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Best Things to Do in Smiths Falls, Ontario

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History, Nature, & Beer

Smiths Falls has something for everyone!

The best things to do in Smiths Falls Ontario Canada are plentiful and incredibly varied. For such a small town, you might be surprised to hear that there is something here for everyone! I have actually lived in Smiths Falls, Ontario in the past and I am both surprised at how many awesome adventures I was missing out and and how many new and fantastic things Smiths Falls has added for adventure-seekers of all types. Whether you want to get out on the water, explore historic sites, or sit down for some great brews, Smiths Falls has something for you!


Best Things to Do in Smiths Falls Ontario Canada

Lock Station 26 & 27 of the Rideau Canal. Photo credit Sarah Stewart

UNESCO World Heritage Site in Smiths Falls

Smiths Falls in home to Lock Station 26 & 27 of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is quite a sight to behold! Therefore, if you are lucky, you'll catch one of the many boats that pass through Smiths Falls "locking through" and be witness to this technological and historical wonder in action. You can also brush up on your lock and canal knowledge at the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre in Smiths Falls, the official headquarters for the Rideau Canal National Heritage Site. 

4 Degrees Brewing Co. Photo credit Sarah Stewart

4 Degrees Brewing Co. 

If you're a fan of beer, 4 Degrees Brewing Co. is a can't miss stop on your tour of Smiths Falls. This small brewery in Settler's Ridge Mall not only boasts a wonderful selection of delicious beer, they are like their own little mini-museum full of Smiths Falls artifacts and a completely visible brew room - definitely on the list of best things to do in Smiths Falls for beer lovers. Lastly, if you have some extra time, be sure to ask the bartender about the story behind each beer - the brewery has put special attention into tying their brews to the history of the community! 


Pedal and Paddle. Photo credit Sarah Stewart

Pedal and Paddle  

If you'd like to see Smiths Falls by water or wheel, be sure to call Pedal and Paddle, a mobile rental service for Smiths Falls and surrounding area. Not only can you rent a bicycle, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, they will bring it right to your location! They also host occasional tours, so be sure to check out their Facebook page for more information.

Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum. Photo credit Sarah Stewart

Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum

Learn about Smiths Falls in the 1800's at Smiths Falls Heritage House. This awesome historic house contains a range of exhibits to teach about life in Smiths Falls during the 1800's, with an amazingly well-written self-guided tour available. In addition to the artifacts on display, the museum is always finding new ways to engage visitors like their speakeasy-themed escape room, art gallery highlighting local artists, and seasonal events for Halloween and Christmas. 

Heritage Walking Tour. Photo credit Sarah Stewart

Heritage Walking Tour

Any history buff will love the Smiths Falls Heritage Walking Tour! You can join a guided tour, of pick up the free self-guided tour at the Chamber of Commerce or other participating locations. You'll take a tour through the town, learning about designated heritage buildings and their significance to the town. One of the Best things to do in Smiths Falls for history.

Smith Falls Restaurants. Photo credit Sarah Stewart

Great Food in Smiths Falls Restaurants

Good food is an important part of any adventure, and Smiths Falls is full of great food! 

My Place Restaurant on Main St. is a long-time Smiths Falls staple. This family restaurant with a cozy vibe was started by Pavel and Josef from the Czech Republic and the menu includes a wide variety of European favourites like schnitzel and crepes at amazing prices. 

The Hawks Nest in Settlers Ridge Mall is the place to chow down if you're checking out 4 Degrees Brewing - you can sit in the Brewery and order and they'll bring food right to you! With an expansive menu of pub favourites and more, there's no doubt you'll find something to your liking.

Lastly, Bowie's on Russell St. is the go-to spot for a variety of unique and delicious paninis! Not only can you enjoy on a great sandwich, you'll also find live music or trivia on select nights. 

Shopping in Smith Falls. 

Awesome Shops in Smiths Falls

Smiths Falls is full of great places to shop, but there are definitely a few that can't be missed. 

REAL Deal Store is not only a great source for household goods and materials, they have an awesome mission to help save the environment! All of their merchandise has been saved for ending up in a landfill and their grounds are full of food gardens, a compost station, and a pollinator patch. 

A visit to The Arts Hub is a fabulous way to support local artists. You'll find a wide variety of handcrafted gifts and art from local artists and artisans, albums from local musicians, and even workshops and art talks. 

There's no better place to find amazing deals on second-hand clothing than The Score. This thrift store already has amazing prices, but also marks down clothing with a certain tag color each week and offers 25% off all clothing on Tuesdays, with some of the proceeds going to charity! 

Hiking in Smith Falls. 

Great Trails in Smiths Falls

Hikers and naturalists will delight in the many trails Smiths Falls has to offer. Come bike or walk the Cataraqui Trail, take a step back in town in the Smiths Falls Heritage trail, or take a short drive to explore the Marlborough Forest. For the outdoor enthusiasts hiking is often one of the best things to do in Smiths Falls Ontario Canada.

Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. 

Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario

The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario is already a fantastic source for railway history and a fun time for young and old. It is also continually adding new exhibits and attractions, and has a passionate group of volunteers. Come ride on a train car, climb inside a railway plow, send a telegraph, or learn about the history or dental trains in Ontario! However, if you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even rent out a caboose to have an overnight authentic railway experience. 

Victoria Park. 

Victoria Park

No trip to Smiths Falls is complete without a stroll through Victoria Park. Here you can take in the locks and wait for a boat to go through the locks. Consequently, while you are waiting you can take in a variety of monuments throughout the park, frolic on the beach, watch some live music at the bandstand, or jump off of the massive water trampoline! 

Smiths Falls is Awesome!

In conclusion it is easy to see, Smiths Falls is an amazing place to spend a day - or a lot more! And, of course, this is not an exhaustive list of all of the best things to do in Smiths Falls. So, come visit this beautiful Ontario town, see what else you can discover yourself, and enjoy exploring the best things to do in Smiths Falls! 


Do you have a favourite thing to do in Smiths Falls? 

Let us know in the Comments! 

Best Things to Do in Smiths Falls Ontario

History, Nature, & Beer

Location (Map)

Smiths Falls, ON, Canada
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Tuesday, 23 April 2024