Vacation rentals in Perth

Located on the banks of the Tay River around an hour southwest of Ottawa, the town of Perth is best known for its well-maintained historic buildings and walking paths. In the town centre, you’ll find expansive Stewart Park — a great place to picnic and relax under the shade of a willow tree. The Tay River is a popular spot for kayaking, and scenic paths in the surrounding area include the Rideau Trail, which runs through downtown. The nearby Perth Wildlife Reserve also features a 2.5-kilometre trail that cuts past the Tay Marsh and offers plenty of opportunities for watching bluebirds and Canada geese.

The lush arming country around Perth is also famed for its cheese production; there’s a huge 22,000-pound cheese sculpture in town to celebrate this, as well as plenty of cafes and stores where you can sample local varieties. The town hosts a farmers market every Saturday from May until October, where you can pick up local organic produce, homemade baked goods, and crafts.

You can visit Perth all year round, but the area experiences distinct seasons. Many people look for Perth cottage rentals in the summer months to take advantage of the region’s parks, rivers, and picnic spaces. The Tay River is a lovely spot for kayaking, and there are also plenty of trails to explore in the surrounding area during the warmest months of June through August.

Fall brings sunny skies and mild weather, as well as lower humidity. This is a great time to go hiking or cycling, and to visit the Perth Wildlife Reserve, when the changing colours of the leaves create a palette of rust hues. Winter brings cold, snowy weather; you’ll find several ski resorts within an hour’s drive of town to make the most of the coldest months. Rainfall is typically at its highest in spring, which is a popular time to explore the town’s galleries and museums and linger over a coffee at a local cafe.

Perth Museum

Set inside the historic Matheson House — formerly the home of a senator in Canada’s first parliament — the Perth Museum offers a glimpse into life in the town in the 1800s. Wander through the rooms of the original manor and delve into the town’s sporting, cultural, and geological history through varied, interactive exhibits, including cheese churns and presses.

Stewart Park

In the heart of the city, you’ll find the expansive Stewart Park – a beautiful green space that was donated to Perth by a local resident in honour of her husband. Today, it’s an ideal spot for walking or jogging, or gathering with a picnic of local cheeses. A river runs through the park and there are a few places where you can take a dip or launch a kayak. There’s also a winding, flat walking trail that passes over scenic bridges.

Perth Wildlife Reserve

Drive a few minutes outside of the city to reach the Perth Wildlife Reserve — a conservation area located on the Tay Marsh. This is a great spot for spotting local wildlife, including deer, ducks, and turkeys, and there’s a scenic signposted trail to follow. Head up the lookout tower for far-reaching views over the water and marshland.