Experience Smiths Falls: Your Guide to Ontario’s Friendliest Adventure Town

Photo © Courtesy of Town of Smiths Falls

Experience Smiths Falls: Your Guide to Ontario’s Friendliest Adventure Town

Smiths Falls is the friendliest town and one that offers big adventures as well. Tucked between Ottawa and Kingston, this fast-growing waterfront community offers historic architecture, a vibrant downtown, and a welcoming small-town charm. From one-of-a-kind accommodations and experiences to delicious food and unique shops to waterfront events and recreation, the town’s focus on hospitality makes it easy to enjoy a day, a weekend, or an even longer stay in Smiths Falls.

All Aboard!

Smiths Falls’ illustrious railway heritage comes to life at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, a National Historic Site. Visitors can climb up into the cupola of a caboose or inspect the track in a Speeder Car. New exhibits, events and programs take place all season.

History Comes to Life

The Heritage House Museum is an elegant Victorian dwelling that offers a look into the lifestyle of a wealthy mill owner. The museum offers changing exhibitions, art shows, day camps, educational programs, gift shops, gardens, picnic areas, and special events throughout the year.

You can also return on a self-guided heritage walking tour showcasing the town’s rich architectural history.

Don’t miss checking out the Smiths Falls Bascule Bridge, built in 1912 to carry the CN Railway mainline over the Rideau Canal, designated a National Historic Site in 1983.

You’ll collect fun facts along the way—like how 18th-century Loyalist Thomas Smythe, for whom Smiths Falls was named, never actually set foot in the area.

Waterways and Trails

Soak up the sights and sounds of the bustling Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Launch your boat or rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard at Pedal & Paddle, where you’ll also find rental bikes if you’d rather stay on dry land. If exploring on foot is more your style, Smiths Falls boasts a network of pathways; outside town, you can check out the Rideau Trail, the Cataraqui Trail and the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail.

PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

Scenic Centennial Park, home to the town’s iconic water tower, is ideal for a picnic and a walk along the waterside trail. In summer, enjoy movies under the stars on Thursday evenings. You’ll find a beach here as well as one at Murphy Park. Lower Reach Park offers ball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer pitches, beach volleyball, a splash pad and more. If a golf course is your perfect playground, visit the Smiths Falls Golf and Country Club, home course for LPGA major champion Brooke Henderson.

Arts and Culture

The former CPR Railway depot is now home to the Station Theatre, which offers live shows, musical events, and movies throughout the year. You can also meet makers and craftspeople at the new Artisan’s Hub in downtown Smiths Falls. As you stroll through Smiths Falls, stop by Russell Street Parkette to see a stunning mural by Dominic Laporte.

LUXURY AND HIDDEN GEMS

Gather with friends in the Old Post Office AirBnB penthouse suite. Pop into Sip Bistro in the delightful Davidson Courtyard for a snack and a glass of wine or craft beer, then head out to collect provisions before spending four days on a luxury Le Boat houseboat cruising the historic Rideau waterway. For a unique accommodation experience, spend the night in a caboose at the Railway Museum AirBnB.

Events Galore

In the small town that thinks big, summer is packed with events. In August, join in on the fun at the Summer Social—it’s the perfect summer day, full of live entertainment, inflatables, games, a vendor market, interactive activities, delicious refreshments and so much more. Or catch a live performance of ‘The Enchanted Bookshop’ Summer Musical, a family-friendly show that is sure to delight and inspire. When fall rolls around, stop by Fall Fest for a day full of fun fall activities.

There’s so much to explore in Smiths Falls; we don’t want you to miss a second of it. Go to smithsfalls.ca/visit to check out even more activities and events to join in on.