Best Things To Do In Perth, Ontario – Restaurants, Sights, and Shops

Perth is well known as one of Ontario’s prettiest towns and once you visit you’ll know exactly why. From stunning Victorian architecture and natural beauty, this picturesque town is sure to catch your heart from the sights but also the community feel. I loved seeing the collaboration and the small-town feel while still having plenty to keep you busy. There are more than 100 designated heritage buildings and over 70 boutique shops, restaurants, specialty stores, and more to explore. Make sure to add this spot to your list of day trips or stay a bit longer and turn it into a road trip. Here are all the things to do in Perth while you’re there:

Start Your Day With Brunch or a Scenic Cafe

Penny’s Place Diner

This diner off highway 7 has an incredible homemade brunch you need to try! I got their hipster eggs benny with goat cheese, spinach, tomato salsa, and bacon on sourdough and it was so delicious and filling. You have the choice of homefries or hashbrowns. I recommend their hashbrowns, so good! Heading here is the perfect excuse to start your trip early because it fills up quickly.

Coutts Coffee Roastery and Cafe

Fuel up with coffee from Coutts Coffee Roastery and Cafe. Park at the municipal lot beside Crystal Palace just minutes from this cafe. On your walk over you’ll spot a giant red chair that you can take a photo in.

Enjoy a view of the water as you sip on your coffee. We took our coffee to go and enjoyed it at the Perth Farmer’s Market, more detail under Perth events.

Shop In The Old Mill

Nearby, you’ll find a great mix of shops to explore inside the Old Mill. Here are two shops you need to visit: 

Red Brick Emporium

Whether you’re looking to spruce up your home or cottage or take on a fun DIY project, Red Brick Emporium is your stop. Inside you’ll find lots of fun home accessories, stationery, gifts, and more. I feel like I could get my Christmas shopping done in this one shop. Keep an eye out for signs from here around Perth. 

The Perth Cheese Shop

The Perth Cheese Shop is a cheese lover’s heaven. You’ll find a wonderful variety and they can also make a gourmet charcuterie board for you. Bring your own board and then take it to Stewart Park nearby to enjoy at a picnic. Looking for a small treat? Get one of their charcuterie cones. 

Stroll Through Stewart Picnic

This is one of my favourite things to do in Perth. This park is so stunning you could honestly spend a whole day here alone. Have a picnic with charcuterie from The Perth Cheese Shop or grab some takeout from Code’s Mill nearby. There are some stunning willow trees, a wooden bridge, and a garden you can explore. There was a wedding taking place here the day we visited. 

If you’re interested in turning your visit into a staycation or hosting an event, the Best Western Plus Parkside Inn and Spa would be a great spot. It’s right downtown and the grounds back onto Stewart Park. 

Stewart Park was left to the town by late resident Jessie Stewart in 1947 in honour of her late husband. It’s one of the seven wonders of Lanark County. 

Explore Code’s Mill

Make sure to add Code’s Mill to your list of things to do in Perth. Cross the bridge from Stewart Park to Code’s Park. It will lead you to Code’s Mill, an old mill converted into multiple shops and restaurants.

Inside is a little oasis of plants and seating. Code’s Mill reminds me of the super-popular Chelsea Market in NYC. I love that you can experience something similar with its own charm close to home. Below are some restaurants and shops to check out online.

Blackfly Grub Hub

Head to Blackfly Grub Hub for some next-level donuts. They serve some creative donuts made fresh daily. Their flavours change but some they offer include maple bacon, peaches and cream, mini m&m’s, peanut butter cup, and more. They also offer fun hot dogs like pickled peach, BLT dog, and more. Grab a hot dog and donut to go and enjoy it in the park nearby or inside Code Mill at one of the tables. 

Perth Chocolate Works

Calling all chocolate lovers, make sure to stop at Perth Chocolate Works. This artisan chocolatier is family-owned. All their chocolates are made with high-quality ingredients (locally sourced if possible) and made in small batches on-site. Their retail store offerings change daily, weekly, and seasonally. Treat yourself or pick up some chocolates as a gift. 

Kelly’s Flowers and Gift Boutique

Kelly’s Flowers and Gift Boutique has lots of plants, planters, bouquets, and gifts like jewelry. The unique planters caught my eye and lots of fun finds like moon necklaces.

Fiddleheads Bar and Grill

Fiddleheads Bar and Grill offers casual dining classics. They have a big patio that overlooks Codes Park, offering a stunning view while you dine. 

Stop For Lunch in Perth, Ontario

Rocky River Cafe

There are so many great restaurants to choose from in Perth. We ended up at Rocky River Cafe. They have a nice hidden patio with lots of greenery. I got the grilled cheese with perogies and caramelized onions and it did not disappoint. It was a generous portion and very filling. 

Fieldhouse

Fieldhouse is a bakery and eatery. Grab a sandwich and enjoy it in Stewart Park or grab a coffee and pastry to go. If available, try one of their cruffins, a mix of a croissant and muffin! 

Picnic Cafe + Catering

Picnic Cafe + Catering has delicious fresh food and coffee. I loved their selection of bowls with international influence like their sushi bowl. Dine-in or take your lunch to go and enjoy it as a picnic at Stewart Park.

Find more restaurants at the bottom of this post 🙂 

Go Shopping in Perth, Ontario

With such a great mix of shops, add browsing to your list of things to do in Perth. You’ll find everything from fashion, antiques, gift shops, and more. Here are a few you need to check out: 

The Rideau Candy Shoppe

Inside The Rideau Candy Shoppe you’ll find it hard to get candy, chocolate, and treats from all over the world including South Africa, Europe, Central America, and more. They also have floats, cotton candy, homemade marshmallows, and more. 

Apropos Flowers

At Apropos you’ll find premium fresh cut flowers, plants, and other artistic goods. Everything is sold by the stem whether that’s a single blossom or a beautiful bouquet. The storefront instantly pulls you in with the arrangement of plants outside. 

Ground Waves

Find a wide range of gifts at Ground Waves in Perth. From kitchen items and cookbooks, kids’ toys, self-care products and more enjoy browsing through all the different items. Make sure to walk to the back of the room on the side to spot a beautiful mural that was painted by a staff member. 

North Folk Cafe

Not only does North Folk Cafe offer coffee and kombucha to go, they also have a makers market inside. Browse through the different makers they feature including crafts and artwork. They also sell customizable Bubbles & Bites boxes. They come with Artizen Kombucha and other goodies. 

Fall River Fashion

Head to Fall River Fashion to find a wonderful selection of clothing, handbags, jewelry, shoes, and more. Inside you’ll find lots of different pieces to suit your style and budget. Their beautiful storefront is sure to catch your eye as well as their lovely displays inside.

Don’t Miss this Hidden Gelato Cafe

When you’re at Fall River Fashion, make sure to walk down the alley beside it and you’ll find the cutest gelato cafe at the end. Fall River Gelato Cafe is the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy a scoop at this adorable and hidden patio.

Backbeat Books and Music

Backbeat Books and Music has a wonderful collection of books, records music, and more inside. Browse their variety and see what catches your eye.

Flint and Honey

This shop quickly became a new favourite with its mix of cute outfits. Whether you’re looking for an outfit for out on the town or something cozier, they’ve got it. 

Gore Street Antique Market

Find something unique at Gore Street Antique Market. Inside you’ll find everything from comic books, jewelry, glassware, and more.

Queen Bee Millinery

Inside Queen Bee Millinery you’ll find a gorgeous selection of one-of-a-kind handmade hats and fascinators. These would be the perfect accessory for high tea at Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

Fashion Boutiques

There are plenty of spots to browse new trends and clothes in Perth. If you’re looking for a new outfit you’ll find plenty of shops downtown including Miss Penny’s Closet, Fashion Envy, The Second Collection, Fawn & Fox, Spring Children, and more.

Home and Fun Finds Boutiques

Find some fun decor pieces to remind you of your trip to Perth. You’ll find lots of shops offering unique items including Decor a la Mode, Hay Design, Riverguild Fine Crafts, Mariposa Design and more.

Perth Pie Co.

Enjoy a mix of sweet, specialty, and savoury pies at Perth Pie Co. Right now they’re taking pre-orders that you can pick up at their window. This would be a nice treat to bring home with you

Learn About The History of Perth, Ontario

Perth began as a military settlement in 1816 after the War of 1812. The British government offered 100 acres of land to soldiers from Scotland. Perth and the Tay River are named after a city and river of the same name in Scotland.

Visit The Perth Museum & Visitor Centre

Step into the award winning Perth Museum and explore the Matheson House. The stone dwelling was built in 1840 for the Honourable Roderick Matheson, wealthy merchant and a senator in Canada’s first parliament after Confederation. There are four rooms that have been restored to reflect the time period. 

Before you leave, make sure to visit the Perth Museum’s Courtyard. It feels like a hidden oasis right downtown with its beautiful garden.

Go On A Walking Tour of Perth, Ontario

There are multiple walking tours and self-guided tours available in Perth. From stories of the settlement to ghost tours, find the full list here.

Visit a Perth Brewery or Distillery

Weatherhead Brew Co.

You’ll find Weatherhead Brew Co. at a great spot near the water in Perth. The Brewery is named after Samuel Weatherhead. He ran away from home in Barbados on a ship from England that was attacked by pirates. He ended up on a small island and was luckily found by a ship heading to Quebec. You can read the whole story on their website but it’s quite impressive how he ended up in Perth. The brewery itself is in a beautifully renovated old Wampole factory.  

Weatherhead Brew Co. is right along the Tow Path and beside the historic Bridge Masters House and Swing Bridge. We enjoyed some beers on the patio and watched as people canoed and kayaked by. Their patio is currently open on certain days so make sure to call and make a reservation in advance.

Perth Brewing

I didn’t have a chance to visit this trip but Perth is also home to Perth Brewing. I love that they have a Last Duel Beer that’s an ode to the historic last fatal duel in Upper Canada. 

Top Shelf Distillers

If you love spirits, add Top Shelf Distillers to your list of things to do in Perth. Their distillery is in Perth but you’ve probably been introduced to them already at an Ottawa event. They offer classic spirits, cocktail kits, bitters and more.

Go Kayaking or Canoeing On The Tay River

Head down the Tow Path to Perth Major Outfitters. Perth is a beautiful spot to go kayaking/canoeing and even made my list of places to go near Ottawa. The Tay River flows through downtown so you’ll get some pretty scenic views as you paddle through. Check out this post to guide your paddle adventure.

Perth Outfitters has plenty of fun activities to enjoy. Feel like you’re playing real life mario kart as you cycle through a course on their European bikes. Play a round of mini-golf before you leave, including a hole that’s on the water.

We went paddleboarding and its a peaceful and scenic paddle as you pass by the bridges, Weatherhead Brewing and Sunflower Bake Shop (keep an eye out for their dock so you can stop and get a treat).

Interested in launching your own canoe or kayak? You can launch your canoe or kayak at Tay Basin downtown or Last Duel Park on the outskirts. 

Bike Ride Around Perth

Cycle around Perth and see the sights. Rent a bike or e-scooter from Heritage Bikes in Perth. Their team can walk you through different cycle options including country roads. 

To see all the main sites of downtown Perth, here’s their recommended route:

• Start at Heritage Bikes and make your way to Stewart Park
• Turn left on Rogers and make your way to Conlon Farm
• Once at the farm, turn right onto Cockburn toward Beckwith
• Turn right on Beckwith and make your way to Last Duel Park
• Bike Left towards Crystal Palace
• Make your way back to Heritage Bikes

Grab A Bite For Dinner/More Restaurant Options

There are so many wonderful restaurants to choose from in Perth. I’ll need to return to try these restaurants out but here are a few that are on my radar and why: 

Mex&Co. Offers Mexican Cuisine and has a stunning spot by the water. They have 3 levels of patios to choose from

The Stone Cellar is a family-run business that offers casual fine dining. It’s a charming interior with exposed brick and they have a nice patio. Weddings are hosted here so this would be a lovely spot for a date night. 

O’Reilly’s is a great spot to enjoy some delicious pub fare, live music, and a patio. They have a great location in downtown Perth.

Kothu Labs is a wonderful Sri Lankan restaurant. Enjoy dinner at their barrel tables underneath twinkle lights.

Maximilian Restaurant offers authentic European cuisine. They have a hidden back patio that has a view of the water.

Visit A Gallery in Perth, Ontario

Concave Gallery

Concave Gallery opened up recently inside Code’s Mill and has such a fun mix of art from talented artists. From pop culture drawings to watercolour that literally looked like a photograph, you’ll love browsing inside here. Concave Gallery wants to give a platform for those who have chosen to stray from the safe path and give them an avenue to showcase their work.

Katherine Muir Miller Gallery

Katherine Muir Miller Gallery has stunning and vibrant landscape pieces. I loved browsing and seeing all the paintings that captured memories of cross-Canada travel.

Studio 87

Studio 87 is another gallery in Perth where you’ll find beautiful and vibrant pieces. Walk into the background and you can sit and browse the paintings with a view of the water.

Visit The Drive-In

Nearby you’ll find the Port Elmsley Drive-In. Watch a movie under the stars surrounded by forest. I went here at the beginning of summer and had a blast. Head to Perth early so you can spend the day exploring and then end your day at the drive in. Find more details in my guide to nearby drive-ins here. 

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A post shared by Julia Weber ✨ Ottawa + Travel (@littlemissottawa) on Jun 15, 2020 at 4:54pm PDT

Attend An Event in Perth

Throughout the year Perth is home to many wonderful events. You can check their event calendar here and lineup your visit with one.

Head to Perth on September 18th for their Perth Night Market. Wander the streets and encounter entertainers and artisans, and dine and imbibe under the stars at their delicious restaurants and pubs. Shop as you stroll while surrounded by our beautiful heritage buildings, with many shops open late.

Attend the Perth Farmer’s Market on Saturday to browse local vendors. You’ll find fresh herbs, specialty kimchi’s, maple syrup, and more. Nearby the Farmer’s Market you’ll spot the giant replica of the 22,000 pound Mammoth Cheese made in Perth and sent to the 1892 Chicago World’s Fair.

One seasonal event that’s been on my radar is the Festival of Lights where you can see over 40+ Christmas trees in Crystal Palace. Learn more in my Christmas Tree guide here.

Make It A Staycation – Where To Stay In Perth

Best Western Plus Parkside Inn and Spa

Best Western Plus Parkside Inn and Spa is right downtown so you can park your car and then walk to the main attractions. It backs onto the stunning Stewart Park. It’s also a popular spot for wedding receptions.  Book your Stay at the Perth Best Western Plus here. 

Nevis Estate

Nevis Estate brings luxury accommodation in a stunning heritage estate. We had the opportunity to do a tour and the grounds and rooms are absolutely stunning. Everything was so thoughtful from the naming of each room after Scotch to the stunning main bar.

How To Get To Perth, Ontario and Parking

Perth is about an hour’s drive from Ottawa and just over an hour from Kingston. The municipal lots have free parking until October 31, 2021. Street parking downtown is free for the first 4 hours.

This post was sponsored by Perth Tourism. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I hope you have as much fun exploring Perth as I did. I’d love to see your adventures. Feel free to tag me on social @littlemissottawa.