Last Duel Park
Last Duel Park
Located just off County Rd #43 on the Tay River, Last Duel Park is aptly named after the last and most infamous duel in Upper Canada, when Messrs. Lyon and Wilson battled over the honour of Miss Elizabeth Hughes. Now a peaceful, natural retreat, Last Duel Park consists of 27 acres with such features as public washrooms in the Gatehouse, public docks and boat launch, a picnic area and shelter, and more. Home of the Wendy Laut Ribbon of Life walking trail, a number of community events take place here every year. Across from the docks you’ll find the Old Burying Grounds, which many people find useful for genealogical tours. The Burying Grounds are the resting place of William Lyon and many of Perth’s founding fathers.
Learn more about what's available at Last Duel Park. Please note that the campground closed in 2019.
Boating & Docking Indigenous Healing Circle Events
Geocaching Adventure Lab Last Duel Park Advisory Panel
Boating & Docking
The Tay Canal links Perth to the Rideau Lakes system. Many boaters enjoy the scenic trip up the canal to dock at Perth during the summer months. Friends of the Tay have put together some great information about navigating the river, found here Navigating the Tay Canal. It includes info on bridge heights and canal depths.
Contact the Beveridge Locks Lockmaster to confirm passage at 613-267-2036 (Open May-October, weekdays from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and weekends from 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.).
Overnight docking, shore power and access to washrooms are available by calling the LDP Attendant at 613-812-0020 or Karen Fox at 613-267-3311 Ext. 2279.
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| Docking (21' and under) | $20.60 per night |
| Docking (21'1" and over) | $26.80 per night |
| Docking (commercial, full season) | $27.00 per foot |
| Launch (single use) | $5.00 |
| Launch (full season) | $67.00 |
| Shore Power | $6.10 per night |
Indigenous Healing Circle
The Town of Perth is on the traditional unceded territory of the Omàmìwininì (Algonquin) Peoples. The Indigenous Healing Circle was created in collaboration with the Lanark County Neighbours for Truth and Reconciliation, an act of reconciliation and acknowledgment of the keepers of the lands and waterways on this territory. The space consists of seven limestone benches which represent the Seven Sacred teachings - tebwewin (truth), tabasenindizowin (humility), sòngideyewin (courage), nibwàkàwin (wisdom), manàdjìyàn (respect), kijewàdiziwinwin (generosity), and sàgihidiwin (love). The 13 circular stones within the space represent the 13 full moons, and a ceremonial fire pit is located at the centre.
All are welcome in this space, and if no ceremonies or workshops are being held, we invite you to use the space to reflect. If you are interested in booking the space, contact Karen Fox (613-267-3311 ext. 2279). We ask that any ceremonies, talking and teaching circles, and sharing of Indigenous ways as Indigenous-led. Fires are only permitted in the ceremonial fire pit if led by a Firekeeper and the space has been booked.
Events
We would be happy to help you plan your special event at Last Duel Park. Whether it's a family reunion, wedding, fundraising event, or something else, we have a variety of spaces to suit your needs. Contact Karen Fox (613-267-3311 ext. 2279) to discuss your plans and availability.
Geocaching Adventure Lab
Did you know that Geocaching Adventure Lab goes through Last Duel Park? Geocaching Adventure Lab is a new app and platform that allows you to create, play and share location based experiences and games. Download the app from Google Play or the Apple Store and start exploring Last Duel Park in a new way!
Last Duel Park Advisory Panel
The Last Duel Park Advisory Panel was created in 2020 by Town Council to help create a plan for the future of the park. The panel members worked to develop ideas for the park, and provided a plan to Council for discussion and approval in 2021.
Council has approved the following Principles for the future of Last Duel Park :
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Be Connected | The park will be developed with respect for its natural and social setting with emphasis on providing access to the Tay River, connecting to the Rideau Trail, and ensuring connections to the surrounding neighbourhood and the wider Perth community. |
| Be Inclusive | The park will remain open to the public and provide opportunities for a wide range of users. The park infrastructure will ensure accessibility for people of varying physical abilities and will be in line with the Town's Accessiblity Plan. The park will provide opportunities for recreation and education. Park development will focus on a multiple-use approach. Facilities will have the potential to be used in various ways by various groups and we will encourage uses that do not inhibit other potential uses. |
| Be Environmentally Responsible | All plans will respect the ecological function of the park as an active flood plain. Green spaces will predominate. Opportunities for restoring native biodiversity and ecological functions will be pursued as will contributions to the Town’s Climate Action Plan. |
| Be a Cultural and Historical Landmark
|
The park will play a role in historical interpretation that shares the story of the place and its inhabitants including both Indigenous and settler stories. The park will provide opportunities for compatible contemporary cultural presentations. |
| Support Reconciliation | Opportunities will be provided to continue and enhance the park's new role as a site for reconciliation efforts and for contemporary Indigenous ceremonies. |
| Be a Destination | The park will become a destination that supports the Town of Perth’s tourism mandate and other compatible economic development objectives. |
| Be Financially Sustainable | Long term management and maintenance costs will be reasonable with consideration to revenue generation. Capital costs will consider potential sources of funding. |