Discover the best things to do in Smiths Falls, Ontario. Explore canals, museums, local coffee shops, and scenic spots. Everything you need to know for the perfect day trip to Smiths Falls.
I’ve lived in Ontario for over ten years… and somehow, not one person ever told me how cute Smiths Falls is. And honestly? I was missing out.
Conveniently located between Ottawa and Kingston, Smiths Falls makes the perfect day trip, whether you’re road tripping through Eastern Ontario or just looking for a charming town to explore for the afternoon. With its scenic spot along the Rideau Canal, a walkable downtown, fascinating railway history, and cozy local cafés, it’s the kind of place that feels both laid-back and full of little surprises.
If you’re wondering what to do in Smiths Falls for a few hours or a full day, here’s how to make the most of your visit.
Don’t forget to check out all of my Ontario blog posts to make the most of your adventures!
Things to Do in Smiths Falls on a Day Trip
Where Is Smiths Falls?
Smiths Falls is a small town in Eastern Ontario, nestled between Ottawa and Kingston. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Ottawa and just under 1.5 hours from Kingston, making it a perfect stop on a weekend road trip or an easy day trip from either city.
The town sits along the Rideau Canal – a historic waterway that stretches from Ottawa to Lake Ontario – which gives Smiths Falls its peaceful, waterfront vibe and rich history. Despite its small size, the town has a lot going on: local shops, outdoor activities, cozy cafés, and one of the most unique train museums in the province.
1. Walk Along (or picnic by!) the Rideau Canal
Start your day with a slow stroll along the Rideau Canal, right in the heart of Smiths Falls. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and packed with history, it’s actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site! You can walk by the Smiths Falls Combined Locks, watch boats pass through, and enjoy the classic Ontario summer scenery: water, wildflowers, and the occasional heron gliding by.
There are benches, picnic spots, and grassy areas all along the path—perfect for soaking it all in or snapping a few photos. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that makes small-town day trips so special.
2. Visit the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario
This spot totally surprised me. The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario is set in a beautifully preserved 1912 Canadian Northern Railway station, and if you love heritage buildings, vintage trains, or quirky local history, it’s a must.
You can actually climb into the old passenger cars, cabooses, and locomotives, and walk through restored interiors that feel frozen in time. There’s also a small collection of artifacts, stories about the people who worked the rails, and even the original telegraph room still intact.
THE DETAILS
Price | 10$ for adults, 8$ for seniors, 6$ for children from 5 to 12, and free for children under 4.
Website | You can check their website here.
Bonus: Spend the Night in a Vintage Caboose
Yes, you can actually sleep in a caboose in Smiths Fall, and it’s just as cool as it sounds.
At the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, you can book an overnight stay in a restored CN caboose, complete with bunks, vintage charm, and access to the museum grounds after hours. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and totally one-of-a-kind. Perfect for a quirky weekend getaway or a fun road trip stop that’ll definitely spark some stories.
The caboose sleeps up to five people, and while it’s rustic (think cabin vibes), it’s clean, comfy, and seriously memorable. Plus, who doesn’t want to say they’ve slept in a train car?
THE DETAILS
Price | starts at 187$ per night.
Reservation | Book your stay here.
3. Kayak or Paddleboard Through the Swale
One of the best ways to experience Smiths Falls is from the water, specifically, the peaceful stretch known as The Swale. This calm section of the Rideau Canal winds right through town and is perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding, even if you’re a beginner. I rented my kayak from Pedal & Paddle, a super friendly local shop right in Smiths Falls. They have everything you need to get out on the water quickly, including life jackets and dry bags.
As you paddle, you’ll pass under the town’s iconic bascule bridge, a historic lift bridge built in 1912 that was once a vital crossing point for trains. Though it’s no longer in operation, it’s a striking piece of local history and a fun landmark to glide beneath while you float by.
4. Grab Coffee at a Local Café
If you’re like me and can’t not check out the local coffee scene, Smiths Falls has a couple of gems worth detouring for.
The Lighthouse Coffee is a bright, modern space that totally surprised me. Great coffee, warm service, and a few cozy corners that make you want to slow down and stay a while. They’ve also got a solid food menu if you’re after more than just a latte.
Then there’s C’est Tout Bakery, part café, part bakery, part restaurant, and 100% charming. It’s the kind of spot where everything smells amazing the second you walk in, and where the pastry case will absolutely test your self-control. I grabbed a coffee and something sweet to go and honestly debated going back for seconds.
Both are within walking distance of the canal and downtown, making them ideal for a mid-morning break or an afternoon treat.
5. Wander Through Downtown Smiths Falls
Downtown Smiths Falls might be small, but it’s packed with personality, and it’s incredibly walkable, which makes exploring it feel easy and relaxed.
You’ll find a mix of boutiques, antique shops, bookstores, and local makers, all nestled along tree-lined streets. And if you love thrifting as much as I do, you’re in luck, Smiths Falls has a surprising number of second-hand and vintage shops, and the city even put together a Thrift & Vintage Trail map to help you find them all. (A+ to whoever thought of that!)
As you stroll through the downtown, don’t miss the massive train mural by artist Dom Laporte, you’ll spot it on the side of one of the buildings. It features Locomotive 2037 pulling a long freight train, and it’s a tribute to the town’s deep connection to railway history. The first train arrived in Smiths Falls back in 1859 on the old Brockville & Ottawa line, which later became part of the CPR network. A few years after that, the Canadian Northern line came to town, cementing Smiths Falls as a railway hub. So this is a colourful homage to Smiths Falls history.
It’s the kind of town where art, history, and everyday charm all live side-by-side, and it makes just walking around genuinely fun.
6. Grab a Sandwich at The Pickled Pig
By the time you’ve wandered the canal and downtown core, you’ll definitely be ready for a bite, and trust me, The Pickled Pig is the spot for lunch in Smiths Falls.
This locally-loved gourmet deli serves up made-from-scratch sandwiches, soups, and salads using seasonal ingredients and creative flavour combos. I had a sandwich that was so good I nearly went back for another (zero regrets if you do!). Their daily specials change often, and there’s always something a little unexpected on the board—in the best way.
They also sell locally sourced pantry items, cheeses, and snacks, so it’s the kind of place where you can grab lunch and stock up for your next road trip snack break.
What to Do Nearby
If you’ve got a little more time or want to turn your Smiths Falls day trip into a mini getaway, you’re in the perfect spot to explore more of Eastern Ontario.
Just 30 minutes down the road, you’ll find Perth, Ontario, a historic town known for its beautiful stone buildings, scenic parks, cozy cafés, and local food scene. It makes for an easy add-on if you’re road tripping through the region or planning a full weekend.
Read more // Check out my full guide to spending a day in Perth, Ontario
Where to Stay Near Smiths Falls
I did this as a day trip, but honestly? I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to stretch it into a full weekend. And while there aren’t tons of boutique stays right in town, there are a couple of unique places nearby that I’ve stayed at and absolutely loved.
Sleep in a Historic Train Station : Clarendon Station
To stay on theme with Smiths Falls’ railway history, you can book a night in an old train station, yes, really. Located about an hour away in Clarendon Station, this restored historic building turned Airbnb is full of vintage charm, rustic details, and cozy nooks that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another time. It’s a dream for photographers, history lovers, and anyone looking for a unique getaway.
Read more // Read about my stay at the Clarendon Station Airbnb here
Stay Off-Grid in a Tiny Cabin : Cabinscape (Near Perth)
If you’re craving something more remote, Cabinscape has several off-grid cabins just outside Perth (about 30 minutes from Smiths Falls). I stayed in one of their tiny cabins tucked into the forest, and it was the perfect blend of cozy and adventurous. Think: lake views, fire pits, hiking trails, and total peace and quiet. It’s ideal if you want to pair your day in town with a night under the stars.
Read more // Check out my Cabinscape review here
Final Thoughts : Things to do in Smiths Falls
Smiths Falls totally caught me off guard in the best way. For a town I’d never really heard much about, it delivered on charm, history, great coffee, and a relaxing day by the water, everything I love in a small-town adventure.
It’s proof that you don’t always have to drive hours into the wilderness or plan a full weekend to feel like you’ve stepped into something new. Sometimes the most unexpected places end up being exactly what you needed.
So if you’re looking for a laid-back day trip between Kingston and Ottawa – or a new stop to add to your next Ontario road trip- don’t skip Smiths Falls. Trust me, it’s worth the detour.
Looking for more Ontario travel ideas? Check out my other blog posts for itineraries, hiking trails, and hidden gems across the province!
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Follow me on Instagram!
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?
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#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 👇
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#ottawa #ottawatravel #ottawaweekend #easternontario #ontarioroadtrip
Ottawa has this quiet superpower that most people overlook. Within two hours, you can be walking along a UNESCO canal, standing on a lookout over a lake, or eating the best pizza of your life on a patio beside a waterfall.
And yet somehow, most people spend their weekends doing the same thing in the city when all of this is sitting right outside their door.
Scroll through to see my list of nine day trips, all under two hours from Ottawa. One of them might end up becoming your new regular.
Which one is going on your list first? Drop the name below 👇
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#exploreontario #ontariotravel #ottawaweekend #daytrip #ontariogetaway
I almost didn’t go to Kincardine. It kept coming up in conversations; someone would mention it in passing, or I’d see a photo of that lighthouse at golden hour and think “I should go there sometime.” And then I’d forget about it and plan something else instead.
I finally went last Summer. And I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
There’s something about this town that’s hard to explain. It’s not trying to be anything other than what it is, a small lakeside town with Scottish roots, a lighthouse that’s been standing since 1880, beaches that face west so every single evening turns into something worth stopping for, and a community that genuinely seems to love where it lives.
The full guide is in the reel : where to start your morning, which lighthouse to visit, where to eat, where to stay, and the one sunset experience that I genuinely was not prepared for.
Kincardine is about two and a half hours from Toronto and one hour from Kitchener, so save this for your summer planning. 🔖
Have you been to Kincardine before?
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#kincardine #exploreontario #ontariotravel #lakehuron #brucecounty
