The Friendly City

Belleville is known as the 'Friendly City' - and that is only the beginning. The Quinte region has been identified as one of the best areas in Canada in which to live. Rich with history, it is also one of Ontario's best kept secrets. The magnificent beaches of Prince Edward County, the wonderful live theatres in Stirling, Picton and Belleville, the beautiful Waterfront Trail, the excitement of OHL Hockey with the Belleville Bulls, the excellence of our sport fishery, the bounty of our local farms sold at the roadside stands and downtown markets plus some of Ontario's best golf courses. There is indeed something for everyone in the Quinte region, right here in the City of Belleville.

Climate:

Belleville residents enjoy all four seasons with weather moderated by the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario, which also reduces the severity of summer and winter temperatures. So well adapted are Canadians to life in this climate, rarely do we lose a business day to snow or other weather conditions; in each season you can expect:

Winter

December to March: The first snow of the season arrives and it brings snowmobiling, skiing, skating, ice fishing, and other winter sports. A festive atmosphere and a tendency to stay indoors and enjoy the outdoors accompany winter in Belleville.
Average temperature: -4 C

Spring

April to June: The snow melts and the foliage returns and the maple syrup season begins. The weather warms and outdoor activities such as walking, biking, rollerblading, and hiking begin. The first weekend in May brings fishermen from all over North America as the walleye season opens on the Bay of Quinte with an annual tournament.
Average temperature: 13 C

Summer

July to August: Temperatures are warm and many activities move outdoors. Boating, swimming, cycling, golfing, and other outdoor activities are abundant. Summer holidays occur for students and most workers.
Average temperature: 21 C

Fall/Autumn

September to November: Temperatures become cooler and the trees and foliage turn magnificent shades of red and gold prompting long country drives and tourist visits. This is also the time for harvesting crops so market places are plentiful with produce.
Average temperature: 9 C

Geography

The city of Belleville is located on the shores of the Moira River and the Bay of Quinte in South Eastern Ontario. With its water access and greenery, this region of the province is one of the most picturesque in Ontario.

Our History:

The earliest known settlement in Belleville was an aboriginal village named "Asaukhknosk," which was later replaced by a the French Mission "Kente," and thereafter named for prominent citizens, "Thurlow Village," "Singleton's Creek" and "Meyer's Creek." In 1789 some fifty United Empire Loyalists settled here with the most noticeable being Captain John Walden Meyers, a true Renaissance man. Hardworking and resourceful he built a dam on the Moira River and erected a sawmill, gristmill and a distillery. Captain Meyers gristmill drew settlers from as far away as Napanee and Port Hope to have their grinding done. The community soon became known as Meyer's Creek. The Moira River, which winds its way through Belleville, played an important role in the early stages of the community's development. A strong demand for timber with rich forests easily excelled to Belleville's development as a very busy lumber town.

In the spring of 1816, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, Sir Francis Gore, visited the settlement. Inspired by Lady Arabella, the wife of the Lieutenant Governor, the residents decided to change the name of the community to Belleville in honour of the fair lady.

The lumber boom peaked with the arrival of the Grand Trunk Railway in 1856, which also gave Belleville a link to both Toronto and Montreal. For many years the railway was Belleville's largest employer with Canadian National Railways. Construction included a large terminus at the east end of the city that included coal chutes, a locomotive roundhouse, a water tower, railway car maintenance sheds, a passenger station, and administrative buildings.

With the lumber trade declining other industries became prevalent in the city such as iron foundries, furniture manufacturing, and plants producing wagons, carriages, candles, and soap. Belleville also became renowned for it world-class cheddar by being situated in the centre of a cheese producing district.

From its pioneer settlement past to the vibrant community of today, Belleville continues to enjoy a diverse industrial base along with strong links to agriculture and its waterfront.

Now that you're acquainted with Belleville's past, take time to enjoy Belleville today discover shops, restaurants, great places to stay, and a vibrant sports, arts and live entertainment scene.