Hastings County is the second largest county in Ontario, stretching almost 160 kilometers from the Bay of Quinte to Algonquin Park. The northern two-thirds is covered by the ancient rocks of the Canadian Shield and is heavily forested and sparsely settled. There are many clear lakes where cottaging and recreational opportunities abound. An escarpment passing through Tweed, Centre Hastings, Stirling-Rawdon, and Marmora and Lake Townships marks the southern limit of the Canadian Shield. The southern portion of the County is part of the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Lowlands and is the site of two cities and five urban centres surrounded by rich farmland.

With a population of approximately 38,960 (not including the cities of Belleville and Quinte West which total approximately 90,000) and 21,170 households spread over a land mass that is actually larger than 28 countries, settlement is made up of a collection of small towns, hamlets and villages. You experience the joy of rural and small town life while being in close proximity to Ontario’s major metropolitan centres. Outdoor activities are plentiful during all four seasons and eclectic and unique artisan and antique shops make for a wonderful day of shopping, and experiencing the communities in Hastings County.
 

For information on tourist attractions and visiting Hastings County visit our Tourism Page.

For more information about Hastings County, please consider purchasing a copy of the Hastings County Heritage Atlas, now available.  For more information on the heritage atlas, please click here.