Looking for a getaway without crossing the border or getting on a plane? This summer, discover just how much there is to experience close to home.
Just 35 minutes west of Ottawa, Carleton Place offers the perfect blend of small-town charm, waterfront beauty, and vibrant local experiences. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous day trip, a weekend escape, or adding another stop to your Ontario road trip, you’ll find plenty of reasons to slow down and stay awhile.
Start your morning with brunch at a local café, join a yoga class or run club, or explore scenic walking trails along the Mississippi River. Spend the afternoon browsing unique boutiques, discovering our historic downtown, or paddling on the water. As the sun sets, settle in on a patio, enjoy a local craft beer, savour a great meal, or catch one of the many events that bring the community to life all season long.
One of the best parts? Everything is close by. Park in one of the town’s convenient municipal lots and enjoy up to four hours of free parking while you explore the downtown on foot.
Stop by the Information Centre at 170 Bridge St. for maps, local recommendations, and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
or check
to start planning your getaway.
This summer season, Carleton Place is celebrating a diverse range of artistic talent, with exhibits at the Carleton Place Gallery and Art Hub Gallery showcasing a wide variety of mediums including photography, landscape art, abstract works, printmaking, pottery, sculpture, and jewelry.
June 26 - July 16
July 18 - August 6
August 6-27
Carleton Place Gallery
Carleton Place Gallery Guest Exhibit - ‘Dots of Joy’
CPG Group Show - ‘Friends of Printmakers’
CPG Guest Exhibit - ‘Reflections
August 17 - September 27
August 29 - September 17
September 19 - October 8
Art Hub Show - ‘Things that Matter’
CPG Guest Exhibit - ‘Awake and Dreaming’
CPG Guest Exhibit - Landscape Art
These tours are presented through a 90-minute walk around riverfront areas within Carleton Place, learning about the history of the mills and the families that settled here. The tours will begin at the museum on 267 Edmund St., and conclude at McArthur Island. Tickets are $25 each and are available at the Carleton Place & District Heritage Museum or via e-transfer.
July 9
6:30pm
July 12
August 9 1pm 6:30pm 1pm
August 6
Historic Walking Tours
Whether you're taking a break from exploring or looking for a family-friendly activity, the Carleton Place Public Library is a welcoming stop for visitors of all ages. Relax in the air-conditioned building, enjoy free Wi-Fi, access public computers, recharge your devices, or browse an excellent collection of books and local resources. The library also offers a full calendar of free programs throughout the year, including children's activities, workshops, author talks, and community events. Visitors interested in local history can explore the Local History Room, featuring genealogy resources, historic newspapers, family histories, and access to Ancestry Library Edition, perfect for uncovering your family's connection to the Ottawa Valley. Whether you're escaping the summer heat, researching your roots, or simply looking for a quiet place to recharge, the library is well worth a visit. Learn more at carletonplacelibrary.ca
Don’t miss out on Carleton Place’s iconic annual street market festival. Once a year, Bridge Street is transformed by opening up the road for pedestrians, vendors, and ormers, creating a lively and ited atmosphere. Experience the summer fun from music, tertainers, delicious treats, ol beverages, and great local shopping!There will be a mited number of swag bags vailable on site and lots of eat photo opportunities, so there early to soak up all the fun before it’s too late!
out the survey if you’re visiting Carleton Place for a chance at winning a great prize!
PARK PARTIES
Classic park parties make community spirit grow! Connecting local residents together, these include fun and exciting events such as music, BBQ, and inflatable games. Join us on the following dates to be a part of the fun:
June 27, 5:30-8pm, Coleman Central Park.
June 28, 2-5pm, Centennial Park.
July 5, 2-5pm, Miller’s Crossing.
July 11, 5:30-8:30pm, Dunlop Road Park.
MUSIC
Come on down to Carleton Junction from 6:308pm on July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, and August 6 for some free live music! Make sure to bring a lawn chair or a comfy blanket to comfortably enjoy the musical entertainment.
CANADA DAY
Spend Canada Day along the Mississippi River as we celebrate our country in our beautiful town. Events will be held at Riverside Park, with an assortment of entertainment from 1-10pm on July 1. Food and refreshment vendors will be available on site for the entire event, with live music and family games situated throughout the park. Opening ceremonies begin at 2pm. Fireworks start at 9:45pm, don’t miss it!
MOVIES
Movies under the stars are free events open to all, located at Carleton Junction. Movies will be shown on July 25 at 8:30pm, and August 29 at 8pm.
Kayaking
CLASSICCARS, KAYAKING ADVENTURES,
