Looking to experience a wonderful time in the quaint town of Merrickville, Ontario?
Here are some great things that you can see!
Located less than an hour away from Ottawa, Merrickville-Wolford is a charming community perfect for a weekend getaway. It’s one of the oldest settlements along the Rideau Canal and is home to a haven of heritage sites, tourist attractions and natural beauty. Merrickville-Wolford is undoubtedly one of Canada’s most vibrant small towns. Whether you’re looking to find your new home in the area, or just spending the day, here are the top 5 things to check out in the town of Merrickville.
#1 The historic Merrickville Locks
Located on the historic Rideau Canal (Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site) the Merrickville Locks offer a glimpse into the legacy of the small town. The ruins are an artifact of the industrial development in the area that saw Merrickville turn into a booming mill town in the 1800s. The ruins date back to 1793, and include a foundry, tannery, a flour mill, a woolen mill, and a gristmill.
#2 The picturesque Rideau Trail
Sque Rideau Trail With the nearby Rideau Trail, you’ll have access to a world-class setting for all four seasons of the year. The Rideau Trail is a 387 km network of hiking trails between the City of Kingston and the City of Ottawa located in the general area of the Rideau Canal and its tributary waters. The trail itself crosses terrain ranging from farmland to the Canadian Shield, and cuts right through Merrickville. It is intended for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
#3 A different shopping experience
If a day at the same old mall doesn’t appeal to you, Merrickville offers a unique retail experience. In the summer months, the streets are lined with boutique stores and artisan shops. There’s everything you can think of, from specialty foods at Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Food Shop , wonderful aromas at Wick Witch Candle Co., or works of art at the Canal Gallery & Frame Shop. There’s an endless number of options, and tourists will always come back finding something new when shopping in Merrickville.
#4 good food no matter where you go
A day spent in Merrickville will feature good food no matter where you go. If you’re grabbing a bite, The Goose & Gridiron knows a thing or two about good pub food - they’ve been making it since 1856. Or you can check out Mainstreet Restaurant & Patio for a family sit down, or The Yellow Canoe Cafe for a delectable fruit and cheese board. For treats, Ottawa residents will be familiar with the selection of gelato at Merrickville’s own Stella Luna. But if you’re craving something unique, there’s the Downtowne Ice Cream Shoppe , or the Village Bean for specialty coffee. Rural locations within the town and surrounding areas also offer farmers’ markets for the freshest food you can find in the region.
#5 Tour the thriving art scene
The town of Merrickville is a major hub for artists. On the weekends of September 26-27 and October 3-4, the Merrickville Artists’ Guild annual autumn Studio Tour gives thousands of art-lovers a peek into their creative worlds. Many artisan studios are now open year-round, so you can make arrangements to check out the works of local talent at any time. For a small town, Merrickville-Wolford has big character. The heritage and beauty of the area will dazzle you on first impression, and the amenities will ensure you will leave satisfied.
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