The Historic town of Perth, Ontario (pop. 7000) can be found a mere 45 minutes southwest of Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. Take Hwy #7 from Ottawa until you reach Perth. Don't be fooled by the fast food strip you will encounter on the main highway - the main downtown is a little ways off this highway. Look for the "Business Section" signs and take a left on Wilson street and travel a short distance back to the 1800's.

You will find a century old downtown clustered around the Tay Basin, the end point of the Tay Canal that connects Perth into the Rideau Canal system. The Rideau Canal connects Kingston Ontario on the St. Lawrence river to Ottawa on the Ottawa River. Many of the downtown buildings have been preserved in their original condition - others have been carefully restored. Keep your eyes open to see many architectural gems.

You will find many parking lots in the downtown area where you can park the entire day for about $4 CDN. There is "2 hour free parking" on the street, but the rules are complex - so the best advice is to park in the parking lots. The entire downtown core is within walking distance of any of these lots.

Attractions

 • Perth Museum, 11 Gore Street East (Phone: (613)267-1947 Fax: (613) 267-5635) Hours: M to F 10AM - 5PM; Sa and Su 1PM - 5PM. Open year round. The Perth Museum is housed in Matheson House, c1840, on the main street of Downtown Heritage Perth. Matheson House is named after the well-to-do Scottish merchant, the Honourable Roderick Matheson, who lived in this house with his family for over 90 years. This nationally designated historic stone dwelling features 4 period rooms restored to depict the life of a wealthy 19th century family plus two galleries where changing exhibitions are displayed. Displays include the last fatal duel fought in Canada, the Mammoth Cheese, and the famous Marks Brothers (the most remarkable theatrical family in Canadian history - definitely NOT the Marx Brothers. The museum is air-conditioned and municipal parking is available. Group tours are welcome. Adults:$4 Seniors:$3.50 Students/Children over 6:$2 Families: $8 Under 6:Free (Call for Group Rates).
 • Ian Millar and Big Ben Bronze Memorial, located on the banks of the Tay River across from Codes Mill. This life size bronze honours one of Canada's most successful partnerships in Canadian sport and arguably the greatest team in equestrian history. Ian Millar and Big Ben, the 17.3hh Belgian Warmblood who died in December 1999 at age 23, won the hearts of a nation and made their mark in the equestrian world. As a lasting tribute, the Perth and District Chamber of Commerce erected this arresting bronze statue in Downtown Heritage Perth not far from Millar's home and Ben's final resting place. The life-size statue depicts Ian and Ben in full flight over a 5 and-a-half foot jump.

Festivals
Perth is famous for its year round Festivals. A few of these are:
 • April - Festival of the Maples Perth's welcome to spring with Maple Syrup and street festival
 • July - Stewart Park Festival Three days of free music in the Park
 • August - Perth Garlic Festival  "It's Chic to reek"
• September - Authors in the Park  Children's Literacy Festival
• September - Perth Fair  an agricultural fair that showcases the past, present and future
• October - Perth Autumn Studio Tour  a very special showcase for contemporary fine crafts
• November - Festival of Good Cheer. Experience a shopping trip back to 1840

Local Theatre and Arts Activities
Perth is home to a large number or writers, performers, artists and artisans. A local newspaper "The Humm"  keeps an extensive list of ongoing activities of arts in Perth and surrounding district.

Shopping

The Crystal Palace (or Under Glass Building) is situated on the Tay Basin across from City Hall. The structure is manufactured from the remnants of the glass street enclosures that used to cover Rideau street in nearby Ottawa. From the Mother's Day Weekend to the Thanksgiving Day Weekend, the building houses the Perth Farmers' Market, home to the areas farmers and artisans. On Saturday and Wednesday mornings, visitors can enjoy fresh produce, baked goods as well as products from local artists and artisans.

The downtown area features 1800 era buildings housing more than 80 specialty boutiques, shops, antique stores, restaurants and flea markets. Visitors can expect a shopping experience as far away as you can get from the global multinational mall experience. Come back in time to experience the future of shopping. Visit Downtown Heritage Perth  for more information, driving instructions and contact information.

These downtown stores provide the visitor with an impressive line up of products. Giftware, souvenirs, high tech kitchen gear, clothing, linens, inflatable kayaks, scrapbooking supplies, antiques and so much more can be found within a couple of block radius.

A popular shopping destination for local art is Riverguild Fine Crafts . This artist cooperative features the works of many local artists and artisans. Everything from fine arts, to the most wonderful kaleidoscope you will ever see, to cooperative games are available in this shop.

A great deal of local arts and crafts can be found throughout the town. For example, the paintings, prints and art cards of internationally known Nostalgic Realism artist - Craig Campbell - is available at urbanMarket - Perth and the local Office supply store. Craig's nostalgic portrayal of the steam train era is particularly attractive to visitors.