Explore Lanark County by Motorcycle

Explore Lanark County on a memorable motorcycle ride through winding roads, scenic countryside, and charming communities. This itinerary highlights a series of small towns, each offering its own mix of local flavour, history, and character. From the heritage charm of Pakenham and the waterfront views of Carleton Place to the canal-side appeal of Smiths Falls, the historic beauty of Perth, and the rural atmosphere of Lanark, each destination offers a chance to pause, explore, and recharge. Whether you’re stopping for a meal, browsing local shops, or taking a break from the road, this route balances the excitement of the ride with meaningful places to visit. For more detailed motorcycle route ideas, be sure to visit Ride the Highlands, where you can discover scenic rides, helpful maps, and tips to make the most out of your journey in Ontario’s Highlands.

Begin: Pakenham

Start your motorcycle tour in Pakenham, taking a little time to explore the town before you hit the road. Before you go, wander through its quaint streets, grab a quick bite to eat, or see the iconic Five-Span Stone Bridge. Enjoy the local sights and small-town charm, then begin your ride by heading south along Highway 29, where the route opens up into a scenic and enjoyable stretch perfect for the start of your journey.

Before setting out on the open road, have a cup of coffee or a quick snack from Pakenham’s finest restaurants & cafes!


Centennial Restaurant

📍 2536 Graham Street, Pakenham, ON

Fuel up your ride at Centennial Restaurant, where you can enjoy classic comfort foods like delicious breakfasts, fresh sandwiches, burgers, ad homestyle dinners. Whether you are craving a quick bite or a sit-down meal, the menu offers many options like soups, salads, and daily specials.


Keepers Coffee Bar

📍 2518 County Road 29, Pakenham, ON

Before you embark on your journey, stop in at Keepers Coffee and enjoy freshly brewed coffee, specialty espresso drinks, and a selection of teas. Pair you drinks with delicious baked goods, pastries, or fresh sandwiches. It’s a cozy spot to warm up before getting on the road.

Discover unique boutiques, specialty stores, and locally owned shops offering everything from handmade goods to one‑of‑a‑kind finds.


1840s General Store

📍2524 County Road 29, Pakenham, ON

Step back in time with this unique store on your motorcycle route. Enjoy freshly-baked goods, sandwiches, mouth-watering pies and classic snacks in a historic setting. You can also find local goods, handcrafted items and antiques.


Scoop’s Ice Cream

📍 111 Waba Road, Pakenham, ON

Cool off with a stop at Scoop’s, where you can treat yourself to a wide variety of creamy ice cream flavours, sundaes and other frozen treats. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a refreshing treat before hitting the road again.

Take time to experience the area’s history, scenery, and attractions that make each stop memorable beyond the ride.


Five-Span Stone Bridge

📍4915 Kinburn Side Road, Pakenham, ON

Take a pause at the Five-Span Stone Bridge, a must-see landmark along the motorcycle tour. This bridge is unique in North America and is the only one of its kind in the world outside of Russia. Explore the park and the flowing rapids.


St. Peter Celestine Church

📍139 Renfrew St, Pakenham, ON

One of the Seven Wonders of Lanark County, the St. Peter Celestine Church is the only church in the county built in the French Classic style and is one of only three Canadian churches known to retain its Classic Italianate interior.

Carleton Place

As you cruise along Highway 29, consider taking a break in Carleton Place. As you roll into town, refuel at one of the restaurants, where you can enjoy a hearty meal or a quick bite. Wander downtown on Bridge Street to browse unique shops and pick up something local, or take a short detour to the Mississippi River waterfront for a relaxing view. Whether you are recharging with food, exploring downtown, or checking out the views, Carleton Place makes a worthwhile stop on your ride.

Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a sit‑down meal, these local spots serve up flavour worth the stop.


Braumeister Brewing Co.

📍 19 Moore St, Carleton Place, ON

Add a satisfying stop to your motorcycle tour at Braumeister Brewing Co., where riders can enjoy their meal in the outdoor beer garden. This menu features favourites like burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads and shareable snacks, perfect for refueling during your ride.


Waterfront Gastropub

📍12 Bell St, Carleton Place, ON

Take a well‑earned break at the Waterfront Gastropub, a great stop along any motorcycle tour. Enjoy a satisfying meal of well‑crafted comfort food while relaxing on the riverside patio, where the water and fresh air add to the experience.


The Copper Still

📍35 Mill St, Carleton Place, ON

Make a standout meal stop at the Copper Still Social House, where the menu is designed to be shared and savoured. The kitchen makes plates meant to be enjoyed together, perfect for riders in larger groups.

Explore locally owned shops filled with character, creativity, and one‑of‑a‑kind finds.


Coastal Consignment

📍43 Bridge St, Carleton Place, ON

Add a shopping stop to your motorcycle tour with a visit to Coastal Consignment. Riders can browse a mix of clothing, home decor, accessories, and one-of-a-kind finds. It’s a relaxed and interesting break that adds a local touch to the ride.


As Good As New

📍33 Bridge St, Carleton Place, ON

Try this fun stop on your motorcycle tour at As Good As New in Carleton Place. Riders can browse racks of gently used clothing, accessories, and unique second-hand finds. It’s an easygoing stop and is perfect for hunting for a hidden gem.

Discover meaningful places that offer a deeper connection to the area beyond the road itself.


Riverside Park

📍215 Lake Ave. W, Carleton Place, ON

Enjoy a peaceful break at Riverside Park, an ideal scenic stop along your motorcycle tour. Riders can stretch their legs along the walking paths, relax by the water, or enjoy a shaded picnic spot overlooking the river. Take in the views before hitting the road.


Celtic Golf Centre

📍51 Roe St, Carleton Place, ON

Mix things up on your motorcycle tour with a break at Celtic Golf Centre. Step off the bike and into immersive golf simulators that let you play world-class courses in an indoor setting. It’s a fun break that offers friendly competition and a chance to recharge.

Smiths Falls

After leaving Carleton Place, get onto Highway 15 and head southeast towards Smiths Falls. As you ride into town, you’ll be greeted by its unique canal-side setting, which makes it the perfect place to park the bike and unwind. Take a stroll along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can watch boats pass through the historic locks or simply enjoy the peaceful water views. When it’s time to refuel, choose from a variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs serving everything from quick bites to sit-down meals. You can also explore local shops, visit museums like the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, or walk along the waterfront.

From hearty comfort food to sweet treats and café favourites, these places keep you well fueled along the way.


Diluca Fine Foods

📍 18 Russell St E, Smiths Falls, ON

Build a tasty pause into your route with DiLuCa Fine Foods in Smiths Falls. This spot is all about high quality meals, offering everything from handmade pasta dishes and fresh sandwiches to beautifully prepared charcuterie boards and specialty foods.


Iron Forge

📍 16 Russell St E, Smiths Falls, ON

Here, riders can dig into sourdough-crust pizzas along with sandwiches and wraps, offering hearty options without slowing down the ride. It’s a laid-back spot for good food that hits the spot before the next stretch of road.


The Lockmaster’s Taphouse

📍 32 Beckwith St S, Smiths Falls, ON

Build a scenic stop at Lockmaster’s Taphouse, where good food meets a great view. Riders can enjoy classic favourites on the patio while overlooking the falls in downtown Smiths Falls. It’s an easy stop that pairs a solid meal with one of the area’s best backdrops.

From handmade goods to unique treasures, shopping local adds discovery to every stop.


Michele’s Doorway to Splendour

📍 10 Beckwith St S, Smiths Falls, ON

This luxury women’s fashion boutique features lines such as Orange Fashion Village and Tribal. Michele’s Doorway to Splendour focuses on bringing in exclusive boutique fashion lines for women to feel luxurious.


Arlie’s Bookstore

📍 14 Beckwith St S, Smiths Falls, ON

Discover a treasure trove of literary delights at Arlie’s Books, an independent bookstore offering a vast collection of quality new and used books. Dive into a world of stories and knowledge as you explore our shelves, and don’t miss their assortment of puzzles and pastimes for those seeking a mental challenge and relaxation.


Marianne Style

📍 45 Beckwith St N, Smiths Falls, ON

Explore the racks of Marianne Style, a go-to destination for women’s fashion in Smiths Falls. This boutique features stylish pieces and is the perfect place to discover fashion that feels unique and effortless.

From historic landmarks to scenic spaces, these destinations invite you to slow down and explore.


Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario

📍 90 William St W, Smiths Falls, ON

Visit the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario along your tour and wander through preserved railcars, locomotives, and hands-on exhibits that tell the story of how the railway shaped the region.


Smiths Falls Heritage House

📍 11 Old Slys Road, Smiths Falls, ON

The Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum invites visitors to step into the town’s rich past. Set in a beautifully preserved Victorian home, the museum showcases exhibitions, local artifacts, and stories that reflect everyday life in early Smiths Falls.

Perth

As you continue your ride from Smiths Falls, get onto Highway 43 and head to Perth. When you arrive in this historic community, park alongside the streets that are lined with stone buildings, boutique shops, and welcoming cafes. Take a walk through Stewart Park by the Tay River, a peaceful green space to unwind before the next stretch of road. When its time to refuel, you’ll find plenty of inviting restaurants and patios serving up locally inspired dishes and craft beverages.

Good food is part of the journey and these places offer satisfying meals and local flavour to enjoy at your own pace!


Fiddleheads Bar & Grill

📍 53 Herriot St, Perth, ON

Fiddleheads Bar & Grill offers a welcoming spot to relax, dine, and soak in the local scenery. Its standout patio provides beautiful views of the iconic Big Ben statue and the greenery of Stewart Park, making it a perfect place to unwind.


Maximilian Restaurant

📍 99 Gore St E, Perth, ON

Maximilian’s sits right downtown, offering a blend of European and Canadian cuisine, thoughtfully prepared with classic flavors and local inspiration. The central location makes it a natural choice for both casual lunches and special evenings out.

Mex & Co

📍55 Gore St E, Perth, ON

Mex & Co is a standout destination in downtown Perth, serving up bold, Mexican‑inspired dishes like tacos, burritos, bowls, and shareable plates full of flavour. The real highlight is the patio overlooking the Tay River, where great food pairs perfectly with the scenery.

From handmade goods to unique treasures, shopping local adds discovery to every stop.


Perth Cheese Shop

📍 64 Gore St E #2, Perth, ON

The Perth Cheese Shop is a must‑visit destination for food lovers, known for its impressive selection of artisan cheeses from around the world. Alongside cheese, visitors can explore specialty foods and local products.


Backbeat Books and Music

📍 6 Wilson St W, Perth, ON

Backbeat Books and Music is a haven for bibliophiles and music enthusiasts alike. This unique bookstore not only offers a diverse collection of books but also vinyl records and albums. Let the harmonious blend of literature and music set the tone for your day.


Perth Chocolate Works

📍17 Wilson St E, Perth, ON

With a commitment to quality, Perth Chocolate’s confections are born from premium ingredients and are often gathered from local sources to infuse a touch of community love.

These places highlight what makes each town unique, from scenery to stories.


Stewart Park

📍41 Mill St, Perth, ON

Take time to visit Stewart Park, one of Lanark County’s Seven Wonders, where the Tay River gently winds through a peaceful and picturesque green space in the heart of Perth. The park offers a welcoming space with its majestic maple trees, charming rock wall gardens, picnic tables, and benches.

Perth Museum

📍11 Gore St E, Perth, ON

Visit the Perth Museum, where four restored period rooms—the parlour, dining room, drawing room, and kitchen—are furnished to reflect the lifestyle of the Matheson family, who lived in the house for 90 years.

Lanark

Coming out of Perth, take Highway 511 towards Lanark and enjoy a scenic stretch of road that winds through the heart of the countryside. As you arrive, the village greets riders with a relaxed pace, welcoming atmosphere, and classic small-town character that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy the stop. Park the bike and take some time to stroll along the main street, where you can browse local shops, discover artisan goods, and experience the charm of the rural community. Whether you decide to grab a quick bite, stretch your legs, or simply pause to take in the peaceful surroundings, Lanark offers a refreshing break in the ride and a chance to experience another side of Lanark County before continuing on your journey.

Good rides deserve good food and these places serve up local favourites to enjoy along the way.


Fitz’s Fresh Cut Fries

📍38 George St, Lanark, ON

Fitz Fries is the best place in town, known for golden fries, loaded poutines, and classic comfort‑food favourites. It’s the kind of place where simple food is done right. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite or lingering a little longer, Fitz brings big flavour with small-town charm.

Wheelers Pancake House

📍1001 Highland Line, McDonalds Corners, ON

Wheeler’s Maple Pancake House is a classic Lanark County destination where tradition and comfort come together. Known for hearty breakfasts, fluffy pancakes, and rich local maple syrup, it offers a warm, welcoming experience rooted in generations of maple heritage.

These stores invite you to browse, explore, and discover something you didn’t expect!


Village Treats

📍 70 George St, Lanark, ON

Village Treats is a charming destination that blends handcrafted chocolate with comforting, quick lunch options. Visitors can indulge in house‑made chocolates and sweet treats, then enjoy simple, satisfying fare like fresh sandwiches and homemade soups.


Dragon Moon

📍46 George St, Lanark, ON

Dragon Moon is a one‑of‑a‑kind destination offering a rich blend of the mystical and the mindful. This unique metaphysical boutique features crystals, magical supplies, incense, oils, jewelry, clothing, organic foods, books, tapestries, and more.

These destinations offer moments to slow down, look around, and take it all in.


Baird Trail

📍1024 Herron Mills Road, Lanark, ON

Known as one of Lanark County’s most beautiful trails, Baird’s Trail offers a 2.4 km route made up of two loops of about 1.2 km each. The trail winds through forests of giant maple and beech trees, with signs of pioneer farming and red pine plantations along the way. Parking and picnic tables are available.


Purdon Conservation Area – Lady’s Slipper Orchids

📍Concession Road 8, Lanark, ON

Take time to walk among the Showy Lady’s Slipper Orchids at Purdon Conservation Area, home to the largest known abundance of these orchids in Canada. The site offers a peaceful nature stop where visitors can follow boardwalks and viewing areas through the wetland habitat, taking in the rare blooms and surrounding landscape.

Finish: Pakenham

As your ride loops back toward Pakenham, the charming village makes the perfect final stop to wrap up your motorcycle journey. Rolling in at the end of the day, it is a great place to unwind after hours on the road. Settle in at a local café or restaurant for a well-owned meal, or simply enjoy the calm surroundings before heading home. Park at the Five-Span Park and take one last stroll, soaking in stone buildings and quiet streets.

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