When we decided to book a waterfront vacation rental, we had a mission to find a unique family vacation cottage that could accommodate ourselves and our two adult children and their significant others. We needed a place on a lake or river that was swimmable as well as usable to launch canoes and kayaks. And we wanted to be a short distance from Ottawa. When we found this rental, we discovered that there were so many things to do in Morrisburg, Ontario.
*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will earn a small commission. This occurs at no added cost to you.*
As it turns out, Airbnb had a rental that ticked all the boxes and was unique family vacation experience at the same time. This unique vacation rental property located near Morrisburg; Ontario has a sod roof. The roof built of birch bark and sod, grows naturally in the Scandinavian tradition.
Read about the Cottage before discovering the great things to do.
Under a Sod Roof
Roofs in Scandinavia have probably been covered with birch bark and sod since pre-history. During the Viking and Middle Ages, most houses had sod roofs. A sod roof, or turf roof, is a traditional Scandinavian type of green roof covered with sod on top of several layers of birch bark on gently sloping wooden roof boards.
Until the late 19th century, it was the most common roof on rural log houses in Norway and large parts of the rest of Scandinavia. Even in Norway today, you will still find traditional homes with their green sod roofs. It is the tradition in Norway to build homes so that nomadic sheep or goats can freely move up to the roof to graze. On this rental cottage, the owner takes his mower up on the roof about once a summer to give it a trim.
From the windows of this unique family vacation property, is the picturesque St Lawrence River.
Sitting by the water watching the lakers go by is a great way to spend an afternoon. Swimming, kayaking, and fishing are also available onsite and add to the unique experience. Although the shoreline is somewhat rocky a pair of water shoes will solve that problem.
Located within ten to ninety minutes from Morrisburg, there are plenty of other things to do while you stay in this unique family vacation property.
Best Things To Do In Morrisburg, Ontario
If you are looking for some unique family options for things to do while staying in the region, check out some of these great choices.
Upper Canada Village
Located near Morrisburg, Upper Canada Village is a unique heritage park which depicts a 19th century village in Upper Canada. Touring the village is a unique experience which transports you back in time to the 1860’s. A key part of this experience is the authentic buildings that make up the village and the activities in each household. Costumed re-enactors demonstrate the activities of the time.
Upper Canada Village is one of the largest living history sites in Canada. They strive to depict life in a rural English Canadian setting during the year of 1860’s. The village features over 40 historical buildings. Many buildings were moved here prior to the flooding of the St. Lawrence Seaway development project. These buildings include homes, functioning mills, and trades workshops.
This is a great opportunity for those with younger children to enjoy as part of this unique family vacation experience. It is listed as one of the best things to do in Eastern Ontario.
Tip: The website requires pre-purchase of tickets at this time.
Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary
The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary covers 9,000 hectares of a variety of wildlife habitats. It includes including a mature upland forest, early successional woods, old fields, wetlands, and open water. There are more than 8 km of self-guided nature trails winding through these habitats. The seasoned birder and amateur naturist, alike, have excellent opportunities to view up to 200 waterfowl, raptor, passerine, and other bird species.
Upper Canada Playhouse
Upper Canada Playhouse is one of eastern Ontario’s most successful theatre companies with over 3 decades in operation. It is in an old Toothbrush and Argyle sock factory that was converted to a unique, charming, intimate, climate-controlled, accessible. building. This totally equipped theatre has plenty of parking, licensed canteen, and state of the art seating. Everyone is close to the action.
The Playhouse season runs April to December. Live concerts in spring and fall and 4 summer theatre shows and a Christmas family show.
Stone Crop Acres Winery and Vineyard
Dedicated to connecting wines with vines, Stone Crop Aces is a family-run vineyard and winery. It is a cold climate vineyard that has been around for about 28 years. Families and friends harvest and crush grapes on-site, before pressing them. Each of their wines is crafted in their own winery in small artisanal batches and aged in either stainless steel tanks or French Oak barrels.
The tasting room adjacent will have you seated at a burnished wood bar ready to taste the delectable wines. Wine is available to purchase by the glass or by the bottle. Popular wines include Frontenac Gris Vidal – a dry white, and Marquette Merlot – a full bodied red.
For the adults in the family and a short drive from the unique vacation property, this winery has plenty to offer. Whether you take a tour through the vineyard or just a sip on the patio, you will agree that this is one of the best things to do in the Morrisburg area.
Tree Top Trekking – 1000 Islands
Treetop Trekking, is an aerial game, zip tour and Treewalk village park Equipped with the latest in safety harness technology and a helmet, you will explore a series of obstacle courses leading from tree to tree high above the ground. There are zip lines, balance logs, bridges and other unique games. They range from beginner to advanced and offered at different heights.
When the children need to burn off some extra steam, the Treewalk village is a series of treehouses connected with elevated walkways. They are all enclosed with netting, so children can safely move from house to house without needing a harness. This activity only adds to the fun of the unique family vacation experience of this area.
Doran Bay Model Ship Museum
Doran Bay Model Ship Museum has the finest private collections of model ships in the world. Each model has been painstakingly built according to original plans, using the finest of exotic woods. The collection is exquisitely displayed in a restored 1880’s home overlooking the St. Lawrence River’s Seaway Lock at Iroquois.
Kingston Penitentiary
Located in Kingston, the Kingston Penitentiary is a former maximum-security prison. Some of Canada’s most dangerous and notorious criminals have made Kingston Pen their home. By taking a guided tour, you can step inside the walls of one of Canada’s oldest penitentiaries and explore the areas of those that lived and worked in the prison dating back to the 1830’s. Learn some of the stories of former staff about the history and daily routines including attempted escapes, and riots.
Tip: Although this tour is unique, due to its mature subject matter, children should not take it.
Upper Canada Golf Course
Located in one of Canada’s most picturesque settings, Upper Canada Golf Course was designed by noted gold course architects Robbie robinson in the early 1960’s. The 18-hole course challenges both beginners and skilled golfers alike. Throughout the course, there are evergreen and deciduous trees, sometimes alongside waterways, and there is great natural beauty.
If golf is your game, then this is one of the best things to do in Morrisburg, Ontario.
Fort Henry Historic Site
Fort Henry National Historic site is in Kingston, on point Henry. This is a strategic, elevated point near the mouth of the Cataraqui River where it flows into the St. Lawrence River at the east end of Lake Ontario. At this UNESCO World Heritage site, you can tour the Fort and experience scenic views, musical performances, and precision military demonstrations by the fort Henry Guard.
Planning a trip is made easy with this Trip Planning Checklist Bundle. It has everything you need to keep you well organized. From Pre-planning to Budget Planning, Day Trip Planning, and a variety of Checklists, you will have the tools to plan and enjoy your vacation.
Sports Activities
Cycling
Cycling is abundant in the area with access to the Great lakes Waterfront Trail. From the family vacation cottage, this trail offers relatively flat paved terrain and easy access to hotels, restaurants, and shopping.
Along the way, there are several areas for picnic or perhaps a swim at the beach. Morrisburg has a great beach as does the Chrysler Marina and beach areas. From this unique vacation cottage to the west is Morrisburg about 15km and about 15km to east is the St. Lawrence Seaway parks and campgrounds.
Fishing
Fishing is plentiful in the area with the abundance of shallow weedy bays, and small rocky shoals. The most common species are small-mouth bass although large-mouth bass, perch, trout, and walleye.
Kayaking/Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are a pleasure in this region due to the number of small bays. If you are interested in more of a challenge and want to paddle a longer distance, the beach in Morrisburg is a great place to launch a canoe or kayak. From here, you can travel downstream, with the wind and current and go to Chrysler beach, about 2km, or to the St. Lawrence National Parks campgrounds which are about 20 km. Halfway between the two at the 7 km mark is this unique family vacation cottage with the sod roof.
As the sun goes down your unique vacation experience takes on a new twist. With the eco friendly nature of a green roof, so too comes some of the wildlife associated with natural habitats.
Watching the sun set and hearing the sounds of crickets and cicadas reminds us that we aren’t alone. Bats begin to swoop around us hopefully catching some of the flies and mosquitoes before they bite us. Luckily, they were not a problem; just a mere distraction and a reminder that we have a unique vacation property with a sod roof.
So, if you are looking for something a little different for your family vacation experience, why not check out the property with the sod roof available through Airbnb. With so many things to do in Morrisburg, Ontario, this make a perfect getaway.
Are you ready to experience some of the best things to do in Morrisburg, Ontario?
For other things to do in the Eastern Ontario and Ottawa area, check out my post on 8 Unique Activities You Must See in Ottawa. and Prince Edward County Getaway – Wineries, Cider, Nature and…Cars?
Money Saving Tips
Accommodation: I mainly use Booking.com for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties.
Like this Post? Pin for Later!
