The Tay Canal connects Perth to the Rideau Lakes system, making it a popular destination for boaters in the summer. Enjoy a scenic journey along the canal and dock at the public docks in Last Duel Park. For more information on dock slip rates and how to book, visit our Boating and Docks page. You can also find navigation tips from Friends of the Tay.
Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas
The Town of Perth is home to beautiful parks, trails, and natural areas that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic spots within town to peaceful rural escapes nearby, our community has plenty to explore. Check out the list below to find your next favourite place in nature!
Parks
Last Duel Park
Nestled along the Tay River just off County Rd 43, Last Duel Park is named after the last and most infamous duel in Upper Canada, where Messrs. Lyon and Wilson fought over the honour of Miss Elizabeth Hughes. Today, this peaceful 27-acre retreat offers public washrooms, docks, a boat launch, picnic areas with shelter, and more. It’s also home to the Wendy Laut Ribbon of Life walking trail and the Indigenous Healing Circle. Each year, the park hosts various community events, and across from the docks, the Old Burying Grounds provide an intriguing stop for genealogical tours.
Conlon Farm Recreation Complex
This popular 53-acre outdoor complex is full of active green space, offering something for everyone. Conlon Farm features two soccer pitches, five baseball diamonds, three basketball courts, four tennis courts, nine pickleball courts, a pump track, a skateboard park, a playground area, a toboggan hill, and a splash pad. With several paths winding through the complex, it’s a great spot for walking in warmer months and cross-country skiing in winter.
Stewart Park
Nestled in the heart of our charming downtown, Stewart Park is a picturesque spot ideal for picnics, photos, and cooling off in the Tay River. Donated to the Town of Perth in 1947 by Mrs. Stewart in memory of her husband, this iconic park sits behind Town Hall and is one of Perth’s most distinctive landmarks. Each year, Stewart Park hosts the beloved Stewart Park Festival, drawing visitors and locals alike.
Families can enjoy the playground, and adults will appreciate strolling through the park’s beautiful gardens. Adjacent to Stewart Park, you’ll find Code Park, home to the famous statue of Big Ben and Ian Millar.
Tay River Towpath Trail
Immerse yourself in Perth’s 200-year history with interpretive panels along this section of the Rideau Trail, featuring both natural and paved surfaces. Start your journey in Perth at the junction of Thom Street and John Street, or access parking at Crystal Palace, 28 Drummond Street East.
Darou Farm
Enjoy a relaxing 1.3 km stroll through open fields along two trail loops at Darou Farm. The path is mowed for easy navigation, but as the surface is uneven in places, sturdy running shoes or hiking boots are recommended. A small parking lot is available on the site of the old farmhouse at 2845 Rideau Ferry Road, Perth.
Perth Wildlife Reserve
Discover butterflies, birds, and breathtaking lookouts along these scenic trails. The Betty Wilson Nature Trail (2.5 km) leads to an observation tower overlooking the vibrant Tay Marsh, a haven for local wildlife. For a shorter walk, the Butterfly Trail (0.7 km) showcases plant species that attract and support butterflies.
Located at 100 Wildlife Road, just south of Perth, this area offers parking, an outdoor centre, and interpretive signs to enhance your experience.
Tay River Pathway
This 1.5 km loop trail offers a beautiful, accessible outdoor experience, perfect for walking, wheelchairs, and walkers. The pathway winds past the round garden, through a red pine forest, and leads to a scenic waterfront lookout over the Tay River. Several park benches are available along the trail for rest stops.
Parking and trail access are located at the Lanark County Administration Building at 99 Christie Lake Road, Perth.
Conlon Farm Playground
The Rideau Trail passes through downtown Perth, offering a picturesque walk along the historic Tow Path. This remarkable 387-km, all-season trail stretches from Ottawa to Kingston, providing avid hikers with a blend of natural and cultural features. Explore rugged Canadian Shield landscapes, quiet meadows, and farmers’ fields along various sections.
There are multiple access points in Perth, with parking available at Conlon Farm and the Crystal Palace.
Murphys Point Provincial Park
Nestled along the scenic shores of Big Rideau Lake, Murphys Point Provincial Park is a captivating destination within the historic Rideau Waterway. Discover the Mica Mine Trail, where you can step back in time to the early 1900s at the Silver Queen Mine, or explore the park’s extensive network of hiking trails, groomed for winter skiing to enjoy year-round adventure.
Experience a blend of natural scenery and heritage architecture as you paddle along the Tay Canal. Launch your kayak or canoe from the Tay Basin downtown or Last Duel Park, and follow the tranquil river through the lush Tay Marsh in Drummond/North Elmsley Township. Look for the green canal markers leading to the locks, perfect for a picnic stop before paddling back to Perth.
The Perth region boasts 100 lakes within a 60-kilometre radius, providing breathtaking views and endless recreational possibilities for visitors and residents alike. Learn more about our local lakes through Watersheds Canada.
Contact Us
Town of Perth
Town Hall
80 Gore Street East
Perth, Ontario
K7H 1H9
Telephone: (613) 267-3311
Fax: (613) 267-5635