When people ask me about things to do in Perth, Ontario, I always smile.
This small town may look a little sleepy at first glance, but it oozes charm. It earns its title of being considered one of Ontario’s prettiest towns.
I’ve been visiting for decades, and each return feels a little bit familiar, yet there’s always something new popping up. What I love about this town is the stone heritage buildings, tree-lined streets, and a pace of life that never hurries you along.
Perth is a place for simple pleasures: walking by the Tay River, browsing local shops, or lingering over a meal. It’s also a town with stories; layered in history, culture, and community pride.
I’ll share the best ways to experience it. Whether you’re here for a few hours or a weekend, this is a town that you’ll want to return to, as I’ve done all these years.
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Why Visit Perth, Ontario
Perth is one of those Ontario towns that surprises people when they first visit.
It may seem farther than many of the more commonly visited small towns west of Toronto, like Elora and Stratford. And honestly, for most GTA travellers, Perth works much better as a relaxed weekend escape than a rushed day trip. The slower pace, historic atmosphere, riverside setting, and excellent food scene deserve more than a few hurried hours.
But that slightly farther location is also part of what makes Perth feel different.
Unlike some Ontario towns that can feel heavily shaped around tourism, like Niagara-on-the-Lake, Perth still feels deeply local and lived-in. There’s a groundedness to it that becomes noticeable almost immediately once you begin wandering the downtown streets.
Located in Eastern Ontario, Perth sits within easy reach of Ottawa, the Rideau Lakes region, and Prince Edward County, making it a natural stop for travellers exploring this side of the province more slowly. The surrounding countryside, lakes, and scenic drives add to the experience rather than simply serving as the route to get there.
And, Perth feels older than many Ontario small towns.
You notice it in the beautifully preserved stone buildings, the Tay River bridges, the historic homes, and the sense that the town has evolved gradually over generations rather than being a town specifically for its visitors.
Near London lies St. Marys, known as the “stone town”, which can’t compete with all of the limestone buildings in Perth.
Step Into Perth’s History
History isn’t confined to one museum here. It feels woven into the streets themselves.
The best way to begin understanding Perth is through its stories. I always recommend starting with one of the walking tours offered through the Perth Tourism Centre because they help connect the buildings and landmarks to the people who shaped the town.
Founded in 1816 as a military settlement, Perth’s Scottish roots remain visible throughout the downtown, especially in the heritage stone architecture crafted by skilled masons. Even the town’s name pays tribute to Perth, Scotland.
One of my favourite historic stops is the Perth Museum inside Matheson House, a beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1840 for Senator Roderick Matheson. Inside, period rooms and artifacts offer a glimpse into the town’s early years, while the quiet garden behind the house feels like a hidden pocket of calm tucked into the downtown.
Perth also carries some unexpectedly fascinating stories.
Canada’s last fatal duel happened here, and the pistols used in the duel are displayed inside the museum, while Last Duel Park marks the site itself.
And throughout the downtown, the architecture itself continues telling the story. Massive stone civic buildings, historic bridges, churches, mills, and heritage storefronts give Perth a sense of permanence that feels increasingly rare in Ontario small towns today.
My Favourite Things To Do in Perth
For me, the heart of any great Ontario small town is always the downtown.
It is my absolute first place I head to when I arrive. And Perth has one of the most beautifully preserved downtowns in Ontario. That’s why I keep returning.
Most of the best things to do in Perth are concentrated within easy walking distance of one another, which makes the town especially rewarding to explore slowly on foot. Let me share some of my favourites with you.
Explore Code’s Mill
In the heart of Perth stands Code’s Mill, a stone beauty from 1842 that has been lovingly reimagined. Step inside and you’ll find a couple of shops. I always stop at Perth Chocolate Works first. A single salted caramel or praline is never enough, so I usually leave with a box.
The courtyard is my favourite place to pause. The fountain hums softly, sunlight spills through the soaring glass ceiling, and balconies curl above with wrought iron grace. Palm trees add an unexpected touch of warmth, making the Atrium feel like a small oasis.
Shop the Heritage Downtown
Downtown Perth is a shopper’s haven along the charming streets of Gore and Foster. This is always my measure of a small town in Ontario that’s worth visiting. And, Perth doesn’t disappoint.
As you stroll amidst historical buildings, you’ll find an endless array of boutique shops. There’s something for everyone! Collectors will love the many antique shops. Art lovers will appreciate the artisan shops and art galleries. Children will adore the toy and book shops. And, on and on.
Here are a few that caught my eye and are my long-time faves to return:
- The Collection Vintage– go for the curated mid-century finds
- Update your vinyl record collection and visit Backbeat Books & Music
- Flint and Honey have all the cozy feels for home and fashion
- For trendy streetwear, head to LIDA, you’re not only going to find something cool to wear, but you will support a woman solopreneur who’s a big promoter of inclusivity
- A fun shop to browse and admire is Queen Bee Millinery, which is all about the modern fascinator or hat. Her acclaimed work has been worn at the most prestigious events, such as Royal Ascot, as well as the late Queen’s garden parties
- Red Brick Emporium is another lifestyle, clothing, and housewares shop that is fun to browse
Discover Perth’s Art & Creative Side
Perth may be known for its history, but it also has a surprisingly strong creative side woven throughout the downtown.
What I enjoy most is that the arts scene here feels approachable and connected to the community, much like what I found in the town of Creemore. Galleries, artisan shops, studios, and performance spaces are naturally integrated into the historic streets, which makes discovering them feel like part of wandering through town itself.
Studio 87 is one of the standout contemporary galleries in Perth and is always worth stepping into if you enjoy modern Canadian art.
I also enjoy browsing Times Gone by Studio, which showcases the work of two local artists inside a space that feels highly personal and reflective of Perth’s creative community.
For traditional Canadian landscapes, the Katherine Muir Miller Gallery features classic scenes that feel especially fitting given the surrounding Rideau and Lanark County landscapes.
I think Perth’s creative side is part of what gives the town its depth. Between the heritage architecture, riverside setting, galleries, bookstores, artisan shops, and community events, Perth feels like a town where people still genuinely make and create things rather than simply sell to visitors.
Discover Perth’s Historic Landmarks
Perth’s history is full of remarkable stories. One of the most famous is the Mammoth Cheese. In 1893, Lanark County milk producers banded together to create a cheddar wheel weighing more than 22,000 pounds and sent it by train to the Chicago World Fair. The tale sounds too large to believe, but the town keeps a reproduction on display—a reminder of what a determined community can do.
Nearby stands the McMartin House, built in 1830 by Daniel McMartin, Perth’s second lawyer. Its Federalist architecture is rare in Ontario, marked by the widow’s walk crowning the roof. Recognized as a National Historic Site, it holds a quiet dignity that sets it apart.
Right in the centre of town stands Perth’s Town Hall from 1863. Just like other buildings lining the streets, it’s crafted from the same local stone. However, the details on this impressive Town Hall make it truly stand out. Crowned with an ornate wooden cornice and framed by a boxed gable and tower, the mix of wood and stone makes it easily prominent from the rest.
Notably, the intricate bell and clock tower, added in 1874, serves as a vivid marker of a structure meticulously designed to make a striking statement as a significant public landmark during its era of construction.
Traveller’s: Behind the Town Hall, you will find the Perth Bandstand from 1852. Back in the day, this area was previously used as a Farmers’ Market where produce and live animals could be purchased. Since then, the town band, The Perth Citizens’ Band, performs concerts throughout the summer.
Perth also celebrates its modern champions. The bronze statue of equestrian Ian Millar and his famed horse Big Ben stands between Stewart Park and Code’s Mill. Millar’s Olympic bronze in 2008 is a point of pride for the community.
Then there’s the County Courthouse. Built in 1842, it commands attention—not only for its stone presence but for the two cannons guarding the entrance. These artifacts date back to the American Revolutionary War, once part of General John Burgoyne’s army. Their survival is rare, their presence here a reminder of Perth’s military role in shaping the region.
Many small towns across Ontario feature larger-than-life Muskoka chairs as a fun photo op, and Perth just so happens to be one of those towns.
Near the Mammoth Cheese landmark, you’ll find the big red chair between Gore and Drummond streets. Remember to tag your best Instagrammable shot #PerthProud!
Walk Stewart Park & the Tay River Bridges
Tucked behind Town Hall, between Mill and Herriott streets, lies Stewart Park. Spread across five acres, it is the green heart of downtown Perth. Wide lawns, shaded trees, gardens, and graceful bridges over the Tay River make this park the place I return to every visit.
Tip: Visit in the early morning to catch the sublime water reflections. The iconic landmarks like Code’s Mill, Town Hall, Terrace on the Tay, and the Perth Water Tower are all framed perfectly by the park’s natural beauty.
One of the most striking features is the Stone Legacy Bridge. Built to mark Perth’s 200th anniversary, it was crafted with traditional dry stone methods—no mortar, just skill. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, and it connects the town’s past to its present.
The Tay River Trail also begins here, a pathway first carved in 1816 when Perth was a military settlement. I love it for a morning run, but it’s equally inviting for a quiet walk. Along the trail, plaques and markers reveal stories from the past. Look closely, and you’ll discover Heritage Perth hidden in plain sight.
Little Tay Bridge and Mill Street Bridge showcase original stonework. Cavers Bridge and Rainbow Bridge are favourites for photographs. The Green Bridge frames the park from its best angle. And the King Post swing bridge, built in 1888, is the last of its kind across the Tay—an enduring piece of history still standing strong.
This is what makes Perth so special, and a stand-out town in my books. I can’t imagine visiting Perth and not walking through Stewart Park and its bridges.
Where to Eat in Perth, Ontario
Nothing feels more like summer than a scoop of ice cream in hand. Two Scoops, a little shop beside Stewart Park, has become my go-to. It’s small-town charm at its best, with vintage touches and flavours that feel like a reward after a wander through the park.
For food lovers, the Perth Cheese Shop is a must. Run by Meredith and Mark, it carries an impressive selection of local and imported cheeses. I always stop for a sample and leave with something for my next charcuterie board.
Perth Pie is another place that pulls me in. Their open kitchen lets you watch the bakers at work. Fruit pies are the favourite; wild blueberry and tart cherry sell out fast, but I’m equally fond of their butter tarts and savoury tourtière.
My Favourite Cafés in Perth
As it is with most small towns, cafés still feel highly local and community-driven. I love eavesdropping on their conversations, catching up with neighbours or town gossip rather than rushing out the door.
Coutts Coffee Roastery & Cafe remains one of my favourite stops in town to pick up coffee beans for my husband. Located inside the historic Sheriff’s House from 1841, it’s hard to beat the atmosphere and riverfront location.
North Fold Cafe & Bakery has a completely different vibe; relaxed, modern, and especially popular for its locally made Artizen Kombucha and plant-based baked goods. But honestly, the real standout for me is their signature North Folk Cake.
And one of the more unique concepts in Perth is Billings & Co. What begins as a stylish daytime café gradually transforms into more of a boutique wine bar experience later in the day. I loved chatting with owner Mary Catherine about her vision for creating a space that blends restaurant-quality food with the feeling of entertaining at home. The small plates, carefully selected wines, and welcoming atmosphere make this one of the most memorable café experiences in Perth.
My Favourite Spots for Lunch & Dinner in Perth
Perth may be small, but the food scene here is genuinely impressive for a town of its size. What I especially enjoy is the variety, from casual lunch spots to riverside patios and more refined historic dining rooms.
For a quick lunch, Fieldhouse is one of my go-to stops. Their sandwiches are simple but really well done, making this an easy place to stop during a day of wandering downtown.
The Twisted Fork Cafe & Bistro is another reliable option, especially if you’re looking for homemade comfort food. Their takeaway selection ranges from soups and lasagnas to salads and quiches, and I can personally recommend both the quinoa salads and quiches.
For dinner, Bistro 54 became such a regular stop for me over the years that I think the owner eventually recognized me. If you love homemade pasta, this is absolutely where I’d recommend going.
Mex & Co is another standout, especially during patio season overlooking the Tay River. I still think they serve some of the best Mexican food in the entire 613 area. Just be prepared to have a backup plan if you’re hoping for an outdoor table, since they don’t take reservations.
I’ve also dined at Fiddleheads Bar and Grill. On a summer day, the patio is perfect; expect typical pub-style classics with views of the Tay River winding through Stewart Park.
And if you’re craving schnitzel, Maximilian’s Restaurant has long been a Perth favourite for German and Austrian dishes. Their outdoor waterfront patio along the Tay River is one of the nicest dining settings in town during the summer months.
Where to Stay in Perth
While sticking around town is definitely an option, I’ve had my fair share of stays at local spots, like the popular Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa, including their spa treatments. However, if you want to rent a vacation property for the weekend, there is no shortage of places.
I’ve rented the gorgeous The West House that sits on the shores of Upper Rideau Lake, a mere 24 km or 30-minute drive from Perth. The moment you arrive, you realize you are someplace pretty special.
Some Ontario Towns Ask You to Slow Down
Perth isn’t the kind of Ontario town that everyone flocks to. Not that it’s not worth it, it likely is a factor of its location.
To me, that’s why it is worth visiting. It reminds me that there is more to see in Ontario than just places close to the GTA.
If you enjoy day tripping in Ontario as I do, have you tried Guess Where Trips yet? Their Ontario road trips focus on bringing you to places that are not always the most visited. They support local communities that have something unique to offer, helping you discover the smaller places, scenic roads, local shops, and overlooked towns that make travelling through Ontario feel interesting again.
Perth feels exactly like the kind of town you hope to stumble across on one of those drives.
