Stay and play in Lanark County: Staycation and save up to $200 per person
If there was ever a time for taking a staycation it’s this summer. Not only are we all invited to travel again but the province is offering tax credits for overnight accommodations purchased in Ontario, with up to $200 per individual ($400 per couple) possible as a refundable personal income tax credit.
You get to have a great, locally-inspired vacation and save money at the same time, it’s win-win! If you’re looking for inspiration, find it in one of these four staycation ideas, below.
Weekend Getaway in Perth
There are few small towns in Ontario that can compare to Perth (although we think several are found right here in Lanark County!). Perth has everything you could ask for in a staycation destination: boutique shops, plenty of restaurants, and access to natural settings that will take your breath away.
Stay: You can have the best of both worlds by spending the night at Pine Brae, a modern escape tucked away in the wilds of Lanark County. Wander the town of Perth by day, then reconnect with nature by night. Don’t forget to bring your marshmallows!
Explore: Explore the beautiful heritage downtown Perth and the many unique local stores located there. For outdoor adventure, head to Perth Major Outfitters to rent a canoe or kayak and spend the day on the water.
Dine: Start your morning off right at Coutts Coffee Roastery where you can enjoy a regular coffee or latte made with the finest Fair Trade, Organic coffee beans, from small farms around the world.
Other Accommodation Options:
Meet Me on the Mississippi in Carleton Place
Recognized as one of the fastest growing communities in Eastern Ontario, Carleton Place has all the amenities you enjoy from an urban setting, while still retaining its small town charm. The Mississippi River is a focal point for this small town, and there are plenty of photographic opportunities to be found.
Stay: In downtown Carleton Place, The Grand Hotel, rich in history, was built in 1872 and offers a historic setting for you to enjoy during a night in town. When you’re feeling peckish, head downstairs to Smith & Barrel and sit on their patio for some people watching.
Explore: Riverside Park is a must visit while in Carleton Place. Plan ahead and book a stand-up-paddleboard rental to get out on the water while you’re there.
Dine: A must visit with any stay in Carleton Place is the award winning Black Tartan Kitchen, right on Bridge Street in the downtown core.
Other Accommodation Options:
Heart of the Rideau Staycation in Smiths Falls
If you love your history lessons you’ll enjoy a visit to Smiths Falls. Situated at the centre of the 202-kilometre long UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls has its fair share of fun stories about the construction of the Rideau Canal and how Smiths Falls became a railway and transportation hub.
Stay: Take advantage of the rare opportunity for an overnight stay in a caboose! Step back into the early railroading days and spend the night in one of the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario’s two authentic cabooses, just as the railroaders did.
Explore: Rent a canoe, kayak, or bike from Smiths Falls Pedal and Paddle and explore the town from a waterway or trailside perspective.
Dine: Visit 4 Degrees Brewing to taste test your way through Smiths Falls’ history. With fun names like Old Slys 67 and Frost & Wood 55, there is a story of the history behind each of their brews.
Other Accommodation Options:
Small Town Escape in Mississippi Mills
The community of Mississippi Mills includes the small towns of Almonte and Pakenham, both charming examples of small town Ontario at its best. Whether you are heading to Almonte or Pakenham, the Mississippi River will be at the forefront of your experience here.
Stay: The Riverside Inn is the perfect home base to explore Almonte on foot. Located on the shores of the Mississippi River you will love the restored heritage rooms and having access to the on-site restaurant, Loom Bistro.
Explore: Almonte’s downtown strip has plenty of fun and colourful shops to browse, like Doree’s Habit or Paper Folk. For a historical outing, the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum tells the story of the history of the woollen textile industry in the Mississippi River Valley.
Dine: Dine overlooking Almonte’s historic waterfall at Joe’s Italian Kitchen, or pick up some fries from Five Span Spuds and picnic on the side of the historic Five Span Bridge in Pakenham.
Other Accommodation Options:
