Day Trips & Informative Links
There is so much to see and do in this area!
There is so much to do and see in the area surrounding 'The Pines'. Lots of History and Scenic drives are waiting for you to explore! Here are a few choices:
Admiral Sir Charles E. Kingsmill
Portland
Portland is a village with a lot of history! Did you know that:
- Admiral Sir Charles E. Kingsmill (July 7, 1855 – July 15, 1935) was the first Director of the Canadian Naval Service (which later became the Royal Canadian Navy). He retired on Dec. 31, 1921 and died at his summer home on Grindstone Island, near Portland, Ontario in July 1935.
- Portland is home of 'Skate the Lake'
- The Cataraqui Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail, a nationwide network of trails that cross Canada. It is 104 kilometres long and is lined with history and runs through Portland. Hamlets, villages, active and abandoned farms, old mills, regenerating forests, historic bridges, forgotten mines and the Rideau Canal.
Portland is a village with a lot of history! Did you know that:
- Admiral Sir Charles E. Kingsmill (July 7, 1855 – July 15, 1935) was the first Director of the Canadian Naval Service (which later became the Royal Canadian Navy). He retired on Dec. 31, 1921 and died at his summer home on Grindstone Island, near Portland, Ontario in July 1935.
- Portland is home of 'Skate the Lake'
- The Cataraqui Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail, a nationwide network of trails that cross Canada. It is 104 kilometres long and is lined with history and runs through Portland. Hamlets, villages, active and abandoned farms, old mills, regenerating forests, historic bridges, forgotten mines and the Rideau Canal.
Beautiful Westport
Westport
Westport Ontario is one of the most beautiful towns in Ontario. This heart
warming village has kept its charm and quaint feel for the past 50 years! There
is so much to do as well as natural beauty. The fishing is great. Westport is
surrounded by lakes and is linked to the Rideau Canal so your options for fishing, boating and water sports are limitless.
If you enjoy shopping, Westport has always been known as a shopping destination. The downtown area of Westport is filled with unique shops and fun boutiques. There are several great restaurants in Westport that have delicious menus. Westport constantly has festivals and events taking place so any time you visit you are sure to be entertained.
Newboro
A cute little village situated on an isthmus between Newboro and Upper Rideau Lakes, Newboro played an important role in the construction of the Rideau Canal, as witnessed by the memorial plaque to Army engineers who lost their lives during its construction. As commercial use of the canal declined Newboro became known for its great fishing. As a result several fishing lodges arose. Also one of the four Rideau Canal blockhouses is located at the Newboro lock station.
Smiths Falls
Located in the Heart of the Rideau Canal, you will find a unique mix of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of
history and nature. For the history buffs, find out how our strategic location shaped the Town's heritage. Visit the home of an early miller. Learn about how the Rideau Canal was built, the role of the grist mills, and later, the railway system which brought prosperity to our ancestors.
Merrickville
Merrickville is renowned for its boutiques, which are filled with one-of-a-kind items made by local artists and artisans. Their unique talents are on display at studios where craftsmen demonstrate their trade as well as sell their wares. Glassblowing, leatherworking and baking are just a few of the skills you can witness firsthand. You can buy the creations made before your
eyes. Merrickville is home to some of the finest spas, boutiques, restaurants and B&B's, along with great service.
Westport Ontario is one of the most beautiful towns in Ontario. This heart
warming village has kept its charm and quaint feel for the past 50 years! There
is so much to do as well as natural beauty. The fishing is great. Westport is
surrounded by lakes and is linked to the Rideau Canal so your options for fishing, boating and water sports are limitless.
If you enjoy shopping, Westport has always been known as a shopping destination. The downtown area of Westport is filled with unique shops and fun boutiques. There are several great restaurants in Westport that have delicious menus. Westport constantly has festivals and events taking place so any time you visit you are sure to be entertained.
Newboro
A cute little village situated on an isthmus between Newboro and Upper Rideau Lakes, Newboro played an important role in the construction of the Rideau Canal, as witnessed by the memorial plaque to Army engineers who lost their lives during its construction. As commercial use of the canal declined Newboro became known for its great fishing. As a result several fishing lodges arose. Also one of the four Rideau Canal blockhouses is located at the Newboro lock station.
Smiths Falls
Located in the Heart of the Rideau Canal, you will find a unique mix of leisure and recreational activities set against a backdrop of
history and nature. For the history buffs, find out how our strategic location shaped the Town's heritage. Visit the home of an early miller. Learn about how the Rideau Canal was built, the role of the grist mills, and later, the railway system which brought prosperity to our ancestors.
Merrickville
Merrickville is renowned for its boutiques, which are filled with one-of-a-kind items made by local artists and artisans. Their unique talents are on display at studios where craftsmen demonstrate their trade as well as sell their wares. Glassblowing, leatherworking and baking are just a few of the skills you can witness firsthand. You can buy the creations made before your
eyes. Merrickville is home to some of the finest spas, boutiques, restaurants and B&B's, along with great service.
Gore Street scence with Town Hall in the background
Perth
- Perth was voted "Prettiest Town in Ontario" (TV Ontario)
- Perth was voted "Best place to Retire" (Chatelaine Magazine)
- Home of the annual 'Garlic Festival'
- This town was the site of the last fatal duel in Upper Canada. Robert Lyon, a law student, was killed on June 13, 1833 after fighting over a woman (Elizabeth Hughes) with a former friend, John Wilson.
- Perth is home to Canada's oldest pioneer burial ground
- Perth was established as a military settlement in 1816, shortly after the War of 1812
- Perth is also the site of the first installation of a telephone other than Bell's experimental installations. A town dentist, Dr. J. F. Kennedy, a friend of Alexander Graham Bell, installed a direct telephone connection between his home and office. By 1887, there were 19 telephones in Perth, with a switchboard in Dr. Kennedy's office.
- Perth was voted "Prettiest Town in Ontario" (TV Ontario)
- Perth was voted "Best place to Retire" (Chatelaine Magazine)
- Home of the annual 'Garlic Festival'
- This town was the site of the last fatal duel in Upper Canada. Robert Lyon, a law student, was killed on June 13, 1833 after fighting over a woman (Elizabeth Hughes) with a former friend, John Wilson.
- Perth is home to Canada's oldest pioneer burial ground
- Perth was established as a military settlement in 1816, shortly after the War of 1812
- Perth is also the site of the first installation of a telephone other than Bell's experimental installations. A town dentist, Dr. J. F. Kennedy, a friend of Alexander Graham Bell, installed a direct telephone connection between his home and office. By 1887, there were 19 telephones in Perth, with a switchboard in Dr. Kennedy's office.
Ottawa - Canada's Beautiful Capital
City
Nestled on the banks of the majestic Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau Rivers, Ottawa is one of the most beautiful G8 capitals in the world. A thriving international technology and business centre and world class tourism and convention destination, Ottawa is also rich in culture and heritage with its many national institutions, parklands, waterways and historic architecture.
Kingston
The City of Kingston is located halfway between Montreal and Toronto, Canada's
two largest cities. Steeped in history and tradition, Kingston is the resting-place of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister. History buffs can visit Fort Henry, a 19th century British Military Fortress, or one of the seventeen museums that showcase everything from woodworking tools to military and Technological advances.
The City of Kingston is located halfway between Montreal and Toronto, Canada's
two largest cities. Steeped in history and tradition, Kingston is the resting-place of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first Prime Minister. History buffs can visit Fort Henry, a 19th century British Military Fortress, or one of the seventeen museums that showcase everything from woodworking tools to military and Technological advances.