Ontario- Lanark County: Christmas in the Valley

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November 27-28, 2025

 

Tour Itinerary


Day 1

Pakenham, Almonte, and Perth

This morning, we will depart Carlingwood Mall for our journey to Lanark County.  Our first stop will be in the charming town of Pakenham.  We will visit the historic Pakenham Bridge, a stone bridge with five arches that crosses the rapids on the Mississippi River and is the only one of its kind in North America.  Built by Scottish stone masons at the beginning of the 20th century for horse and carriage use, the bridge was fully restored to its original state in 1984 and is now a treasured local landmark.  We will then make our way to St Peter Celestine Roman Catholic Church, one of the most architecturally impressive churches in rural Canada.  Built in 1892, the exterior takes inspiration from the 17th century stone churches of southern France and rural Quebec.  Its incredibly preserved interior decoration is considered one of only three churches in Canada built in Classic Italianate style.  After learning about the history and architecture of the church, we will make a stop at 1840s General Store & Bakery, a bakery dedicated to preserving local recipes passed down over generations.  Its gift shop offers an eclectic mix of locally handcrafted items, antiques, and keepsakes that pay homage to the 1800s era.  We will also visit local favourite Keeper’s Coffee Bar, a coffee and gift shop selling artisan products produced in Lanark County, before making our way to Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm.  Voted one of Ottawa’s best winter attractions and often featured in Hallmark Christmas movies, the farm boasts rolling hills and stunning vistas, offers tractor-pulled wagon rides, and is home to a beautiful timber frame shop selling a variety of Christmas and winter products.

After our time at the farm, we will make our way to the lovely town of Almonte.  We will explore Mill Street’s unique boutiques and historic architecture as well as the town’s Hallmark Christmas movie shooting locations before breaking for free time for lunch ($) and Christmas shopping.  We will then visit Almonte’s Old Town Hall before a tour to the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, where we will learn about the textile history of the region, visit the exhibitions, and receive a spinning and weaving demonstration.

After an enjoyable day, we will make our way to Perth and check in to The Best Western Perth Parkside Inn overlooking Stewart Park. Enjoy your included dinner before relaxing in the peace and quiet of your hotel room. (D)

Day 2

Perth, Smith’s Falls, and Carleton Place

After breakfast and check out at the hotel, we will begin our day with a walking tour of Perth. Voted the prettiest town in Ontario, we will explore many local attractions that make Perth special such as Perth Pies Co, Crystal Palace, Mammoth Cheese and the Perth Library.  After free time for Christmas shopping, we will continue on to the Perth Brewery, where you can sample one of their many renowned craft beers.

From Perth we will head to Smith’s Falls, where we will visit Gemmell’s Garden Centre, a destination garden centre and greenhouse, to explore their seasonal botanical offerings.  We will then make a stop at Hendry’s Christmas Tree Farm where you will have the opportunity to explore the farm and their indulge in their baked goods, homemade jellies, and Christmas products.

Our next stop will be Carleton Place, where we will break for free time for lunch ($) and shopping in the historic town centre.  We will then visit the Carleton Place Gallery, a fine art exhibition space featuring work by local and Ottawa-area artists, before heading to the Wool Administration Warehouse– a renowned wool processing facility. Constructed in 1890 of local limestone, this building contained the roundhouse and engine repair shops for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) until 1939. In 1940, the building was purchased by the Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers. Wool arrives here from across the country and is graded before being shipped out in compact bales. It also houses a lovely shop with a variety of wool, alpaca, bamboo, and cotton products.

After our time in Carleton Place, we will head back to Ottawa.  Expect to arrive back at Carlingwood Mall in the early evening. (B)

Itinerary and hotel subject to change.

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Hotel Information


Hotel Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa or similar

Hotel website



Hotel Address
82 Peter St
Perth, Ontario
K7H 1S2
(613) 326-0082



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