A Trail Town Along the Trent-Severn Waterway
National Historic Site of Canada
Hastings
Welcome to Hastings
A Trent Hills Community
Explore the path well-travelled, where Canada’s renowned water and land trails meet. Hastings, ’Hub of the Trent’ has 60 km of lock-free boating and a variety of recreational activities for all seasons. Here, you will find small town charm and beautiful vistas, along with kayaking, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, skiing, snowmobiling, and a variety of accommodations.
Savour local cuisine and homemade butter tarts on our outdoor patios. Enjoy live music and craft brews, or meander through quaint shops and relax in a park with ice cream. Experience something new and take a selfie with a pickerel called Pisces Pete.
Discover Hastings
Canada's Ultimate Fishing Town
Voted Canada's Ultimate Fishing Town in 2012, the waters around Hastings teem with muskie, walleye, pickerel and more. Read more about why the World Fishing Network bestowed the honour here.
Sweet & Savory Treats
Offering several eateries within walking distance of each other, fun culinary experiences abound in this small town. Try the Trail Town IPA at McGillicafey's, delicious butter tarts at Bridgewater Coffee & Pizza, and more.
The Hub of the Trent
Hastings' state-of-the-art marina makes cruising the Trent-Severn Waterway a breeze. Find out more about the amenities available close to Lock 18.
Ride the Great Trail
A beautiful 40 km ride to Peterborough, a lovely stretch of rail trail between Hastings and Campbellford - explore scenic options along the Great Trail by bike with these riding recommendations.
A Refreshing Change of Pace
If you're looking to enjoy Hastings' laidback feel on a longer trip, you'll find plenty of cozy, welcoming accommodation options. Windswept's B&B and cottage rentals are a great place to start looking.
Explore Further
There's always something on the go in Hastings. Find attractions, outdoor activities, festivals and more at VisitTrentHills.ca.
Hastings Community History
In the 1600s, Samuel Champlain is said to have travelled Percy Portage, a passage charted by the First Nations to bypass the rapids in Hastings. Settled in 1825 by James Crooks and Henry Fowlds, the village marked completion of Lock 18, Trent Canal in 1837, and became incorporated in 1874. Prosperity followed with logging, mills, a railroad, a foundry and a tannery. The population grew and soon churches, schools, an arena, hotels and civic buildings were erected. Today, Hastings is known for its famous fireworks, fishing off the bridge, being voted “Ultimate Fishing Town” and for being the birthplace of NHL Hall of Fame hero, Dit Clapper.
Trail Town Friendly Business Directory
Festivals and Events around Hastings to watch for...
Canada Day Parade and Fireworks (July 1st)
Front Street parade at 4:00 p.m, food vendors and our famous fireworks at dusk.
Hastings Waterfront Festival & Car Show (Third weekend in August)
A family event with Friday Fish Fry, food vendors, demonstrations, arts and crafts, music concerts, and an antique and classic car show on Sunday.
Hastings Medieval Festival (First weekend in September)
A family event, going back to the time of regal queens, brave knights and dragons, with axe and spear throwing, archery and other activities. See real-life reptiles.
A Trail Town Christmas Festival (First weekend in December)
Community holiday celebrations featuring tree decorating, music and carolling, crafts and retail promotions.
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