The Top Things to Do When Visiting Perth, Ontario

Here's a fun guide to the best attractions, spots, and experiences in Perth, broken down by category so you can pick what interests you most.

Historic & Cultural Landmarks

1. The Perth Museum (Matheson House): Explore restored 1840s period rooms inside a historic sandstone home. It houses local history exhibits, including the pistols used in Canada's last fatal duel.
2. Last Duel Park: Visit the site on the Tay River where the infamous 1833 duel took place. It features walking trails, green spaces, and a historic bridge.
3. Mammoth Cheese Monument: Snap a photo with the replica of the 22,000-pound wheel of cheese produced in Perth for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
4. Big Ben Statue: Stand next to the life-sized bronze statue honoring Canadian Olympic show-jumper Ian Millar and his legendary horse, Big Ben.
5. Perth Town Hall: Admire the 1863 cream-colored sandstone building featuring its signature clock tower in the center of town.

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

1. Stewart Park: A 5-acre park featuring stone bridges, weeping willow trees, and paths along the Tay River.
2. Tay River & Canal Paddling: Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard through Perth Major Outfitters to explore the local waterways.
3. Tay River Trail & Rideau Trail: Hike sections of the historic portage pathways that run right through town.
4. Murphys Point Provincial Park: Located a short 15-minute drive from town, offering hiking loops, lake access, and a restored early-20th-century mica mine.
5. Conlon Farm Recreation Area: A 54-acre park featuring walking trails, splash pads, tennis courts, and sports fields.
6. Perth Golf Course: Play a round at Canada's oldest operating golf course, established in 1890.

Food, Drink & Local Tasting

1. Perth Brewery: Craft brewery known for its small-batch craft lagers, IPAs, and seasonal taps.
2. Top Shelf Distillers: Take a tour or sit down for tasting flights of locally crafted gin, vodka, and moonshine.
3. Code’s Mill: A converted 19th-century industrial mill complex that now houses shops, restaurants, and event spaces.
4. Perth Cheese Shop & Chocolate Works: Specialty spots on Gore Street to pick up regional cheeses, charcuterie, and handmade chocolates.