2 Nights, 3 Days of Food, Art, and Stellar Autumn Views
Start Here: Sharbot Lake
At only an hour-and-a-half from Ottawa, Sharbot Lake is the perfect place to begin your trip. Expect to pass through beautiful scenery as you travel through this rugged Canadian Shield terrain. Plan your arrival in Sharbot Lake early enough to explore and maybe take a hike or paddle.
What to do here
- Perk up your morning with a coffee to go from Cardinal Café + Shop, or indulge in one of their delicious breakfast sandwiches.
- Explore the K&P Trail as it crosses through Sharbot Lake by bike or on foot.
- Bring a chair or blanket and get settled on the beach to watch the shoreline crowded with colourful trees.
- Rent a canoe from Sharbot Lake Provincial Park and explore Sharbot Lake by boat.
- Hike the Ridgeview Trail in Sharbot Lake Provincial Park to the top of the ridge for a spectacular view of Sharbot Lake in fall.
Time Spent Here: Plan on three-to-four hours here. You will want to be on your way shortly after noon in order to reach Perth in time to explore at your leisure.
Next Stop: Perth
The drive from Sharbot Lake to Perth takes you down Highway 7. As you travel you will be treated to fall scenery of Canadian Shield that slowly transitions to more pastoral views as you near Perth. If you see a sideroad that’s especially pretty, don’t be afraid to take a detour to bask in the fall splendour.
What to do here
- Shop at some of the boutique shops in downtown Perth – must-stops are Flint & Honey, Fall River Fashions and Queen Bee Millinery.
- Pick up some picnic fare from the aptly named PICNIC Perth or Fieldhouse Restaurant and take it to Stewart Park.
- Dine al fresco on a picnic table or by spreading your picnic blanket beneath one of the massive maple trees in all their blazing glory.
- Inspired by the colours of autumn? Express it by booking an art course from Art & Class or pick up one of their fun art kits for at-home creativity.
- Shop for local and not-so-local cheese (or a charcuterie board) from The Perth Cheese Shop. You can also browse housewares next door at the Red Brick Emporium.
Time Spent Here: You could spend the whole day in Perth but try to keep your activities to four-to-five hours to keep on schedule.
Next Stop: Carleton Place
The 20-minute drive from Perth to Carleton Place continues your journey on Highway 7. A stop in Carleton Place should put you around dinner time and there are lots of dining options to choose from here, many of which overlook the mighty Mississippi River as it courses through town.
What to do here
- For good-for-you dishes with a focus on allergen-friendly and natural ingredients, The Good Food Co. on Bridge Street can be your go-to.
- The views from the patios at the Waterfront Gastropub and Boulton House Restaurant are spectacular in fall.
- Pass on dessert with your meal and instead pick up a handmade donut from Maverick's Donuts or Holey Confections.
- Beer just tastes better in fall, don’t you agree? Pick up some local flavours from Braumeister Brewing Co. or Stalwart Brewing Co., both right in Carleton Place.
Time Spent Here:
End Your Day: Almonte Riverside Inn
If you’re feeling a wee bit tired from all the activity you will be ready to be pampered at the luxurious historic Riverside Inn. Located on the Mississippi River in the heart of Almonte you won’t run out of fabulous scenery.
Start Here: Almonte Riverside Inn
A breakfast of champions will fuel the day ahead. Take your time enjoying the ambiance of the inn before venturing out for your day.
Next Stop: Almonte
Before leaving Almonte you will want to see a little bit of this vibrant and arts-centred community.
What to do here
- Baker Bob’s is a must-visit in Almonte and you can pick up a cup of coffee and a sweet treat for the road, which is win-win.
- Browse some of the cute clothing shops in downtown Almonte, like Doree’s Habit, Vamos Outdoors, or Dragonfly Boutique.
- Sivarulrasa Gallery features phenomenal works of art of renowned Canadian artists and is worth a tour.
- If you didn’t catch breakfast at the inn, The Mill Street Crepe Company has a crepe with your name on it.
Time Spent Here: You have a lot on the agenda for Day Two so keep that in mind when exploring Almonte. It’s such a fun town it’s easy for a quick visit to turn into an all-day affair!
Next Stop: Calabogie
The drive from Almonte to Calabogie will be one of the most beautiful of your trip. Plan your route to take you through Blakeney and Pakenham to keep the Mississippi River front and centre in your travels. The fall foliage through here will be spectacular.
What to do here
- Take the ski lift to the top of Calabogie Peaks for stunning scenery of the Ottawa Valley in Autumn. The fall colours chair lift runs weekends in October; tickets are required.
- Lunch in the valley is not something you want to miss. Stop in at Redneck Bistro or On the Rocks right in the heart of Calabogie for an amazing meal.
- For maximum fall colours, hike the nine-kilometre Manitou Mountain trail to find inspiring autumn vistas like Eagles Nest, Manitou Mountain and Red Arrow Rock.
Time Spent Here: Calabogie is another spot that will draw you in for the entire day. Plan to be on your way with enough time for a couple more stops before you reach your accommodation in Pembroke.
Next Stop: Pembroke
Head north from Calabogie to reach Pembroke to head deeper into the valley. This route runs parallel to the majestic Ottawa River for most of the trip and the fall scenery will be stellar. Don’t be shy about stopping at one of the small towns you’ll pass along the way, like Burnstown, Arnprior, Renfrew, or Cobden. As beautiful as these are, Pembroke will exceed your expectations.
What to do here
- The Courtyard Bistro is a must-visit. Their unique Bistro Burger with garlic aioli is a must try.
- Take a walk along the tree-lined waterfront trail that begins in Pembroke Waterfront Park and watch the setting sun over the Ottawa River turn the treeline into a blaze of colour.
- Take a step back in time at the Champlain Trail Museum and Pioneer Village. Don’t miss the "The Pioneers of Pembroke Township 1820-1850" mural on the side of the museum
- Pembroke is renowned for its stunning murals that celebrate the heritage and character of the region. Download a map and set off on a self-guided tour.
- Autumn cocktails beg for some craft spirits. Sample valley moonshine (including a mocha moonshine!) and whisky, vodka and gin at O’Kenny Craft Spirits.
Time Spent Here: You will likely only have a couple of hours before you'll want to be back at the inn to get settled in before bed so make the most of it!
End Your Day: Grey Gables Inn
If you didn’t already get supper along your route you can also dine in the on-site restaurant at Grey Gables Inn. This historic inn is not only beautiful and luxurious it’s also just a hop skip and a jump from downtown. Perched on a hill you may also get some good views of the city in fall.
Start Here: Grey Gables Inn
Waken refreshed from your sleep in one of the heritage rooms at the inn. Explore the inn’s amenities before heading down for a hearty breakfast.
What to do here
- Enjoy breakfast in the dining room at the inn -the portions here are big enough to fuel you for most of the day ahead.
- If you missed some things on the “to do” list for Pembroke from the day before, now is the time to add them back into your itinerary!
Time Spent Here: This is your last stop on your trip so feel free to take as long as you want to explore Pembroke!