We are all about Art!
Take a self driven Tour of the Rideau Valley Area.

Much appreciation to www.MapQuest.com for this map. Check out MapQuest before you travel anywhere by car. MapQuest has features to help you plan your driving trip. It will help you map the quickest route between any two points and will tell you exactly how many kilometers you will be travelling and how long it will take.

Each municipality which is listed in the column at right, alongside a photo, will have a short write up below. Let's start with Smiths Falls:

Smiths Falls (Rideau Heritage Route)
The town of Smiths Falls is at the Heart of the Rideau. Geographically, it marks the midway point between Ottawa and Kingston of the 202 km Rideau Canal. In Smiths Falls, you have the opportunity to see how the 170- year-old mechanisms work side-by-side with newer canal technology. Some of the locks are still operated by hand, and some are controlled electronically. The Rideau Canal Museum tells the tale of the difficulties encountered by Lieutenant-Colonel John By as he built the Canal between 1826 and 1832. Explore five floors of displays, artifacts and multi-media exhibits that trace the steps of Lieutenant-Colonel By as he struggled to build the canal. Enter the Tunnel of History, a special exhibit that gives you a glimpse of life as it was 170 years ago, as well as a spectacular view of the waterfall that rushes by the mill.  [back to top]

Mills were a popular and prosperous industry during the peak days of the canal. Smiths Falls’ Heritage House Museum is the restored home of a wealthy mill owner. Visitors can view seven rooms that reflect the period between 1867 and 1875, including an indoor bake oven. The museum also maintains a modern gallery with changing exhibitions of artwork and historical artifacts.

Smiths Falls’ Canadian Northern Railway Station has been maintained as The Smiths Falls Railway Museum. The station was built in 1914 and established Smiths Falls as a divisional point for the Canadian Pacific Railway. It now contains several vintage engines, including a 1912 steam engine and a 1957 diesel locomotive. Visitors can also enjoy a ride on an antique Wickham rail car.

Smiths Falls is the Chocolate Capital of Ontario. The local Hershey’s plant offers tours so that people can see the mass manufacturing of their favourite chocolate bars. Once your taste buds are watering, you can treat yourself to a shopping spree at the plant’s on-site candy store. [back to top]

Merrickville (Rideau Heritage Route)
Known as the Jewel of the Rideau, Merrickville is one of the loveliest villages along the banks of the Rideau Canal. Merrickville celebrates its artistic character and boating traditions at several festivals throughout the summer. In June, Merrickville hosts the 1001 Pots Festival. This festival brings potters together to share trade secrets with each other and with the public. Each participating potter is called upon to hold a workshop, and there are many beautiful pieces for sale. In July, residents invite you to join them in celebrating life along the Rideau with Canalfest. Activities include boat races, canoeing demonstrations, and musical and theatrical performances. For treasure seekers, the Annual Indoor/Outdoor Antiques and Collectibles Show & Sale takes place in August. In the autumn, even more artists’ studios become open to the public during the annual Fall Studio Tour. This is a unique opportunity to talk to artists about the process of creation and to experience the inspirational settings in which they create their works.
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Perth
Established in 1816, Perth was one of three strategic defensive outposts created along the Rideau Corridor following the War of 1812. Upper and Lower Canada were still British Colonies and in a shrewd move the government gave officers and soldiers land grants according to their rank this not only settled the area, it also installed a trained reserve force along the banks of the River Tay in the event of another conflict with the United States.

Not only a destination, Perth is an experience. History unfurls in an atmosphere of natural beauty and cultural activity. In one day you could see a top-billed Canadian performer, visit inspiring heritage architecture, and hike into the past to a restored mica mine. Perhaps you'd prefer to slow down and relax with a book at a cozy inn or recline on a beach to catch some sun and fresh air. [back to top]

There's lots to see and do in and around Perth, visit the Balderson Cheese Store and Gallery, a little to the north of town, or take in the wonderful museum of local history. Be sure to stop by the beautiful Scottish Garden or the unique Garden for the Blind and for a sweet treat head out to a pancake house or sugar bush. Perth is a great area for shoppers of all kinds, especially antique hunters. There are many festivals and events throughout the year, everything from a Festival of the Maples at the end of April, the Stewart Park Festival in late July, the Autumn Studio Tour in the fall and an Annual Garlic Festival in August to the traditional fall fair on Labour Day weekend. Several mapped walking and driving tours are available for those wishing to investigate the heritage buildings. For hikers, the Rideau Trail passes through Perth, and for boaters the town is linked to the Rideau Canal system via the Tay Canal.
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Almonte
First settled in 1819, Almonte is a peaceful and attractive community located about 50 km west of Ottawa in the heart of the Ottawa Valley. Once a thriving textiles center known in its heyday as the "Manchester of North America" the prosperity of the period is apparent in the many large Victorian homes and limestone public buildings where large sections of the town remain essentially unchanged from a hundred years ago.

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum opens for the summer in mid-May with static and working displays of traditional textile equipment and processes, with activities and events focusing on the region's heritage, culture and the role of the textile industry in the development of Canada. The Naismith Museum & Hall of Fame - now located in the town hall, honors James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, born in Almonte in 1861. His boyhood home is located near the Mill of Kintail. Housed in a lovely 1830's-era building set back in the woods outside Almonte, former summer home to the renowned sculptor Dr. Robert Tait McKenzie, the Mill of Kintail features an exhibition on McKenzie's early life and family. The Mill also hosts numerous craft workshops and similar events throughout the year, and offers a range of cross-country ski trails in winter.

Almonte hosts an exciting schedule of events and festivals throughout the year including one of the Ottawa Valley's premier summer events, the North Lanark Highland Games. In spring many events center around the "sugaring off" of the maple bush. Summer brings Artsfusion, a celebration of the arts in various modes and venues, the Almonte Farmers' Market on Saturdays, The Sunset Tattoo, a Highland Gathering at the Fairgrounds, the Naismith Hoopfest Summer Festival which takes over Bridge Street with the "Running of the Balls" as a grand finale, and the Celtic Festival, all usually taking place in July. September brings Mississippi Mills At A Glance and the North Lanark Agricultural Fair. Christmas season inspires the Light Up the Night Celebration and Santa Claus Parade in December.
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Carleton Place
Situated in the heart of beautiful Lanark County, on the banks of the Mississippi River, Carleton Place has that special quality, a perfect blend of the old with the new! Located at the intersection of Highways 7 and 15, and close to Highway 417, the town is easily accessible to all of Ontario, Quebec and the northern United States.

History buffs will find this town a true delight; the majestic Town Hall, the Victoria School Museum and the authentic Victoria Garden are all must see attractions. For those wishing to take a walk back in time, mapped walking tours are available. Carleton Place has 25 acres of parks and playgrounds, including the charming Riverside Park - on the banks of the Mississippi River where the safe, navigable water offers recreation for everyone!
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Brockville
First settled in 1785 as a Loyalist community, Brockville was originally named Buell's Bay, after the founder William Buell. The settlement changed its name to Brockville in 1812 in honor of Sir Isaac Brock, a hero of the War of 1812. Brockville has the double distinction of being Upper Canada's first incorporated community (June 1838) and possessing an authentic coat of arms. Brockville is also one of the very few North American cities with its own flag.

Explore the rich past of this historical region at the Brockville Museum where you will find fascinating displays of artifacts detailing Brockville's heritage. Nearby, during summer months, visitors can tour Canada's oldest railway tunnel. Then travel down scenic Highway #2 brings you to Fulford Place, a National Historic site. Tour this magnificent, 22,000 square foot Edwardian mansion, originally built for Senator George Fulford I, millionaire and successful marketer of "Pink Pills for Pale People".
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Brockville celebrates its sense of community and culture with countless festivals, events and fun activities throughout the year: truly something for everyone. Music lovers will enjoy the annual Brockville Jazz Festival in April and a Multicultural Festival in May highlights fine foods and traditions from around the world. June offers an annual tribute of Celtic and Gaelic traditions while the end of June to the start of July brings us to Riverfest - an annual five-day celebration of life on the river with daily entertainment on the waterfront. August brings Ribfest -- an annual rib cooking contest that draws cooks from as far away as Texas and Alabama, the 1000 Island Poker Run, an Old Fashioned Family Picnic at Hardy Park and the Automotion Antique Car Show round out the month nicely. Delight in fright nights in October with Ghost Walk Tours, the 1000 Islands Film Festival in November and events throughout December including live theatre and concerts - "there is always something happening in Brockville, City of the Thousand Islands".
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Westport
Take in the spectacular view of the village and surrounding lakes from Spy Rock. Mid-way between Ottawa and Kingston, and 90 minutes from Upper New York State, with several wonderful B&Bs, cottage rentals, a motel and a country inn, you are sure to find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs whether for a day, a week or a month.

Hiking enthusiasts enjoying the 300 km Rideau Trail linking Kingston and Ottawa pass through Foley Mountain Conservation Area. This conservation area, open year round, features 308 hectares of scenic lookouts, nature trails, mature pine forest, beaver ponds and shoreline on Upper Rideau Lake where you can hike, swim, and picnic in summer or cross country ski and snow shoe in winter. [back to top]

With its beautiful scenery and excellent facilities, Westport has much to offer both tourists and residents alike. Thousands of people from all over the world come to visit Westport each year. One of the most diverse areas in eastern Ontario, you can boat, canoe or fish in the morning, golf or hike in the afternoon and dine or dance in the evening. Visit the Antique Show and the Art Festival in summer, take in the Fall Colours Studio Tour in October, or come to the Winter Carnival in winter. The Rideau District Museum on Bedford Street, provides a look at the history of the area and a self-guided walking tour brochure is available at the museum and from the Visitor Welcome Centre on Spring Street. This tour provides a glimpse into the history of the town and takes you to many of the historic buildings still commonplace in the village.
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Kemptville
A small agricultural community, Kemptville is surrounded by a fertile, pastoral landscape that makes this area ideal for relaxing rural drives and country walks. Like many other towns and villages in Canada, Kemptville was originally settled because of its location on the South Branch of the Rideau River ( known as the Kemptville Creek), the power source for the first mills in the region. These mills attracted many settlers to the area and contributed to the development of the community. The Town's strategic location between the Rideau Lakes, the St. Lawrence River and the Ottawa River, as well as its proximity to the United States border, makes it easily accessible to the many visitors who experience Kemptville's hospitality first hand. [back to top]

Newboro
Newboro, situated on an isthmus between Newboro and Upper Rideau Lakes, played an important role in the construction of the Rideau Canal, as witnessed by the memorial plaque to Army engineers who lost their lives during its construction. As commercial use of the canal declined Newboro became known for its great fishing. As a result several fishing lodges arose. One of the four Rideau Canal blockhouses is located here and today the community offers food and accommodation to tourists and cottagers along the lake. Newboro also provides the setting for an American Civil War Battle in August. [back to top]

Prescott
When you arrive in Prescott, known as the "Fort Town", pick up a walking tour map and meander through the heritage shopping district and the unique homes in this town that was founded in 1810. Along the route, explore Fort Wellington National Historic Site, an original British fort with earthen ramparts. Built during the War of 1812 to defend the St. Lawrence Frontier, Fort Wellington was used by British soldiers and Canadian militiamen until 1923. Today, visitors to the site will see what life was like at a British fort in the mid-1840s. There are furnished period rooms and costumed guides who provide historical interpretation. Other points of interest include the Forwarder's Museum, Prescott Golf Club, the Sandra S. Lawn Harbour and factory outlet stores.
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Seeley's Bay
Seeley's Bay is a small village approximately 25 miles (40 KM) northeast of Kingston and 100 miles (160 KM) southwest of Ottawa. The "Bay" was created around 1832 with the flooding of the Cranberry Marsh during the building of Rideau Canal. The Bay became a regular stop for the steamwheelers as they traveled up and down the canal. The village was named in 1841 after one of the landholders, Justus Seeley. Easily accessible today by car or boat, travelers continue to visit Seeley's Bay to enjoy the town and area's charm and facilities. Vacationers take great pleasure in the fishing (primarily bass and pike), boating and shopping of Seeley's Bay, nearby Kingston and Gananoque and the many delights of Cranberry Lake. [back to top]