Take one of four fantastic self-guided tours, including City Hall, Designated Historic Sites, Places of Worship and Historical Plaques. Each tour offers a glimpse into the heritage of Belleville and is another great way to explore the sights and sounds of our beautiful city.
The City Hall Walking Tour
Once named the Town Market Building, the Belleville City Hall was built in 1872 and features stunning stained glass windows, original bricks and wooden trusses.
This majestic historical building is one of the City’s most impressive structures and includes beautiful views overlooking the Moira River.
The public can tour City Hall anytime during regular business hours Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Designated Historic Sites Tour
Learn about Belleville’s history through the designated heritage properties located throughout the City. There are 33 designated sites included on this tour, all with their architectural history preserved.
Places of Worship Walking Tour
This self-guided tour takes a look at the many churches and sites in Belleville along Church Street and other places near the downtown core. This tour is designed with City Hall as the starting point and takes approximately two hours to visit all 20 sites.
Historical Plaques Tour
Belleville’s colonial history is chronicled on a hundred historical plaques located throughout the city. Each plaque offers a glimpse into sites, events and people acknowledged for their impact on the city’s development.
Click here to download your copy of the Heritage Guide with all four walking tours included.
Glanmore House
In the heart of Belleville’s historic Old East Hill neighbourhood you will discover Glanmore National Historic Site. Built in 1882-1883 for wealthy banker John. Phillips and his wife Harriet Dougall Phillips, Glanmore was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in recognition of its exceptional Victorian (2nd Empire) architecture and artistry.
The grand interior has been restored to its 1880s appearance and includes beautiful hand-painted ceilings, ornate woodwork, and reproductions. The exterior and surrounding grounds have also been accurately restored.
Catch a glimpse into Victorian-era Belleville, brought to life with vivid detail and charm through art and other artifacts related to local history.
AND… Glanmore House is offering family fun for March Break this year. Drop in throughout the week to choose your own adventure. An interactive, self-guided experience will encourage families to explore the museum in a new way. Throughout the historic house, guests can choose which activities and challenges to complete as they uncover clues and solve a mystery. March Break activities will run from Tuesday, March 17 to Friday, March 20, from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
For more information, visit www.glanmore.ca.
History worth remembering
Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and celebrations to honour the legacy and contributions of Black people in Canada and their communities. Portraits of Black History in Belleville explores the stories of Black individuals who were enslaved and brought to the area in the late 1700s by United Empire Loyalists, and those who chose to migrate to Belleville and establish roots starting in the 1800s. These stories, mostly shaped by colonial perspectives, come from local historical records and archival sources.
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