Best Things to Do in Perth, Ontario: The Ultimate Guide

Here are the best things to do in Perth, Ontario, an adorable small town in Ontario that you need to visit. Located an hour from Ottawa and a little under four hours from Toronto, Perth makes the perfect weekend road trip getaway.

Perth is an amazing destination for couples, families, and girlfriend getaways. There's always something happening in Perth, like an annual festival or special event. Perth has an incredible restaurant scene, as well as many quaint shops and unique boutiques featuring local artists and designers.

Essentially, Perth is where you need to plan your trip this year, and I'm going to show you how to make it happen throughout this travel blog post. In this Perth, Ontario travel guide, you'll learn all about:

• Where to stay in Perth, Ontario
• The best Perth activities and attractions
• Local shops, restaurants and cafes
• Festivals and events in Perth

Where to Stay in Perth, Ontario

I spent two nights at the Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa, which is one of the most popular hotels in Perth, Ontario. Nestled on the edge of Stewart Park, your hotel room may have one of the prettiest views of the town (mine did!). This hotel boasts the perfect location for your stay in Perth as you're within a short walking distance of restaurants, boutiques, beautiful parks and more.

These newly renovated rooms are spacious, modern, and comfortable. Each room has a flatscreen TV, working desk, and Keurig coffee maker. My bathroom was quite luxurious and even had a jetted tub. The Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa has a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness centre, and spa.

Nevis Estate Bed & Breakfast

While I didn't stay at Nevis Estate this time around, I had the opportunity to tour the property and it is stunning. Located about a 10 minute walk from the downtown shopping district, Nevis Estate is a boutique accommodation with five star amenities. Nevis Estate was originally home to Senator Peter McLaren, and features a combination of Gothic Revival, Georgian, and Neoclassical architectural designs.

Built in 1842, Nevis Estate is a completely restored property with beautifully designed rooms, spacious common areas, and an intimate lobby bar. There's an outdoor swimming pool, daily breakfast options, and complimentary Wi-Fi. It's perfect for a romantic getaway or to celebrate special occasions.

Things to Do in Perth: Explore Stewart Park

Stewart Park is one of the most beautiful city parks that I've ever seen. Going for a stroll here is an enchanting experience and truly one of the best things to do in Perth, Ontario. The park itself was donated to the town of Perth by Mrs. Stewart in memory of her husband. She vowed to always keep Stewart Park a free place to visit, even during special events, and nothing can be sold on the park property.

The park itself consists of multiple islands with massive flat rocks of the Canadian Shield making appearances throughout the landscape. The Tay River flows beyond one edge of the park, and its waters split into smaller streams throughout Stewart Park.

It is a charming and stunning place to relax or have a picnic. There are pretty bridges along the walking path that offer idyllic views. Enjoy picturesque scenes of sweeping willow trees and old heritage buildings in the distance. Quaint cottages with landscaped gardens on the edge of the park makes you feel as though you're in England more than Ontario.

Best Things to Do in Perth: Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding

If you enjoy outdoor activities, going stand-up paddleboarding down the Tay River is a must when you visit Perth. Perth Major Outfitters rents SUPs, kayaks, canoes and more. Your half day paddleboard rentals come with a paddle and a lifejacket. I suggest spending an hour or two paddling up and down this calm and serene river.

From the Rideau Canal (the oldest continuously operated canal in North America), the Tay Canal flows off the Rideau Canal and into the Tay River, through the Tay Marsh and into the Tay River Basin. Larger boats can only travel so far due to some of the lower bridges as you enter downtown Perth. You may encounter a motorized boat on your journey, but it's more likely that you'll encounter fellow paddleboarders or kayakers.

Start at the Perth Major Outfitters dock and paddle towards town. Drift beneath bridges and you might even have the chance to spot some wildlife. We saw a turtle and a mink. Eventually, you'll reach the Crystal Palace and the International Friendship Fountains with Perth Town Hall peeking out from behind some other buildings.

Continue to paddle towards the water tower and past Stewart Park. There's a little cascade over a rocky area that's a good stopping point. Turn around and venture back to where you started.

Perth Major Outfitters has other fun activities for the whole family, too. There's a mini golf course, karts and kick bikes, and they run a day camp in the summer as well. One of the mini putt holes extends out over the water!

Top Things to Do in Perth: Go for a Hike

Let's go for a hike and enjoy nature! While Perth is a bustling small town, it's surrounded by parks and greenspace. The Tay River is a fantastic focal point for many of the nature trails in town. In fact, there are 26 hiking trails within a 45 minute drive from Perth, including several provincial parks and conservation areas. Two expansive footpaths, the Trans Canada Trail and the Rideau Trail, run right through Perth. Here are two of my favourite places to go hiking within the town limits of Perth.

Tay River Pathway

The Tay River Pathway is a short recreational trail that's flat and accessible. Walk down a gravel path and across a boardwalk towards a pretty lookout point. The trail reaches a dead end at the Tay River where you can savour magnificent scenery.

At the start of the Tay River Pathway, the Round Garden for the Blind is a special feature of the trail. It is a circular gathering place with floral and herbal gardens, along with interpretive signs in English, French, and Braille.

Perth Wildlife Reserve

Perth Wildlife Reserve Conservation Area is a 257 hectare reserve that helps preserve the wildlife and nature surrounding the Tay Marsh. This flat path leads you through the forest and across sweeping meadows towards a lookout tower. You may have the chance to observe birds and wildlife, especially during migratory bird seasons in the spring and fall.

The main trail, the Betty Wilson Nature Trail, is 2.5km in length. Aim to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the Perth Wildlife Reserve. It's a lengthier hiking trail than the Tay River Pathway, although it remains an easy trek that's great for beginner hikers.

Things to Do in Perth: Discover the Craft Beverage Scene

Perth has celebrated craft brewing well before it became a popular trend! Perth Brewery is nearly three decades old, and Perth is home to a second craft brewery, Laketown Beer Co (formerly Weatherhead Beer Co). There's also a really amazing distillery to check out, too.

Perth Brewery

Perth Brewery has been around long before craft breweries became a trend! Established in 1993, Perth Brewery is leading the way as one of Ontario's most renowned breweries. You can find their beer in restaurants and LCBO locations throughout Ottawa and eastern Ontario.

Definitely stop by Perth Brewery to sample their brews or bring some home. They have a whopping 21 different kinds of beer in every style and seasonal variety imaginable. The Euro Pilsner is smooth and refreshing.

Top Shelf Distillers

Top Shelf Distillers is a Perth-based craft distillery creating spirits, moonshines, and liquors. Their retail location and tasting room is decorated with retro signs and artwork. There are classic spirits, like vodka, gin, and whisky. Some of their best sellers include their Reunion moonshines, handcrafted Canadian moonshines with flavours like cherry, apple pie, maple and wild blueberry.

Top Shelf Distillers also offers tantalizing dessert liquors in varieties like Cream Puff, Saskatoon Berry Pie, Butter Tart, Peanut Butter Chocolate, and Mint. Not sure if you'd like a particular flavour? They'll let you try a small sample of whatever you'd like. The Butter Tart Liquor is absolutely delicious though, that's the one that I ended up purchasing.

Laketown Beer Co

Formerly Weatherhead Brewing Co, Laketown Beer Co is another fantastic microbrewery in Perth, Ontario. I didn't get to visit Laketown Beer Co this time around, but I'll totally check it out when I return to Perth. From their website, they have five different kinds of beer, including one called "The Wreck of Boaty McBoatface" (love it!).

Take a Themed Walking Tour of Perth

Still wondering what to do in Perth? There are many themed walking tours of Perth on the free Driftscape walking tour app. These are interesting self-guided tours centered around a few different topics: Perth Downtown Walking Tour, Heritage Perth Tavern and Brewery Tour, Vintage Signs and Murals Walking Tour and the Elmwood Cemetery Walking Tour.

There are also a couple of special guided walking tours in Perth. Stories from the Settlement is all about the heritage and history of Perth. It's available upon request on Saturdays in July and August. The Perth Ghost Walk is a spooky guided walking tour that gets you right in the spirit of Halloween (inquire about this tour at the Visitor Information Centre).

Perth Museum and Visitor's Centre

Perth Museum is a popular tourist attraction and National Historic Site, situated inside the compelling Matheson House. Built in 1840, it's a stone building that was once the home of the Honourable Roderick Matheson, a wealthy merchant and Canadian senator. The Matheson family lived here for 90 years. You can tour the rooms of the Matheson House and be transported back in time.

Perth Museum is also home to the town's tourism and visitor centre. Stop by with any questions that you might have while you're in town. There's a gift shop on the main level with local merchandise.

Perth Festivals and Events

There are many festivals and events throughout the year in Perth, so you may wish to plan your visit around these fun happenings in town. I quickly counted over 30 different festivities listed on their website! Some of the best things to do in Perth are its community events and festivities, like the ones listed below or events happening around Halloween and Christmas.

Perth Night Market

The Perth Night Market is an evening to wander the streets of Perth, be entertained by performers, discover its local artisans, and dine under the stars at restaurants and pubs. Go for a stroll in Stewart Park at twilight. Enjoy the heritage architecture in the town of Perth with many of the shops staying open extra late.

Perth Garlic Festival

The Perth Garlic Festival is a celebration of all things garlic! There are food vendors with many garlic-themed meals, snacks and wares. Watch cooking demonstrations and garlic braiding. There's live music and a beer tent.

Festival of the Maples

Festival of the Maples is Perth's annual maple syrup festival since 1976. Local maple producers offer fresh maple products. There's live entertainment, local artisans, and so much more.

Stewart Park Festival

The Stewart Park Festival is a summer festival celebrating the community through a weekend of music, food and local vendors. The festival highlights national and international artists. There's also a marketplace, a beer garden, and a kids area.

Things to Do in Perth: Go Shopping

One of the best things to do in Perth, Ontario is shopping. There are so many cute boutiques in the downtown core with unique wares and goods by local artisans. The main shopping streets in Perth are Gore Street and Foster Street, though you should wander around the side streets as well. There's something for everyone in Perth and it's a fantastic place to shopping for gifts (or treat yourself!).

Wilson Street and Code's Mill

Located on Wilson Street, Code's Mill is one of the most striking historic buildings in Perth. The first building was crafted by Scottish stonemasons, as were many of the limestone buildings lining the streets of Perth. It's an example of industrial architecture that eventually expanded to five buildings, constructed between 1842 and 1932. Code's Mill started as Codes Custom Wool Mill, later becoming the Tay Knitting Mill and Code Felt.

The factory eventually closed in 1998 and was completely restored and renovated for commercial enterprise. Inside Code's Mill, you'll find a collection of boutique shops, galleries, restaurants, and even a wedding venue. Here are some shops you need to check out within this historic building:

• Blackfly Grub Hub: Doughnut shop, including vegan donuts on Fridays/Saturdays/by special order
• Concave Gallery and Widdershins Canada: A gallery for unconventional artists and their art
• Perth Chocolate Works: Wonderful chocolate shop
• Kelly's Flower and Gift Boutique: Home decor, jewelry, art, accessories, beautiful florals
• Fiddleheads Bar & Grill

As you approach the corner of Wilson and Foster Street, there are some more intriguing shops that you may wish to browse. Spring Children and the Plaid Cow are situated inside the Perkins building, a really cool art deco building in town.

• Spring Children: Kids clothing, toys, books, gifts
• The Plaid Cow: Handcrafted accessories and home decor
• Backbeat Books and Music: Indie book and vinyl shop

Foster Street

From the Perkins building, it's time to check out all of the boutiques on Foster Street. You'll find an eclectic mix of clothing stores, gift shops, book stores, candy shops, cafes, flower shops and more.

• Miss Penny's Closet: Mens and ladies fashions
• Lavender and Lace: Lingerie, bras, accessories and more
• Fashion Envy: Womens clothing and accessories boutique
• Shadowfax: Funny gifts, puzzles, clothing, jewelry, crystals, tarot cards
• Ground Waves: Gift shop with local Perth wares, home decor, toys, accessories
• Balderson Kidz: Clothing shop for children
• Pine and Patchouli: Crystals, essential oils, herbal teas, natural healing services
• Apropos Flowers: Beautiful flower shop
• The Rideau Candy Shoppe: Candy shop featuring imported and hard-to-find sweets
• Spark Books and Curios: New and used books, curios, unique DIY kits

Gore Street

Gore Street is the main shopping street in Perth's downtown area featuring so many unique shops, galleries, boutiques, clothing stores, cafes, book shops, gelato shops, and so much more. Here's a listing of where you'll likely find many beautiful treasures and cherished gifts for loved ones.

• Red Brick Emporium: Home decor and accessories
• The Perth Cheese Shop: Cheese and charcuterie boards, they have vegan cheese
• Aprikose Children's Boutique: Children's shop with unique finds
• Studio 87: Beautiful art gallery
• Hay Design: Interior design and unique furniture shop
• Where Dragons Fly: Aromatherapy, bath and body products
• Riverguild: One of Canada's oldest artist cooperatives with over 75 artists
• Conway's Men's Wear: Mens clothing store
• Fiori Row: Flower market and gift shop
• Fall River Fashion and Stella Luna Gelato Cafe: Womens clothing store and gelato ice cream cafe
• Treasure Lane By the Tay: Canada decor, signs, mats, runners, gift items
• The Book Nook and Other Treasures: Books, puzzles, games, crafts, gifts
• Queen Bee Millinery: Fancy handmade bespoke headwear and fascinators
• Katherine Muir Miller Gallery: Artist gallery featuring Canadian landscapes
• Mariposa Design: Home decor and gift shop
• Fawn & Fox: Baby/children's clothing, nursing wear, maternity wear
• Flint and Honey: Clothing, accessories, activewear, and more

Things to Do in Perth: Best Restaurants and Cafes

For such a small town, Perth has an amazing restaurant scene. There are an abundance of pubs, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops. Checking out all of them in one or two visits isn't going to happen, so you will need to visit Perth on multiple occasions to dine at them all. While there aren't any 100% vegan restaurants, here are a few of my favourite places for vegan eats.

The Fieldhouse

The Fieldhouse is a cute little restaurant and coffee shop in Perth. They offer caffeinated beverages, as well as meals for lunch, such as sandwiches, salads and bowls. I tried the tofu noodle bowl with peanut dressing, and it was the perfect picnic lunch. You can dine at their restaurant or patio, but it often fills up quickly. I enjoyed my meal across the street at a picnic table in Stewart Park.

Maximillian Restaurant

Maximilian Restaurant is locally owned and operated since 1973, and it's a beloved establishment in Perth. They serve authentic European cuisine, including their famous schnitzel. I love that they are such a vegan-friendly establishment. They have vegan sausages, pretzels, sauerkraut and buttery potatoes. It was such a treat to dine there and really transported me back to my holidays in Germany.

Penny's Place Diner

Penny's Place Diner is the place to be for breakfast (and lunch)! The place seems to always be packed, but it's well worth the wait if you need to wait for a table. It's a quaint and charming little diner serving homemade and fresh cuisine. You can easily veganize the vegetarian dishes. My avocado toast and hashbrowns were seasoned perfectly and tasted so fresh.

Picnic Cafe

Picnic Cafe boasts excellent coffee, fresh food and friendly service. They have a spacious restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. On the menu, there's soup, salad, sandwiches, bowls, and baked goods. I chose the Mezze Bowl made vegan. There are so many tasty flavours happening in this dish that work perfectly with one another.

Michael's Table

Michael's Table is a family owned and operated restaurant, run by a mother-daughter duo. It's a relaxing environment with classic and homestyle cooking where everything is prepared from scratch. The Thai Buddha Bowl is colourful and fresh, with loads of veggies on a bed of rice with red curry peanut sauce.

Gather

Gather serves "modern wholesome comfort food" where everything is made in house, fresh, and with great care. There are a few vegan items on the menu, although I really enjoyed this vegetarian-made-vegan dish. This is the Buffalo tofu sandwich, perfectly spiced and also had a fun element of crispiness from the potato chips. There's also a vegan chickpea omelet offered at Gather, too.

North Folk Cafe

North Folk Cafe is a boutique cafe and market with kombucha on tap, espresso beverages, handcrafted pastries and gelato. I enjoyed a delicious iced Americano at North Folk Cafe, though I'd love to return in the future to try their kombucha and a meal. Even if you're only craving a coffee like I was, it's well worth stopping by North Folk Cafe.

Cafe Bean

Cafe Bean is a charming little coffee shop in Perth that you need to visit. First, the building looks straight out of Brooklyn! Inside, you'll find friendly service and delicious coffee. Although I got my coffee for takeaway, it looks like a great place to meet with friends or cozy up with a good book.

Tips to Help Plan Your Trip

I visited Perth from Tuesday to Thursday in the summer, and it was pretty busy in town. Expect Perth to always be bustling as it's such a wonderful place to visit. There is free parking on the city streets for two hours at a time. Many of these parking spots will likely be full. I suggest leaving your car at your hotel and walking everywhere. Otherwise, if you can't find a spot, there are paid parking lots for a small fee ($1.00/hour).

Many restaurants and businesses close on Sunday and Monday. As these are small local businesses, the owners need to take some time off each week. I recommend visiting Perth later in the week to avoid any disappointment (Wednesday to Saturday is best).

You can travel to Perth all year round. There are festivals and events happening in every season. Summer may be the best time to visit for outdoor activities. The shops and restaurants are open all year long, too.

Perth makes for an excellent day or weekend trip from Ottawa, Kingston, and other cities in southeastern Ontario. I hope that more people make the drive from Toronto and the GTA. While it may take about four hours to reach Perth, it's well worth the journey. Make a road trip out of it and hit up some other cute towns on the way.

More Things to Do in Perth, Ontario

Can you believe that there are even more things to do in Perth, Ontario? I spent three days in this magical little town and I am still left wanting more. That's the sign of an amazing destination. It is one of the cutest small towns in Ontario, after all. Here are some other Perth attractions and activities:

• Perth Farmers Market
• Last Duel Park: a park that commemorates Canada's last fatal duel
• McMartin House National Historic Site of Canada
• Go cycling on the bike trails in and around Perth
• Watch a movie at the nearby Port Elmsley Drive-In Theatre

If you are looking to add on some extra days to your trip to Perth, here's a guide to the neighbouring Lanark Highlands to get your dose of laid back life in the countryside.

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This post is brought to you by Perth Tourism. I had such an amazing time in Perth and can't wait to return in the future.