Welcome to carleton place
A short drive west of Ottawa, you’ll discover this charming riverside town in Lanark County (Ontario’s Maple Syrup Capital). We hope this mini-guide will serve as a resource to enhance your experience while exploring the town. From our heritage downtown core to riverside trails, an array of boutique shops, and unique restaurants, delight in the experiences you enjoy while soaking in the small-town charm of our tight-knit community. Don’t just drive through Carleton Place along Highway 7, take a little detour and head downtown to discover the true heart of Carleton Place.
Visit us at the Information Centre, where you’ll find maps, a gift shop, and friendly staff eager to help you curate the perfect itinerary with personalized recommendations. The Information Centre is a greeting place for local and new residents, where we offer welcome packages and community information.
If you have any questions before visiting, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re excited for you to discover that our charming town is a hidden gem worth exploring, and one we’re proud to call home. Carleton Place Information Centre 170 Bridge Street, Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada Tourism@cpchamber.com | 613-257-1976 www.visit.carletonplace.ca | https://issuu.com/carletonplacetourism
Grand Hotel 7 Bridge Street, Carleton Place 613-492-1566 thegrandhotelcp.ca
Old Mill Manor 104 Old Mill Ln, Almonte 613-257-9477 oldmillmanor.com
What to bring:
Warm winter wear
Winter boots
Walking poles/ice cleats
Small bag/backpack
Binoculars
Camera
Thermos Morning
Itineraries for
Start your morning visiting one of our many cozy cafes or restaurants serving fresh and healthy breakfast options:
Foundry Coffee - Local coffee, shots of Chaga, vegan & gluten-free options.
Blue Spoon Atelier - Splurge on sourdough bread, and gut-friendly beverages here. Plan ahead and try one of their professional cooking workshops!
Fill up your thermos with a warm drink to-go while you take on the outdoors!
Head to the Information Centre to pick up trail and birdwatching maps. Affordable snowshoe rentals are available at the Centre. Now you’re ready to enjoy our trails:
Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail
Mississippi RiverWalk Trail
O-Kee-Lee Nature Trail
Roy Brown Park Trail
Get the camera and binoculars out and see what kind of birds and wildlife you can find! This time of year the colour of birds is exceptionally beautiful and bright.
WinterCycling
For those looking for a real challenge, utilize our trail networks and bring your winterized bike! Visit Joe Mamma Cycles if you need any gear.
the Nature enthusiast
If you’re travelling along the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, stop in to try Braumeister Brewing Co., a Bavarian inspired craft brewery, mere steps from the trail.
Head downtown, and stroll up and down Bridge Street as the twinkling lights turn on! Enjoy window shopping and visiting stores that speak to you. These are just a few of our favourites:
Amethyst - Ground yourself shopping for crystals, incense, and more.
The Floral Boutique - Find unique plants here to bring home some greenery.
The Granary - Stock up on organic, natural, and health products here.
CCWG Livestock & Equestrian Store - Find outdoor clothing, boots, and birdfeeding necessities here!
afternoon evening
While downtown, treat yourself to dinner at any of these unique restaurants:
Sagar Indian Cuisine - Their award-winning curry dishes are a must-try.
Moore Sushi - With all the sushi roll options your heart desires.
Carleton Place Noodle House - Warm up with a Vietnamese noodle bowl.
What to bring:
Warm winter wear
Winter boots
Small bag/backpack
Camera
Itineraries for
DayTime
Start your day off enjoying some grub before exploring the town’s history: Waterfront Gastropub - Dating back to 1861, enjoy breakfast or brunch in this historic stone building with a cozy interior overlooking the Mississippi River. The Little German Bakery - This is the place to go for authentic baked pretzels!
Head to the Information Centre where you can...
Learn about the Moore House, a log home over 155 years old.
View the Captain Roy Brown Exhibit - a First World War flying ace, credited with 10 aerial victories, including the downing of The Red Baron.
Pick up a free Self-Guided Walking Tour pamphlet - or online: Tour 1 - Tour 2
Find informative plaques throughout the town depicting the history of various sites. We recommend starting with Tour 1 first, and don’t forget your camera, because the sites you’re about to see are both memorable and picturesque!
CarletonPlace&BeckwithHeritageMuseum
The Museum re-opens for the season on February 6th. The main floor gallery features permanent exhibits chronicling the town’s history. Coming this summer, the Findlay Foundry exhibit will also be on display featuring an impressive collective of local artifacts.
the historybuff
afternoon
There’s one more historic stop you’ll want to make! Walk or drive down to the Canadian Co-Operative Wool Growers (CCWG). Established in 1918, more than 3 million pounds of wool arrives here annually from across the country to be graded. The CCWG building was once occupied by the Canadian Pacific Railway and housed the roundhouse and machine shops.
Call 613-257-2704 ext. 4 to book a behind the scenes tour.
Night
Before you sit down to enjoy dinner, try Tour 2 which explores our heritage downtown core. Once you’ve worked up an appetite you’ll have a variety of choices to eat dinner, but we think you may like:
Boulton House - Enjoy scratch dining with a view of the Mississippi River in this former grist mill, dating back to the 1820s.
St. James Gate - Step into this Irish pub for some hearty grub and a refreshing pint after all that exploration you’ve done!
Thirsty Moose Pub & Eatery - You’ll be welcomed by locals at this hotspot!
No visit for a history buff is complete without a stay at the historic Grand Hotel, built in 1872. Book your stay in advance, as it’s a popular event venue.
Itineraries for
DayTime
Start your family’s morning off right with satisfied stomachs:
Mapel’s Eatery - Has freshly made, affordable, homestyle breakfast dishes.
Blended Beverage Bar - Enjoy specialty drinks for all ages and sweet hot waffles!
Get the family excited to try any one of these fun things to do:
Parrot Partners - Schedule a private aviary tour at this local sanctuary and rehabilitation center, where attendees help with feeding and socializing the birds. Trails - Explore nature along the Mississippi Riverwalk, Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail or Riverside Trail. Quality family bonding time!
afternoon
Treat the family to the best donut shops:
Maverick’s Donuts - Try simple or daring flavoured donuts, made fresh daily.
Holey Confections - 140 Layer donut, as seen on the Dragon’s Den.
Shopping with the kids can be fun here:
Treasures ‘N’ More - Find new and used toys and collectables here.
GT Games - Filled with trading cards, video games and much more.
Iceskating
Day OR night, lace up the skates and enjoy ice skating on outdoor rinks (with lighting). You can find outdoor rinks at Carleton Junction Community Pad, or Carambeck Community Centre.
the family
What to bring:
Warm winter wear
Winter boots
Backpack
Camera
Night
Enjoy some of these activities while the sun goes down:
Chasin’ Turkeys - Call ahead to book a lane to go 5-pin bowling in the heart of downtown. Perfect way to celebrate any occasion.
Carleton Place Canadians - Experience the excitement of Junior A hockey in a competitive town, where hockey fans and visitors are welcomed to cheer on the Carleton Place Canadians at their home Arena. Visit their schedule for home games.
End the night with a meal so you don’t have to worry about cooking dinner: Eataria Unlimited: Featuring a kids menu and pizza and pasta specials.
Zak’s Diner: Serving nostalgic diner vibes, don’t forget to try their famous milkshakes.
What to bring:
Warm winter wear
Winter boots
Camera
Itineraries
DayTime
You’re going to want and try one of these local hotspots located downtown:
The Good Food Co. - Savour sweet and savoury food, with local ingredients.
Freska Cafe & Eatery - Try the famous griddles, eggs Benedict, or yummy omelettes.
Go for a leisurely post-meal walk up and down Bridge Street. Here are some places you’ll want to visit:
A Bunch of Whimsy - Hunt for antiques and discover locally made crafts.
The Real Wool Shop - Find wool, merino, alpaca, sheepskin, silk, linen and yarn.
The Dress Shop - Canadian made in house designs for women.
Surrounding Memories - You’ll appreciate the custom picture framing and gifts.
afternoon
You have three galleries or studios to explore in Carleton Place:
Carleton Place Gallery - Admire the works of local and regional artists in this stunning gallery downtown and book a workshop in advance to get creative!
Arts Carleton Place Art Hub - Support local artists by visiting this member-run gallery and studio. Their current exhibit is called “Breakaway”.
The Carleton Place Collective - Another studio to explore your artistic side with workshops, including Paint with Janet classes.
Murals &Photography
While walking around Carleton Place, capture photos of the numerous murals throughout Town. Make it a self-guided tour and find them all here, including this one of Stompin’ Tom Connors!
forthe artadventurer
Night
Here are some recommendations on how to make the most of your night:
Black Tartan Kitchen - Takes casual fine dining to another level, featuring seasonal and hyper local ingredients that present like art on a plate.
Keep the spirit going with a visit the Stalwart Brewing Co., around the corner from the Carleton Place Gallery. Enjoy free pool, board games and chat with the locals.
Shake off your winter blues and get tickets for Yuk Yuk’s Comedy shows!
Live music through January and February:
Town Hall Auditorium, January 25 - The Maywoods: John Prine Experience
Town Hall Auditorium, March 1 - Women in Music Night
Art House Music Concert Series, Carleton Place Gallery - Thursday, January 30th & Thursday, February 27th.
St. James Gate - Friday evenings from 7-10pm.
Waterfront Gastropub - Wednesdays 8-11pm (open jam), and live music on Thursdays & Fridays 8-11pm, Saturdays 2-5pm & 8-11pm, Sunday 2-5pm.
Planning to go snowmobiling this winter season?
Experience the Rails & Trails Ontario East snowmobile loop.
Book your stay at The Comfort Inn & Suites. Visit Black’s Corners Motorsports for parts and gear.