From wildflowers to festivals, rivers to railcars, this is Ontario’s best summer detour.

Ontario is packed with summer destinations, but Lanark County truly stands out. Just west of Ottawa, it’s where winding roads lead to postcard-worthy small towns, dense forests, and open skies.

Lanark County is the kind of summer destination that rewards curiosity. Wild orchids in bloom, music in the park, paddling quiet rivers, and even a night in a vintage train car — it’s all here, wrapped up in small-town charm.

Here’s what summer in Lanark County looks like:

Paddle Power: Canoes, Kayaks & Chill

No visit to Lanark County is complete without spending time on the water. Between the Mississippi River, Mississippi Lake, Rideau River, and the Rideau Canal (yes, that UNESCO World Heritage Site), there are no shortage of places to launch a canoe, rent a kayak, or pitch your umbrella to claim a prime beach spot for the afternoon.

Let Carleton Place or Almonte be your launchpad for the Mississippi River, sometimes calm, often turbulent, but always full of life. Smiths Falls puts you on the heritage Rideau Canal, where 19th-century locks still operate by hand. In between, Perth is home to the beautiful Tay River, a slow-moving river teeming with wildlife.

Pro Tip: You can rent canoes and/or kayaks in the following locations: Smiths Falls Pedal and Paddle (Smiths Falls), Carleton Place Visitor & Information Centre or Kayakomat (Carleton Place), Silver Lake Provincial Park or Murphys Point Provincial Park (near Perth).

Nature’s Showstoppers

Lanark County in summer is bursting with the sweet scent of flowers, lavender, and berries, in season. Visit Rae Country Farm near Almonte and wander the fragrant lavender fields, build your own floral bouquet, or browse lavender lotions, soaps and snacks (think lavender lemonade).

Berry lovers won’t be left out – there is a berry for every month here. Check out Stonetable Haskaps in June and July (by appointment), Mississippi Berries in June and July, and Balderson Blueberries in late July and August.

Pro Tip: Bring your camera, especially for the lavender fields – they’re pure visual gold.

Each June and July people flock to the Purdon Conservation Area to witness the blooming of the largest colony of Showy Lady’s Slipper orchids in Canada. Picture more than 16,000 of these rare pink-and-white blooms peppered along a forest boardwalk. There’s no entry fee, and if you time your visit right, it’s breathtaking.

Pro Tip: The boardwalk on the half-kilometre trail takes you through a rare fen wetland – bring your camera.

Small Town Music, Big Festival Vibes

Summer in Lanark County sounds just as good as it looks. This region is known for its laid-back, Woodstock-style outdoor music festivals where lawn chairs are a must, and the music is stellar. Here’s where to be, and when:

• Stewart Park Festival (Perth, July): Folk, blues, and roots music in a maple-shaded park.
• Almonte Celtfest (Almonte, July): Fiddles, kilts, and a whole lot of Celtic energy in Gemmill Park. Spoiler: You will clap along.
• Goodwood Music Festival (Beckwith, August): Rural backyard vibes with local bands, country, and classic rock. When the sun sets, the party doesn’t.

Pro Tip: Ditch the music festival crowds this summer. Music in Lanark County is up close, personal, and memory making.

More Summer Perks: Sweet, Simple, and a Little Extra

Hotels and B&Bs are great …but why sleep in a room when you could sleep in a real caboose? Spend the night in a restored vintage train car at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smiths Falls—full railway nostalgia included. This is a great option for people of all ages who are in love with the romance of the railway.

Pro Tip: Plan your overnight stay to coincide with Trainfest in August, the museum’s peak #railfan season, complete with train rides, exhibits and more.

Lanark County doesn’t need bells and whistles (except for Trainfest). It’s the moments you don’t plan for that make it so memorable – a farm-to-table meal, a quiet forest trail, or the perfect antique find.

Those moments could include:

• Finding homemade ice cream or gelato from an unassuming café.
• Spending a lazy afternoon antique-hunting in Perth or Almonte.
• Experiencing sunset on a waterfront patio with a cold local beer.
• Canoe excursions where you are seemingly the only one on the river.

The Bottom Line

Summer in Lanark County is relaxed, beautiful, and full of “didn’t expect that” moments. From wildflowers to festivals, rivers to railcars, this is Ontario’s best summer detour. All you need is a little curiosity — and maybe a lawn chair.