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
I went to Peterborough for the first time last summer not really knowing what to expect.
I came back with a full camera card, a butter tart problem, and a list of things I didn’t have time to do that I’m already planning to go back for.
That’s the thing about this region… Every corner has something that makes you stop and pull over. Every person you meet seems genuinely happy you came. There’s a warmth to the Kawarthas that I wasn’t expecting and that I haven’t stopped thinking about since.
I’ve been recommending it to everyone who asks me where to go in Ontario this summer. And nobody has come back disappointed.
Save this and add it to your summer list. You won’t regret it. 🔖
Have you been to Peterborough and the Kawarthas before? What did I miss? 👇🏻
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#peterborough #kawarthas #exploreontario #ontariotravel #trentsevernwaterway
There are towns in Ontario that surprise you. And then there is Kincardine.
The first time I walked along the harbour I genuinely had to remind myself I was still in Ontario. Something about the lighthouse, the boats, the way the light hits the water in the evening reminded me of back home (I’m a New Brunswick girl!). It has this east coast energy that you just don’t expect to find on Lake Huron.
This guide has everything you need to plan your visit : the beaches, the restaurants, where to stay, and the sunset tradition that has been happening quietly in this town for decades and that I think everyone in Ontario deserves to witness at least once.
Swipe through and save this one.
Have you ever been to Kincardine? Is it going on your list this summer 👇
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#kincardine #exploreontario #ontariotravel #lakehuron #brucecounty ontariobeach
Pitch me a better summer than this. I’ll wait. 🌊
Ontario summer really does hit different when you actually lean into it. A nd if you’re trying to make the most of yours, you’re in the right place.
I’ve got you covered all summer long. Follow along and let’s make it a good one.
Which day are you claiming first? 👇
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#ontariosummer #exploreontario #ontariotravel
I’ll be honest, Peterborough wasn’t on my radar for a long time. It’s one of those places you drive past on your way to a cottage, always meaning to stop, never quite doing it. 🌿
Then I actually stopped.
And now I keep going back.
There’s something about this part of Ontario that feels like it hasn’t been packaged for tourists yet. A small city with a real downtown, surrounded by lakes and forests and history that goes back thousands of years.
Scroll through and I’ll show you exactly how I’d spend a first visit, from the first coffee of the morning to the sunset that completely blew me away!
Some of it will surprise you. Some of it will make you hungry. And at least one slide is going to make you say « wait, that exists in Ontario?! » 🙌
Save this before your next road trip north, you’re going to want it.
👇 Have you ever been to Peterborough? I’ll be back in that area in the Fall so tell me what I missed?
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#Peterborough #Kawarthas #OntarioTravel #ExploreOntario #VisitOntario
I’ve driven this loop more times than I can count and every single time I find something new to love about it.
It starts just outside Ottawa and winds through some of the most underrated corners of Eastern Ontario.
The thing about this road trip is that it doesn’t ask much of you. You don’t need to plan weeks in advance or drive for hours to feel like you’ve actually gotten away. You just need a long weekend, a full tank of gas, and a willingness to slow down.
I’ve been piecing this route together for years, adding stops, swapping others out, finding the spots that are worth the detour and the ones that aren’t. This is the version I keep coming back to. The one I send to friends when they ask where to go. The one that made me fall in love with Eastern Ontario all over again.
Every stop is in the reel. Save this and start planning.
Have you done any of these stops before? Drop the ones you’ve been to below 👇
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#ottawa #ottawatravel #ottawaweekend #easternontario #ontarioroadtrip
