Nestled Between Toronto and Montreal: Canada’s Riverside Town Boasting Scenic Parks and Charming Shops

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Nestled Between Toronto and Montreal: Canada's Riverside Town Boasting Scenic Parks and Charming Shops

If you’re looking to slow down and head for somewhere more laid-back, this riverside town between Toronto and Montreal is the perfect place to go. With a mixture of scenic parks and small-town charm, Perth has a lot to offer. Coming from Toronto, Perth is only a three-hour drive. If you’re traveling from Montreal, a top spring break destination for families, the drive is about the same.



One of the town’s highlights is the Tay River, a part of the historic Rideau Canal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal passes through Ottawa, Perth, and Kingston. Originally built in 1827 and finished in 1832, the Rideau is the oldest canal that’s still in use today. Once used for war, it’s now a tourist spot and a popular destination for boaters. In the winter, a part of the canal transforms into the world’s largest natural ice rink, found in Ottawa. You’ll find the Tay River winding through the town’s center, the Perth Wildlife Reserve, and the Tay River Basin.

Explore scenic parks and iconic landmarks in Perth

View of Tay River from Stewart Park



Similar to Toronto, with a secret hidden wilderness, Perth is also a treasure trove for nature lovers. Take the adventure outdoors with a visit to one of its many parks, or check out some of the interesting sights around the town’s center. Start your journey in Stewart Park, located downtown. Here, you’ll find the Big Ben statue, stretches of greenery, along with gardens, playgrounds, and open spaces that hold public events. Every year, it hosts the Steward Park Festival, a weekend celebration of music, culture, and fun.

Nearby, you’ll also find the Last Duel Park, aptly named for the infamous last duel in Canada in 1833. You can find the pistols they used on display in the Perth Museum. With no duels in sight today, you can instead go paddling, do a walking trail, or enjoy a picnic in the park.

Explore the area some more, and several interesting things might catch your eye. You definitely won’t miss the 6-foot-high block of cheese in the Crystal Palace. The Mammoth Cheese is a giant wheel made from milk from 10,000 cows, and a small piece of it can also be found in the Perth Museum. Nearby, spot the Big Red Chair and the Red Fox “Welcome to Perth” mural, both great for photoshoots.

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Where to eat and shop in Perth

Exterior of Mex & Co on the riverside in Perth

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.