A Culinary Road Trip Along South Eastern Ontario’s Highway 401

At first glance, the stretch of Highway 401 between Montreal and Toronto may not seem all that exciting. If you’ve traveled along this stretch of highway before, you know it well: the route cuts through farmland and forested areas, and by the time you’ve hit the halfway point of your trip, everyone in the car is hungry and eager for a distraction. It’s easy to pull off the highway for a quick bite at a chain restaurant, but interesting stories and delicious flavours are just around the corner … if you know where to look!

Today, we’re exploring a roughly 100-kilometre-long stretch of Highway 401 in South Eastern Ontario that is chockfull of hidden gems that are well worth the detour. We’re breaking down our itinerary by exit to help you find cool stops no matter where you’re headed. Keep reading or click to jump directly to your highway exit:

• Exit 522: Quinte West – Carrying Place
• Exit 525: Quinte West – Trenton
• Exit 543A: Belleville
• Exit 556: Shannonville & Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory
• Exit 611: Kingston – Cataraqui Westbrook (via Gardiners Road)
• Exit 615: Kingston – West Side (via Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd)
• Exit 617: Downtown Kingston (via Division Street)

Ready? Start the car!

Exit 522: Quinte West – Carrying Place

Located on the border between Quinte West and Prince Edward County, Carrying Place may serve as the gateway to The County, but it’s a destination too! Take Exit 522 and head south on County Road 40 for just a few minutes to reach two great culinary spots in this area.