Twenty-odd years ago , I had just finished university and was enjoying my first “ real ” job , one that brought me to live and work in Belleville , Ontario . This small city , nestled along the Bay of Quinte , at the northeastern end of Lake Ontario , has long been a great seasonal takeoff spot for sailing , paddling and all sorts of freshwater fun . Back then , when a sunny afternoon would hit and a handful of friends could squeeze out of work , we made a beeline for the Bay Bridge south of the city . Within 20 minutes , we ’ d be thick into Prince Edward County or in “ the County ,” as it ’ s affectionately called .