Ottawa Valley Day Trips
Ottawa Valley Day Trips - Get the freshest ideas for enjoying the small towns and picturesque countryside of the Ottawa Valley from the people who live and play here regularly.
The Valley includes the communities of Mississippi Mills (including Almonte, Clayton and Pakenham), Carleton Place, Carp, Arnprior, Renfrew, Smiths Falls, Burnstown, White Lake, Balderson, Perth and Westport.
An area that encompasses the Maple Syrup Capital of Canada (Lanark County), the historic Rideau Canal waterway (the province's only UNESCO World Heritage site), and a diverse landscape that offers scope for outdoor activities all year round, the Ottawa Valley is an exceptional destination for visitors from near and far.
Quality shopping and dining
Many unique local retailers and restaurants make the Valley a great place to find quality, and take home something different. Locally-made products are hallmarks of the region and are celebrated at signature events like Handmade Harvest.
The Ottawa Valley is also home to a number of quality independent bookstores (Almonte, Arnprior, Carleton Place, Perth, Smiths Falls and Westport!).
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Community Museums in the Ottawa Valley
Culture Friendly Food Joints in the Ottawa Valley
Suggested Day Trips
Winter activities in the Ottawa Valley
Winter festivals abound in the cold months, including Almonte's Light Up the Night in early December and Pakenham's Frost Festival in January.
Peaceful walking, snowshoeing and skiing trails can be found at local Conservation Areas, while more energetic winter pursuits can be found at Mount Pakenham and Calabogie Peaks Resort.
As spring approaches and the sap starts to run, area sugarbushes offer unique pleasures and a great spot for a hearty meal. Visit the Winter Activities section of theHumm's Directory for details.
Spring activities in the Ottawa Valley
For something rather special, consider a visit to Purdon Conservation Area (in the Lanark Highlands) in June: for three weeks each year, more than ten thousand orchid blooms make for a stunning display.
Spring is also a good time to consider visiting one of the Valley's many museums and heritage sites, like the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario and the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre (the historic water system's flagship interpretation centre) in Smiths Falls, the Perth Museum (a National Historic Site), and the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum.
Summer activities in the Ottawa Valley
The summer is all about amazing festivals across the region, from CeltFest and the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival in Almonte, to Perth's Stewart Park Music Festival, Heritage Mica Days and the Garlic Festival, Westport's Writers Reading festival, and a one-day Dragon Boat Festival in Carleton Place! There's even a month-long celebration known as Mississippi Mills Bicycle Month with some events that will attract cycling enthusiasts.
A passion for local food can be found at Farmers' Markets across the Valley, including Eastern Ontario's largest producer-based market in Carp.
Fall activities in the Ottawa Valley
The region's Conservation Areas host walking trails and special events throughout the year, but the fall is a particularly beautiful time to visit the wooded trails the Mill of Kintail (near Almonte).
Gorgeous drives and walks can be found throughout the Valley, and what better way to enjoy them than as part of a studio tour?
Although studio tours and artisan/craft shows occur throughout the year, the fall is really the highlight of the year, with the Fall Colours Studio Tour (Westport and area), the Crown and Pumpkin Studio Tour (Mississippi Mills, Almonte and Clayton), and the Perth Autumn Studio Tour. The fibre arts have their own celebration at FibreFest every September in Almonte.
Ottawa Valley Event Calendar
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May 2025
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