Bay of Quinte

### **Category: Bay of Quinte, Ontario** #### **Overview** The **Bay of Quinte** is a long, narrow bay on the **northern shore of Lake Ontario**, extending inland from **Prince Edward County to Trenton, Ontario**. Known for its **rich maritime history, shipwrecks, commercial and recreational fishing, and key role in Great Lakes navigation**, the bay has been an important waterway for **Indigenous peoples, European explorers, and the shipping industry**. Today, it is a popular destination for **boating, fishing, and diving**. #### **Geography & Location** - Located on the **northern shore of Lake Ontario**, stretching **from Trenton to Kingston**. - Connected to **Lake Ontario** via **the Murray Canal and Adolphus Reach**. - The **Moira River** flows into the bay at **Belleville, Ontario**. - Contains several notable towns and cities, including **Trenton, Belleville, Deseronto, and Napanee**. - Close to **Prince Edward County**, famous for wineries, historic sites, and scenic coastline. #### **Maritime & Shipping History** - **Pre-Colonial Era**: The Bay of Quinte was home to **Indigenous peoples**, including the **Mississauga and Mohawk nations**. - **Fur Trade & Settlement**: French explorers and fur traders used the bay as a key **water route in the 17th and 18th centuries**. - **Loyalist Settlement (1784)**: After the **American Revolution**, United Empire Loyalists settled along the bay, helping develop the region’s economy. - **19th & 20th Century Shipping**: The bay was heavily used for **timber, grain, and commercial trade**, supporting industries in Kingston, Belleville, and Trenton. - **Naval History**: The bay played a role in naval engagements during the **War of 1812**, with British and American forces patrolling the waters. #### **Diving & Shipwrecks** The **Bay of Quinte** is home to several **historic shipwrecks**, many of which sank due to **storms, collisions, and navigational errors**. Notable wrecks include: - **George A. Marsh (1882-1917)** – A schooner that sank in a storm; one of the bay’s most famous dive sites. - **Olive Branch (1866-1880s)** – A wooden two-masted schooner that struck ice and sank. - Various **barges, steamers, and smaller wooden vessels** remain submerged in the bay, offering excellent **wreck diving opportunities**. #### **Tourism & Attractions** - **Belleville Waterfront & Meyers Pier** – A great spot for boating, dining, and ship-watching. - **Trenton – National Air Force Museum of Canada** – Showcasing Canada’s aviation history. - **Glenora Ferry** – A free ferry connecting Prince Edward County to the mainland. - **Prince Edward County Wineries & Breweries** – A growing tourism attraction near the bay. - **Bay of Quinte Fishing** – One of Ontario’s top spots for **walleye, bass, and pike fishing**. - **The Murray Canal** – A **historic waterway** allowing boats to bypass the **dangerous waters of Presqu’ile Bay** when entering Lake Ontario. #### **Environmental & Navigational Challenges** - **Shallow Waters & Shoals**: The bay has **numerous submerged hazards**, making navigation tricky for larger vessels. - **Strong Winds & Ice**: Historically, winter ice and strong winds have caused **many shipwrecks** in the bay. - **Invasive Species**: The **introduction of zebra mussels** has improved water clarity but altered the ecosystem. ### **Why It Matters** The **Bay of Quinte** is one of Ontario’s most **historic and navigationally significant waterways**, bridging **Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence Seaway**. With its **shipwrecks, historic trade routes, and modern-day recreational opportunities**, the bay remains a key **maritime, cultural, and tourism destination**.