Day Tripping Destinations: Highlighting the many favourite spots that Lanark County and neighbouring organizations have to offer.
Many of the museums listed are open only during the summer. To avoid disappointment, please visit their website or call them before you plan your visit.
Lanark County Tourism
EXPLORE Our Communities; https://lanarkcountytourism.com, Looking into your family history or something to do. Heritage Driving Tour brochures and Lake maps will help you plan your day away.
Did you know that Lanark County is older than Canada! Four communities within our county celebrated their 200th anniversary in 2016. A 200th Anniversary project built a lasting online searchable legacy; A Digital Historical Map for the Perth Military Settlement showing the original lot boundaries for Perth, Drummond/North Elmsley, Tay Valley and Beckwith that were granted to European arrivals and disbanded soldiers from the War of 1812, along with diverse types of land grants (e.g., military, settler, clergy, Crown) and information about the original settlers. https://lanarkcountytourism.com/tours/ancestry-geneology/ links you to the searchable list.
Lanark County Genealogical Society
This website is one of the tools of the society for sharing research works and avenues to further assist you with your research. The society operates on an annual membership and provides linkage to additional research resources for members only that include access to such as the Digital Archive Ontario, Digital Collection at the University of Calgary, Newspapers.com, the Lanark Era, the Eganville Leader, and the Perth Courier are a few of the benefits of supporting the organization.
Lanark County Genealogy Resource Centre
This Lanark County Genealogical Society library is home to varied and interesting genealogical resource materials, family trees, family histories, scrapbooks and other publications illustrating the local history and community events. Also has an online resource library for those who research from afar.
Located in the Heritage House Museum along the picturesque Rideau Canal at the Old Sly’s Lock Station; 11 Old Slys Rd, Smiths Falls, Ontario, K7A 3M3
Lanark Highland Basketry Museum; Canada’s only basket museum
The only Basketry Museum in Canada is a unique museum. You’ll surprise yourself with their collection of two hundred-plus handmade baskets made with over fifteen local materials. Among the many baskets, you will see a traditional lightweight boat made of willow and a miniature spruce-decorated basket from British Columbia to an elaborate collection of Canadian Indigenous baskets.
Lanark Highlands Basketry Museum. 5596 McDonalds Corners Rd McDonalds Corners Ontario. Phone 613-278-1203
Hall of Remembrance Military Museum
The Hall of Remembrance military museum has artifacts dating from the 19th century Fenian Raids and Boer Wars, to World War I, World War the Korean War, the Cold War, and peacekeeping missions, up to the recent war in Afghanistan. The displays fill six rooms and emphasize the participation of Perth and area men and women in the service of our country.
Hall of Remembrance Royal Canadian Legion Branch 244, Perth-Upon-Tay 26 Beckwith Street East
Perth Ontario. Phone 613-267-4400
The Perth Museum/Matheson House
Matheson House is a nationally designated stone house ca. 1840. Four Victorian-period rooms and an enclosed garden give an intimate glimpse of the lifestyle of a well-to-do family. They are changing exhibitions in two galleries plus permanent exhibitions, for example, Last Duel pistols and sample Mammoth Cheese. Located in downtown Perth with parking at the rear. Air-conditioned. Check the Perth Museum website for the latest schedule of events and displays. Open year-round, Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. Open Sundays after the May 24 holiday weekend from 1-4 pm through the summer.
The Perth Museum, Matheson House, 11 Gore St. East, Perth, Ontario K7H 1H4 Phone: (613) 267-1947.
Dalhousie Historic Library and Museum
In 1828, the St Andrew’s Philanthropic Society founded the first public library within the old Bathurst District in a log building, known as St Andrew’s Hall. The Earl of Dalhousie, Governor-in-Chief of Canada (1820-28), subscribed money for its support and donated a number of books. The library was incorporated in 1852. An Ontario Historic Site plaque provides a brief history.
This is a drive-by location visit, the library is perpetually preserved and not open to the public; located on the grounds of the community hall where the local library is now housed, just off County Road 8, Watsons Corners – west of Lanark village.
Rideau Canal Museum
It offers five floors of a unique blend of historic displays, artifacts, and modern technology. Along with images tracing the building and evolution of this historic waterway, the museum supplies informative mini-theatres, user-friendly computers, a 15-minute narrated slide presentation; and the latest addition, a seven-diorama Tunnel of History.
Rideau Canal Museum, 34 Beckwith St. South, Smiths Falls, Ontario K7A 2A8. Phone: (613) 284-0505.
Tweed Visitor Centre
Located on the same patch of land and building as the former Hershey chocolate factory in Smiths Falls, the Tweed Visitor Centre is more than a window into the world of cannabis – it’s a fascinating look into the past, and present and future of our favourite plant. From the moment you arrive to when you peek into working grow rooms, your senses will be engaged and your minds opened as you explore the history, science and culture of cannabis. An educational theatre experience challenges preconceptions and highlights society’s changing relationship over 10,000 years.
Tweed Visitor Centre 1 Hershey Drive, Smiths Falls, Ontario K7A 3K8
Russ Beach Smiths Falls-Montague Aviation Museum
This registered airport is owned by the town of Smiths Falls and the Township of Montague. It is operated by the Smiths Falls Flying Club and they host a number of fundraising events throughout the year. A monthly Fly-in Breakfast, and Race the Runway are quite popular and they often open the Museum to the public. Classic Wings private collection of FLYING aircraft from the 1940s to the present.
The museum is located at the Smiths Falls/Montague Airport 102 Van Exan Dr. Smiths Falls K7A 4S9
Wheeler Pancake House, Sugar Camp and Museums
Vernon Wheeler and his family-operated business is now one of the largest producers in Ontario with over 20,000 trees tapped. Located at 1001 Highland Line, McDonalds Corners (Lanark Highlands). Wheelers Pancake House is nestled in the centre of our 730-acre forest, built with huge windows that allow a true sense of being in the woods.
Maple Heritage Museum
Maple Heritage Museum houses the largest collection of maple syrup artifacts and related items. There are extensive displays ranging from the First Nations discovery of maple syrup to Settlers modernizing methods. The Guinness World Record for “Largest Collection of Maple Syrup Artifacts” which can be seen in the Maple Heritage Museum. The wall logs of the museum are recycled from century old hay barns and all the lumber was cut and sawed on the property.
Forest & Farm Museum
The Forest & Farm Museum is home to over 600 vintage chainsaws & unique farming tools. Some chainsaws came from right here in Lanark County and Eastern ON while other saws come from all over the world, like New England, Quebec, and as far away as British Columbia and Alaska.
Lanark County Arts & Heritage Group
Formerly known as the Lanark County Museums Network)
Archives Lanark
The foundation of the Archives’ collections is the land records for Lanark County. At the beginning of this millennium, the land abstracts along with the supporting deeds and legal documents for all land transactions from the 1860s to the mid-20th century were destined for destruction until a lobby group of historians and genealogists convinced Queen’s Park to allow organizations in each of the Counties to take and preserve the records.
For full details, including contact information, and for opening hours, please visit the Archives Lanark website: http://archiveslanark.ca. The Archives is in the former Drummond Township Municipal Building at 1920 Concession 7 Rd. at Drummond Centre.
Middleville and District Museum
Located in an 1860s stone schoolhouse in the village of Middleville, Ontario. The museum building was expanded in the 1970s and then again in 2013 to help accommodate its growing collection which includes a pioneer cabin, pioneer tools, a horse-drawn hearse, and a classroom. The Museum is home to an extensive collection of local artifacts, archival, and genealogical records. Step into the past and explore pioneer history. The building is wheelchair accessible.
Middleville and District Museum, 2130 Concession 6D, Middleville ON K0G 1K0. Contact: 613-259-5462 or middlevillemuseum@gmail.com.
Mill of Kintail; R. Tait McKenzie & Dr. James Naismith Museum; “truly a pocket of paradise“
The Mill of Kintail is the main building on this heritage 154 hectares property opened as a grist mill in 1830, the museum building was restored 100 years later as a summer home and studio by Robert Tait McKenzie. Operated by the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority. This shared museum features over 70 of R. Tait McKenzie’s sculptures and his household furnishings; pictures and artifacts from Dr. James Naismith’s(inventor of Basketball) past and a brilliantly laid out story about his life. The museum also contains the very rock on which Naismith played his childhood game of “Duck on a Rock”; the game that set the foundation for the rules of basketball. The two men were boyhood friends and further known as the Brothers of the Wind. The museum is located 8 km north of Almonte, off Hwy. 15.
Mill of Kintail Conservation Area, RR #1, Almonte, ON, Canada. K0A 1A0. Phone: (613) 256-3610.
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, this museum is in the former Rosamond Textile Mill. The museum features the 19th-century beginning of Canada’s Woollen manufacturing industry, period offices and exhibits highlighting the Woollen industry to modern times. Unique gifts are available in the attractive gift shop.
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, 3 Rosamond St. East, Almonte, Ontario. K0A 1A0. Phone: (613) 256-3754.
Montague Farm Museum
Montague Farm Museum holds the private antique collection of Lanark County farmer, politician and antique collector, Bill Dobson, who has a passion for antiques and history-Lanark County History, Inside Montague Farm Museum, visitors are invited to explore the world of agriculture, discover the uses for rare tools and implements, and learn how farm products were made in a world before electricity. Located at 1105 Matheson Rd., the museum is open by appointment only for group tours. To schedule an appointment and arrange a visit, please call Dobson directly at 613-283-5270.
Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario
Located in the former Canadian Northern railway station built in 1914. A large, elegant brick and stone structure with high ceilings and impressive plaster and wood trim. The station, heritage artifacts and rolling stock are still undergoing restoration. A national historic site, the museum features railway artifacts, archival materials, memorabilia, a library and rolling stock equipment.
Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, 90 William St. W., Box 962, Smiths Falls, Ontario K7A 5A5. Phone (613) 283-5696.
Heritage House Museum
This elegant classically styled house is restored to ca. 1867 and features: 7 Victorian rooms, a two-storey privy, an indoor bake oven, “mirror image” facades, an exhibition gallery, heritage gardens, a picnic area, and a gift shop. The Genealogy Resource Centre owned and operated by the volunteers of the Lanark County Genealogical Centre is located on the lower level.
Heritage House Museum, Old Slys Road, Smiths Falls, Ontario K7A 4T6 (adjacent to Old Slys Lockstation, Rideau Canal). Phone: (613) 283-8560.
Lanark & District Museum
This museum houses a collection of tools, clothing and artifacts from the Lanark area pioneer homes and a collection of Canadiana books. Located on Hwy. 511 on Lanark’s main street.
Lanark & District Museum, 80 George St., Lanark, Ontario K0G 1K0. Phone: (613) 259-5350.
Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum
A two-storey heritage-designated stone building was erected as the original Carleton Place Town Hall in 1872 and later converted into a schoolhouse; enhanced by authentic Victorian gardens. Yearly exhibits draw from a collection of 10,000 artifacts reflecting local history and education.
Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum: 267 Edmond St., Carleton Place, Ontario K7C 3E8. Phone: (613) 253-7013.
North Lanark Regional Museum
The North Lanark Regional Museum collection focuses on local history and includes artifacts, photographs, documents, and books. Our research library contains local history books, family histories, and original copies of the Almonte Gazette. For Museum Hours please call or visit our website!
North Lanark Regional Museum, 647 River Road, Appleton, Ontario. Mailing Address: Box 218, Almonte, Ontario. Phone 613 257-8503.
Community Organizations
North Lanark Historical Society
Dedicated to making history more accessible. Reference Library Collection contains local genealogies, local history books, cemetery books and historical reference material. In addition, the Historical Society holds special events such as the Scottish Tea, Strawberry Social, Annual Heritage Dinner, and Guest Speakers at various times during the year. The society operates on an annual membership.
Perth & District Historical Society
Dedicated to documenting and sharing the rich history of the Perth area of Lanark County. The society provides a forum for the presentation and discussion of our history through monthly meetings and other events. The society operates on an annual membership.
The Carleton Place and Beckwith Historical Society
Bringing together those people interested in the diverse historical heritage of the Town of Carleton Place and the Township of Beckwith to research, codify, retain, preserve, and present historical data pertaining to the region. The society operates on an annual membership.
Smiths Falls & District Historical Society
Committed to preserving and promoting the history of Smiths Falls and the surrounding area while maintaining coordinated relationships with the town and area municipalities, local museums, and other local historical organizations – Create community connections through partnerships.
Municipal Heritage Committees
Drummond/North Elmsley Township Arts, Culture and Heritage
Municipality of Mississippi Mills Heritage Committee
Lanark Highland Heritage Committee
Local Libraries
Carleton Place Public Library website link https://www.facebook.com/CarletonPlacePublicLibrary
Lanark Highlands Public Library website link https://lanarklibrary.ca
Mississippi Mills Public Library has two branches – Almonte and the Pakenham website link https://www.missmillslibrary.com
Perth & District Union Public Library website link http://www.perthunionlibrary.ca
Smiths Falls Public Library website link https://www.smithsfallslibrary.ca
Neighbouring Organizations
Algonquin Way Cultural Centre
The history of the Ottawa River watershed is inseparable from the history of the Algonquin Nation. Though their territory was once considerably more extensive, the Algonquin heartland has always included the entire length of the Ottawa River, from its headwaters in north-central Ontario to its outlet in Montreal. The Omàmiwininì Pimàdjwowin mission is to revitalize, reintegrate, enhance and protect the cultural traditions, customs, practices, heritage, language and arts of the Algonquins of Pikwakangan First Nation as a way to meet the community’s need for restoring our Cultural Traditions. 1674 Mishomis Inamo, Pikwakangan, Golden Lake Ontario K0J 1X0
Petawawa Military Museum
Canadian Forces Museums hold an amazing array of objects relating to Canada’s military heritage, and the history of individuals and units of the Canadian Arm Forces in Petawawa since 1905. The museum is home to three main artifacts collection: Garrison Petawawa Collection; Canadian Guards Collection and the Canadian Airborne Forces Collection and the Silver Dart a fragile plane that in 1909 flew what we now consider as the first military flight trails in Canada. 63 Colborne RD, Garrison Petawawa, Petawawa ON K8H 2X3
42nd Field Regimental Museum
Operated by the 1st Air Defence Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment) of the Royal Canadian Artillery. The museum preserves and interprets these valued artifacts to generate a sense of identity and esprit de corps for visitors, and brings the principles of military values and leadership to life.
The Museum is located at 177 Victoria Street Pembroke Ontario K8A 4K2
Barry’s Bay Railway Station Museum
Motivated by a booming lumber industry, JR Booth extended the Ottawa Algonquin & Parry Sound Railway (OA&PS) to come through Barry’s Bay in 1894.
The first train rolled in on September 8 of that year. Over the past 100 years, the Station has had many incarnations and currently operates as a cultural centre for the Township of Madawaska Valley. The historic building houses a Visitor Information Centre, an Art Gallery and a collection of artifacts and photos relating to the village’s railway history. Barry’s Bay’s rich history and culture are expressed through visual art, music and performance throughout the year.
The museum is located at 19503 Opeongo Square, Barry’s Bay Ontario K0J 1B0
Madonna House Pioneer Museum
Catherine Doherty, the foundress of the Madonna House Lay Apostolate, opened the Pioneer Museum in 1967 after seeing a need to collect and preserve items that were vital to the lives of local pioneers. The displays of old tools, cobblers and farm implements, kitchenware and hundreds of authentic artifacts from pioneer homes and farms, speak with pride of our ancestors’ way of life. Built from hundred-year-old hand-hewn logs by experts in the Madawaska Valley, even the building itself is a colourful illustration of our rich pioneer heritage. 2888 Dafoe Rd Combermere Ontario K0J 1L0
Mission House Museum and Gallery
The museum depicts the lives and times of the people who settled on the historic Peterson Colonization Road, stretching from Brudenell through Combermere to Purdy, including the corundum mining town of Craigmont. It is here you will find many documents about stories written on the sinking of the “Mayflower” boat on Lake Kamaniskeg on November 12, 1912, and how a floating coffin is relevant to this historic event.
Mission House Museum and Gallery 1050 Mill Street, Combermere Ontario K0J 1L0
Bonnechere Museum
The Bonnechere landscape: the Ordovician Fossil Capital of Canada. Take a walk on the Geo-Heritage Trail. Here, you will see an exhibit of rock types and their special features on a fossil-rich limestone outlier. You can view a century-old quarry and maybe even some turtles sunning themselves on logs, or explore the mysterious connecting trench. Displays reveal the transformation from life in the 1700s to the present capturing influences ranging from square timber to lumber and pulp, along with waters shifting their use as original transportation routes to recreational get-away destinations and electrical generation. John Egan, founder, timber maker and politician, is a central figure. Visitors experience the Bonnechere Valley, its rural lifestyle and its natural wilderness.
Bonnechere Museum also has a Resource Centre and is located at 85 Bonnechere Street West, Eganville Ontario K0J 1T0
McDougall Mill Museum
Built in 1855, the McDougall Mill Museum itself is a prized artifact. Constructed by fur trader and Hudson’s Bay Company agent, John Lorne McDougall. This beautiful stone building was originally used as a grist mill. Though the majority of the McDougall Mill Museum’s artifacts celebrate local history, Renfrew Mercury newspaper, the Hansford Photography studio, Dr. Les Livingstone’s travels to the Arctic, Fashions through the ages, Revolutionary industrial wares and other exhibit items were donated by local Indigenous communities and international locales.
NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum
In 1893 by Governor-General Lord Stanley of Preston created the Stanley Cup trophy to be given annually to the champions of the Canadian amateur league. It was just 16 years old when millionaire businessman M.J. O’Brien of the Town of Renfrew and his son Ambrose decided they wanted to win the Stanley Cup. With that decision, they changed Canadian hockey forever. They had a hockey team, and issued a Stanley Cup Challenge; Renfrew Creamery Kings against the reigning team, the Montreal Wanderers, but those Montrealers didn’t take up the challenge.
He went on to be the founder of the National Hockey Association (NHA), owner of the Renfrew Millionaires and the founding owner of the Montreal Canadiens professional ice hockey team.
In December 2006, as the founder of the Montreal Canadiens, John Ambrose O’Brien was an inaugural inductee in the team’s newly created ‘Builders Row’ in the Bell Centre. The museum is located at 1 Ma Te Way Park Dr. Renfrew, ON. K7V 4J4
Arnprior And District Museum
Arnprior and area is rich in history from the fur trading days when Indians had encampments here during the Champlain era, through the colourful lore of the McNab era when, in 1825, the rugged and courageous Scottish Laird, Archibald McNab, brought eighty settlers to the area from Scotland; Arnprior and District’s greatest claim to historical fame was the lumbering era operated by the McLachlin and Gillies families. The Museum has recorded these eras with documents, artifacts, lumbering tools, fashion, home furnishings, maps and books.
Arnprior and District Museum, 35 Madawaska Street, Arnprior, Ontario, Canada. K7S 1R6 Phone: (613) 623-4902.
Waba Cottage Museum and Gardens
A faithful reconstruction of the house was built in 1835 by the founder of McNab Township, the controversial and colourful Archibald 13th Laird of McNab (c.1781-1860). Upon the death of his common-law wife Catherine Fisher, the house fell into disrepair and his stone house, “Waba Cottage” was given a few sticks of dynamite and was blown up into a heap of rubble 101 years later. In 1967, the Box family donated the ruins and 8 acres of surrounding lakefront property to the Township of McNab. The McNab Centennial Committee under the leadership of Mrs. Verna Campbell built a replica of Archibald’s house, using some of the original stone.
Waba Cottage Museum and Gardens is situated on an 8-acre park. 24 Museum Road, White Lake Ontario K0A 3L0
Canadian Clock Museum; Canada’s only clock museum
Showcasing the heritage of Canada’s many clock manufacturers and sellers from the early 1800s to the present time. A significant acquisition received by donation includes more than two hundred old watchmakers’ and clockmakers’ tools. A century-old oak watchmaker’s roll-top bench with foot-operated lathe was recently added to the exhibits. The massive steel flywheel is dated 1898! The Museums own reference library has more than 600 books that cover a broad range horological topics, including all of the major Canadian and American clock companies
Canadian Clock Museum, 60 James Street Deep River, Ontario K0J 1P0
the Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village
In the main gallery or Founders Hall exhibits include a replica of Champlain’s astrolabe, a Cockburn pointer boat, a Corliss Steam Engine, Pembroke’s 1923 Bickle fire truck and much more!
Historic buildings in the pioneer village include the former SS#1 Lowertown Schoolhouse, a pioneer log home, the Micksburg pioneer church a blacksmith shop and other outbuildings. The Museum is owned and operated by the Ottawa Valley Historical Society and is located at 1032 Pembroke St. East Pembroke, Ontario, K8A 6Z2
Merrickville Blockhouse Museum
Originally planned as part of its defense system, this is the largest blockhouse on the Rideau Canal. Now a museum containing artifacts of the blockhouse and social environment of a rural community in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Merrickville Blockhouse Museum, Merrickville and District Historical Society, PO Box 294, Merrickville, Ontario K0G 1N0. Email: info@merrickvillehistory.org
Goulbourn Museum and History Centre
Goulbourn was first settled in 1818 by members of the 100th Regiment of Foot, a British regular army unit which had fought in the War of 1812-1814. Museum exhibits chronicle Goulbourn’spioneer and military heritage. Historical descriptions of the various local communities and photographs are displayed throughout the Museum. A History Centre offers research facilities for genealogy and local history enthusiasts. The Museum is open year-round Tuesday through Friday and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Goulbourn Museum and History Centre, Stanley Corners, just south of Stittsville 2064 Huntley Road (intersection of Huntley and Flewellyn Rds.) Phone 613 831-2393, goulbmus@rogers.com.
Renfrew County Museums Network (RCMN)
The Renfrew County Museums Network (RCMN) was formed in 2002 so that all of the county museums in operation at that time could both share technical information and collectively promote their facilities. Representatives have met regularly since then at our various member museums. Currently (November 2018) our membership stands at twenty-one mostly seasonal museums plus nine Heritage Tourism partners (including three archives), with the potential for further expansion.
At the museums and partners sites throughout Renfrew County, we celebrate the many stories that have shaped our history. To read some Ottawa Valley stories, visit ottawavalleyculture.ca.
You also might like to check the OMA Directory of Ontario Museums which has all Ontario museums listed alphabetically by name, region and type.