Regional Roadtrips: From labyrinths to haunted cabins, seven reasons to visit Carleton Place

The Waterfront Gastropub overlooks the Mississippi River. Photo by Laura Byrne Paquet.
The Waterfront Gastropub overlooks the Mississippi River. Photo by Laura Byrne Paquet.
Editor's Note

Regional Roadtrips is a column prepared by local travel writer Laura Byrne Paquet of Ottawa Road Trips to inspire day trips and weekend getaways a short drive from Ottawa.

When you don’t have the time and budget for a long road trip but still want to escape the city, Carleton Place could be just the ticket. In fact, if you live in the west end, it’s probably quicker to drive to Carleton Place than to downtown Ottawa!

The Town Hall is a landmark in downtown Carleton Place.
The Town Hall is a landmark in downtown Carleton Place. Photo by Laura Byrne Paquet.

Here are seven great reasons to take a road trip to this charming Lanark County community:

1. Discover local artists. Not only are there several new art galleries, including the Carleton Place Gallery (210 Bridge St.) and the Arts Carleton Place Art Hub (50 Bennett St., unit 1), but the town is currently hosting Art Expedition, with works by 50 local artists on banners throughout downtown.

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This summer, the works of 50 local artists are displayed on banners throughout downtown Carleton Place.
This summer, the works of 50 local artists are displayed on banners throughout downtown Carleton Place. Photo by Laura Byrne Paquet

2. Relax on the Mississippi River. No, not that Mississippi River. However, Lanark County’s Mississippi River is also scenic and it flows right through downtown Carleton Place. Launch your boat or hit the beach at Riverside Park (175 John St.), or just settle onto the pretty deck at the Waterfront Gastropub (12 Bell St.) with a beer and a burger.

Riverside Park is popular with swimmers, paddlers and picnickers.
Riverside Park is popular with swimmers, paddlers and picnickers. Photo by Laura Byrne Paquet.

3. Pop into a coffee shop. Even though I don’t drink coffee, the existence of a good coffee shop is one of my criteria for a great road trip destination. As long as it serves tea and pastries, I’m good. Downtown Carleton Place has several nice coffee shops, including Foundry Collective and Coffee Bar (122 Bridge St.). With big windows and free wi-fi, it’s a pleasant place to linger with friends or even catch up on your email (if you must).

Foundry Collective and Coffee Bar is a pleasant place for a snack.
Foundry Collective and Coffee Bar is a pleasant place for a snack. Photo by Laura Byrne Paquet.

4. Stop by a memorable visitor centre. How many visitor centres are located in an 1850s log cabin that’s rumoured to be haunted? The one in Carleton Place (170 Bridge St.) is the only one I can think of. Bonus: it rents out bicycles by the hour and is also home to a museum focusing on the life of A. Roy Brown, arguably the town’s most famous son. Which brings me to …

An 1850s log home called Moore House now houses the Carleton Place visitor centre.
An 1850s log home called Moore House now houses the Carleton Place visitor centre. Photo by Laura Byrne Paquet.

5. Learn some local history. Brown was a First World War flying ace credited with shooting down none other than the Red Baron. After you’ve learned about him at the visitor centre, drop into the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum (267 Edmund St.) to delve into some other local stories. Admission is free. And nearby, you’ll discover one of the town’s most unusual attractions …

A mural of flying ace A. Roy Brown overlooks Bridge Street in Carleton Place.
A mural of flying ace A. Roy Brown overlooks Bridge Street in Carleton Place. Photo by Laura Byrne Paquet.

6. Walk a labyrinth. Right behind the museum is the pretty (and also free) Carleton Place Labyrinth. Quiet your busy mind with a slow stroll around its curving path, then relax on a bench under the welcome shade of the surrounding trees. Trust me, it really is calming.

Quiet your mind with a stroll around the Carleton Place Labyrinth.
Quiet your mind with a stroll around the Carleton Place Labyrinth. Photo by Laura Byrne Paquet.

7. Have a delicious dinner. Carleton Place has lots of nice restaurants, but my favourite is Black Tartan Kitchen (132 Bridge St.). Here’s why. I used to think I didn’t like venison or carpaccio, but chef Ian Carswell’s venison carpaccio changed my mind on both counts. Tender, flavourful and not at all gamey, it made me a believer. And I’ve never been disappointed by the other dishes I’ve tried on the regularly changing menu, either.

Black Tartan Kitchen serves delicious venison carpaccio.
Black Tartan Kitchen serves delicious venison carpaccio. Photo by Laura Byrne Paquet.

Award-winning Ottawa travel writer Laura Byrne Paquet shares her sightseeing tips for Eastern Ontario and beyond on her website, Ottawa Road Trips.

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