Cornwall

On the banks of the St. Lawrence River in eastern Ontario is Cornwall, a city of 46,000, about an hour's drive from the nation's capital. Established by United Empire Loyalists from New York in 1784, the city is named after the English Duchy of Cornwall, a territory ruled by the Duke of Cornwall, currently Charles, the Prince of Wales.

Though traditionally a thriving place for the cotton industry, Cornwall's economy is now based in manufacturing, logistics, transportation and food processing. The city houses a number of distribution and call centres, including one of the largest Wal-Mart distribution centres in Canada. Each year, Cornwall attracts thousands of visitors to the annual Lift Off festival. Majestic hot air balloons take to the sky morning and evening, while carnival rides and live music in Lamoureux Park provide entertainment on the ground. Cornwall also hosts the annual Winterfest event, complete with a spectacular fireworks display.

Year-round recreational opportunities in the city include boating, skiing, hiking, skating and strolling in one of the city's waterfront parks.