Perth, Ontario is a beautiful town in Lanark County that is considered one of Ontario’s prettiest towns. It is easy to see why – Perth has maintained heritage buildings to perfection and the town is always decked out with flower baskets or seasonal decor. It is a perfect day trip from Ottawa or Kingston. Plan to get lunch and explore the town. There are so many things to in Perth, Ontario, ranging from visiting quirky places, to outdoor adventures, to indulging in locals goods.

Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Perth on your next visit!

The Best Things to do in Perth, Ontario 

1. Code’s Mill

Code’s Mill is beautiful on the outside and surprising on the inside. Once an operational mill, the building is one of many historical landmarks in Perth. Inside, discover a beautiful courtyard and several lovely shops. Here is what you will find in Code’s Mill.

BlackFly GrubHub

You’ll find delicious donuts in every flavour imaginable at BlackFly GrubHub! I opted for chocolate peanut butter and my partner tried maple bacon. Both were delicious! 

Perth Chocolate Works

Enjoy artisan chocolate from a local, family business. Perth Chocolate Works uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and has a huge range of delicious chocolates and gift packs to choose from.

Kelly’s Flower and Gift Boutique

Have you recently become a plant person? Same here. Kelly’s Flower and Gift Boutique has beautiful plants, pots, and plant decor so that you can keep adding to your collection.

Fiddleheads Bar & Grill

Fiddlehead Bar & Grill is a variety of dining experiences all wrapped in to one, from their beautiful atrium in Code’s Mill to a fining dining feel with expose bricks to a patio set outside Code’s Mill. This casual, Canadian bar & grill serves all the classics.

2. Perth Cheese 

Cheese is a very big deal in Perth, Ontario. Among the things to do in Perth are eating cheese and seeing an absolutely gigantic cheese. In 1893, a 22,000 pound cheese called the ‘Mammoth Cheese’ was produced in Perth for an exposition in Chicago to promote Canadian cheese. Today, you can check out the replica in Perth. It’s huge! Prefer to eat cheese? Check out the Perth Cheese Shop. There is a huge variety of cheese to choose from and they can make a charcuterie board for you to take out for a picnic!

3. Stewart Park

Stewart Park is a beautiful, scenic park in the heart of Perth. It is considered one of the ‘7 wonders’ of Lanark County. This is usually my first stop in Perth! It is such a lovely spot. Bring a snack from Code’s Mill or The Perth Cheese Shop and enjoy a picnic in the park. Explore the gardens, get photos on the wood bridge, and enjoy your snacks under a willow tree or at one of the many picnic tables in the park.

3. Perth Walking Tour

If you love history and want to discover interesting places and landmarks, a walking tour is one of the best things to do in Perth. Go on a self-guided tour to discover Perth for yourself, or sign up for a guided tour. Tour offerings range from historic settlement tours to ghost tours! There is something for everyone. Find a full list of walking tours in Perth here.

4. Kayak or Canoe the Tay River

Visit Perth Major Outfitters to rent a kayak and explore the Tay River. The river runs through Perth so you can take in great views of the town as you paddle! Perth Major Outfitters also has other activities like mini golf and biking. If you have your own kayak or paddle board  you can launch it at Tay Basin or Last Duel Park.

5. Perth Breweries or Distilleries 

There are some great breweries and distilleries in the area! Put a visit to one of these great spots at the top of your list of things to do in Perth. Enjoy beers on the water at Weatherhead Brew Co. Check out Perth Brewery for great beers and IPAs. Finally, visit Top Shelf Distillers for spirits, cocktails, and more. I actually first tried Top Shelf Distillers at an Ottawa event! They often have pop-ups in the city.

6. Perth Museum & Visitor Centre

Perth Museum is a great place to learn more about Perth and the history of the surrounding area. This award-winning museum is situated in Matheson House, a stone dwelling built in 1840 for a senator in Canada’s first parliament. The rooms have been restored to show what life would have been like in 1840.

8. Perth Wildlife Reserve & Tay Marsh Lookout Tower

The Perth Wildlife Reserve is located just a few minutes outside of Perth. It is a fun escape in to nature and has a great lookout tower overlooking the Tay Marsh. There is small parking fee required. Walk an easy loop to and from the lookout tower in about 30 minutes. On our short walk, we saw rabbits, a very of birds, a snake, and a frog!

Bring bug spray, but leave your furry friend at home. No dogs are allowed in the wildlife reserve.

9. Shop in Perth

There are so many fantastic shops that you can check out in Perth! One of the best things to do in Perth is check out all of the lovely local shops. What makes it extra fun is that many are situated in heritage buildings and former mills!

For home decor and cottage chic styles, head to Red Brick Emporium. You’ll find everything you need to bring unique touches to your home. This local business is located in the Old Mill, a historic landmark in Perth. Red Brick Emporium focuses on sustainable offerings and has a huge range of products from socks to DIY projects kits, and fun throw pillows to Christmas Extravaganza decor.

Taste unique candy flavours from around the world at The Rideau Candy Shoppe. Visit Fall River Fashion for a wide selection of clothing,  shoes, and accessories. There are also several antique stores in Perth such as Gore Street Antique Market.

10. Have Lunch at Places Eat in Perth

You need lunch after all that exploring! 

Mex & Co. 

Mexican food on a waterfront patio. This place is popular because of the great location!

Coutts Coffee Roastery and Cafe

Just need a coffee to fuel up? This great café also boasts waterfront views. 

Rocky River Café

Rocky River Café has a beautiful hidden patio and delicious lunch options.

The Stone Cellar

Casual fine dining at a family-run business. 

O’Reilly’s

Pub fare, a great patio, and sometimes live music in downtown Perth.

Fieldhouse

Bakery and eatery with great sandwiches, croissants, and muffins!

Northfolk Café

Enjoy artisan kombucha on tap and buy some to go from the Northfolk Café.

Tips for Visiting Perth

Parking

There is free street parking in Perth. On my visits many spots offered free parking for 4 hours.

Washrooms

Public washrooms are available at several locations throughout Perth during the summer. Find a full list here. The closest ones to most of the places you will be exploring are Crystal Palace and Town Hall.