This is your guide for things to do in Perth. Located only 1 hour from Ottawa and half-way between Ottawa and Kingston, Perth makes the perfect destination for a day-trip. If you’re looking for recommendations of what to do in Perth look no further: this curated itinerary features my top picks!
Perth is often describe as one of the most “European” towns in Ontario. And although I’m not a fan of this kind of description, I have to admit that there is something special about Perth. The stone buildings, the canal going through the down, the cute coffee shops and boutiques… this town doesn’t feel like you are in the middle of Ontario.
Perth has a population of around 6,000 people. It’s a small but charming town with a rich history, dating back to the early 1800s. This tight-knit community feel, paired with its beautiful historical buildings and nature spots, makes it a popular destination for a day-trip from both Ottawa or Kingston.
I’ve put together this quick guide to help you hit all the highlights of things to do in Perth on your next day-trip to Ontario’s cutest town.
YOUR GUIDE FOR A DAY-TIP IN PERTH
What to know before visiting Perth?
- Perth is located in Lanark County, about a 1-hour drive (83 kilometers) southwest of Ottawa and approximately a 1.5-hour drive (87 kilometers) northeast of Kingston, making it an easy day trip from either city or a cozy weekend getaway.
- Founded in 1816 as part of a British military settlement, Perth is one of Ontario’s oldest towns. Its rich history is celebrated through heritage sites, like the Perth Museum, and annual festivals that draw locals and tourists alike.
- Perth was the site of the last fatal duel in Upper Canada (now Ontario) in 1833. The duel took place over an insult related to a woman’s honor, and tragically, one of the participants, John Wilson, killed his friend Robert Lyon.
- In 1893, Perth made history by producing a massive wheel of cheese, weighing over 22,000 pounds! This giant cheese was showcased at the Chicago World’s Fair, putting the small town on the map.
THINGS TO DO IN PERTH?
Go for a Stroll in Stewart Park
A visit to Perth needs to start by a stroll through Stewart Park. Nestled along the Tay River, the park offers a peaceful escape with scenic walking paths, wooden bridges, and well-maintained gardens that bloom in the warmer months. With its picturesque stone bridges, shady willow trees, and river views, Stewart Park is often described as one of the prettiest parks in Ontario. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to relax, picnic, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
The park itself has an interesting historical background. It was named after the Stewart family, prominent figures in Perth’s early days, and was later donated to the town as a memorial. This park, with its meticulously preserved landscaping and vintage charm, feels like a living tribute to the town’s heritage.
Explore the historic downtown
Perth’s historic downtown is like stepping into a postcard, with its cobblestone walkways, charming heritage buildings, and vibrant storefronts. As one of Ontario’s best-preserved 19th-century towns, Perth’s downtown is a showcase of beautiful stone architecture dating back to the early 1800s. The shops, cafes, and restaurants that line the streets are housed in original limestone and brick buildings, giving the area a distinct old-world charm.
The star of the show however is the Tay Canal, which winds through Perth. It’s roots stretch back to the 19th century. Originally constructed in the 1830s, it was built to connect Perth with the bustling Rideau Canal system, offering a vital trade route for the town’s early industries. Although it was initially abandoned in the 1850s due to lack of use, a revival in the late 19th century led to its reconstruction, and today the canal serves as a recreational gem rather than a trade route.
Some of my favorite spots downtown
Perth Cheese Shop
The Perth Cheese Shop is a beloved stop for locals and visitors alike, offering a wide selection of artisan cheeses and gourmet treats in the heart of Perth’s historic downtown.
Fun Fact // In 1893, Perth made history by producing a massive wheel of cheese, weighing over 22,000 pounds! This giant cheese was showcased at the Chicago World’s Fair, putting the small town on the map. Unfortunately this cheese is no longer made today so you won’t be able to try it during your visit…
Perth Pie Company
Perth Pie Company is a delightful coffee shop and bakery that celebrates the art of traditional pie-making with a modern twist. Located in the heart of Perth, this charming shop is known for its mouthwatering selection of both sweet and savory pies, crafted on site (you can even see them preparing the pies) using locally sourced ingredients and time-honored recipe
This one might be my ultimate favorite in Perth, so you definitely need to check it out!
Perth Chocolate Works
If you have a sweet tooth, try Perth Chocolate Works. Renowned for its artisanal creations that combine creativity with high-quality ingredients. Located in the heart of Perth, this chocolate shop offers a wide array of handcrafted treats, including signature truffles, molded chocolates, and decadent bars, all made in small batches to ensure freshness and flavor.
The Fieldhouse
Tucked into a little side street, The Fieldhouse coffee house is one of my favorites. This charming café prides itself on serving high-quality, ethically sourced coffee, expertly brewed to perfection. The menu features a range of specialty drinks, including rich espressos, velvety lattes, and refreshing cold brews, alongside a selection of freshly baked pastries and light bites that make it the ideal place for a leisurely breakfast or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Northfolk Café
Northfold Café is another cute coffee shop in the heart of Perth. From hearty breakfast bowls and gourmet sandwiches to delectable baked goods, every dish is crafted with care and creativity. Northfolk is particularly known for its specialty coffee, brewed from high-quality beans that are ethically sourced, ensuring that each cup is both flavorful and responsible.
Other notable mentions :
Billing & Company : A mix between a restaurant, a wine bar and a coffee shop. They make delicious food and amazing drinks.
Lida : Trendy clothing store with a selection of new and pre-loved clothes.
Flint & Honey : Beautiful clothing store with a great selection of accessories.
ECOBOU : A super cool vintage boutique with a great selection of pre-loved clothing
Perth Museum
The Perth Museum is a charming and informative cultural institution that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of Perth and its surrounding area. Housed in a beautifully restored Georgian stone building dating back to 1840, the museum features a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of the town’s development from its early military roots to its growth as a thriving community.
THE DETAILS
Price | There is not set fee, but admission is by donation
Info | Get all the information for your visit here
Spy Lookout in Westport
If you are willing to do the 20 minute drive to the small town of Westport, I recommend a stop at Spy Rock Lookout in Foley Mountain Conservation Area. This natural vantage point offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the picturesque Rideau Lakes. If you don’t like hiking, don’t worry, the lookout is less than a minute walk from the parking lot.
Travel Tip // If you are coming from Kingston, you’ll drive right through Westport so might as well make a quick stop to see the view.
THE DETAILS
Price | 8$ per car for a day pass (pay through the PayByPhone app)
Where | Find Spy Rock Lookout here
Where to Stay?
Now that I’ve shared with you what to do in Perth, what if you want to extend your day-trip and spend the night in area? If you are a nature lover Cabinscape has a few cabins in Lanark County.
Ready to experience the ultimate off-grid retreat? The Mica Cabin is one of Cabinscape’s most remote cabin to date! Nestled in the breathtaking Tay Valley, this cabin is perched on Rideau Valley Conservation land, offering you the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Imagine waking up to the tranquil sound of nature and gazing out at the lake right outside your window. And if there is one thing Cabinscape does well, it’s windows. You might be warm and cozy inside, but with all the large windows, you’ll feel like you are tucked in right between the trees! And guess what? There is no neighbors in sight. The Rhya Cabin, located just 400 meters away, is your nearest neighbor, but honestly I couldn’t even spot it! Privacy and comfort intertwine beautifully here.
Read more // The ultimate off-grid retreat with Cabinscape
THE DETAILS
Price | starting at 189$ at night (sleep up to 4 people)
Reservations | Book you cabin here
Other options // Being off-grip is not your thing? Don’t worry, you can also check out the Nevis Boutique Hotel or the Best Western Plus both in the heart of Perth!
THINGS TO DO IN PERTH AND BEYOND…
ONTARIO GUIDES | The Ultimate Fall Weekend in Calabogie; Ultimate Weekend Itinerary in Beaver Valley; The Best In and Around Niagara Falls : A Complete Guide; How to spend the Perfect Weekend in Bracebridge
ONTARIO TOP 10 | Top 11 best lookouts in Ontario
WHERE TO STAY IN ONTARIO | Tiny Stays: A Unique Stay in Prince Edward County; Spend the night with Alpacas at Haute Goat Farm
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Ontario has a short summer. Like, genuinely short. And every year I watch September arrive and think about all the things I meant to do and didn’t.
So this year I’m doing things differently. I made a list.
It has hikes that will make you question whether you’re still in Canada. A tradition that has been going on since 1996 that most Ontarians have never witnessed. A beach that books up so fast it’ll make your head spin. A helicopter ride that changes the way you see this province. And a few experiences that are so specific to Ontario that you could only find them here.
All of them are worth making time for before the leaves turn and you’re back in your winter coat wondering where summer went.
Swipe through and be honest with yourself about how many you’ve actually done?
Drop a number below, how many have you checked off? And which one are you adding first? 👇
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#ontariobucketlist #ontariosummer #exploreontario #ontariotravel #ontariohiking
Some places you visit and forget about a week later. And then there are the ones that stay with you.
I had never heard of the Phantom Piper before I went to Kincardine. Someone mentioned it in passing – « there’s this thing with a piper and a lighthouse at sunset » – and I filed it away as something to maybe check out if I had time.
I had time. And I am so glad I did.
I’m not going to tell you too much because I think this is one of those experiences that deserves to be felt rather than described. What I will say is that I stood there on the shore of Lake Huron as the sun went down and the pipes started playing and something about the whole thing – the water, the light, the sound carrying across the harbour – just got me.
This summer marks a milestone anniversary of a tradition that has been happening in this small Ontario town since the 1990s. And if you ask me, that’s reason enough to finally make the trip.
This year the Phantom Piper will run every day of the week (except for Saturdays) from 1 July to 31 August.
Have you ever witnessed the Phantom Piper?
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#kincardine #phantompiper #exploreontario #ontariotravel #ontariobucketlist
If someone asked you to name an Ontario weekend getaway right now, Lanark County probably wouldn’t be the first thing that came to mind. Maybe not even the fifth. And honestly, that’s exactly why I want to talk about it.
It sits right between Ottawa and Kingston. About hour from either city. And somehow, most people drive right past it without ever stopping. I did too, for years.
Then I actually went. And I’ve been recommending it to everyone since.
Because what’s here is the kind of thing you don’t expect to find so close to home. A thermal spa tucked into the forest. A restaurant with one of the best patios in Ontario. A town that looks like it was designed for a Hallmark movie. Rivers and lakes that beg to be paddled. A treehouse on a peninsula with water on every side. And enough charm per square kilometre to make you feel like you’ve properly gotten away, even if you were home by Sunday night.
Lanark County is the weekend getaway that’s been right there the whole time. Swipe through for everything you need to plan it.
Have you been to Lanark County before? Is it going on your list this summer 👇
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#lanarkcounty #ontariogetaway #exploreontario #ontariotravel #ottawaweekend
When I walk into a space for the first time, I’m not really looking at the room. I’m looking at the light.
Where it comes in. How it moves through the curtains. What it does at 7am versus 4pm. That’s what tells me what kind of story I’m going to be able to tell.
Closs Crossing gave me a lot to work with.
The morning light through the treehouse windows. The deck faced east so the sunrise came in early and golden, through the trees, catching the string lights just right. By late afternoon the whole property turned amber. The hot tub at sunset, the hammock in the trees, the still water reflecting everything back, I was basically chasing light from one corner of this property to the other and I didn’t want to stop.
The interiors were just as beautiful. Every room had its own personality: the wallpaper, the vintage furniture, the carefully chosen details that tell you the people behind this place genuinely care about how it feels to be here. That kind of intentionality shows up in photos. You can’t fake it.
This is the kind of property that makes my job feel less like work.
If you own a cottage, a rental property or a stay and you’re looking for someone to capture it, this is what I do. Feel free to reach out. 🌿
Which shot is your favourite? 👇
A huge thank you to my friend @melina.e.l.i.a.s for helping me capture this one, some shots just need a second set of hands and she was the best person to have behind the lens. 🤍
Thank you to @closscrossing for hosting me.
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#closscrossing #lanarkcounty #ontariophotographer #travelphotography
Ontario is big. Like, really big. And most of us end up visiting the same handful of cities on repeat, which honestly makes sense because they’re great.
But this province has so many towns and cities that fly completely under the radar and I have been on a mission to find them.
Some of these I stumbled across by accident. Some were recommended by people who clearly had very good taste. And a few of them genuinely surprised me in ways I didn’t expect.
Swipe through and tell me how many you’ve actually been to. I have a feeling most of you will surprise yourselves.
Drop a number below : how many have you visited? 👇
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#exploreontario #ontariotravel #ontariotowns #ontariocities #canadatravel
