Carleton Carleton
OttawaValley
RecreationalTrail(OVRT)
The OVRT is a 296 km trail on a former Canadian Pacific Railway corridor. The trail passes through diverse landscapes, including wetlands, forests, and along the Mississippi River, ideal for outdoor recreation. The OVRT is a go-to trail for yearround use. There’s multiple points where you can access the OVRT throughout Town.
TransCanadaTrail
For 30km, The Trans Canada Trail passes through Carleton Place. This section of the trail offers a smooth gravel surface, ideal for activities like cycling and walking. The trailhead is located near the OPP Station on Coleman Street, with parking. Bike fix-it station, water refill and public washrooms are nearby at Carleton Junction.
O-Kee-Lee NatureTrail
This short trail meanders through a filled-in wetland area amid old willow trees and woodland ponds. Take the opportunity to observe wildlife and vegetation such as honeysuckle, wild grapes, and mountain ash. It provides access points to the shoreline of the Mississippi River and features benches for resting and birdwatching. Brought your canoe or kayak? Launch from Centennial Park.
Mississippi Riverwalk
The Mississippi Riverwalk trail starts on Princess Street and meanders along the Mississippi River. It includes several observation points overlooking the River. This trail is wheelchair accessible and one of the most popular in Town trails.
Riverside Park&Trail
This 1 km trail, located at Riverside Park, is easy, suitable for all ages, paved and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Discover the historic Carleton Place Canoe Club and enjoy scenic views along the Mississippi River. Bring a picnic or enjoy the benches under old-growth trees while the leaves change colour. Parking available.
memorialpark
At 36 Franklin Street, reflect at the memorial cenotaph, in a peaceful park with picnic benches by the Public Library.
HackberryPark
At 91 Mill Street, learn about the largest grouping of Hackberry trees in eastern Ontario growing there. Listen to the sounds of the Mississippi River.
cycling
Carleton Place is a cycle-friendly trail Town where the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail meets the Trans Canada Trail. With wellmaintained trails suitable for all skill levels, Carleton Place encourages cycling as a healthy and enjoyable way to experience its historic downtown, with bakeries, cafes, breweries, and beautiful landscapes.
Try the 200km Cycle MORE (Mississippi and Ottawa Rivers Experience) cycling loop, that takes cyclists from Ottawa and the urban area through rural landscapes. Start or end your cycling adventure in Carleton Place!
Washrooms and water refills are available at 170 Bridge Street, 15 Mill Street, and 142 Franktown Road (bike fix-it station here).
Recommended cycling routes are available on our website.
Motorcycling
Motorcyclists are welcome to Carleton Place, with great roads, stunning fall foliage and historic points of interest. If you’re looking for an off-road adventure, consider the new 538 km Gravel Crusher route from Ride The Highlands.
Located at 142 Franktown Road, Carleton Junction hosts a pump track loop with two tracks to allow for users of all ages to have fun. Find the skate park within the pump track loop, and a train-themed playground nearby. A bike fix-it station, water refill and public washrooms are located here.
Bike rentals and maps are available at the Information Centre, located at 170 Bridge Street. Discover the charm of Carleton Place with a bike rental or an hour, half day or full day. Locks and helmets included.
Our staff will be happy to assist you in curating a local cycling route!
paddling fishing
Home to the Carleton Place Canoe Club, the oldest racing canoe club in Canada, the Mississippi River sees a lot of water action!
Paddle your worries away and soak in the sun and crisp fresh air by canoeing or kayaking the Mississippi River and Lake. There are multiple launch points in Carleton Place, particularly at the 170 Bridge Street dock, Centennial Park and Riverside Park.
You can rent your own kayak and explore the waterway with Kayakomat. Book online and visit the self-serve kiosk at Centennial Park, across from the Carleton Place Canoe Club. Lots of parking, and a small beach make this a quant location to launch for an adventure!
boating
Boating in Carleton Place offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the waterways of the region, particularly the Mississippi River and Mississippi Lake. The Town features several public boat launches, including one at the west end of Lake Avenue, making it easy for residents and visitors to get on the water. Enjoy the seasonal changes from another perspective.
Between river and lake, the Mississippi shelters enough creeks, hidey holes, habitats and spawning grounds to satisfy recreational and sports fishermen alike. Up to a dozen fishing tournaments are launched from Riverside Park or nearby each year. Cast a line from Riverside Park or fly fish near McNeely Bridge, Arkland Island and Glen Isle.
Borrow a fishing pole from the Information Centre, thanks to the Tackleshare Program.
birdwatching
With some 200 species that call Lanark County home, you’re sure to find some interesting birds here!
Consider the waterfront Mississippi Riverwalk trail and O-Kee-Lee Nature Trail, or bring your binoculars to enjoy our feathered friends from a boat, kayak or canoe!
cozy cozy cafes cafes
As autumn paints Carleton Place in vibrant hues, visitors can experience the cozy charm of downtown's inviting cafes. Nestled along historic streets, these warm retreats offer the perfect sanctuary to embrace the fall season. Whether you're seeking a quiet corner to lose yourself in a book or a quaint spot to catch up with friends, the Town's array of cafes cater to every mood.
Indulge in freshly baked treats at Blue Spoon Atelier, 5 Allan Street, savor artisanal coffee at Foundry Collective & Coffee Bar, 122 Bridge Street, or enjoy made-from-scratch comfort food at The Good Food Co., 31 Bridge Street.
Each cafe provides a unique ambiance, from rustic charm to modern flair, allowing you to soak in the small-town atmosphere while watching the falling leaves dance outside. As the crisp air settles in, these welcoming havens become the heart of Carleton Place's autumn experience, inviting both locals and tourists to create cherished memories over steaming mugs and delectable bites.
food food for for thesoul thesoul
Carleton Place boasts a vibrant culinary scene that caters to diverse tastes, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Enjoy a BIG TASTE of small town!
At 35 Mill Street, the Carleton Place Noodle House serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine, featuring fragrant pho and traditional dishes. Just down the road at 156 Bridge Street, Sagar invites diners to explore the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine, with a rich menu of aromatic curries and tandoori specialties. For those seeking a scenic dining experience, the Waterfront Gastropub offers pub fare alongside views of the Mississippi River. Meanwhile, Boulton House combines heritage charm with a menu that blends traditional favorites and modern culinary trends. Lastly, Black Tartan Kitchen provides casual fine dining with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, delivering a true farm-totable experience.
Together, these restaurants create a delightful tapestry of flavors that make Carleton Place a culinary gem.
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Friday Afternoon
Unpack for your stay at the Comfort Inn & Suites, The Grand Hotel, a cottage on Mississippi Lake, with your friends and family, or a local Airbnb.
Kick off your visit by heading to the Information Centre, at 170 Bridge Street for maps and the Capt. Roy Brown Exhibit. Staff will be available to answer any questions you have. Pick up a Self-Guided Walking Tour Brochure and Downtown Shopping & Dining Guide.
Start with Tour 1 of the Self-Guided Walking Tour, a great way to explore the Town, its architecture, and rich history!
Make sure to visit the Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum on the tour, open till 4 pm and free admission!
Use the Downtown Shopping & Dining Guide to choose from a diverse selection of restaurants, pubs, and breweries.
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Saturday MORNING
Start the morning with a refreshing breakfast at a local eatery like Freska or Mapels.
Visit the Farmer’s Market, 8:30 am-12:30 pm at 7 Beckwith Street until October 12th! See what seasonal goods you can find!
For an adrenaline-filled afternoon, head to MARKED Ultimate Family Adventure Park. Choose from a variety of activities like paintball, the obstacle course, axe throwing, or laser tag. Make sure to book in advance!
Or visit the Carleton Place Gallery, and spend time browsing the exhibits and discover the artist's inspirations and techniques. Visit their website for ongoing workshops. Be sure to ask about the ongoing Art Expedition.
Saturday Afternoon
Take on Tour 2 of the Self-Guided Walking Tour while strolling up and down the historic Bridge Street. Stop and shop at charming boutiques, flower shops, consignment stores, and more!
A few stops to highlight include, A Bunch of Whimsy (The Queen’s), The Floral Boutique, Millwards, Coastal, and the Real Wool Shop.
Keep an eye out for the murals downtown, which make perfect photo backdrops! There even is a Stompin’ Tom mural for country music fans!
After seeing all that downtown has to offer, take your pick of where to sit, unwind, and enjoy dinner.
Sunday MORNING
Carleton Place has some special cafes and bakeries you have to try! Start your Sunday morning right with a visit to The Little German Bakery, Deadly Grounds (yes, it’s a horror-themed coffee shop), or Maverick’s Donuts.
Now you’re ready to head to a park, walk a trail, rent a bike, or kayak! Bike rentals are available at 170 Bridge Street. Book your kayak online and pick up your kayak at Centennial Park. Whichever you decide, soak in the fresh crisp air and enjoy the warm sun!
Alternatively, you can rejuvenate with a visit to Mahogany Salon and Spa for some well-deserved pampering and self-care!
Refuel with a satisfying lunch downtown.
Get some last-minute shopping done downtown, whether it’s for cozy sweaters or holiday gifts! Carleton Place souvenirs can be purchased at the Information Centre.
Extend your visit by trying the Sip & Savour Trail!
