Exploring Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

Growing up near the Bay of Quinte area, there’s many times when I traveled by Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, either along the highway, or passed through on the way to nearby summer adventures. And chances are, if you’ve travelled to Prince Edward County by way of the Quinte Skyway Bridge, you’ve driven through Tyendinaga, and may not have even realized it.

This fall I took the opportunity to explore this unique part of the Bay of Quinte which had sparked my curiosity. What I discovered: it’s well worth getting off the main roads and exploring the unique culture, art and natural beauty that make this a truly special trip, and an an important opportunity to learn the story of one of Ontario’s vibrant Indigenous communities.

If you’d like to plan your own trip, here are a few tips to make the most of the experience.

Where To Stay

If you are looking to unplug from the hustle of everyday life, Lil Crow Cabin fits the bill. From the stunning panoramic views, the kayaks available for paddling the bay, and the hot tub for an evening spent stargazing, the natural beauty of this spot alone will put you in the relaxed frame of mind.

What makes this spot especially unique is the special touches made by owners, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory locals, Kimberly and David. From the murals outside the cabin, to the curated collection of Indigenous art inside, you’ll spend most of your stay admiring the storytelling of the objects within the cabin itself. David is a talented artist, and some of his work makes up this collection. Plus, the music that sets the tone when you arrive is also his impressive work!

What to Do

Take a sunset paddle

In the Mohawk language, this community is called "Kenhtè:ke" which means "the place of the bay", and your time here won’t be complete without experiencing the natural beauty it has to offer. Make use of the kayaks at Lil Crow Cabin, where you can launch directly into the bay. Explore the marshes and islands just off the shore, then time your return to watch the setting sun with the Quinte Skyway Bridge as the perfect backdrop. We took a paddle on a brisk October day, and the stunning colours and incredible golden hour was just as beautiful (if not more!) than a summer paddle.

Browse local craft at Rebecca Maracle’s shop

There are a number of Tyendinaga artisans carrying on the tradition and culture of the Mohawk through their art. Rebecca is a fourth generation feather artist. Using plumage from a variety of birds, her designs tell stories of spirituality and emotion, and are available to buy in her shop. If you are looking for a dream-catcher that is truly locally made this is the spot you need to go.

Visit an artist’s studio at Millside Ceramics

Continue your exploration of the art of the region with a visit to Marleen Murphy of Millside Ceramics. We dropped by her home studio to check out her collection. Some of her most interesting pieces are her Friendship Circle, Smudge Bowls and Medicine Wheel Collections, which are rooted in traditional teachings. Marleen’s work is such a special part of Canadian storytelling that it was was chosen to represent Canada at the 2010 Olympics! If you’d like to take home a piece from her collection, I loved her collection of holiday ornaments - for my own tree and as a great gift with a special story behind it.

Uncover local history at Christ Church

This impressive church - full name Christ Church, Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal of the Mohawk - is also historically significant. It is one of only six Royal chapels outside the United Kingdom, and one of two in Canada, and was built by the Mohawks over 170 years ago in 1843. 

I’d recommend also taking a walk through the church graveyard - it’s resting place of Dr. Oronhyateka, one of the earliest academically accredited Native American medical doctors. If you love history, stop and read the plaque about his life, which is a fascinating story.

Stop for art and a meal at Native Renaissance.

A shop, a gallery and a cafe all under one roof - this is a spot not to be missed!

The Native Art Gallery showcases a wide variety of artwork created by well-known Indigenous artists, while the shop carries everything from handmade moccasins to children’s books and toys. Again - some excellent gift options here if you have little ones to shop for on your holiday list. Upstairs you’ll find the Gallery Cafe, where you can enjoy traditional fare like corn soup and Iroquois corn bread, or the fan favourite daily quiches.

Thanks to the Bay of Quinte for coordinating this trip! For more things to see and do, check out their website, follow them on Instagram, or check out one of their cute travel guides.

HAPPY TRAVELS!