“ Getting Here Is Only Half The Fun!”
Perth and District is an easy drive from all corners of eastern Ontario, which is why so many people love to make the trip! If you’re in a hurry, major highways can get you here within an hour or so, or maybe you want to meander along some of our gorgeous country roads, were you can check out the beautiful forests, fields, waterway, Canadian Shield lands and site of interest. Stop for a delicious treat along the way or scope out the perfect accommodations at one of our bed and breakfasts, inns, cottages, campgrounds or hotels. Check out our Visitor Guide so you can be prepared for all of the wonders that await once you arrive.
2015 Festivals and Events
All roads lead to fabulous festivals and events in Perth & District! Whether you are day tripping or staying for a weekend or a week, you’ll find fun things to do year- round. Here are a few ideas to get you started; check other articles and the calendar of events on the Chamber’s website for further inspiration!
Perth Festival of the Maples
Last Saturday of April (April 25, 2015)
Don’t miss the grand finale of the maple syrup season at the area’s sweetest celebration on the last Saturday in April each year.
Annual Art in the Garden
Kiwi Gardens, located just west of Perth on Harper Road. Various artists show off their art for the garden.
Info: 613-267-7384 or www.kiwigardens.ca
Perth Kilt Run
June 20th in Downtown Perth
On your mark, get set and go to the 6th annual Perth Kilt Run on June 20. This popular, world record-breaking event began in 2010 to help Perth’s sister city, Perth, Scotland , celebrate it 800th anniversary. Runners must wear an authentic kilt to participate, and the route takes them through Perth’s beautiful and historic downtown cores and past many gorgeous sites. Visit Perth Kilt Run for more details.
Perth Paddle-Fest
People-powered boats depart from Perth Outfitters (21 Craig Street) at 11 a.m. Flotilla gathers in the Vasin at 11:30, then heads back to Perth Outfitters to eat and play! Noon to 3p.m.: judging of boat categories, reaces, paddle poker run, games, displays, kids’ crafts live music and more! Canoe display all week at Crystal Palace.
Info: www.perthoutfitters.com
Heritage Mica Days
July – October at Murphys Point Provincial Park
Check Heritage Mica Days website for activities as part of this annual summer-long celebration at Murphys Point Provincial Park. Silver Queen Mine Open House events on Sunday mornings in July and August. Watch for dates for “Theatre Through Time at the Silver Queen Mine”, geoheritage tours and Heritage Whisky Tastings! One of the Seven Wonders of Lanark County!
Info: 613-267-5340 or www.heritagemicadays.ca
Stewart Park Festival
July 17-19 in Stewart Park, Downtown Perth
This outdoor three day free music festival is a summer favourite. Set on the Tay River, there are more than 30 free, live concerts as well as workshops, children’s activities and an after-hours pub crawl. The festival features a variety of musical styles, including folk, funk and jazz.
Info: 613-267-3311 or www.stewartparkfestival.com.
Perth Garlic Festival
August 8-9th at Perth Fairgrounds
Awaken your taste buds at this festival that includes vendors, contests and children’s activities. Admission is $5.00 and children under 12 free.
Info: 613-877-268-2833 or 613-267-5322 or www.perthgarlicfestival.com.
Rideau Ferry Regatta
One of Canada’s largest “Vintage Race Boat Regatta” will be held again this summer in Rideau Ferry Ontario. The Rideau Ferry Yacht Club welcomes boating enthusiasts of all ages to attend this award winning display of vintage race boats August 15th and 16th 2015. There will be over 50 vintage race boats gathered on the Big Rideau Lake from both Canada and the United States. Some of the sport’s most famous Grand Prix race boats and drivers will be there reaching speeds of well over 100 mph, as well as many other vintage inboard and outboard classes.
Rideau Ferry Yacht Club
Fall FairsAugust 15 – 16th. At Rideau Ferry. Info: www.rideauferryregatta.ca
Quilts on the Tay – Quilt Show
Celebrating Lanark County Quilters Guild’s 25th anniversary! Friday noon to 5p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4p.m. St. John Catholic High School, 2066 Scotch Line Rd.
Info: www.lanarkcountyquiltersguild.wordpress.com
Rotary Ribfest
August 21st – 23rd. Come to the Perth Fairgrounds to enjoy ribs, entertainment and much more!
Info: www.perthrotary.org
Sundance Artisan Festival
August 30 – Sept. 1st at Maberly (Hwy 7) and County Road 36
Please note – website to be updated closer to the date.
Please contact the Chamber Office or view the 2015 Perth & District Visitor Guide for information on Canada Day Celebrations and Fall Fairs.
Shopping
Perth & District is home to an array of unique shops and boutiques, including fine and funky fashion and all the bling to go with it, and so much more. Check out our Visitor Guide Shopping Page or the chamber’s website for all your shopping needs.
Stop by downtown Perth and either on the way here or the way home be sure to visit our unique villages of Balderson, Lanark , or Rideau Ferry . Stop and treat yourself to some great shopping or maybe a specially made ice-cream, a chocolate treat or a bag of fresh curd. Either way, you will want to return another day.
Dining
The culinary scene is worth the drive to Perth & District, where flavour and ambiance go hand in hand! There is something delectable to please every palate- choose from an array of options. Be it a romantic dinner, a celebration or a meal on the run, you’ll find it here!
Expert chefs make dining an art form at several locations, whether they are creating feasts with tastes from far-off lands or taking advantage of the delicious bounty of local ingredients – grown with love in Lanark County. Visit the Chambers Directory: Places to Stay & Eat for more information.
Theatre
Perth & District is a performing arts destination! Our community’s passion for the performign arts is legendary and dates back more than a century when Perth boasted the largest theatre between Toronto and Montreal.
We are fortunate to have a number of Theatre organizations in town. We encourage you to take a look at our Theatres’ Websites to get a feel for all we have to offer.
Classic Theatre Festival: Ottawa Valley’s professional theatre presenting the Classic Hits of Broadway and the London Stage in Heritage Perth.
Studio Theatre, Perth: The theatre is a charming 200-seat venue that presents the best in live community theatre and award-winning music.
BarnDoor Productions: BarnDoor Productions has been presenting live theatre in Perth, Ontario since 1995 and before that as Perth Summer Theatre, back in 1893.
Perth Through the Ages: Historic Walking Tour – Classic Theatre Festival: Youth theatre training porject stages a new theatrical, historic walking tour, bringing to life characters and stories from Perth’s 200-year history. Suitable for all ages, downtown Perth, Wednesday-Sunday at 11 a.m. Info: 1-877-283-1283 or www.classictheatre.ca.
The Lonely Ghosts Walking Tour – Classic Theatre Festival – On Friday nights the youth theatre training project stages a family-friendly, ghostly walking tour of Perth, highlighting key historical events and buildings, starting at 8p.m. at 54 Beckwith St. E. (at Harvey). Suitable for all agest. Info: 1-877-283-1283 or www.classictheatre.ca.
Indulge Yourself Packages
Indulge Yourself in Downtown Perth. Take a break and treat yourself.
Luxurious spas, gourmet dining, fantastic shopping, exquisite clothing and one of a kind jewellery. Heritage architecture, smiling faces and plenty to explore. An experience that you won’t forget.
Contact the Chamber Office for information on your next spa experience. We have many venues in Downtown Perth and in our Districts that are waiting to welcome you.
Golf
Perth & District’s diverse landscape with its rolling and rocky hills, forests, meadows and abundant waterways make for a range of exciting challenges for golf enthusiasts. There are several golf courses from which to choose, including lovely nine-hole courses tucked into the hills and rivers of the highlands and valleys near Perth or 18 hole beauties peppered with challenges and gorgeous scenery. Perth is home to the oldest longest-running nine-hole course in Canada (now extended to 18 holes). There are also available “Stay & Play” Packages with participating Golf Courses. Take a look at the Chamber’s listing of Golf Courses.
Art Studios, Tours & Museums
Cruise throughout the countryside and see why so many artisans flock here for inspiration. Enjoy their creations a studios, galleries and shops or during tours, shows and exhibits.
Journey to Perth & District and travel into the past. A treasure trove of museums, libraries and repositories of genealogical information await.
Perth Garden & Grounds Tour
Create your own self-guided tour by discovering venues in Perth & District. Visit the Chamber website – Garden & Grounds Tour Page
Info: 613-267-3200
Take a peak at the Chamber’s Visitor Guide to explore all the art shows & tours and museums in Perth & District.
Fishing & Lakes
Whether you travel here by car and then climb into a boat, or skip the car altogether and arrive by water, you won’t be disappointed by the recreational paradise in the District! Multiple watersheds provide abundant lakes and rivers offering ample opportunity for great boating, paddling, swimming, wildlife viewing and fantastic fishing. Experience the lifestyle!
View the Fishing & Lakes page in the 2014 Visitor Guide for more information ( Page 44 – link on Chamber’s Front Page).
Outdoors
As you make your way to Perth & District along the scenic highways and country roads, it’s easy to see why it is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
From fishing to paddling trails and boat tours. We have it all!
Visit our Visitor Guide – Pages 40 – 42 -link on Chamber’s Front Page) to discover what awaits you here.
Accommodations
As your travels on the highways and byways brought you into Perth & District, you may have noticed the many accommodation options on offer. From cozy bed and breakfast to rustic cottages and campground to hotels and inns promising to pamper you, it’s all here! The Chamber has a detailed listing of all types of accommodations to help meet your needs. Make it a package –add excellent dining and entertainment to your stay, whether it’s for a family vacation , a quiet retreat or business travel.
Click here for your connection to accommodations in Perth & District.
To view the Calender of Events for Perth & District visit the 2014 Visitor Guide (Pages 24 – 31- link on Chamber’s Front Page).
We can’t wait to welcome you to Perth & District – where your next great” Experience Awaits”!
Call Pauline at the Chamber Office for more information about all Perth & District has to offer. Visit the Chamber’s website or one of our Tourism partner’s sites to get interesting and exciting ideas of what to do while in our area.
Perth Tourism
Suggested Routes from Ottawa
(1) Hwy 417 to Hwy 7 in Carleton Place. Continue on Hwy 7 to Perth (approximately 25-30 minutes from Carleton Place). Take the Wilson Street Exit to arrive in Downtown Perth.
(2) For a scenic tour take Hwy 417 to Almonte and then take Hwy 29 south to Wolf Grove Road ( Make a right hand turn onto Wolf Grove Road). Continue on Wolf Grove Road until you reach Hopetown (Hwy 511). Turn south on 511. Take a moment to stop at Lanark or Balderson on your way to Perth. Rumour has it there is a great chocolate store and some shopping in Lanark and some home made ice cream at Balderson Fine Foods as well as a unique furniture at The Amish Store and gift shop in Balderson. Continue on 511 until you reach Hyw 7 at Perth. Take Wilson Street to downtown Perth. Getting Here is only half the fun!
Suggested Routes from Kingston
(1) From Highway 401 take Hwy 15 to Rideau Ferry Road ( County Road 1). This will take approximately 40 – 45 minutes Have a coffee in the Rideau Lakes Dessert Bar, and stop by to take a look at some antiques at Clarith Collectables. Rideau Ferry Road will turn into Gore Street in Perth. This will take approximately 20 – 25 minutes. You have arrived!
(2) Follow Division Street to Perth Road which will take you to Westport, Ontario. (approximately 40 -45 minutes) At the T turn left, go through Westport, up the scenic Foley Mountain and continue on Hwy 10 to Gore Street in Perth (approximately 25 minutes).
Visit Lanark County Tourism for more information on planning your unique visit to Perth and District. Your Experience Awaits. Can’t wait to see you here!