Heritage Architecture

Explore one of three Beckwith driving tours (or do all three!) that will lead you down quiet country lanes and tree-lined streets in the heart of Lanark County.

The hamlet tour will take you through a roughly 80-kilometre route to charming small communities like Franktown, Giillie’s Corners, Scotch Corners, or Ashton (to name a few).

If you’re more into church spotting you’ll love the church tour of historic churches, and if you want to learn even more about history of the region the schoolhouse tour will take you back to yesteryear and the one-room schoolhouses that raised generations of resilience in Beckwith.

Carleton Place

Have you ever walked through a building and felt a chill run down your spine, without any explanation why? This may happen more frequently in Carleton Place than in many communities – Carleton Place has had its fair share of ghostly happenings, some of which have been verified by experts in paranormal experiences. Take some time to discover Carleton Place’ spookiest spots, and you’ll uncover exciting stories, incredible history, and maybe spot a ghost or two during your travels. If you’re not into spooky stuff, try one of their two self-guided walking tours – one loops over the river and the other features the downtown core.

As you wander through the streets, you'll discover a vibrant display of artistic expression in the form of numerous murals. These captivating artworks depict the town's history, providing a fascinating insight into its past. Additionally, for a more in-depth understanding of Carleton Place's heritage, the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum offer guided walking tours that lead you into historic buildings, where you can learn more about the town's captivating history. 

Lanark Highlands

Founded by Scots, Irish, English, and French, Lanark Village is a patchwork of cultural influences with plenty of historical tidbits to entertain. The Village of Lanark Heritage Tour will introduce you to more than 30 of the community’s architectural and cultural history, from milling and manufacturing to ecclesiastical influences.

Embark on a scenic driving tour of Lanark Township, where you'll uncover hidden gems and further immerse yourself in the region's captivating history. Witness the diverse architectural styles, picturesque landscapes, and charming communities that dot the township, providing a glimpse into the past and present.

Mississippi Mills

If you've already had the pleasure of visiting the picturesque small town of Ramsay in Mississippi Mills and assume that's all it has to offer, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Ramsay itself holds a unique charm with its idyllic streets, friendly community, and captivating scenery. Embark on a scenic driving tour and uncover the wonders that lie beyond the town's center.

Almonte, located nearby, is renowned for its exceptional textile heritage. Take a leisurely tour through downtown Almonte and embark on the Almonte Historic Walking Tour, where you'll uncover the captivating story of this former "Manchester of Canada."

If you’re in the Appleton, Clayton or Pakenham area you’ll want to explore the villages through self-guided walking tours, and learn all about the first settlers who shaped this community.

Perth

You may not have heard that Perth is a geologically significant region but its reputation as such has been around for more than a hundred years, since amateur geologist Dr. Wilson set up his practice there in 1821. In fact, the relationship between the people who settled the area and the local geology tells us a lot about how this community was formed. Take a self-guided tour of the charming small town of Perth to see the geological evidence firsthand and learn about its geoheritage, from the Paleozoic to Precambrian eras.

 Smiths Falls, a town steeped in history and situated at the crossroads of the railway, Rideau Canal, and highway, has long been an industrial hub. To truly appreciate the town's rich heritage, embark on a self-guided heritage walking tour through Smiths Falls. Wander through its charming streets and explore the architecturally significant buildings that stand as a testament to the town's past. 

For a more immersive experience, the Heritage House Museum offers guided tours, providing expert insights into the town's history and architectural heritage

Tay Valley

The combination of picturesque fields and rolling hills of Tay Valley make this region the perfect location for small farms to prosper. Here, farm stands can be found at the end of quiet country lanes and a farm tour will help you cross items off your grocery list.

Ferrier’s Scotch Line Farm invites you to come and get the cream of the crop when it’s only hours from field to your hands. Pick up some freshly baked organic or gluten-free bread from Little Stream Bakery in the heart of Tay Valley as you tour through fall colours and pumpkin fields.