GetActive
Get refreshed this summer with the breeze from the Mississippi River. With many well-maintained walking trails, most 3km and under, there is always an opportunity to get active along our waterway.
Carleton Place is also proud to be a cyclefriendly community and we encourage cyclists to come for a ride! Bring your bicycle or rent one at the Information Centre from May to October. Maps of the community, the region, and the trails are also all available here.
Recommended Trails: Mississippi RiverWalk, Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT), Trans-Canada Trail, Riverside Trail, O-Kee-Lee Nature Trail, Rotary Centennial Trail, Roy Brown Park Trail, Sonnenburg Woods Trail.
ExploretheOutdoors
With Mississippi Lake and River being the local crown jewel of the community, there are many places to fish and relax along the shoreline. Don’t miss this perfect chance to fish many of our local hotspots and reel in a big one. You can bring your own supplies or borrow a rod and tackle box as part of the Tackleshare program at the Information Centre (day use).
Spend a day at the two beaches in town, or by the lakeside. Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. Visit Kayakomat.com to rent a kayak or SUP for the day. They are conveniently located in Centennial Park/Beach.
FuelYourHunger
After your activity-filled day, you’ll want to cool down with some great local food and drink.
For something fresh and delicious why not try Freska? Voted the best breakfast/ brunch spot in Ottawa Faces, their fresh pressed orange juice and fruit bowl will cool you down and refuel your body.
Other great local spots with fresh fare include The Good Food Company, Foundry Collective and Coffee Bar and Lakeside Shawarma.
Looktothesky
See how many colours you can find while bird watching in Carleton Place. With some 200 species that call Lanark County home, you’re sure to find some interesting birds here.
Centennial Park is the perfect spot for bird-watching in Carleton Place. Scan the park and river shores and follow the O’Kee Lee Park Trail while looking for birds.
Watch For: Ducks in lagoons and rivers; waterthrush, cardinals, berry eaters, and high canopy warblers. You can also find many duck species at boat launch.
The amazing scenery in town also attracts professional and amateur photographers alike. Snap some photos of your adventures and share them with friends. Be sure to tag us at @carletonplacetourism.
LocalHeritage fix BuildingsandGhosts
Discover local history by stopping at the Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum. The Museum has a mandate to collect, preserve, and share items that are significant to the history of Carleton Place and Beckwith and now houses over 10,000 artifacts.
The main floor exhibit gallery features permanent exhibits telling the story of the area and chronicling the town’s history. This year the special exhibit is titled “Roaring Back to the 20's”, and offers enriching and authentic experiences for all ages.
Visit the Museum, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sundays from 1 PM to 4 PM. The museum is located at 267 Edmund Street. Admission is free!
Interested in architectural history? Essential stops for history buffs touring the town include: the birthplace of A. Roy Brown at 146 Judson Street, the Canadian Cooperative Woolgrowers and former rail hub, Carleton Place Town Hall, the Moore House, and the former site of the McArthur Woolen Mill.
Pick up a copy of our self-guided Heritage Walking tour at the Information Centre and enjoy the heritage architecture along the river and downtown.
The Museum staff offers guided tours in the summer months and guided cemetery tours in the autumn. More information can be found on their website.
Learn about the ghost of Ida Moore, or the paranormal investigation that occurred at the Moore House, by visiting the Information Centre.
HauntedHeritage Roybrown Museum
The Roy Brown Exhibit at the Information Centre offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Captain A. Roy Brown. Brown was a Canadian Flying ace in the First World War and was credited with ten aerial victories.
Brown’s most famous dogfight was with German air ace Baron von Richtofen (the Red Baron) who was shot down with Brown in pursuit over allied air space.
Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing Brown’s career, including photos and artifacts donated by the family and collected by the Roy Brown Society.
Visitors can also visit the mural of the famous dogfight just a few blocks down Bridge Street near the central bridge as well as the bronze Roy Brown Statue located in Sinclair Park.
dated Dines
Grab some dinner at one of our great dining establishments housed in buildings dating back to the mid1800s. Both The Waterfront Gastropub and Boulton House are located right on the water in the area of town that was first developed by early settlers and is the most central part of town.
Or head out on the lake to Generations on the Lake for a bite to eat. From Black Angus prime rib to fish and chips, this 101-year-old farmhouse has something for everyone.
When considering the Town’s lengthy and rich history, which spans 200 years, it's no wonder Carleton Place is known for its ghosts and unexplained happenings.
Formerly known as Morphy’s Falls, Carleton Place is a town of rich history and interesting stories, and the streets and buildings have seen a lot over the years.
Take some time to discover Carleton Place’ spookiest spots, and you’ll uncover exciting stories, incredible history, and maybe spot a ghost or two during your travels.
find out later
Pick up a copy of the Haunted Heritage Walking Tour at the Information Centre and explore our haunted history at your leisure any time of the year!
Community Labyrinth
After a full day of learning at the Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum, enjoy the community labyrinth and gardens onsite.
A labyrinth is a circular path, an ancient spiral symbol that has been used for over 4000 years. A labyrinth's path guides a participant to its centre and back out again. Unlike a maze, the labyrinth holds no tricks or dead ends. The walker is free to focus on a thought, a prayer, or simply enjoy the walk itself.
Walking a labyrinth has been used for centuries to support healing, meditation and personal growth.
OutandAbout
Make memories this summer in Carleton Place with family and friends. Come early and start your day fueled up with a hearty breakfast at one of our local diners.
The Thruway Restaurant and Zak’s Diner both offer homestyle food with great portions and bottomless coffee. Visit The Waterfront Gastropub to eat on a patio with a view of the river falls and our historic Town Hall.
Once your tummy is full you can bring the clan to Carleton Junction to try out our one-of-a-kind pump track and skate park. Also on site is a full basketball court and train-themed play structure. Choo-choo!
Don’t MissThis
Head over to Parrot Partners for a unique indoor excursion. Book a tour and learn about parrot rehabilitation and see these birds for yourself. Finish the night at Chasin’ Turkeys, Carleton Place’s very own indoor bowling alley. Enjoy a few games alongside music and laughter.
Awheeliegoodtime
Summer is the best time for your family to explore the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT).
Bring your bikes or rent some from the Information Centre and explore the town on two wheels!
For a whole day activity, ride from Carleton Place to Almonte or Pakenham and back again. By now, you’ll have worked up an appetite, for lunch or dinner and there are lots of great food options in our downtown core. Pick up a Downtown Shopping and Dining Map from the Information Centre for a full list.
SavourtheSweets
Be sure to save some room for a sweet treat later in the day! Carp Custom Creamery is home to some of the best ice cream in the Ottawa Valley.
Or pick up a sweet treat from The Little German Bakery or Maverick’s Donuts (also serving gelato), located just up the street from Carleton Junction.
Artafter Dark
Stroll through the historic heart of town while enjoying some evening shopping, and experience the enchantment of downtown Carleton Place as the streets come alive with illuminated art.
The Downtown Carleton Place Business Improvement Association (BIA) has launched Streetscape Showcase - an innovative placemaking project designed to engage visitors with light, colour, and artwork in the heritage downtown district after dark.
CreativeCulinary
On Saturdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, visit the local Farmer’s Market, at 7 Beckwith Street (Market Square), to enjoy the work of local artisans. Pick up some fresh produce, pastries, and crafts, walk, wander, and shop amongst live music with this creative bunch.
From 10 am to 2 pm on Sundays, shop until you drop at The Best Markets, also located at 7 Beckwith Street. The Best Markets feature 20+ local vendors including local artisans, dietary-friendly food & treats, coffee, and live music!
The Art Expedition is an exciting public art project by Downtown Carleton Place BIA, Carleton Place Tourism, the Carleton Place Gallery and the Town of Carleton Place, that displays works by regional artists of all ages on banners through the heritage shopping and dining area on Bridge Street from High Street to Lake Ave. Access the mini-guide for the Art Expedition here!
A LittleBitAboutUs...
Before you begin your visit, you’re invited to stop at the Visitor Information Centre at 170 Bridge Street, downtown Carleton Place. We offer free maps, a public washroom, bike rentals, free fishing pole loaners, a souvenir shop, a Cpt. A. Roy Brown exhibit and much more! Parking is available behind the Information Centre (free for four hours).
Call 613-257-1976 or email tourism@cpchamber.com if you have any questions before or during your visit. We can’t wait to meet you!
35 minutes from downtown Ottawa
1 hour 35 minutes from Kingston
2 hours 40 minutes from Montréal
4 hours from Toronto
The Grand Hotel 7 Bridge Street, Carleton Place 613-492-1566 thegrandhotelcp.ca
Comfort Inn & Suites 355 McNeely Ave, Carleton Place 343-321-3363 choicehotels.com
The Old Mill Manor 104 Old Mill Ln, Almonte 613-257-9477 oldmillmanor.com
Motels, Airbnb’s and other lodging available.
Summerevents
Canada Day | July 1 @1pm
Bridge Street Summerfest | July 27 @10am-3pm
Mysteries of the Keyhole House | July 19-28
Movies in the Park | July 27 @ 8:45pm
Movies in the Park | Aug 24 @ 8:45pm
Dragonboat Festival | Sept 7 @ 9am
Don’tForget List
Sunscreen, Hats/Headcover, Refillable Water Bottle, Towels, Walking Shoes, Swimsuits and Beach Supplies, Sweaters
