+15 Amazing Things to do in Carleton Place

Are you looking for an adorable small town in Ontario that screams dreamy vibes all year long? Meet Carleton Place! You’ll find a long list of fun things to do in Carleton Place. There’s something to entice everyone!

This small town is set on the Mississippi River, not the one in the United States, the Canadian one. It has a character-filled downtown that’s full of unique shops, cute cafes and stunning heritage buildings.

Foodies will love all the incredible restaurants, a few of which feature patios overlooking the river. And nature lovers will get a full dose of adventure with a number of nearby trails.

Located 45 minutes west of Ottawa, Carleton Place is one of the best day trips from the nation’s capital! Many people travel to popular spots like Perth and Almonte. But this Lanark County gem has all the same charm but without the crowds.

Along with plenty of activities to keep you busy in the town of Carleton Place, it also makes the perfect place to base yourself if you’re planning to explore Lanark County or the Ottawa Valley.

Best Things to do in Carleton Place Ontario

Along with being a great day trip option, Carleton Place makes a great Ottawa road trip stop. Whether you have time for an extended stay or are stopping for a few hours, you’ll find an abundance of things to do.

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Explore Downtown Carleton Place

Downtown Carleton Place is full of all the charm you could want in a small town! It has history, architecture, shops, cafes, and so much more. Plus, its where you’ll find many of the top things to do in Carleton Place!

The main road through downtown is Bridge Street, which is fitting as its home to a bridge over the Mississippi River. Catching the views from the bridge is a must! Looking one way you’ll see the stunning and imposing Carleton Place Town Hall.

Another of the must stops downtown is the Moore House. This historic building has a rich history and is now home to the Visitor Centre and a small exhibit about Roy Brown. It’s a great first place to visit to grab pamphlets on all the top things to do and see in town. Plus, they offer bicycle rentals.

Downtown is also where you’ll find all the best places to eat and drink in Carleton Place. There’s a restaurant to suit everyone’s appetite. In addition, there are a number of great cafes and bakeries.

Along with stunning historic buildings and cafes, there are a large number of murals. (More on those below!) And the newest addition to the downtown attractions is an art gallery, the Carleton Place Gallery. (Keep reading for more info on it too!)

Whether you love wandering charming towns in search of architecture and history or can’t resist checking out all the cafes and shops, exploring downtown Carleton Place is for you!

Indulge in Some Carleton Place Shopping

Another one of the fun things to do in downtown Carleton Place is indulge in some retail therapy! If you have the shopping bug or like looking for unique small town souvenirs then there’s a shop for you.

I’m a huge supporter of shop local and was thrilled with the diverse array of shops in downtown Carleton Place! One of my favourite shops is Crafters Collective. This fun shop is full of items made by locals. Inside you’ll find everything form handcrafted soaps to one-of-a-kind art and clothing.

Coastal is another gem! This cute consignment shop is packed full of unique and trendy items at great prices. It’s one of many great vintage apparel shops downtown.

Another fun thrift shop is Carousel! While they cater to kids with all sorts of second-hand clothing and toys, they also have a selection of fabulous ladieswear items.

Queens Crafters Market is the perfect place to browse for interesting finds. This large shop, set within the old Queens Hotel, is a blend of crafters market and antiques. It’s home to a variety of vendors selling everything from vintage treasures to handmade crafts.

Beyond the clothing and vintage are so many more amazing shops. At Country Ridge you’ll find various home décor pieces that range from delicious smelling candles to locally made gift ideas like soap.

For those looking for more locally made items like coffee, maple syrup, and more, pop into The Granary! This fabulous shop is full of ethically sourced items that include an array of natural health products.

As a huge plant fan, I always love browsing local plant shops. And the Floral Boutique is a dreamy one! This flower and plant shop is full of great plants and cute pots.

One thing I love about shopping in Carleton Place is that many of the businesses are owned and operated by women!

Insider Tip: If you’re looking for a fun souvenir from your visit, I highly recommend purchasing from one of the great local shops.

Stroll the Mississippi Riverwalk

Running along the Mississippi River is the most scenic trail in Carleton Place!

The Mississippi Riverwalk is an approximately 2 km trail. It runs between Princess Street and Anthony Curro Park. Along with being flat, the trail is also accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.

As someone obsessed with boardwalk trails in Ontario, I was thrilled to find out that part of the Mississippi Riverwalk is boardwalk.

This Carleton Place boardwalk is lush and green in the summer. With overhanging trees and foliage, it’s absolutely dreamy in the autumn! Plus, it’s one of the most accessible places to enjoy the fall colours in Lanark County!

Along the trail you’ll get glimpses as well as full views of the river. Plus, in the early morning I was delighted to see and hear a wealth of birds.

Travel Tip: There’s a large parking lot at the Arena, located at 75 Neelin Street. It offers easy and free parking close to Princess Street and the start of the trail.

Fuel up on Coffee

The array of coffee shops in Carleton Place is staggering for such a small town. It’s clear that everyone loves their coffee as much as me!

I also love the diversity of coffee shops! There’s something to fit everyone’s vibe. Whether you’re looking for cozy, cool or down right weird, there’s a café for you!

One of the stand out places to grab a coffee is Foundry! This cool coffee bar has exposed brick walls to showcase the building’s history. There’s a long table in front of a mural that’s idea to work at. And the plush leather seating is perfect to gather with friends. Plus, the soft pastel colours bring a sense of warmth to the space.

The Foundry serves a selection of ethically sourced coffee beverages along with sandwiches and fresh baked goods. All of the recipes are created by Melanie Boudens of The Vegan Chef at Home. Along with vegan items, the menu features gluten-free baked goods from Practically Perfect Bakery, a local baker. Plus, non-dairy milk substitutes are no extra charge!

In addition to the café, the Foundry has a coworking space. Places like this are great for local professionals or people like me who work on the road. They have a boardroom, private office as well as desk available to rent. You can even rent out a desk for an hour or month, depending on your needs.

Another great place to grab a cup of coffee is at the Good Food Company. You’ll love their brews made with local Lanark County coffee roaster Fluid. This solar powered coffee roaster produces such a smooth blend.

If you’re like me and love weird and quirky shops then pop into Deadly Grounds! This horror-themed coffee shop has thrilling blends like The Espressocist. Plus, they serve fun donuts made by Maverick’s Donuts and skull-shaped muffins from Beckwith Kitchen.

Chase Ghosts

As someone who grew up being intrigued by ghost stories, I’m always on the hunt for hauntings in Ontario! If you’re into things that go bump in the night, or learning about a place’s history, then I’ve got some stories for you.

Turns out there are numerous haunted places in Carleton Place. One of the oldest buildings in town is Moore House. Built in the mid-1800’s, it now serves as the town of Carleton Place Visitor Centre. Reports say that a young woman, Ida Moore, haunts the old building by moving objects, staring out the windows, and more.

Another famous place is the old Mississippi Hotel that was built in 1872. It’s now the Grand Hotel and you can stay and dine that looking for paranormal activity. I didn’t experience anything but a good meal while I was there. But the old and new hotel has seen its fair share of death. Plus, it’s listed as one of the most haunted places in Canada.

The original Town Hall, which was built in 1872, is now the Beckwith Heritage Museum, is said to be haunted. Over the years the building has been numerous things, including a jail and school. Voices of children, knocking and footsteps are all things experienced in the building.

While chasing ghosts is one of the top fall activities in Ontario, I think it’s a fun activity no matter when you visit.

Insider Tip: For more chilling places that are haunted check out the town’s haunted heritage guide. This great guide allows you to enjoy a self-guided ghost walk of Carleton Place.

Cycle the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail

One of the many fun things to do in Carleton Place is explore by bicycle! Many of the top things to do are all close to one another and easy to cycle to.

Along with cycling on the streets, the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail runs right through town. The Ottawa Valley Rail Trail runs 296 km through Lanark County. And many of the top Carleton Place attractions are located just off the rail trail.

Don’t fret if you don’t have a bike. The Visitor Centre, set in the historic Moore House downtown, offers bicycle rentals. You can rent a bike for an hour, half day or full day. And for a budget friendly price!

A few top stops along the trail to visit include Carleton Junction, Wool Growers, and Braumeister Brewing Co. Plus, the trail crosses a bridge over the Mississippi River and offers an awesome lookout!

If you’d like to cycle more, the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail runs between Carleton Place and Almonte. It’s 11 km one way and takes roughly 1 hour. I highly recommend heading out in the morning, taking your time and stopping for lunch in Almonte before heading back.

Visit the Beckwith Heritage Museum

One of the best places to visit in Carleton Place to learn about the town’s history is the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum. Set in an over 150 year old building, this landmark saw a lot of change.

Originally the town hall, it went on to be a school before it became a museum. Now, the Beckwith Heritage Museum is home to over 10,000 pieces. Each share stories and the history of Carleton Place and area.

You’ll learn about the various industries that called the town home, like lumber and textile mills. In addition, are displays about the intriguing military connection.

After browsing the exhibits inside, I highly recommend you wander around the grounds. Along with the labyrinth in the back of the museum, there’s an enchanting flower garden and a little library.

Plus, on the back side of the museum are a series of murals. Each appear as windows and showcase a window into a slice of the building’s history.

Wander the Labyrinth

Behind the Beckwith Heritage Museum is one of the many hidden gems in Carleton Place! A labyrinth.

The Carleton Place Community Labyrinth officially opened in 2010. This tranquil space is made up of paving stones and grass. And it’s made in the seven-circuit Classical Cretan style, like the one in Collingwood.

Labyrinths are an ancient symbol that are made up of a spiral path. For over 4000 years people around the world use labyrinths as a mediative experience.

Taking slow and steady steps along the stone path, this labyrinth offers a quiet space to reflect in town. The path is short, its just under half a kilometre.

You’ll also find two benches on the edges of the labyrinth’s entrance to sit and soak in the space. Plus, there are various events at the labyrinth throughout the year.

Enjoy the Best Carleton Place Restaurants

Foodies take notice! There are a lot of amazing restaurants in Carleton Place. You’ll find everything from multi-course dining experiences to classic pubs.

One of the top restaurants is Black Tartan. With chef and owner Ian Carswell at the helm, eating at the Black Tartan should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Carleton Place!

The Black Tartan serves a blend of Canadian cuisine with French roots and presented with a modern flair with nods to Finnish minimalism. Beyond the fancy words, the food is fabulous and flavourful. Plus, it’s often so pretty you’ll want to take a photo before you dive in!

They offer two dining options. On Wednesday and Thursday, they serve a three-course table d’hôte menu. During my visit I enjoyed this option and loved the use of local producers in their dishes. For instance, the tomatoes from my salad were from Nature’s Apprentice Farm. And there is nothing better than fresh tomatoes!

On Friday and Saturday, they serve four and seven course blind tasting menus. Again, each showcases the incredible seasonal bounty from Lanark County and the Ottawa Valley.

Another great restaurant is the Waterfront Gastropub. Serving up classic pub fare it’s set in a former tannery that dates back over 150 years. Along with great food, it’s home to one of the best patios in Carleton Place. Overlooking the river, the view includes the incredible Town Hall.

A fantastic brunch spot in town is FRESKA Café! Their menu features fresh to order dishes with a big focus on eating local! Along with local ingredients, they also serve local beer. A few top options include their breakfast bowls, fish tacos and mighty club sandwiches.

Insider Tip: Along with remarkable restaurants, the region features the Sip & Savour Trail that highlights amazing places to eat and drink in Lanark County.

Grab Donuts at Holey Confections

One of the sweetest things to do in Carleton Place is grab a donut from Holey Confections! This family-run Ottawa donut company now has a few stores, with the latest in downtown Carleton Place.

I’m always on the hunt for the best donuts, and the ones at Holey Confections are unique!

These pastry-style donuts have 140 layers! The process to make them is intensive and takes three days. But the end result is sweet magic.

Come hungry! Because these stacked gourmet donuts are taller than the average ones. With heights as high as 3 inches.

Along with the unique layering technique, Holey Confections donuts are made using homemade glazes and locally sourced ingredients. Plus, there’s vegan flavours too!

Like the owner, Tyler Armstrong, my favourite donut at Holey Confections is the Raspberry Lemonade. The raspberry glaze is not too sweet and the layered pastry is flakey goodness. Plus, I love the lemon curd filling!

Other popular donuts are their New York with strawberry filling and the Charlie Brown with Bavarian cream.

Enjoy a Drink

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing brew or a pre-dinner cocktail, there are a few great places to enjoy a drink in town.

One of the best things to do in Carleton Place is grab a beer at Stalwart Brewing Company! Set in another historic building, the brewery offers a fun place to hang with friends.

Out front there’s a comfortable patio and in the rear of the bar you’ll find a pool table. Stalwart produces a range of beers, many of which feature fun names.

My favourite is their Taxman Blonde, which is a popular order. Another fan favourite is their Doctor Feelgood IPA. And if you’re looking for something different, check out their line of seltzers.

On the other end of town is Braumeister Brewing Company. This Bavarian-inspired craft brewery has a taproom and garden. Plus, it’s location right on the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail makes for a great stop while cycling.

If you’re like me and lean towards cocktails then pop into Boulton House. Along with being a top restaurant, they are known for their incredible cocktail menu. Boulton House is located in the historic Boulton mill and has a fantastic patio overlooking the water.

I highly recommend the Strawberry Gimlet! It’s made with Whitney Neill Rhubarb gin, Elderflower liquor, lemon juice and stewed strawberry vanilla syrup. It’s pink and so refreshing.

Insider Tips: If you want to try a free beer at Stalwart Brewery before you buy, pick up a coupon at the Visitor’s Centre. Also, for the best sunset in town, plan to have your cocktail on the patio at Boulton House.

Explore Murals

A fabulous feature of downtown Carleton Place is the wealth of murals! And taking a stroll through town to see the murals offers a few great things.

Checking out Carleton Place murals gives you a snapshot on the town’s history through an artful lens. Plus, its free, which is always great! And it’s a fun way to explore town and uncover some hidden gems.

Many of the murals are found along or just off the main street in town, which is Bridge Street.

On the side of the building that houses Holey Confections is a Stompin’ Tom mural. The famous country music legend performed frequently at the hotel next door. He also played a key role in saving it from demolition in 1990.

Behind the beautiful Town Hall on the building housing seasonal bathrooms are a series of 6 murals. Each tells a different story about the area’s history.

One depicts First Nations people harvesting wild rice. Another showcases the Carleton Place Canoe Club, which is the oldest in Canada.

Across the bridge and just past Foundry Books is a mural that pays homage to Roy Brown. Brown was a Canadian flying ace in World War I and born in town.

One of the most endearing murals is called Wandering Wayne. The mural is in honour of Wayne Richards, a fixture in town. Wayne was the town’s last milkman and known for his kindness.

Beyond downtown, another spot to find some murals is at the Beckwith Heritage Museum. Behind the building is a collection called Windows to the Past. Local artists transformed the building’s old windows by showcasing various “windows” into Carleton Place’s history.

Visit Woolgrowers

An interesting place to visit that combines shopping and history is the Canadian Cooperative Woolgrowers. Located along the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail at the edge of downtown, it’s often called one of Carleton Place’s hidden gems!

The building it occupies was originally a roundhouse and shop for the Canadian Pacific Railway. But in 1918 it made the leap to serving Canadian farmers.

Fun Fact: Nearly 3 million pounds of sheep wool arrive each year for grading! It’s then baled and sold to domestic & global markets.

Browse the Real Wool Shop for an array of things made out of wool like blankets, sweaters, as well as knitting supplies. There’s also an assortment of other clothing products, from men’s to women’s.

Next to the shop is a museum about the railway history of Carleton Junction. There’s all sorts of memorabilia and artifacts to check out.

In addition to the shop and museum, they run tours of the facility for those who call ahead.

More Fun Carleton Place Things to do

Visit Carleton Place Gallery

Celebrate the arts at Carleton Place Gallery. This new art gallery is located downtown and features local artists through a variety of mediums. Plus, if you’re a budding artist and looking for a space to work or host a workshop, you can rent out part of the gallery space.

One of the artists behind the gallery is Colleen Gray. I was drawn to her art and even bought a few bookmarks with her art on them for gifts. Along with the gallery, she created Art for Aid, which gives art learning tools to Indigenous youth.

Shop the Carleton Place Farmers Market

A great place to do some shopping is at the Farmers Market. Its open Saturday mornings between mid-May and mid-October, in Market Square.

This over 30-year-old market has everything from local produce, like maple syrup, to unique artisan items. Visiting the farmers market is one of the top things to do in in Carleton Place to stock up on local goods.

Grab an Ice Cream

In a colourful little shop is one of the Carp Custom Creamery locations. This local ice cream company makes small batch ice cream using local ingredients. There are classic flavours like chocolate as well as fun ones like lemon blueberry. Plus, they have gluten-free and vegan options.

Have a Beach Day

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing dip in the water or a cool place to relax, a beach day in the summer is always a great idea. There are two beaches in Carleton Place. One is at Riverside Park and the other is across the river at Centennial Park.

Go Bowling

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Carleton Place indoors then enjoy a game of bowling. Chasin’ Turkeys Bowling Alley offers 5 pin bowling that’s a rolling good time! There’s food available as well as a board game lounge with over 50 to choose from.

Enjoy some Baked Goods

If you’re looking for tasty road trips in eastern Ontario, Lanark County is a sweet option! The county is full of incredible bakeries and specialty food shops. A few of which are located in downtown Carleton Place.

A must stop in town is the Little German Bakery. Located across the street from the Grand Hotel, it’s the perfect place to grab something to eat on the go. They have delicious pretzels and fresh sourdough bread. And for those with a sweet tooth you’ll want to try their Berliner donuts or apple fritters.

Another great shop for pastries and sweet treats is Taste Blooms. This small shop packs plenty of tasty treats, many of which are gluten-free and vegan. One of their most popular baked goods is their almond croissant.

Insider Tip: For optimal selection, I highly recommend visiting these places early in the morning. Many top treats sell out fast!

Visit Carleton Junction

If you’re travelling with kids and looking for a fun spot to visit then head to Carleton Junction. This multi-purpose community space is where the original train station stood and is located on the Ottawa Valley Recreation Trail on the edge of downtown. It’s home to a train-themed playground and epic skateboard circuit. In the winter there’s a skating rink and in the fall hosts Pumpkinfest.

Where to Stay in Carleton Place

The best place to stay in Carleton Place is the Grand Hotel. With the perfect location downtown, there are numerous reasons to choose this hotel as your base to explore.

Built in 1872, this over 150 year old hotel maintains its historic charm while also offering modern amenities and comforts. Rooms feature modern bathrooms with rainfall showerheads and fabulous bath products to use during your stay.

I was thrilled with the ultra-comfortable the bed! The melt-worthy bed was topped by fantastic supportive pillows. Plus, the spacious rooms have a spot to sit and enjoy your morning coffee, thanks to the in-room Keurig.

Another fun feature of the Grand Hotel is that every room is named after an author or mathematician. Even walking the hallways you’ll find stunning touches like plush chairs and an array of art.

In addition, there’s convenient parking at the rear of the hotel. The hotel also boasts an English style pub, Smith & Barrel. It’s home to two dining rooms and a great front patio to eat on.

One fun attribute of the Grand that also piqued my interest involves its history. Turns out that its one of the most haunted hotels in Ontario!

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The Grand Hotel is a popular spot for weddings and often fills up fast. So, if you’re looking for other hotels to stay at then check out the Comfort Inn & Suites.

This new hotel has all the amenities of a traditional hotel. There’s an indoor pool and complementary breakfast.

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Final thoughts on Visiting Carleton Place Ontario

Every time I visit Carleton Place I fall more in love with its striking architecture, intriguing history and wonderful people. If you’re planning a road trip to the capital to plan a getaway to that has lots to offer, Carleton Place is THE place! Full of rich stories, fun activities, incredible food, and a year round schedule of events, this Lanark County small town gem will hook you and keep you coming back.

Looking for more fun towns in the area?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Carleton Place

Disclaimer: This post is created in partnership with Lanark County Tourism but all opinions expressed are my own.

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