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Tall Ships Brockville

Information about the Brockville Tall Ships Festival that happens every 3 years, and the Big River Festival which is on every summer

Frequently Asked Questions

That’s a wrap! Thanks everyone who came out to enjoy the festival and visit Brockville, perhaps for the first time. We hope that you will choose to return to Brockville again this summer to check out some of the other amazing things to see and do here on the river.


Brockville is excited to be the first port of call for the 2022 Tall Ships Challenge Ontario Great Lakes Tour, hosting these beautiful vessels from June 24-26. “First Port of Call” means that we will be the first port to hold the tall ships in the 2022 circuit.


Festival grounds will open at 2pm on Friday, June 24, 2022.

Deck tours will be available to festival passport holders on Saturday & Sunday only, from 9am-5pm both days.

Tickets will be available for purchase during the festival at the main festival gates on Blockhouse Island. General admission wristbands for access to all land-based activities will be sold on site (multiple locations) for $10 per person. Festival Boarding Passports for deck tours (Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm) will be sold on site while supplies last. Please note that cash free payments are preferred, and debit/credit terminals will be available at all ticket booths.

Fast Facts

Ticket Pricing (all pricing is subject to additional applicable service fees):

General Admission Wristband:

$10 for the whole weekend – grants you access to the festival grounds from June 24-26, 2022 to get up close to the ships. Children 5 and under are free.

Festival grounds will open at 2pm on Friday, June 24th.

Festival Boarding Pass, aka Passport:

$15 (in advance, or $20 at the festival) – grants you access aboard each ship one time, and includes admission to the festival grounds for all three days. Children 5 and under are free. This boarding pass is more commonly known as a festival “passport” due to its size and shape – each page in the passport contains information on each visiting ship and will be stamped after you visit each one, much like a travel passport.

Deck tours will be available from 9am-5pm Saturday & Sunday only.

Festival grounds open at 2pm on June 24th.

Sail out cruise (SOLD OUT):

$45 (includes general admission wristband)*

Parade of Sail cruise aboard the Empire Sandy (SOLD OUT):

$50 (includes general admission wristband)*

*Sail out cruise tickets do not include a Festival Passport. However, if you would like to upgrade your general admission wristband (included in your ticket price) you will have the option to do so at the time of purchase. Please note that the upgrade option is ONLY available at the time of purchase and general admission cannot be traded in or upgraded at a later date. The upgrade option is available for specialty ticket purchases only. Additionally, it should also be noted that deck tours are not available on Friday. You will be able to use your festival passport to access the grounds on Friday, but if you would like to tour the ships that is only available on Saturday and Sunday. Please keep this in mind when deciding whether you would like to upgrade your wristband or not.

Hours of Operation:

Festival grounds:

Friday
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Saturday
8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Sunday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Access to Ships and Boats (deck tours – must have a Festival Passport): Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Parking:

We recommend parking at one of the designated free parking lots away from the festival grounds and taking advantage of the free festival shuttle buses rather than trying to find parking nearby. Shuttles will be available from St. Lawrence College on Parkedale Avenue, the Brockville Youth Arena, the hotels on Kent Blvd. (Travelodge, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Days Inn), the Super 8 and Hampton Inn , and on the west end of the city the grassy field across from St. Lawrence Park on King Street West will be converted to temporary parking for the weekend. . Or avoid parking altogether and ride your bike to the festival. Please visit our location and maps page for additional parking and shuttle details.

Where to go:

The ships will be on display along the waterfront at Blockhouse Island Parkway, and Hardy Park. To purchase tickets on site and for festival information, visit the main gate information booth on Blockhouse Island Parkway (enter address 30 Blockhouse Island Parkway for mapping purposes). Use our custom google map here to locate the ticket booth, festival site and other key locations.

If you have purchased a day Sail-Out cruise or Parade of Sail Cruise you will be boarding the Empire Sandy from Blockhouse Island Parkway. Please ensure that you give yourself enough time to find parking or take a shuttle bus from your hotel or one of our designated off-site parking areas. Please plan to be on site 30 minutes prior to your scheduled boarding.

TALL SHIPS® PASSPORTS (Boarding Pass) and General Admission

How much is admission?

The festival grounds will open at 2pm on Friday. Admission into the festival grounds is available by purchasing a $10 wristband that is valid for all three days to access the festival and get up close to the ships and access the best viewing locations for the Parade of Sail at 3pm on Friday. Children 5 and under are free.

Festival Passports are required in order to board the ships. They can be purchased on site for $20 while supplies last. NOTE: if you purchase a Festival Passport, you do not need to purchase a grounds admission wristband. (Note: deck tours are available Saturday & Sunday only)

The festival includes: Parade of Sail, Deck Tours (for festival passport holders), Nautical Demonstrations, Vendors, Live Music and Entertainment,  Historic Encampments, Kids Zone, Pirates, plus much more!

New for this year significant change to this year’s festival is the addition of a professional entertainment stage on Blockhouse Island. The headliner will be the “Shantyman”, Séan McCann, a founder of the iconic Canadian folk rock band “Great Big Sea”. In addition, on-stage entertainment will include musical performances by Jessica Lavallee, The Rifle & The Writer, and Capt’n Tor and the Naer Do Well Cads. Entertainment around the festival grounds will include ‘Capt’n Tor’ – Canada’s premier theatrical Pirate Troupe, the Leeds County Draft Horse Club’s Touch-a-Horse display, as well as other displays and vendors. Further programming details will be released in the months leading up to the festival. Click here to see our schedule of events.

There are many fun activities and entertainment this year, so don’t miss out!

What is a Tall Ships® Passport and what does it include?

Boarding passes for the Tall Ships® Festival are referred to as “Passports” given their approximate size and booklet style of printing. A Tall Ships® Passport is a souvenir booklet that serves as your boarding pass to access each tall ship one time. The booklet contains information on each ship that will be in Brockville for the festival and will be stamped as you board each one for deck tours. It is also a great souvenir of the 2022 Tall Ships® Festival! The festival passport is known as a “passport” or “boarding pass”, please note that these are the same thing.

Passports can be used to board the ships on Saturday June 25th and Sunday June 26th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and also includes your admission onto the festival grounds from June 24-26 (grounds will open at 2pm on Friday).

Please note: deck tours will NOT be available on Friday as this is the day that the ships will arrive. The Parade of Sail (Friday at approximately 3 pm) includes a sail-past along the Brockville waterfront of all participating ships and is a great time to take photos. Either a Passport or Wristband will be required to access the festival grounds to watch the Parade of Sail from Blockhouse Island on Friday.

Benefits include access to board the ships for deck tours, land based activities and all entertainment during the festival. Offerings include live music and entertainment, nautical demonstrations, vendors, re-enactments, historic encampments, pirates and more.

How much is a Passport?

$20 at the festival.
Tax is included. Ticket processing fees apply

Children 5 and under are FREE but will not receive a Passport.

Where can I buy Passports PRIOR to the event?

Advance sales have now closed. Wristbands and Passports will be available for purchase on site at the festival when you arrive.

More information on each type of ticket along with direct purchase links for each ticket type can be found on our ‘tickets’ page: tallshipsbrockville.com/tickets

Where can I buy Passports DURING the event?

You can buy them at:

  1. Main Entrance at Blockhouse Island
  2. At the gate on Blockhouse Island beside the fenced area
  3. Hardy Park at the Aquatarium Fun Booth
  4. Other entrance points as needed, please look for volunteers selling tickets on site.

I bought my Passport online, where do I go to pick it up?

Purchases made well in advance will receive a “passport exchange card” (instead of the full passport booklet) in the mail that you can exchange quickly and easily on site from any ticket vendor. There will be an express “advance sale” line at the festival entrance on Blockhouse Island, but any of our volunteers at any gate or sales location can exchange your passport card for the real thing easily on site. Please do not lose your exchange card as this will be needed in order to redeem your passport on site. Please note: when you exchange the card on site you will receive both your passport and wristband – you will not be mailed the wristband in advance unless your order also included separate wristband purchases.

Advance purchases made after the mail out cut-off will be available for pick up on site during the festival. The ticket pick-up area will be a separate table at the festival entrance at Blockhouse Island Parkway. There will be a dedicated “advance purchase” line so please keep an eye out for on-site signage to direct you to the pick up area. The cut-off date to have your tickets mailed to you has now passed. Tickets purchased in advance will be held for you at the main festival entrance on Blockhouse Island Parkway (see our custom google map for location details).

On Site Pick Up: Ticket pick up will be managed on site at the main festival entrance at Blockhouse Island Parkway (at the intersection of Water Street and Blockhouse Island Parkway). Please bring ID that matches the name on your order. Event Map: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/

I bought my ticket online but I didn’t get a confirmation email, what should I do?

First check your spam or junk folder. If you do not see the email please call our ticket vendor at 613-342-7122

Can we leave and come back to the Tall Ships® event at any time?

Yes: Make sure you have your General Admission Wristband to show at the gate. If your wristband gets ripped or torn, please bring it to the ticket desk and they can swap it for a fresh one, but you must bring your old wristband with you.

I just want to take pictures but I don’t want to board the ships, do I need a Festival Passport?

No you do not need the boarding pass, but you do need a General Admission Wristband to get onto the grounds. Wristbands cost only $10 and are valid for all three days of the festival. The Festival Passport is only required to board the ships for deck tours.

If you are a member of the local media and wish to cover this event, please contact us prior to the event to gain access to the festival grounds.

What if I lose my ticket or Passport?

Unfortunately we cannot replace lost Passports. If you lose your ticket to a Sail out, please contact the Brockville Arts Centre Box Office (613-342-7122) before arrival.

Do you have special rates for kids/groups/ seniors or support workers?

Children 5 and under are free* but no further discounts are available. Passports have been well priced at $15 (advance purchase) to make this event accessible to everyone. The boarding passport price increases at the gate, so the best discount is to purchase your passport in advance.

(*for grounds admission and deck tours only. Specialty tickets do not apply. Children must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult).

What if it rains?

The ships will be here rain or shine. This festival will take place rain or shine. Our ship crews aren’t afraid of a little water and we aren’t either! Deck tours will be available even if it is pouring.

All sail outs will still take place if it is raining unless the weather is so severe that it is unsafe to go out.

Event Disclaimer: This is an outdoor event; program activity times and locations are subject to local weather conditions and may change from the published schedules. 

TICKETS - Sail Outs, and Parade of Sail Cruise (SOLD OUT)

What are the specific dates and times for sail-out charters?

Sail outs (90 minutes aboard the Empire Sandy):

Friday June 24th, 2022

  • Evening Sail: Boarding 5:30 pm from Blockhouse Island, Sailing from 6:00-7:30 pm. (SOLD OUT)
  • Evening Sunset Sail: Boarding 8:00 pm from Blockhouse Island, Sailing from 8:30-10:00 pm. (SOLD OUT)

Saturday June 25th, 2022

  • Evening Sail: Boarding 5:30 pm from Blockhouse Island, Sailing from 6:00-7:30 pm. (SOLD OUT)
  • Evening Sunset Sail: Boarding 8:00 pm from Blockhouse Island, Sailing from 8:30-10:00 pm. (SOLD OUT)

Sunday June 26th, 2022

  • Sunday Evening Sail: Boarding 6:00 pm from Blockhouse Island, Sailing from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. (SOLD OUT)

All sail outs will be boarding from Blockhouse Island.

Parade of Sail Cruise (90 minutes aboard the Empire Sandy) SOLD OUT:

Friday, June 24th, 2022

  • Empire Sandy – Boarding 2:00 pm from Blockhouse Island, Sailing from 2:30 pm, returning at approximately 4:30pm. Parade of Sail to begin at approximately 3:00 pm. (SOLD OUT)

What is the cost of tickets for Sail outs?

All sail-out cruise tickets are sold out! Thank you for your interest.

Sail Out Cruises: $45 per person (Adults and Children)
Your sail out cruise ticket includes 1 grounds admission wristband* which you will need in order to access the boarding area. Day Sails will board from Blockhouse Island.
Tax is included. Excludes applicable fees.

Parade of Sail Cruise: $50 per person (Adults and Children)
Your sail out cruise ticket includes 1 grounds admission wristband* which you will need in order to access the boarding area. Day Sails will board from Blockhouse Island.
Tax is included. Excludes applicable fees.

*Sail Out Cruises do not include a Festival Passport. However, if you would prefer the Passport, you will have the opportunity to upgrade your general admission wristband (included in your ticket price) to a Boarding Passport at the time of purchase. Please note that the upgrade option is ONLY available at the time of purchase and general admission cannot be traded in or upgraded at a later date. The upgrade option is available for specialty ticket purchases only. Additionally, it should also be noted that deck tours are not available on Friday. You will be able to use your festival passport to access the grounds on Friday, but if you would like to tour the ships that is only available on Saturday and Sunday. Please keep this in mind when deciding whether you would like to upgrade your wristband or not.

What’s the difference between the evening sail outs and the parade of sail cruise?

The Parade of Sail Cruise is a unique opportunity to be a part of the festival opening “Parade of Sail” from onboard the Empire Sandy. The parade of sail is when all of our participating tall ships and other vessels sail past Brockville’s waterfront and is the best opportunity to see these ships with their sails up and take photos of them on the river. During the rest of the festival, the ships will be docked for deck tours so this is the best time to see them on the water. This unique sail out offers the opportunity to be on board the Empire Sandy during the parade and be part of the action and get some unique photos that those on land will not be able to experience. The parade of sail cruise is also slightly longer than the evening sails.

More on ticket information and to purchase tickets: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/tickets/  Sail outs may be sold out prior to the festival, please check for updates on our website.

Where can I buy tickets for the Sail Outs IN ADVANCE ** of the event?

Tickets are available online at https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/tickets/ starting in early February.  All sail out tickets are SOLD OUT – thanks everyone for your interest!

Where can I buy tickets for the Sail Outs DURING the event?

Remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the Main Gate at Blockhouse Island. All sail out tickets are SOLD OUT – thanks everyone for your interest!
Event Map: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/

I bought my Sail out ticket online, what do I need to bring to my cruise to show that I purchased a ticket?

If you requested to have your tickets mailed to you, make sure you bring them with you along with your admission wristband (included in the ticket price) with you to the festival. All sail-outs will be boarding from from Blockhouse Island. The cut-off date to have your tickets mailed to you has now passed. Advance purchased tickets will be held for you at the main festival entrance on Blockhouse Island Parkway (see our custom google map for location details). 

If you purchased tickets after the mail date cut-off, you will need to bring your confirmation number and ID in advance to the festival site in order to pick up your tickets. Tickets will be held in your name at the “Advance Ticket Purchases” booth at the entrance to the festival grounds located at Blockhouse Island Parkway and Water Street.
Event Map: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/

Where is the exact boarding location for sail-out charters?

All sail-outs will be aboard the Empire Sandy which will be berthed at Blockhouse Island.
Event Map: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/

What should I wear on my cruise?

This festival takes place in late June, so weather and temperature can vary greatly at that time of the year, though it is typically hot during the day. Even on a bright, sunny day you can expect the temperature to drop significantly when you go out on the water aboard your ship, so we advise wearing layers that you can add or remove easily.

If you have an evening cruise booked and want to be above deck, it can get quite chilly in the evening on the water so wearing long pants and bringing a jacket or hoodie is recommended.

Can I exchange my sail out ticket for a different time?

No. All cruises and other tickets are non-refundable with no exchanges. This is a rain or shine event.

What if it rains?

The ships will be here rain or shine. This festival will take place rain or shine. Our ship crews aren’t afraid of a little water and we aren’t either! Deck tours will be available even if it is pouring.

All sail outs will still take place if it is raining unless the weather is so severe that it is unsafe to go out.

Event Disclaimer: This is an outdoor event; program activity times and locations are subject to local weather conditions and may change from the published schedules. 

Viewing the Ships

What are the ship names?

In 2022 we will be hosting:

Empire Sandy 
Toronto, ON
This ship will be offering evening sail outs and will be available for deck tours at slightly reduced hours on Saturday as they prepare to sail in the evening.

Fair Jeanne
Brockville, ON

St. Lawrence II
Kingston, ON

Nao Trinidad (previously Nao Santa Maria)
Spain

Mimi Jane
Ottawa, ON (built in South Mountain, our festival will be her maiden voyage)

Playfair
Hamilton, ON

Theodore Too
Hamilton, ON

We will also have:

CCGS Mamilossa (hovercraft) docked in Hardy Park, and Royal Canadian Navy display and Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) rides in the inner harbour (starting from the Home Street boat launch next to Hardy Park)

How and When can I get on the ships?

Ship Deck Tours are from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM Saturday and Sunday for Passport holders. You must purchase a festival Passport in order to board the ships. Ships will be arriving on Friday, and will therefore not be available for tours on that day. A Parade of Sail will be held on Friday in the afternoon, this is a great opportunity to take pictures and see the ships in full sail. You will need to purchase either a general admission wristband ($10) or Festival Passport ($15 in advance; $20 at the gate) to access the grounds on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (including Friday’s Parade of Sail).

Please note that the Empire Sandy will be offering evening sail outs and will be available for deck tours at slightly reduced hours on Saturday.

Please note: Given the popularity of this event, be prepared for line ups.

Where can I go to watch the ships as they arrive?

Ships will be arriving on Friday for the Parade of Sail which will begin at approximately 3:00 pm.

The best locations to view the ships during the Parade of Sail will be from the eastern end of the Blockhouse Island Peninsula. Please check out our Location and Map page and bookmark our custom google map for the festival. We highlight in purple the best viewing locations for the Parade of Sail, along with tons of other handy information.  The ships will gather either just east or west (depending on wind conditions on the day) and will sail past Blockhouse Island. An announcer will be on Blockhouse Island to provide the names and details of each ship as it goes past. Please note that you will need to show either your General Admission Wristband or Festival Boarding Pass to gain access to the grounds in order to watch the ships from this location. Please follow us on facebook for any last minute announcements.

Ship Deck Tours will be available on Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm for Boarding Pass holders.

Track the Fleet with the the “Marine Traffic” app where you can save searches for your favourite vessels, find out more about each ship, and track their progress in the St. Lawrence River, or visit the Marine Traffic website.  

Watch other vessels traveling in the Great Lakes Seaway system. 

Hours of Operation

When will the Festival events be open to the public?

Actual hours of operation for festival grounds are:

Friday
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Saturday
8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Sunday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Access to Ships and Boats (deck tours):

Saturday and Sunday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm

The festival will be closed to the public after the site closes each day. If you have purchased tickets to an evening event, please have them ready to show at the gate as that will be the only way to get access onto the grounds.

Our Tall Ships® Festival website has a comprehensive list of all programming, events and activities https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/timeline/

Is there a schedule of events?

Yes. Click this link for a detailed list of all programming, events and activities: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/timeline/

When is the Parade of Sail?

Friday June 24 at approximately 3:00 pm. Please note that you will need either a General Admissions Wristband or a Festival Passport to access the festival grounds on Friday to watch the Parade of Sail.

What are the hours for deck tours?

The actual hours of operation for deck tours/times is Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 from 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Bringing Children to the Festival

Do I need life jackets for my child/children?

Children 5 and under will need to provide their own life jackets for the sail-out cruises. Life jackets are not required for other activities.

What is the age requirement for a sail out? Can my child go for free on a sail out?

The cost of those cruises is priced based on the total ship capacity and therefore every person on board requires a ticket. Children require a regularly priced ticket for sail outs, including babes in arms. Children that are under 5 are free for grounds admission and deck tours but not for sail outs.

Does my child need a Passport?

Children under 5 are free but they will not be issued a Passport or wristband. They are permitted on deck tours accompanied by a Passport holding adult.

Lost child? Where do I go to find a lost child?

Main Gate at Blockhouse Island
Event Map: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/

Location/Map/Parking

Where exactly is the event located?

Blockhouse Island Parkway, Brockville Ontario (enter 30 Blockhouse Island Parkway for GPS mapping purposes)
Event Map: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/

Where can we see the ships sail from land?

The best places to see the ships are from Centeen Park, Blockhouse Island, (Tunnel Bay) and Hardy Park during the Parade of Sail on Friday afternoon at approximately 3pm. Other than a few exceptions for evening cruises the ships will be moored on land during the festival. If you want to see the ships in full sail, don’t miss the Parade of Sail! The best places to watch the ships during the parade are along the eastern bank of Blockhouse Island and from Centeen Park. NOTE: you will require either a General Admission Wristband or Festival Passport to gain admissions onto the grounds on Friday to watch the parade of sail. Depending on wind conditions on the day, we will select the direction of the sail. Please follow us on facebook for announcements. 

Please visit this page for a comprehensive map showing the waterfront, parking, washrooms etc. https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/

Where can I park?

Given the increased volume of people trying to get to the waterfront for this event and due to street closures that effect the availability and access to nearby parking lots, parking close to the site will be hard to come by. We recommend parking at one of our north end free parking options and taking the free bus shuttle to and from the event or cycling to and from the festival grounds. Please visit our Location and Map page for details on shuttle availability, times, and location.

Map of Downtown Brockville: http://www.downtownbrockville.com/parking.php

Special parking for this festival is also included on this map: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/

Will bike racks be available?

Yes.
Note:  Bicycles, skateboards, or rollerblades are not allowed on Blockhouse Island for the duration of the festival.

What do I need to know if I am coming by boat? Is there mooring available?

The City Municipal Harbour will have limited transient docking during the three days of our festival. Seasonal boaters have access to their own slips.

Where are each of the events/attractions located?

Events/attractions are included on this map: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/

Are there travel tips for getting to Brockville?

Brockville is easily accessed by the 401 Highway which runs through town dividing the city into the historic downtown core and the “north end” of Brockville. Brockville’s beautiful waterfront is just minutes from the 401: follow the brown and white tourist information question mark signs from the 401 all the way through town to the festival entrance on Blockhouse Island Parkway.

Given the popularity of this event, we do not recommend trying to find parking close to the festival grounds. Free bus shuttles will be available from your hotel and from larger parking lots off site to get you to the festival so you can avoid driving and looking for parking. Please visit our Location and Maps page for more information on parking lots and bus shuttles. We also have a custom google map set up that already has directions from Ottawa and Toronto to our free parking areas off-site.

You can also get to Brockville by VIA Rail from Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.

Free Bus Shuttle

Is there a shuttle or bus service that will be taking people downtown to the event?

Yes there are complimentary Tall Ships Festival bus shuttles and and the regular city buses available. The main parking and festival shuttle pick up location will be at St. Lawrence College, and we have also added the Brockville Youth Arena, and the grassy field across from St. Lawrence Park. Our local hotels on Kent Street (Travelodge, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, as well as the Days Inn), the Hampton Inn, and the Super 8 will also have pick ups (please note that hotel parking is reserved for overnight guests).
Please see the Location and Map page for details.

What are the options, times and locations for the complimentary bus shuttles, City transit and taxi services?

Please see the section on the Location and Maps page for transportation options during the duration of the festival.

Washroom, Pets, and Accessibility

Are the festival grounds Accessible?

Yes and there are accessible washroom facilities on site. See the map on this page: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/ 

The majority of the festival grounds can be accessed with a wheelchair or walker, but be advised that much of the area is grassy.

Are the ships accessible?

There is no wheel chair access to get on to the ships and there are no accessible washroom facilities on board.

The only way to get aboard the ships is by a wooden ramp and the pitch of the ramp varies depending on the size of the ship (larger ships have steeper ramps). If you are in a wheelchair, or require the use of a walker, we recommend purchasing a general wristband instead of the full passport to enjoy these vessels up close rather than be disappointed on arrival.

These are working sailing ships, so there is limited seating above deck and not a lot of maneuverability. For a sail out cruise, there is more formal seating below deck (below deck may be closed due to COVID-19 precautions), but above deck is primarily standing-room only.

If you are unsteady on your feet and require assistance boarding we advise bringing someone with you to help you board.

Where are the washrooms located? Are there accessible washrooms on site?

Washroom structures are available at Hardy Park and Blockhouse Island.  In addition, portable washrooms, hand wash stations, and accessible port-a-potties will be available at various locations on the festival grounds.

Washrooms and accessible washrooms are included on this map: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/

I have trouble walking long distances, is there anything to help me get from one end of the event to the other?

Golf carts will run from Hardy Park to Blockhouse Island for visitors from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday and 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday. Some golf cart shuttles will also be available at the end of the evening sail out cruises to help get guests back up to bus shuttle pick up points or the edges of the festival grounds.

Do you have accessible parking available?

We have accessible parking available on Market Street East. Parking here is somewhat limited.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes. Dogs must be on a leash. Please keep in mind that the crowds can be very heavy at times and it may be best for them to be left at home. Some of the ships periodically fire their cannons which is quite loud and most dogs do not enjoy being nearby when that happens.

Food and Beverage

Can I purchase food/water on location?

Yes!! We have some great food vendors this year, new and returning!

We encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle and fill up on site to reduce waste. There is a water bottle filling station in the entrance way at the washrooms located in the harbour on Blockhouse Island.

What restaurants are nearby?

Treat yourself to the culinary delights that Brockville and the 1000 Islands region has to offer. From family to fine dining, from historic to contemporary settings, Brockville has something to satisfy every taste bud. Brockville’s restaurants provide visitors with unique menus and atmospheres. We have also partnered with the Downtown BIA and Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce for additional restaurant programs and opportunities. This includes festival set-menus from participating restaurants in order to reduce wait times, as well as a “grab ‘n go” take-out program for fast take out from local restaurants. For more information, please visit our page: Restaurant options during the festival for details.

There are many within walking distance and beyond. http://www.downtownbrockville.com/restaurants.php?cID=16

Can I bring my own lunch/refreshments on the sail outs?

No, food is not allowed to be brought on board.

Are coolers allowed on festival grounds?

Coolers containing food and beverages are allowed but alcohol is prohibited.
NOTE: Coolers or any container may be examined by security at any time during the festival. Failure to comply will be result in removal from the grounds.

Accommodations/Where to Stay

Where can I find information on hotels/motels, B&B’s and Camping?

For a list of all accommodation options visit: http://brockvilletourism.com/stay/ or call Brockville & 1000 Islands Tourism for assistance at 1-833-369-0620.

We recommend booking your accommodations early as previous Tall Ships festivals filled our local providers to capacity in Brockville, and most nearby towns were full as well. Take advantage of the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit where Ontario residents will be able to claim 20% of eligible 2022 accommodation expenses.

Camping is available at St. Lawrence Park in Brockville – online bookings open on Friday, May 13. Please visit www.brockville.com/camping for more information.

Other Information

What do I need to be aware of for event safety precautions and security measures?

Bicycles, skateboards, or rollerblades will not be allowed on Blockhouse Island for the duration of the Festival. Additional bike racks will be available on site and we encourage the use of bicycles to get to and from the festival grounds.

Coolers or any container may be examined by Security at any time during the Festival. Failure to comply will result in occupant’s removal from the grounds.

While special effort is made to keep all areas of the Festival safe, attendees must use caution around moving vehicles required for site operations.

Where is the Lost and Found located?

Main Gate at Blockhouse Island. Event map: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/

Where is First Aid located?

St. John Ambulance will be stationed at the base of Market Street East. Event map: https://www.tallshipsbrockville.com/location-information/

What else can I see and do in Brockville?

There are lots of great things to do in Brockville while you are in town for the festival. We have partnered with a number of nearby attractions and activities to create packages and itineraries to enhance your visit. Some of these opportunities will be available for purchase from our ticket vendor when you purchase your festival tickets. To date we have the following packages, please check back for more!

Festival Passport + Aquatarium Admission (admission valid between June 24-26, 2022)

The Aquatarium is an interactive discovery centre featuring exhibits on the wildlife, history, and splendor of the 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence River. They are located right next to the festival grounds, inside the Tall Ships Landing building (the tallest building at the waterfront) and right beside where the Fair Jeanne will be berthed during the festival.

Package Cost: $27 for adults, $25 for children (ages 4-15). Advance purchase only.

Festival Passport + Brockville Museum Self-Guided History and Architectural Tour of Brockville & admission

The Brockville Museum focuses on anything and everything “Brockville”. History is made every minute, evidenced by the exhibits that feature Brockville’s past and present. Stop by the museum to learn more about Brockville’s river history and more. Their newly printed “History and Architectural Tour of Brockville” included in this package will let you explore the area on foot and learn more about the history of the beautiful buildings that you will see downtown and near to the tall ships festival site.

Package Cost: $25 per person. Advance purchase only.

Festival Passport + 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises “Jewels of the St. Lawrence” 90 minute cruise of the 1000 Islands

Local 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises offer cruises departing right from the tall ships festival grounds. The 90 minute “Jewels of the St. Lawrence Cruise” will give you a close up look at Brockville’s waterfront from the river, tell you the history and tales of the 1000 Islands, and take you through the Brockville narrows to see some of the islands found in the famous 1000 Islands region and a chance to see some of the homes and cottages built on the waterfront and on some of the islands themselves.

Package Cost: $48.59 per person. Advance purchase only.

Restaurant Programs – collect a souvenir festival cup from participating restaurants

Check out our Restaurant Programs going on during the festival weekend in order.

Prize Draw

Shop at participating local retailers and earn ballots towards our grand prize draw – you could win a fiberglass stand up paddleboard from Dirty Berty Boards! Check out the board on display on the festival site at the Downtown Brockville info booth.

The Brockville & 1000 Islands Tourism Office can help you make the most of your stay and find other activities and events to take part in while you are here.

Visit these pages to see all that Brockville has to offer:

Where can I get information on relocating to Brockville or finding out about business opportunities?

Please visit http://www.brockville.com/relocation and http://www.brockville.com/business

Additional Information

Do you have another question you don’t see here? Please email info@tallshipsbrockville.com  or call Brockville City Hall at 613-341-2250 for festival inquiries.

Are you a member of the media? Check out our media page for details.