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



Did you know Matera has been continuously inhabited for over 9,000 years? 🤯 That means people have been watching sunsets from these ancient cliffs since before Rome even existed!
📌 SAVE & SHARE this reel for your next Italian adventure! 🇮🇹✨
What makes Matera so special?
🏛️ One of the oldest cities in the world – It’s the 3rd oldest continuously inhabited settlement after Aleppo and Jericho. If you move into the Sassi di Matera, you’d be living in the same cave homes as people from the Middle Ages!
🪨 Matera is literally carved into stone! – The word Sassi means “rock” in Latin, and most of Matera’s dwellings are dug directly into limestone cliffs. That’s why the cave hotels here are some of the most unique stays in Italy!
⛪️ 155 hidden cave churches! – Matera is home to an underground world of frescoed churches and monasteries, carved into the rock centuries ago.
😳 Once abandoned, now a UNESCO site! – In the 1950s, Matera was called the “shame of Italy” due to extreme poverty. Families were forced to relocate, leaving the city in ruins.
✨ But by the 1990s, everything changed! Matera was revived and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Today, it’s one of the most breathtaking and unique places in Italy!
Visiting Matera = stepping back in time!
Between its ancient history, unreal landscapes, and magical golden-hour views, this place is unforgettable.
Would you visit Matera? Or have you already been? Drop a 🏛️ in the comments if this is on your bucket list! 👇
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#Matera #ItalyTravel #VisitItaly #SassiDiMatera #HiddenItaly #CaveHotels #UNESCOWorldHeritage #AncientCities #TravelEurope #historicplaces

Would you stay in a cabin so remote, you have to hike to get there… Trust me it’s 100% worth it.
Looking for a secluded winter getaway near Toronto? Meet Lavender Landing, a hidden off-grid cabin in Creemore, Ontario, just 1.5 hours from the city. No cars, no crowds—just snow-covered trees, a crackling fireplace, and total privacy.
🚶♀️ Getting there is part of the adventure – You’ll hike 1km through the forest to reach this cozy retreat, but don’t worry, the owners provide snowshoes and a sled for your trek.
🔥 Cozy perks:
✔ Heated by a wood-burning fireplace (because nothing beats the sound of crackling fire in winter)
✔ Gorgeous views over the snowy forest—no neighbors, just nature
✔ Off-grid, but still has WiFi & power outlets
✔ Mini fridge, camping burner & BBQ for simple meals
✔ Heated outhouse just steps from the cabin
🌲 Endless trails & a hidden waterfall!
This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a winter adventure. You’ll have access to scenic trails, including one leading to the largest privately owned waterfall in Ontario.
📌 SAVE this post for your next Ontario cabin getaway! Would you hike 1km in the snow for a morning like this? Let me know in the comments! 👇
📍 Lavender Landing | The Hollow Mill | Creemore, Ontario
*invited stay*
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#OntarioCabins #WinterGetaway #CozyCabin #SnowyEscape #HikingOntario #OffGridCabin #WinterHiking #CreemoreOntario #HiddenGems #CabinInTheWoods #cabinvibes

If you don’t love winter, you’re just not going to the right places. ❄️😉
Not everyone gets winter—the cold, the snow, the shorter days. But these places? They’ll make you wish winter lasted longer. Whether it’s frozen waterfalls, cozy cabins, scenic hikes, or outdoor skating rinks, these are the best winter destinations in Ontario for a perfect snowy escape.
🌊 Indian Falls – A breathtaking frozen waterfall near Owen Sound, where ice formations change with the season.
🏡 The Hollow Mill – A secluded off-grid cabin in Creemore, where you snowshoe 1km through the forest to get there. But trust me, it’s worth it.
❄️ Jones Falls – A waterfall in Owen Sound: snow-covered bridges and frozen cascades that make winter hiking magical.
🍷 Three Dog Winery – Think snowshoeing hike in a vineyard! Because winter wine tasting > summer wine tasting.
🏖️ Sandbanks Provincial Park – A frozen beach? Yes, please.
🧊 The Grotto (Bruce Peninsula) – Turquoise ice, frozen caves, and rugged Georgian Bay beauty—without the summer crowds.
⛸️ Kingston – Skating in front of historic City Hall feels straight out of a holiday movie.
🌲 Frontenac Provincial Park – One of the best places for winter hiking & snowshoeing near Kingston, with frozen lakes and peaceful trails.
🪨 Bon Echo Provincial Park – Mazinaw Rock dusted in snow? Unreal. Winter transforms this Ontario park into a quiet, icy wonderland.
🌿 Silent Lake Provincial Park – No motorized boats, no noise—just snow-covered forests, cross-country ski trails, and pure tranquility.
🍁 Mono Cliffs Provincial Park – A classic winter hike near Toronto, with snow-covered cliffs, frozen lookouts, and towering trees.
Winter in Ontario isn’t just bearable—it’s breathtaking. You just need to know where to go.
📌 SAVE this post for your next Ontario winter getaway! Have you been to any of these? Or do you have a go-to winter spot? Drop it in the comments! 👇
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#WinterInOntario #OntarioHiking #FrozenWaterfalls #OntarioCabins #WinterAdventures #SnowyEscape #HikingOntario #HiddenGems #DiscoverOntario #WinterMagic #ExploreCanada

Winter hiking can be magical… unless you make these mistakes. ❄️
I’ve made my fair share of winter hiking mistakes, and trust me—some made my hike way harder than it needed to be. Avoid these 5 common mistakes (and don’t miss the 3 extra ones at the end!👇).
1️⃣ Overdressing & Overheating
I was afraid of being cold, so I layered up too much. Big mistake. Once you start moving, your body warms up fast—and sweating in the cold makes you freeze later. Wear breathable layers you can easily remove.
2️⃣ Skipping the Snowshoes
The trail looked packed, so I thought I didn’t need them. Two minutes later, I was sinking knee-deep in snow. If there’s fresh or soft snow, bring snowshoes.
3️⃣ Not Checking Trail Conditions
Deep snow, ice, or even surprise closures can ruin your hike. Check trail reports before heading out and bring microspikes or snowshoes if needed.
4️⃣ Starting Too Late in the Day
Winter days are short, and the sun sets fast. Start early so you’re not racing against daylight.
5️⃣ Forgetting a Second Pair of Gloves
Wet gloves = cold, miserable hands. Whether from snow or sweat, a dry backup pair is a lifesaver.
🚨 And here are 3 mistakes most people don’t think about… but definitely should! 👇
6️⃣ Not Protecting Your Phone from the Cold
Cold weather drains your phone battery FAST. Keep it in an inside pocket close to your body and bring a portable charger.
7️⃣ Ignoring Wind Chill
-5°C might sound fine, but with wind chill, it can feel like -15°C or worse. Dress for the “feels like” temp, not just the forecast.
8️⃣ Not Telling Anyone Your Plan
Winter hiking conditions can be unpredictable. Always tell someone your route and expected return time.
📌 Save this post so you don’t make these mistakes! Have you ever had a winter hiking fail? Tell me in the comments! 👇
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#WinterHiking #HikingTips #OutdoorAdventure #WinterHikes #HikingOntario #WinterExploration #StaySafeOutdoors #DiscoverOntario #HikingFails #coldweatherhiking

Spend the weekend with me at Pearadise on West Lake 🏡✨
You know that perfect kind of weekend? The one where you actually slow down, breathe a little deeper, and let yourself just be? That’s exactly what I found at @pearadiseonwestlake, a cozy winter Airbnb in Prince Edward County.
Some days, I stayed wrapped up in a blanket by the fireplace, book in one hand, coffee in the other—fully leaning into my cozy retreat mode. Other times, I ventured out to explore PEC’s charming cafés, wineries, and scenic winter views, knowing I had the most peaceful space to return to.
It’s the kind of stay that makes you feel at home the second you walk in the door.
✔️ Cozy winter retreat? Check. (Fireplace, reading nook, and big windows to watch the snow fall? Yes, please.)
✔️ Romantic winter escape? Definitely. (Slow mornings, candlelit dinners, and a dreamy atmosphere.)
✔️ Family-friendly Airbnb? Absolutely. (Spacious common areas, a playroom, and a cozy space to make memories.)
Located right by West Lake in Wellington, Prince Edward County, this winter getaway spot is perfect for those who want to explore PEC at a slower pace—or stay in, light a fire, and enjoy a quiet, peaceful weekend.
📍 Looking for a cozy winter escape in Ontario? Tag someone you’d love to bring here! 💫
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*invited stay*
#PrinceEdwardCounty #VisitPEC #CozyWinterGetaway #OntarioAirbnb #OntarioStaycations #WinterInOntario #RomanticWinterEscape #WestLake #PECWineries #WeekendGetaway #BestAirbnbOntario #WinterRetreat #FireplaceVibes #pecadventures
