Carleton Place Travel Guide

A comprehensive guide to Carleton Place including information on places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local customs and culture.


Introduction to Carleton Place

Carleton Place is a small town located in the Ottawa-Rideau region of Eastern Ontario, Canada. Known for its beautiful natural scenery and historic landmarks, Carleton Place attracts tourists from all around the globe. Filled with charming local businesses and friendly locals, it is the perfect place to unplug and relax.

List of Places to Visit in Carleton Place

With its rich history, natural beauty, and local charm, Carleton Place offers a variety of must-see attractions and landmarks. Here are some of the top places to visit.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum: This museum showcases the history of Carleton Place and Beckwith Township. With over 20,000 artifacts and exhibits, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past.

  • The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum: The museum is located in a beautiful stone mill building, showcasing exhibits highlighting the history of the local textile industry.

Natural Attractions of Carleton Place: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mississippi River: The Mississippi River runs through the heart of Carleton Place, providing stunning views and recreational opportunities like kayaking or canoeing.

  • Riverside Park: Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Riverside Park is a beautiful spot for a relaxing stroll, a picnic, or enjoying the local wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Carleton Place

  • Cataraqui Trail: The Cataraqui Trail is a 110-kilometer trail that runs from Smith Falls to Strathcona. It is a multi-use trail perfect for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain biking enthusiasts.

  • Cedar Hill Loop Trail: This 3.4-kilometer hike offers a great adventure for more experienced hikers and climbers.

Best Things to Do in Carleton Place: Activities and Tours

  • Carleton Place Farmers’ Market: Happening every Saturday, the Carleton Place Farmers’ Market offers locally grown and organic produce, baked goods, and crafts from local vendors.

  • Horseback riding: There are several horseback riding farms in the area, offering trail rides, cross-country rides, and instruction for riders of all skill levels.

Week-Long Itinerary for Carleton Place

Day 1: Visit the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum and explore the local history. Day 2: Head to the Mississippi River and enjoy a day of kayaking or canoeing. Day 3: Visit the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum and learn about the local textile industry. Day 4-5: Explore the local hiking and biking trails, such as the Cataraqui Trail and Cedar Hill Loop Trail.
Day 6: Enjoy the local farmers’ market, and try some of the locally sourced food.
Day 7: Go horseback riding and enjoy the scenery.

Food and Drink Scene of Carleton Place

Must-Try Dishes

  • Burgers at The Thirsty Moose: The Thirsty Moose offers fresh, delicious burgers and beer on tap.

  • Fish and chips at The Waterfront Gastropub: The Waterfront Gastropub offers delicious fish and chips, perfect for enjoying by the river.

Local Beverages

  • Top Shelf Distillers: This local distillery produces a variety of spirits, including vodka, gin, and whiskey.

  • Coutts Coffee Roastery: This local coffee roastery offers many varieties of freshly roasted coffee.

Where to Stay in Carleton Place: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • River Breeze Inn: The River Breeze Inn is a beautiful guesthouse that provides an outstanding view of the Mississippi River.

  • Barons Motor Inn: This cozy pet-friendly motel offers air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a perfect location close to all the main attractions.

What to Buy in Carleton Place: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade pottery at the Gilligallou Artisan Store: The Gilligallou Artisan Store offers a variety of locally-made pottery, ceramics, and jewelry.

  • Locally-sourced honey at Waratah Downs Honey: Located just outside of Carleton Place, Waratah Downs Honey offers delicious, locally sourced honey and hive products.

Local Culture and Customs of Carleton Place

Carleton Place is a friendly town with a relaxed pace of life, so it’s important to take your time and enjoy every moment there.

Best Time to Visit Carleton Place

The best time to visit Carleton Place is in the summer months, from June to September. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny and the town is bustling with activities and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Carleton Place

Do:

  • Explore local hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
  • Attend local events and farmers’ market.
  • Try locally-sourced food and souvenirs.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave trash behind after picnicking or hiking in the park.
  • Ignore important signs and warnings on hiking trails and natural areas.
  • Be disrespectful to local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Carleton Place

Carleton Place is a small and safe town, but like any place, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft and other crimes.

Health in Carleton Place

Carleton Place has a small, friendly hospital and several clinics available for healthcare needs.

Getting to Carleton Place: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Carleton Place

  • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport: This airport is the closest international airport to Carleton Place.

  • Kingston Norman Rogers Airport: Located to the south of Carleton Place, it serves regional airlines with flights from Toronto and other Canadian cities.

Bus Stations Near Carleton Place

  • Greyhound: Greyhound has coaches that will take you to Carleton Place from Montreal, Ottawa, and other Canadian cities.

Other Options

  • Amtrak: The nearest Amtrak station to Carleton Place is the Ottawa Train Station, which currently serves Quebec City-Windsor Corridor.

How to Get Around in Carleton Place

Carleton Place is a relatively small town, and most of the main attractions are within walking or cycling distance. Taxis and car rentals are also available in the area.

Where to Go Next from Carleton Place: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ottawa: Located an hour’s drive from Carleton Place, and is the capital city of Canada and offers famous landmarks such as Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada.

  • Perth: This historic town is located just 30-minutes away by car from Carleton Place and is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, or a relaxing escape from everyday life, Carleton Place has something for everyone. Come explore the historic town, enjoy the natural beauty and relax for days on end.

Bridge Street with Customs Building Bridge Street with Customs Building Town Hall Town Hall