Community Highlights
We have so many great places to come and see and so many things to do. Take a look around, enjoy the beautiful scenery and many historical sites around the Township such as the Tay Canal, or perhaps look up your own history at Archives Lanark. Not your cup of tea? Try out the Port Elmsley Drive-In, one of only a few in Ontario.
Looking for a day outside? Why not enjoy a gorgeous float down one of our many waterways, walk along the trails in Rideau Ferry or have a picnic along one of the waterways.
Take a look around and find what sparks your interest, there’s a lot to do and a lot to see...
The Archives, located in the former Drummond Township office in the hamlet of Drummond Centre, is an independent non-profit organization which provides a wealth of vital information dating from the 1850’s including land deeds, cemetery listings, census records, records of baptisms and marriages and newspaper collections. Archives Lanark has proved an invaluable resource for patrons across North America researching family roots as well as local families, church groups, school children and genealogists.
For more information visit their website
Visit the home of Balderson Cheese. Established in 1881, Balderson Cheese has become world famous. Discover this quaint country hamlet with fantastic shops and don’t forget to treat yourself to an ice cream!
For more information visit their website
Forming part of the Rideau Canal National Historic Site, these locks serve to connect the Town of Perth, through the Tay River, to the Rideau System. The original Tay Canal was built along the length of the Tay ending with a series of locks near Port Elmsley. It fell in disrepair and was dismantled in 1865, although traces remain. The new canal was finally completed in 1891 connecting Perth to the Rideau System through a new canal ending at Beveridge Bay. The facility contains two locks as well as an on-site exhibit, boat launch and short trail. The scenic trip along the Tay is a popular day trip for Rideau Canal travelers.
For more information visit their website
A national network of trails connecting every province and most major cities, the multi-purpose trails provide opportunities for hiking bicycling and snowmobiling and when complete, the network will become part of the longest trail in the world. This trail passes through Drummond Ward along Concession 8A, Prestonvale Road, Dunlop Side Road and up to Ferguson’s Falls.
A multipurpose trail connecting Ottawa and Kingston allows hikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers the opportunity to travel the length of the Rideau Canal. The trail, with a total length of 387 kilometers, is maintained by the Rideau Trail Association and passes through the southern portion of North Elmsley. The Association holds regular hikes for members and guests.
For more information visit The Great Trail website or the Alltrails website
The Township’s Public Works Department recently announced the installation of a public dock to allow canoe access to the Mississippi River at Ferguson's Falls Hall. This launch allows paddlers to travel upstream along the river with an opportunity to observe fish, herons, turtles, ducks and otters along undisturbed shoreline.
Foley Mountain Conservation Area, the highest conservation area in the Rideau Valley, overlooks Upper Rideau Lake and Westport. The scenic view is second-to-none in Ontario. It features nature trails, beaver pond, wildlife and plants galore. Picnic tables, parking and restrooms are available. Admission is $5.00 per vehicle; donation box at site.
For more information visit their website
Situated along the shores of the Tay River in Perth the Last Duel Park & Campground offers 46 serviced campsites, public boat docks and launch, public walking trails (The Wendy Laut Ribbon of Life) and picnic area with shelter. A rustic log cabin was added in 2016 and is now available for rent.
For more information visit their website
Located southwest of Innisville off Drummond Concession 10B, this National Wildlife Area is a haven for migrating waterfowl in the fall. Representing one of the largest natural areas left on Mississippi Lake, the Sanctuary centres around the wetlands of McEwan Bay where stands of wild rice, cattail and other plants provide habitat for spawning fish in the spring, some of the best habitat for bullfrogs in the summer and many different species of birds, mammals and invertebrates. Before September (when boating is prohibited so as not to disturb the migratory birds), a public boat launch is available as well as opportunities to hike.
For more information visit Canada.ca website
Located at the confluence of the Tay and Rideau River systems was the site of the original Tay Canal, a system of five locks located between the Tay’s mouth and Jebb’s Creek which provided the first reliable water access between the military settlement of Perth and the Rideau Canal network.
Built in the 1830’s, these locks were built of rubble masonry and wooden planking and while they were smaller than those on the Rideau they were indispensable helping move people to and from Perth, as road transportation was almost impossible at the time.
For more information visit their website
Located just south of the Town of Perth in the Tay Marsh, this 635-acre site is a naturalist’s haven with habitat for deer, wild turkeys, turtles, ducks, geese, bluebirds and many others. The site is owned and maintained as a wildlife management area by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and contains a variety of habitats including mature woodlands, plantations, natural meadows and the ecologically significant Tay Marsh wetland. Two nature trails (including interpretive signage) and a viewing tower provide a great opportunity for hiking and wildlife observation.
For more information visit their website
Bring the family out for an evening of good old fashion fun! Established in 1953, the Port Elmsley Drive-In is open May to October.
333 Port Elmsley Road, Port Elmsley, Ontario
Movieline: 613-267-7772
For more information visit their website
Located on Lower Rideau Lake near the resort community of Rideau Ferry this conservation area consists of ten acres of woodland, meadows and beach. Owned and maintained by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, this site provides public day use access to the historic Rideau Canal system, and contains a public boat launch, trail and beach.
For more information visit their website
The Rideau Ferry Yacht Club welcomes boating enthusiasts of all ages to attend this award-winning regatta. There will be dozens of vintage race boats gathered on the Big Rideau Lake from both Canada and the United States. This biennial event runs in August and is sure to delight boating enthusiasts
For more information visit their website
Finding local food just got easier. Lanark Local Flavour’s website is a comprehensive, one-stop shopping guide complete with farmer profiles, locations of farmers’ markets and, a calendar of food-related events. Eating locally is one way anyone can do their part to help lessen the impact of climate change, while at the same time supporting our local food economy.
Purchasing food grown locally not only helps to reduce greenhouse gases – associated with transportation, refrigeration and food processing – it also boosts farm incomes, supports the community and helps to ensure access for everyone to fresh, wholesome, sustainably-produced food.
For more information visit their website
Public Water Access
Access for both motorized and non-motorized boats
Access for non-motorized boats ONLY
For other area tourism destinations, please visit Lanark County’s Tourism site