Perth is 45 minutes southwest of Ottawa on Highway 7. The fast food strip on the main highway gives way to the main downtown. Look for the "Business Section" signs and take a left on Wilson Street. Traveling from Kingston, take County Road 10 north from Highway 401 through Westport.
The two century-old downtown huddles around the Tay Basin, the end point of the Tay Canal that connects Perth into the Rideau Canal system, which in turn connects Ottawa to the Great Lakes at Kingston. Many of the downtown buildings have been preserved in their original condition - others have been carefully restored.
The downtown parking lots are $4 to park all day. There is "2 hour free parking" on the street, but the rules are complex (you can park once up to 2 hours, but cannot repark anywhere within a 5 hour window). The entire downtown core is within walking distance of any of these lots.
Many of the stores are wheelchair friendly, and a new program to provide portable wheelchair ramps for older style stores has been initiated.
The "big box stores", "strip mall" and most motels are situated up on Highway #7. Generally you will need a car to get to any of these places.
The Downtown Core can be reached from the Rideau Canal system via the Tay Canal - teminating at the Tay Basin in downtown Perth. Large boats will find they can get no further than the Last Duel Campground due to very low bridges between the campground and the Tay Basin. Smaller boats, canoes and kayaks should be able to navigate under these bridges.
Hours: M to F 10AM - 5PM; Sa and Su 1PM - 5PM. The Perth Museum is open year round.
The Perth Museum is housed in Matheson House, c1840, on the main street of Downtown Heritage Perth. Matheson House is named after the well-to-do Scottish merchant, the Honourable Roderick Matheson, who lived in this house with his family for over 90 years. This nationally designated historic stone dwelling features 4 period rooms restored to depict the life of a wealthy 19th century family plus two galleries where changing exhibitions are displayed. Displays include the last fatal duel fought in Canada, the Mammoth Cheese, and the famous Marks Brothers (the most remarkable theatrical family in Canadian history - definitely NOT the Marx Brothers).
The museum is air-conditioned and municipal parking is available. Group tours are welcome. Admission is by donation.
Stewart Park was deeded to the Town in 1947 by Mrs. Jessie Stewart, in memory of her late husband, John A. Stewart. The park, right in the middle of Downtown Heritage Perth, is a cool oasis during hot summer months. The Tay River meanders through the park providing soothing background sounds while you enjoy the large maple trees, gardens, or perhaps on a warm Thursday evening the sound of the Perth Citizen's Band playing in the band stand behind city hall. This Citizen's band has been in existence since 1852 and is the oldest operating Citizen's Band in Canada.
The annual Stewart Park Music Festival held in this park provides a free, 3-day summer musical event for citizens and visitors alike. You might also experience Sunday night church services, or watch a wedding as young couples start out on life's journey. The Park is not to be missed.
From the park you can see Code's Park across the river where a life sized statue of equestrian Olympians Ian Millar and his mount, Big Ben has been erected.
The [http://www.town.perth.on.ca/siteengine/ActivePage.asp?PageID=118&bhcp=1 Tay River Trail] is a new attraction built around the historic pathway and portage site that dates back to the military settlement of Perth-upon-Tay in 1816, when the waterways were the major means of transportation. Six information plaques have been erected along this waterway along with "navigational trail markers" that will help you navigate the trail. Each marker has a circular viewfinder, through which you can sight the next trail marker and chart your course along the trail. Starting at the Tay basin you can navigate either upstream and downstream.
Perth is famous for its year round Festivals. A few of these are:
April - '''Festival of the Maples''' Perth's welcome to spring with Maple Syrup and street festival
July - [http://www.stewartparkfestival.ca Stewart Park Festival] Three days of free music in Stewart Park behind city hall.
August - [http://www.perthgarlicfestival.com Perth Garlic Festival] "It's Chic to reek"
September - [http://www.perthfair.on.ca Perth Fair] an agricultural fair that showcases the past, present and future
October - [http://www.perthstudiotour.com Perth Autumn Studio Tour] a very special showcase for contemporary fine crafts
November - Festival of Good Cheer. Experience a shopping trip back to 1840
This life size bronze honours one of Canada's most successful partnerships in Canadian sport and arguably the greatest team in equestrian history. Ian Millar and Big Ben, the 17.3hh Belgian Warmblood who died in December 1999 at age 23, won the hearts of a nation and made their mark in the equestrian world. As a lasting tribute, the Perth and District Chamber of Commerce erected this arresting bronze statue in Downtown Heritage Perth not far from Millar's home and Ben's final resting place. The life-size statue depicts Ian and Ben in full flight over a 5 and-a-half foot jump.
You can keep up with the events and productions at the downtown Perth Studio Theatre via their monthly [http://www.urbanmarket.com/all-about-perth/current-studio-theatre.pdf Studio Theatre Newsletter]. Once again they will mounting some classic [http://www.urbanmarket.com/all-about-perth/past/marksbros.html Marks Brothers] melodramas this summer.
There is a long and unique history of theatre in Perth dating back to the mid 19th century. The era of the fabulous Marks Brothers is one of the most exciting stories in the town's colourful past. They have been called (Maclean_fs Magazine, 1958.) "the most remarkable theatrical family in Canadian history. The dazzling Marks Brothers were the greatest impresario performers of our small town stage in the era before the nickelodeon." They truly earned the title of "The Canadian Kings of Repertoire".
The Balderson Theatre building at 12 Gore Street East in which they performed in Perth still stands today (now a Home Furniture store). In it's time the Balderson Theatre was the largest theatre between Montreal and Toronto.
If you are interested in all the theatre and festival events in town, then check out [http://www.urbanmarket.com/all-about-perth/perthhappenings.pdf Whats Happening in Perth].
Perth is home to Canada's oldest drug store. Entrances can be found on Foster and North streets, as the store has since been expanded through. The location is currently owned and operated by Pamela and Robin Newton
The Last Fatal Duel in Canada took place in Last Duel Park on June 13, 1833, and Robert Lyon's body lies in the Old Burying Grounds on Cole Street.
At the back of a parking lot, hidden in the long grass near some old train tracks, is an exact replica of Perth's famous Mammoth Cheese. The Mammoth Cheese was created in 1893 for the Chicago World's Fair, and weighed 22,000 pounds. The cheese was talked about more than anything else at the fair, principally because it had crashed through the floor when they unloaded it. [http://www.urbanmarket.com/all-about-perth/past/mammoth.html]
Perth has a long history of official Town Criers that can be traced back to its founding in 1816. At one time there were are as many as three Criers active in the community. The current Town Crier is <b>Brent McLaren</b> and information on him can be found at his website: <b>http://perthtowncrier.com/blog</b> [http://www.perthtowncrier.com]. Brent welcomes any opportunity to meet with visitors to this Heritage Town.
Located AT THE HUB of the vast wilds of the Land O' Lakes, Madawaska Highlands and Lanark Highlands. Snow Road Station is situated where a geological shear line crosses the 200 kilometer Mississippi River, creating excellent kayak country with falls, rapids, cliffs and escarpments hosting a variety of legged and winged wildlife and fish. This charmingly rugged area boasts several Provincial Parks: Silver Lake, Sharbot Lake Provincial Park and Bon Echo Provincial Park.
NATIONALLY CERTIFIED and PROVINCIALLY CERTIFIED KAYAK INSTRUCTOR
Kayak instruction and tours will enhance your day trip, whether cycling, hiking, motor touring.
DO MORE - BED and BREAKFAST or CAMP OUT
Take kayak lessons and a kayak tour, and extend the fun a few more days. Distinctive BED & BREAKFAST (B&B) is available to Adventure Agent guests. Camping is within 6 miles. Before or after your kayak adventure you can enjoy world-class, 5-star cuisine, just minutes away. Add a kayak lesson and tour when you visit nearby golf courses. Bike trails and road routes thread the hills, and a kayak adventure will fit in perfectly, adding refreshing water recreation to the trip.
Instruction, moonlight and evening paddling trips, eco-tours, trips for seniors, First Nation/historical tour, and nature tours. Pricing starts at $40/per person for a two hour nature tour, all equipment, guide, taxes in. For further information, visit the Adventure Agent website at http://www.adventureagent.net.
'''Recreation'''
The [http://www.pusc.ca Perth United Soccer Club] provides opportunities to play both recreational and competitive soccer.
[http://www.maplekeydaycamp.com Maple Key Day Camp] offers exciting summer programming for ages 5 - 12. Campers aged 8 and up have the unique opportunity to choose either a sports or fine arts major. Activities include sports, arts & crafts, cooperative games, mad science, nature, special events and more. Also offers a leadership program for ages 13 - 15.
In addition, the local Perth Farmers' Market operates outside the Crystal Palace providing local organic food products. Come for the Freshness - Stay for the Fun!
The downtown area features 1800 era buildings housing more than 80 specialty boutiques, shops, antique stores, restaurants and flea markets. Visitors can expect a shopping experience as far away as you can get from the global multinational mall experience. Come back in time to experience the future of shopping.
These downtown stores provide the visitor with an impressive line up of products. Giftware, souvenirs, high tech kitchen gear, clothing, linens, inflatable kayaks, scrapbooking supplies, antiques and so much more can be found within a couple of block radius. For a list of many of the downtown merchants you can visit http://shop-heritage-perth.com/merchants.html Downtown Heritage Perth.
A popular shopping destination for local art is http://www.riverguild.com Riverguild Fine Crafts. This artist cooperative features the works of many local artists and artisans. Everything from fine arts, to the most wonderful kaleidoscope you will ever see, to cooperative games are available in this shop.
A great deal of local arts and crafts can be found throughout the town. For example, the paintings, prints and art cards of internationally known Nostalgic Realism artist - Craig Campbell - is available at many downtown stores. Craig's nostalgic portrayal of the steam train era is particularly attractive to visitors.
A very unique spot to dine is "The Hungry Planet" [http://www.thehungryplanet.com/] located in the beautifully restored, vintage GM building at the corner of Foster St. and Wilson St. The Hungry Planet is featured in "Where to Eat in Canada". Owner Judy Dempsey travels yearly to Asia and beyond for new ideas and recipes to feature in the restaurant.
'''Imperial Tavern''', 27 Wilson Street West, +1-613-267-6655 The Imperial Tavern is a no-frills dive bar that has a few pool tables and a shuffleboard. Beer on tap, a decent selction of bottle beer and a few beers available in tall cans.
'''Fiddleheads Bar and Grill''', 53 Herriott Street, +1-613-267-1304.
'''Shark & Bull''',41A North St.,613-264-4445" The only pool hall in Perth-Carleton Place-Smithsfalls, has been renovated into the "New Pool Hall/Nightclub. It serves hot soup and Chili everyday, along with crepes and fresh made to order sandwiches.</drink>
1) Bed and Breakfast
2) Boutique Hotel and Motels
3) Campgrounds
'''Perth Manor''' [http://www.perthmanor.com] is just a short walk from Downtown Heritage Perth at 23 Drummond Street West. This Boutique Hotel and reception Facility is housed in what was originally known as the "Thurreson Place". J.T. Henderson constructed this family home at a cost of 12,000 Pounds in 1878. This building was put to many uses over time. In 2002 it was purchased by Michael Dwyer & David Marshall who decided to restore and renovate the Manor into a Boutique Hotel & Reception Facility with on-site Event Planning for Corporate and Special Events. The Manor has 6 suites available, named after historical figures.
'''Code's Mill Inn & Spa'''[http://www.codesmillinn.com/] is a major newly opened downtown inn adjoining peaceful Stewart Park. With two very unique buildings, Code's Mill Inn & Spa offers the best of two worlds. The main inn offers the latest in modern design in its 55 rooms. Adjacent to the inn is the White House. Bordering on the tranquil Stewart Park, the White House offers 7 deluxe suites each with a boutique Bed & Breakfast feel. Each suite is decorated with a mix of antique and contempory furniture, with internet access, LCD TV's, oversized spa tubs and more. Prices start at $159 CDN per night.