The Cornwall center point is approximately 6 miles northeast of St Lawrence Seaway - Eisenhower Lock and 8 miles northeast of Massena International Richards Field Airport.
The best time to visit Cornwall depends on what you want to do when you get there. If you want to experience the shopping, dining, and cultural opportunities that the city has to offer, then you can visit during any time of the year.
During winter months, you may experience colder temperatures and significant snow accumulation. However, this shouldn't present an obstacle to enjoying the many outdoor recreation opportunities available. In fact, you'll need the snow and ice to enjoy outdoor ice skating rinks, snowboarding at the Big Ben Ski Centre, and cross-country skiing in Summerstown Forest and Guindon Park.
The months of April through October will provide you with more traditionally pleasant weather. With temperatures ranging from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it's during summer that you'll want to go for a bicycle ride on the Waterfront Trail, hike through the Rotary Echo Garden, or simply take a leisurely stroll through Cornwall's tree-lined main street.
This is also a busier time of year, with more tourists arriving in Cornwall to enjoy the beautiful weather. The Saint Lawrence River draws visitors to its shores with the promise of fishing, swimming, and scuba diving throughout the summer months.
If you've chosen to visit Cornwall during the more popular summer months, it's a good idea to book your flights and hotel in advance to get the best deal. If you've chosen to visit during the less-crowded winter months, you should be able to get a good deal by default. However, always research your hotel in advance to make sure you're getting what you need. Fortunately, there are plenty of options in the Cornwall area.
If you meet certain criteria, you may be able to take advantage of the discount programs that are offered at some hotels. For example, the Howard Johnson hotel in Cornwall offers reduced rates for members of AAA and seniors who belong to AARP. This can be a great way to reduce the overall cost of your visit. The Howard Johnson also happens to be conveniently located off of Highway 401, offering easy access to the Cornwall Civic Complex and other local attractions. Rooms at the Howard Johnson come with daily housekeeping, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi access.
Other hotels in the area that offer AAA discounts include the Ramada Cornwall, Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre, Comfort Inn, and Econo Lodge Massena. If you're an older adult, you'll also appreciate the Comfort Inn because it offers a senior discount. This hotel has free parking, free hot breakfast, and a fully-equipped exercise room. It's also a pet-friendly hotel, which is great for visitors who want to bring their dogs on vacation. The hotel's location is close to a local miniature golf complex, a shopping plaza, and Cornwall's famous “Lost Villages” attraction.
Striking a balance between the most affordable accommodations and the most luxurious can be a good idea. If you're visiting during the summer, the St. Lawrence College Residence offers a great compromise. These rooms are part of the college's campus and are rented during the summer when there are no students in residence. You can choose a single or double room, which will be simply furnished and equipped with a private bathroom, refrigerator, air conditioning, and heating. Active travelers are sure to enjoy the location of the campus, which is near Lake Ontario.
The Super 8 Cornwall also provides fantastic value in the Seaway Valley area of town. You'll have access to Wi-Fi, an exercise room, a pool, and a free continental breakfast. The rooms themselves range from studio efficiencies and family suites to king-size suites with a Jacuzzi and fireplace. One of the things that make this hotel a great value is its location. The Super 8 Cornwall is situated on Highway 401, providing quick access to Cornwall, Ottawa, Montreal, and the Seaway International Bridge. Serious golfers will be pleased with the hotel's proximity to the Summerheights Golf Links.
Once you've chosen a hotel, it's time to plan some fun. One must-do activity is a visit to The Lost Villages. These are former townships of Cornwall and Osnabruck that are now permanently underwater as a direct result of the creation of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in 1958. The Seaway was designed to allow ocean-going ships access to the Great Lakes from the Atlantic Ocean. Today, visitors can check out the Lost Villages Museum and go for a bike ride along the water to see what architectural remains they can spot when the tide is low.
No matter where you've chosen to stay, you'll have plenty to do in town. Because Cornwall has been a melting pot of cultures throughout its history, it now features a thriving arts and culture scene. There are many art galleries, playhouses, and concert halls where you can see some of the local performers and artists. Stop by the Upper Canada Playhouse or the Old Town Hall Theatre to see a play, or visit Lamoureux Park to hear live music performed by local musicians.
Thanks to its unique history and geographical location, the city of Cornwall, Ontario is an excellent place to spend some time away from home. Choose the right hotel to make sure you get started off on the right foot, and you'll have a fantastic trip.
Below are reviews of the city of Cornwall, ON from an actual visitor's perspective.
The watertrail, dollartree and loads of eatery options
Waterfront very interesting.
Nice waterfront park and good places to eat.
Everyone was kind and friendly.
I always enjoy Cornwall. Great scenery
Well we spent most of out time on the island for work. the hotel was walking distance to shops, and restaurants which worked well for our group.