Outdoor Adventure

Paddling

Perth Major Outfitters is a popular spot for locals and visitors, as they have kayaks, Stand-Up Paddle boards and canoes for rent. Located along the Tay River in town, Perth Outfitters provides the perfect way to tour the waterways. If you have your own kayak or canoe, you can set off on a tour from Last Duel Park or the Tay Basin. Did you know that a portage route was added at the Rocky Ramps (alongside the end of Mill ST) in July of 2020? It is now much easier to get beyond the Rocky Ramps and continue along the river.

Golfing

Perth's home to the Perth Golf Course, which is the oldest permanent golf course in Canada! Built beside the Tay River, the Perth Golf Course is an 18-hole course. Mapleview Golf Course is another 18-hole golf course located just outside Perth on the Scotch Line (County Road 1). If you like to mini putt, then you're going to want to pop by Perth Outfitters for a round with the family. Perth is less than 35km away from a dozen courses, so make a day out of it! 

Links:

• Perth Golf Course
• Mapleview Golf Course
• Perth Outfitters
• Basswood Golf Centre (613) 283-4884
• Beckwith Golf Course
• Blue Heron Golf Club
• Evergreen Golf Course
• Lombard Glen Golf & Country Club
• Rideau Lakes Golf & Country Club
• Scottish Glen Golf Course
• Timber Run Golf Course

Cycling

Perth has an active cycling community. Each June, we welcome the Rideau Lakes Cycling Tour as their midway stop and the annual Cyclocross tour launches from here as well. 

If you want a personalized cycling tour, then you'll want to pop by Heritage Bikes in downtown Perth. They can also tune up your bike while you have a coffee in their beautiful shop.

For maps and self-guided cycling tours, drop in to the Visitor Information Centre at 11 Gore ST E and check out the cycling routes with accompanying maps put together by Perth & District Chamber of Commerce.

Visit the Cycling in Perth page for further information.

Links:

• Cycling in Perth
• Heritage Bikes
• Lanark County Tourism Cycling and Running Routes

Running and Triathlon

Perth has a big running community! When you make your way across town, it's not uncommon to spot a runner make his or her way down the sidewalk. We've got some great routes including the ever-popular Glen Tay loop, the Perth Athletic Centre loop and the Spring Goat loop (ask a local, and they can fill you in!).  If you're looking for a race in town, we've got a couple signature running events held annually in Perth:

• The Perth Triathlon will be held on June 3, 2018. This event has been a tradition in Perth for over 17 years and features either a 500m pool swim, 16K bike and 3K run or participants can also choose to "double the distance" and make it a 1000m, 32K & 6K experience! New this year is the "Sport X Earl Challenge" which features back to back double and single distances! You can also participate as a 3-person team in the single distance. This is a low key fun event. We want to encourage newcomers to the sport and welcome new & past participants! Register now! 

• The Perth Kilt Run: The Perth Kilt Run holds the Guinness World Record for most people running in a kilt at one time! This popular 5-mile event weaves in and around downtown Perth, and it's both fun as a participant and a spectator. Perth World Record Kilt Run Q&A and website

• The Glen Tay Block Race: The Glen Tay Block Race was first held in 1907 as a Thanksgiving day event. The modern event was reignited in 1967 as a centennial celebration. The 14.7-kilometre loop begins and ends on Gore Street in downtown Perth, and makes its way out to Glen Tay. It's a popular race for the avid runners, and it always occurs on the last Thursday in August. The Glen Tay Block Race

Hiking

Explore the trails weaving in and around Perth for a good hike. The Tay River Trail is a historic pathway and portage site that dates back to the military settlement of Perth-upon-Tay in 1816. Using the Tay Basin as the hub or home port of the trail, you can either travel upstream toward the river's source at Bobs Lake or downstream to the Tay delta where the river spills into the Lower Rideau Lake. The Rideau Trail runs through downtown Perth, and makes for a great walk along the Tow Path. Just outside of Perth, you'll find the Wildlife Reserve, which has a beautiful, self-guided 2.5-kilometre trail near the Tay Marsh. You can also discover the many trails at Murphys Point Provincial Park where you can snowshoe or cross-country ski in the winter.

With funding from FedDev Ontario, Perth Tourism has partnered with GirlGoneGood® to create a guide to hiking trails in Perth and area. Head to the Visitor Information Centre to pick up a hard copy, or download and print your own, here: Hiking Guide Perth and Area. 

Links:

• Darou Farm Trail 
• Rideau Trail Association
• The Great Trail
• Tay Marsh
• Murphys Point Provincial Park
• Lanark County Tourism Trails and Birdwatching
• Lanark County Tourism Outdoor Adventures Map
• Hiking Guide Perth and Area

Sports and Recreation

While the outdoor adventures are limitless in the Perth area, we've also got some great infrastructure for organized sport including baseball diamonds, soccer fields and tennis courts at Conlon Farm, skating and hockey at the Perth Community Centre, and swimming and aquafit at the Perth & District Indoor Pool. Our community also embraces curling, karate, tai chi, yoga, fitness classes, gym, Crossfit, and more!

Link:

• Conlon Farm
• Perth & District Indoor Pool
• Perth & District Community Centre (Arena)

Parks and Playgrounds

Parks

• Big Ben Park (Code Park)
• Last Duel Park
• Stewart Park

Playgrounds

• Central Perth Playground: 34 Mill Street
• Conlon Farm: 109 Smith Drive
• Daines Park: 16 Haggart Street

Swimming

Swimming

For swimming in Perth, we recommend the Perth Pool. Located at 3 Sunset Boulevard, the pool offers a variety of programs, including swimming lessons, Aquafit and therapeutic classes, Public / Family / Lane swim times and a Masters Swim Club. The pool is the home of the Perth Stingrays Aquatic Club and 2008 Olympic contender Mike Brown. 

Use our software to view courses, register for programs, login, or create your account.

Reservations for Lane Swim and Aquafit must be made in advance (except for Drop In times in yellow).

Users can use the online booking tool, visit the Perth Pool page on this website, or call the Pool at 613-267-5302 to assist with booking. 

Lakes

Our region has 100 lakes within 50 miles and offers a rich natural playground with breathtaking views for both visitors and residents.

For more information, please visit Watersheds Canada.

Splash Pad

Located at 127 Smith Drive, the Conlon Farm Recreation Complex offers 53.39 acres of active green space including a splash pad. Visit the Recreation and Facilities page for more information. 

More Options across Lanark County

Lanark County Tourism has also compiled a comprehensive list of beaches, splash parks and secret swimming holes in Lanark County.

Skating