Settled by Loyalists in 1784, Napanee is a bustling Ontario town and the seat of Lennox and Addington County. It occupies the site of the historic Iroquois village of Ganneious and was once home to Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, who practised law here during the 19th century.
Things to do in Napanee
For insight into the local history, visit the Museum of Lennox & Addington, which tells the story of the settlement’s establishment and development. It occupies an 1864 limestone building that once served as the county jail and now houses prehistoric artefacts, period furnishings and vintage toys. The museum also boasts a substantial archive filled with old newspapers, photographs and oral histories.
On the southeastern outskirts of town is one of the oldest 9-hole golf courses in Canada at the Napanee Golf and Country Club. Established in 1897, it features dual tee-boxes on each of its holes so you can enjoy an 18-hole game while admiring the towering pine, maple and oak trees that line the fairways. Nearby is Napanee Conservation Park with its riverside walking trails.
Napanee is also home to the oldest surviving Methodist church in Canada, the Old Hay Bay, which was erected in 1792 by early settlers. Designated as a National Historic Site, it is perched over the waters of Hay Bay just south of the town centre. Coincide your visit with an opening to browse the exhibits inside and chat with knowledgeable local volunteers.
Getting around Napanee
Napanee is around 35 minutes’ drive from Kingston and just over two hours from Toronto. Toronto Pearson International Airport is 2.5 hours away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Long-distance trains connect to the Napanee railway station and the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.