Discover The District
There is so much to see and do in the Downtown District! The downtown’s wide streets are lined with historic buildings, many of them restored to their original beauty. Sip artisan drinks in our cozy coffee shops, indulge in unique experiences (selfie studio, anyone? Axe throwing? Rage rooms?) and shop your heart out at specialty boutique and retail stores. Looking for a bite to eat? Take your pick from many restaurants serving diverse cuisines: French, Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, European, Fusion, Indian and more. All within easy walking distance of the main street.
Savour unique flavours at The Kafana, a cozy bistro & cafe serving up Mediterranean and European fare with a special focus on perogies.
Food & Drink
When it comes to food and drink, the Downtown District offers a number of truly authentic experiences. From Sans Souci, who has been serving the Quinte Region for many years, to L’Auberge de France offering a little piece of Paris with freshly baked croissants every Saturday morning – there is always something cooking in the Downtown District. In the summertime, patios are plentiful. Dinkel’s hidden courtyard patio is like stepping into Europe, while others, such as the Lark patio, have a more urban feel.
There is also a healthy coffee culture in the Downtown District, with close to ten places to cozy up with a cup of java or tea. Centrally located, you will find The Kafana and Gourmet Diem near the four corners at Bridge and Front streets. The Brake Room, Benji’s Coffee Bar and The 116 Bistro are located at the southern gateway to downtown, over on Pinnacle. On your way uptown, there is L’Auberge de France, specializing in traditional French coffees.
Arts & Entertainment
Arts and entertainment are a staple of the downtown experience, with many live theatre and music events to choose from. The Downtown District is the hub of the Quinte Region’s music and theatre scene. Most Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights you can find a restaurant or bar promoting local musicians, or an award-winning film being screened in the historic Empire Theatre. If you enjoy live theatre, check out what’s going on at the Pinnacle Theatre. There are also several art galleries within easy walking distance from each other – making for a pleasant gallery stroll.
Get Out & Explore
We are fortunate to have picturesque riverside walking and biking trails on the edge of the Downtown District. The Moira River is a sight to see in the early spring when it roars down from the north. Later in the summer, the river calms down and lazily makes its way to the Bay of Quinte.
We have three specialty bike shops in the Downtown District that can help you with all of your cycling needs. Our downtown trails link to a more extensive system, which includes over 10 km of paved trails spread throughout the city. This area is relatively flat, making the trails easy to navigate.
Shops & Boutiques
Over 40 shops and boutiques call the Downtown District home. Many of them are owner-operated, ensuring high attention to customer service and detail. Our diverse shops provide everything from men’s and women’s clothing, home decor to handmade jewelry. We also have floral boutiques, artisanal popups, and stores dedicated to health and wellness.
Fitness & Wellness
From reiki to yoga and everything in between, there are so many ways to stay healthy in The District. Visit our directory to discover the many fitness and wellness businesses you can find downtown.
Beauty
If you’re in the mood for relaxation and pampering, you’re in luck — downtown Belleville is home to some of the best stylists in the region (award-winning in fact!)
