Probably the #1 question I get from readers is some variation on the following: “What’s a great place to go for a day trip or a weekend getaway within an hour of Ottawa?” Over and over, I find myself telling them there are tons of things to do in Perth, Ontario.
This town of about 6,000 people, an hour southwest of Canada’s capital, appeals to a wide swath of road trippers—whether they like history, theatre, outdoorsy activities, shopping, dining or festivals. Here are just a few reasons to head there on your next adventure.
Food: If award-winning chefs are your thing, you can sit down to an elegant dinner created by Chopped Canada winner Nick Valiquette at the Stone Cellar restaurant. A few blocks away, the Rocky River Café is known for enormous burgers and its distinctive sweet onion rings, which come with a side of maple syrup. For dessert, you can pick up fabulous, not-too-sweet pie at the Perth Pie Company (I’m partial to the wild blueberry-peach). And handmade truffles are among the draws at Perth Chocolate Works, housed in a heritage mill. (For more about the town’s tasty treats, check out my recent post about my Pi Day trip to Perth.)
Views: That heritage mill overlooks postcard-pretty Stewart Park, where the Tay River winds under a cute arched bridge and where you’ll find a life-sized statue of hometown heroes Ian Millar and his prize-winning horse, Big Ben. Every July (circumstances permitting), you can also enjoy three days of free concerts in the park during the popular Stewart Park Festival.
History: Did you know that Perth was the site of Canada’s last fatal duel? The 1833 incident involved two young men fighting over the honour of a young woman each of them fancied. You can learn more about that and other intriguing facts at the Perth Museum, housed in an 1840s mansion.
Festivals: Things to do in Perth include all sorts of festivals and events. The Festival of the Maples in April usually features a huge craft fair, a midway, pony rides and, of course, lots of maple products. Later in the year, you can check out the Perth Ribfest Music Festival (July), the Perth Garlic Festival (August) or the Perth’s World Record Kilt Run (also in August).
Outdoor fun: You can rent a bike or take a tour with Heritage Bikes, rent a canoe or kayak from Perth Outfitters, or take a hike on the Rideau Trail, which runs right through town. Roughly 20 minutes south of Perth, Murphy’s Point Provincial Park offers camping, boating, hiking, swimming, snowshoeing and more.
Shopping: Craving some retail therapy? Downtown Perth is stuffed with independent boutiques selling crafts, home décor items, clothing, accessories and more.
If you go
For more information on things to do in Perth, Ontario, see Lanark County Tourism and the Downtown Heritage Perth BIA.
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28 comments
Try Maximillian Restaurant………fantastic schnitzels.
Definitely!
Treat Mom at the Crossroads Tearoom.
That’s such a pretty spot!
Try the Best Western, you get discounts for shopping TIL the end of May at 25 restaurants and stores.
Great suggestion!
Next time you’ll have to stop by The Perth Cheese Shop!
Oooh, yes! I love cheese!
Go for a tasting at Top Shelf Distillers or for a flight at Perth Brewery!
Both are excellent examples of local businesses flourishing due to hard work, great product and good exposure (instagram)!
Great staff in both locations make it a pleasure to visit.
And their products make great souvenirs.
Great suggestion!
On weekdays you can indulge in great food and service at The Twisted Fork Cafe and Bistro. Open for breakfast and lunch they have delicious meals and very tasty desserts prepared and served by their totally twisted owner and staff.
Sounds yummy! Thanks for the tip, Judy. I’ll have to check it out, next time I’m in Perth.
[…] Check out an old mica mine at Murphys Point Provincial Park or catch a few concerts at the free Stewart Park Festival. (Here’s a post packed with more ideas on things to do in Perth.) […]
[…] I haven’t done a scientific survey or anything, but I suspect Perth would be running neck and neck with Merrickville in the photogenic town sweepstakes. Another community brimming with gorgeous limestone buildings and hanging flower baskets, Perth offers paddling on the Tay River and Tay Canal, a restaurant with a Chopped Canada-winning chef, lots of boutiques, and locally made kombucha (the fermented beverage all the cool kids are drinking). Find out more in my post about day tripping to Perth. […]
[…] I have many more ideas in these two posts: “A road trip to the Perth Pie Company for Pi Day pie” and “Things to do in Perth—a great day trip destination.” […]
While we enjoyed our recent trip to Perth, I have to say the Perth Pie Company was a letdown. They only make pies with lard in the crust. That kinda eliminates a significant portion of the population. Not very inclusive of them.
Glad you enjoyed the trip, and thanks for letting me know about the pastry at Perth Pie Co. I’ll admit I never even thought to ask, but I’ll keep that in mind in the future when writing about bakeries. Always good to learn something new!
[…] Perth in a nutshell: So far, I’ve had lots of suggestions for best-friend weekends that are a bit beyond the stereotype. Now, I’m going to give you the archetypal girls’ getaway destination: photogenic, genteel, just-around-the-corner Perth. You can shop ’til you drop—try Studio 87 (87 Gore Street East) and Riverguild Fine Crafts for art, Strévé for locally designed clothes, Lavender and Lace for lingerie and jewellery, or Flint and Honey for candles, beauty products and fashion. For more ideas, see Perth, Ontario: A great day trip destination. […]
[…] Head southwest on Highway 7 to Perth, with a possible stop en route at Balderson Village Cheese (because, cheese). You could easily spend a day just in Perth, packed as it is with shops, a museum, a delightful riverfront park, restaurants, coffee shops and even a chocolatier. (For details, see my post on day tripping to Perth.) […]
[…] Perth, Ontario: A great day-trip destination […]
[…] trip from Ottawa—after all, it’s only an hour’s drive away, and it’s full of fun things to see and do. But did you know these 10 fun facts about Perth, […]
The Lone Rider, A Large Number of Ways to Die in the Old West, will be playing at the Studio Theatre Perth from July 28 to August 7. Weekend matinees. Story by Mat Kelly, directed by Brent McLaren. Come out for a western comedy whodunit!
Thanks for the info! I’ve added it to my list of events to cover in my weekly “road trip roundup” post the week the play opens, too.
[…] A day trip to Perth […]
[…] southeast of Ottawa appears on many lists of beautiful Eastern Ontario towns. (Here are some of my top Perth recommendations.) If you want to have an onsite manicure or massage during your weekend getaway, I highly recommend […]
[…] tips on things to see and do in nearby communities, see my guide to Smiths Falls, my post about day tripping to Perth and my review of the off-the-grid cottages at Pine Brae Wilderness […]
[…] the way, you’ll drive through dozens of communities large and small. An hour from Ottawa, Perth is well worth exploring. Three hours from Ottawa, Peterborough makes a nice place to stop for lunch […]
[…] is the name of this body of water, one of the defining features of downtown […]