Napanee is located on Hwy. 401 midway between Toronto and Montreal. The town is the southern gateway to the more northern Land O’ Lakes Country popular with nature & water sport lovers. It is the proud hometown of Avril Lavigne (many come to for “La Pizzeria” to sample Avril Lavigne’s “favorite pizza”) Several surveys have ranked Napanee as one of the prettiest towns in the province.
History
The area around the waterfall on the Napanee River was originally settled by United Empire Loyalists after the American Revolution, and was first incorporated in 1854. The community was first known as Clarksville named for Robert Clark, who built a grist mill here. Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, practiced law in Napanee.
Napanee Attractions
Springside Park & Napanee Mills
8460 Highway 2, Greater Napanee, ON
The main natural attraction located in Napanee, with a waterfall on the Napanee River. A plaque commemorates 1780s sawmill and gristmill that formed the centre of the community.
Hay Bay Church
2365 South Shore Rd., R.R.#2
Napanee, Ontario, K7R 3K7
(South side of Hay Bay)
(613) 373-2877 Fax : (613) 373-8816
The 1792 Old Hay Bay Church in Alophustown is a National Historic Site as Canada’s oldest Methodist building. The second oldest church in Ontario. Open during the summer, July 1st to Labour Day.
Town Hall
124 John St, Napanee, ON K7R 1R3
(613) 354-3351
Built in 1856, it has a carefully preserved example of 19th century classic revival architecture. Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, delivered his last campaign speech from its balcony in 1891.
Allan Macpherson House
180 Elizabeth St., Napanee
(613) 354-4883 o F: (613) 354-3112
Tea reservations (613) 354-5982
Built before 1830 by Allan Macpherson, this house remains a fine example of late Georgian architecture. In 1812, he had leased the mills on the opposite side of the Napanee River, and also ran a general store on Dundas Street and wasNapanee’s first postmaster and an active magistrate, In 1849 he moved to Kingston and his house was
taken over by his son Donald, where it remained in the family until 1896, and it is now a museum. Open May to December, Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 4:30 pm, and on Saturdays from 12 pm to 4:30 pm. Afternoon tea is served on Thursday afternoons in July and August from 2 pm to 4 pm,
Loyalist Memorial Church
St. Alban the Martyr, Adolphustown
# 10421, on the north side of Highway 33, just west of Road 8
Plaque marks the local Anglican congregation that dates back to 1784,with its first church built in 1822, at the present Church of St. Alban the Martyr.
UEL Heritage Centre and Park
(613) 372-2196
On June 16th 1784, Adolphustown was the site of the landing of United Empire Loyalists. Active today as the U.E.L. Heritage Centre & Park, the facility includes the U.E.L. Memorial Cemetery, a museum, the historic Adolphustown Town Hall, a 161-lot campground, picnic facilities, and Greater Napanee’s only public beach. There are interpretative displays, reproduction 18th-century bateaux (boats) and a research library. The site is open daily from May 1st to Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, seven days per week. Admission is $3 per person.
Sir John Alexander Macdonald Home
North of Adolphustown and Dorland on the South Shore of Hay Bay
Significance: Honours the location of the family home of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir. John Alexander Macdonald. From this Loyalist stronghold he was inspired to unite the colonies in a strong Dominion.
Quakers of Adolphustown Burying Grounds
North of Adolphustown and Dorland, on the South Shore of Hay Bay
One of the province’s oldest Quaker settlements, dating back to 1784.