall' or the 'Eco park Peak loop'. These routes are generally shorter and have minimal difficulty, perfect for a leisurely pace.


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