Perth is often acknowledged as the prettiest town in Ontario, and agree completely. Located approximately four hours from Toronto and just over one hour from Ottawa, this pleasant little town is full of charm.
The Town of Perth
Is in the heart of stunning Lanark County breathes vibrant culture and an age-old heritage that exists through the brick walls of its historic buildings. It’s a town of green parks, rested on the Tay River, surrounded by untouched nature and one of Ontario’s most picturesque provincial parks.
I loved seeing the collaboration and the small-town feel while still having plenty to keep you busy. There are more than 100 designated heritage buildings and over 70 boutique shops, restaurants, specialty stores, and more to explore.
Make sure to add this city to your list of mini-getaway trips!
Here are all the things to do in Perth (which I tried myself) while you’re visiting.
Stewart Park
In my opinion, every trip to Perth has to start here. This scenic and peaceful park embraces the magic of Perth and is ideal for taking a long walk or even having a picnic.
Stewart Park is a stunning spot where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the city’s largest urban green space. With beautiful gardens, flowing streams, mature weeping willows and plenty of outdoor picnic spots, it is a calm place to enjoy nature.
Code’s Mills
Make certain to add Code’s Mill to your itinerary while in Perth. Cross the bridge from Stewart Park to Code’s Park. It will lead you to Code’s Mill, an old mill converted into multiple shops and restaurants.
Where to Eat
Lunch on the canal patio at Mex & Co
One of my favourite spots to enjoy a spring or summer day is on this quaint patio perched on the canal that runs through Perth. You could always enjoy some other quality Mexican fare at Mex & Co., but nothing beats a sharing plate of nachos and a few drinks at this pretty spot in the downtown area.
Grab a snack at BlackFly GrubHub
Tasty designer doughnuts are the specialty at BlackFly GrubHub‘s shop in the shops at Code’s Mill. These yummy donuts are freshly baked daily, you’ll have trouble deciding between the amazing flavours!
Get caffeinated at Coutts Coffee
Coutts Coffee is the place to stop for coffee aficionados, and is a mainstay in the community, keeping locals and visitors well-caffeinated for over 20 years. Located in “The Sheriff’s House”, a heritage building dating back to 1841 where Sheriff Thompson once resided, they roast Arabica, Fair Trade, and Organic coffee beans onsite.
They offer a variety of coffee refreshments including cafe mochas and flavoured lattes, all available hot or iced, as well as a selection of baked goods including pecan butter tarts, decadent macaroons and date squares.
Dessert at Perth Chocolate Works
Inside the historic Code’s Mill, Perth Chocolate Works is a paradise for the chocolate lover. Their chocolate-filled shop, where mouth-watering chocolate creations await! For people who like their chocolate in drink form, try a gourmet hot chocolate on a brisk fall day (it was so good), or a delectable iced hot chocolate on a warm summer afternoon.
Grab a coffee and dessert at FieldHouse
If you’re in a rush, this adorable cafe serves some solid food options like handmade pastries, delicious sandwiches and great coffee to grab and go!
Eat dinner at Fiddleheads
This aesthetically pleasing restaurant is located in the heart of Code’s Mill that’s almost as old as Canada itself. This building is just another embodiment of the old-world charm that makes Perth so unique, so be sure to grab a bit to eat here!
History of Perth
Perth began as a military settlement in 1816 after the War of 1812. The British government offered 100 acres of land to soldiers from Scotland. Perth and the Tay River are named after a city and river of the same name in Scotland.
The Famous Last Duel
Perth is well recognized for the last fatal duel in Upper Canada in 1893 which saw Robert Lyon and John Wilson square off to an old-fashioned duel, with Elizabeth Hughes at the centre of the quarrel. A local park is named after the dual to remember the event (in which Robert Lyon lost his life), and the original pistols have been preserved in the Perth Museum.
Mammoth Cheese
Besides the Crystal Garden in downtown Perth, you’ll find the Mammoth Cheese. This giant cheese replica honours the 22,000-pound cheese that was made in 1893 to be exhibited in Chicago at the World’s Colombian Exposition.
Perth Museum
To get a full grasp of Perth’s rich history, stop by the Perth Museum located in the historic Matheson House. This residence, built in the 1840s for the Honourable Roderick Matheson, a wealthy merchant and senator in Canada’s first parliament after Confederation, the house has been refurbished to reflect the grand lifestyle of the Matheson family who lived there for over 90 years.
Accommodations: Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa
In an excellent location directly beside Stewart Park, the Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa gives all the expected comforts and amenities of a Best Western Property. With an indoor pool, luxury spa, and the Locks Restaurant with an outdoor patio, it’s a great base for city exploration.
Find more information to plan your visit to Perth Ontario visit Perth Tourism.
*Some businesses may be closed or have reduced hours due to covid-19. Please check the hours of operation before visiting.
This post was sponsored by Perth Tourism, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
