Wool, Water and Wandering: Unravel the Joys of Small Town Living in Carleton Place
Carleton Place, a quaint community in Lanark County stitched together with natural charm and rich history, is the perfect place to unwind and play.
If you’re craving a slower pace, with some delightful detours, this small eastern Ontario town, located just a 40-minute drive from the nation’s capital of Ottawa, delivers in spades.
On Saturdays, the Carleton Place Farmers’ Market buzzes with business – fresh flowers, locally sourced honey, foraged teas, baked goods and crafts – stretch the long, covered market pavilion on the southern edge of downtown.
Insider's Tip:
Get there early for the best selection – and a fresh sip of coffee. The market runs rain or shine from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from May 10 – Oct. 11.
After the market, take a short walk to Coastal, a shop that blends carefully selected secondhand consignment items with new curated boutique buys. The shop “transcends mere bricks and mortar, embodying a sanctuary of calm amidst life's chaos” – and that’s the truth. Carefully sift through the racks and you’re bound to walk out with a treasure or two.
Carleton Place’s history is strongly rooted to the land and the area has an active farming community.
That’s obvious at the Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Limited and Livestock Supplies & Equestrian Centre, located only a short drive from downtown.
You’ll find both a farm and equestrian supplies and The Real Wool Shop, where you can pick up wonderful wool products and souvenirs – such as colourful yarn, slippers, blankets and more.
Insider's Tip:
Knitting workshops are offered – but you’ll need to register and contact the wool shop for details.
The Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Limited, established in 1918, occupies the former round house and machine shops for the Canadian Pacific Railway in Carleton Place
Carleton Place was once a rail hub where the Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway converged.
The co-operative grades and markets about three million pounds of raw wool each year from producers across Canada.
After a lesson in history, relax by the river – another integral ingredient in Carleton Place’s origin story.
The Morphy’s Falls settlement began to grow around the falls on the Mississippi River – with a grist mill in operation by 1820. The community ultimately became known as Carleton Place about a decade after that.
The river was used to support the lumber industry – with white pine trees from the Ottawa Valley travelling down the river to local sawmills.
Enjoy the river first-hand by renting a kayak or SUP from KAYAKOMAT, which allows you to launch on the Mississippi River from Centennial Park.
Paddle in either direction from your launch point. Go left and you’ll get a view of the historic town hall, paddle right and you’ll have a longer, naturally rich route.
Carleton Place has a strong paddling past. The Carleton Place Canoe Club, located on the banks of the Mississippi River, is the oldest continually operating canoe club in Canada.
Insider's Tip:
You need to book your kayak or SUP rental in advance. You’ll receive a code to unlock your vessel to launch at Centennial Park. Lifejackets and paddles are provided – so no need to bring your own.
A great post-kayak lunch is at Café Postino Express – a local favourite for to-go fresh Italian eats. There’s no eat-in option here. We grabbed artisanal Italian panini sandwiches on pillowy soft bread.
The La Bomba had a delightful fresh bite with a spicy surprise. For a heartier option, consider the Pasta Alla Ruota – "Cheese Wheel Pasta" made fresh in-house daily.
Insider's Tip:
Buy dinner to-go, you won’t regret it. We bought pizzas to have for dinner after a day enjoying the town – which made even more stress melt away.
Enjoy your meal al fresco at Sinclair Square near the Roy Brown statue, or at Town Hall Square, where the riverside view pairs perfectly with your panini.
Carleton Place hero, Royal Air Force Cpt. Arthur Roy Brown, was the pilot credited with the downing of Germany's top ace in the First World War – Baron von Richthofen, known as “The Red Baron,” in 1918.
Insider's Tip:
Did you know? In the First World War, Carleton Place produced more fighter pilots than any other Canadian town of its size, according to the Town of Carleton Place’s website.
After lunch, take a short walk or bike along the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, a large multi-use pathway stretching 296-kilometres from near Smiths Falls to outside Mattawa.
Insider's Tip:
You can take a walk down Mill Street from the lunch spot near town hall where you can join part of the trail that crosses the Mississippi River. There is a lookout point overlooking the rushing river that makes for a great photo opportunity.
Consider renting a bike from the Carleton Place Visitor & Information Centre on Bridge Street.
If you’re looking for a treat and a unique way to close out your time in town, head over to the Dark and Deadly Café – located on the east side of town – where creepy meets cozy. The horror-themed café is a popular spot for those fascinated with all things dark, gothic and scary.
Storyteller:
