Tourism in
Smiths Falls


Welcome to the Tourism in Smiths Falls section. The website continues to grow as quickly as we can enlist more contributors. If you don't find what you are looking for, check back, and we are sure to locate a business or service in the Smiths Falls areas to satisfy your needs.

  • The Rideau Canal Waterway
    The following was excerpted from Ken Watson's private site:

    The Rideau Canal Waterway is a boater's paradise, attracting pleasure boats from across North America to travel its 202 kilometre (125 mile) length. The Rideau Canal, a Canadian National Historic Site, a designated Canadian Heritage River and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of a series of beautiful lakes and rivers connected by canals. It stretches from Kingston, at the foot of Lake Ontario, to Ottawa, Canada's capital. Maintained by Canada's Parks service it is arguably the most scenic waterway in North America. Whether you visit by boat, car, bicycle or on foot, the Rideau has something for you.

    The Rideau Canal Waterway, which links the lakes and rivers between Ottawa and Kingston, is the oldest continuously operated canal in North America. The locks are operated today much as they were when first opened in 1832. Each lock is unique and the lock staff are always ready to offer the tourist any assistance they can. Most locks provide washrooms, overnight mooring and picnic facilities, including tables, benches and barbecue grills.

    You can visit the Rideau in a number of ways. A boat is of course best to get the full ambiance of the region. You can pilot your own boat to the Rideau, trailer it here, or rent a boat on-site. Many people also enjoy the Rideau by staying at an Inn, Bed & Breakfast, Lodge, or cabin. The Rideau also makes for a wonderful driving trip, with many scenic roads winding their way through the heart of Old Ontario. So, whatever your vacation preference, the Rideau Canal Waterway has something for you.

    Ken Watson's Website


    • top of page
  • HERSHEY’S Visitors Center in Smiths Falls, Ontario

    Canadians welcomed HERSHEY’S to Smiths Falls in 1963. Ever since, they’ve been welcoming visitors to the very first HERSHEY’S chocolate factory built outside of Hershey, PA. Located along the beautiful Rideau Canal midway between Toronto and Montreal, Smiths Falls is a must stop for chocolate lovers.

    Hours of Operation
    The HERSHEY CHOCOLATE SHOPPE store and visitor’s center is open 7 days a week and all holidays with the exception of New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Boxing Day, and Christmas Day.

    Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Location and Directions
    The HERSHEY CHOCOLATE SHOPPE store and Visitor’s Center is located at 1 Hershey Dr., P.O. Box 2100, Smiths Falls, Ontario, K7A 4T8, Chocolate Capital of Canada and is only 45 minutes from the Nation’s Capital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

    www.hersheys.com


    • top of page
  • Heritage House Museum

    Visit the Heritage House Museum! Heritage House is situated in a picturesque area of the Rideau Canal and is a restored classically styled Victorian home depicting the life style of an upper middle class family living in Smiths Falls around 1867 to 1875.

    Built in 1860-1861 by Joshua Bates, the house is located near the Rideau River where he built two mills, a gristmill and woollen mill that were powered by Old Slys Rapids.

    A visit to Heritage House includes a tour of 7 period rooms furnished to depict the lifestyle of the times. The museum’s unique mirror-image facades, indoor brick bake oven and two-story privy preserve an atmosphere of the past in the once derelict house.

    Enjoy a picnic near our gardens or take a short stroll through parkland to the Rideau Canal and Old Slys Lockstation.

    Presented year round are changing exhibitions and art shows, a variety of special events, workshops and school and children’s programs. Also available are meeting space rentals, gift shop and a Victoria setting for wedding photos.

    HOURS:
    May 4 - Dec. 20 Daily
    10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    Jan. 2 to May 3 Mon. - Fri.
    10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    ADMISSION:
    Adults - $ 4.00
    Youths (6-18) - $2.50
    Seniors - $ 3.50
    Family (max 4) - $ 12.50
    Under 6 years Free!

    Heritage House Museum
    11 Old Slys Road
    P.O. Box 695
    Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4T6
    Phone: (613) 283-8560

    Email: hhmuseum@bellnet.ca

    Heritage House Website


    • top of page