Key findings of this year’s report include:

• Identification of four (4) distinct visitor groups; Day-Trippers, Short-Trippers, Weekday Travelers and Extended Vacationers.
• 76% of visitors travelled to Smiths Falls as their primary destination, and visited multiple regional locations during their visit, especially if staying more than 1 day.
• Most respondents are coming in Summer (69%), secondly in Spring (23%), the remainder (8%) are visiting in Autumn and Winter months.
• Short-Trippers and Weekday Travellers had the highest ratios of children and youth making up 88% of the total respondent mix.
• Visitors 30-44 yrs, make up the largest age group of respondents (125), as well as the highest percentage of Day-Trippers and Extended Vacationers (being the shortest and longest stays).
• There were noted similarities between the gaps in tourism product identified by respondents in this survey and the 2021 Smiths Falls Retail Mix Report (i.e. increase/more diverse culinary experiences and shopping opportunities, extended store hours (more days, later in the evening, etc.)

View the 2022 Visitor Survey Report

You don’t need to go indoors to enjoy the big screen, you can have a theatrical experience under the stars in the beautiful setting of Centennial Park. Bring a lawn chair, some popcorn, and a blanket to wrap up in when the night gets cool, and watch as the big screen comes to life with new and vintage releases. This free community event takes place Thursday evenings in July and August and is fun for the whole family.

Visit the Facebook Page for Dates and Showings!

https://www.facebook.com/moviesunderthestarssmithsfalls/ 

So much of Smiths Falls has been shaped by our rich railway history. Here, the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario is housed in an Edwardian-era, former Canadian National Railway Station that is now a National Historic Site. Visit the museum and take a hand-car ride, see a grand steam engine and a telegram office, and take a peek inside the only remaining dental car in North America. Finish the day with an overnight stay in an authentic, vintage caboose, and new this year, dine in a vintage dining car.

Visit the Railway Museum website for more info!

Experience the Rideau Canal

Visit Parks Canada website and the Smiths Falls Victoria Marina website

Who doesn’t enjoy a good, old-fashioned afternoon of sun and recreation? Lounge at the beach that overlooks one of Canada’s greatest treasures, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal. Play in the clear waters of the river, jump of the dock. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day outdoors, exploring the islands and bridges, and basking in the beauty of the waterway. Maybe hike, bike, enjoy the abundance of playgrounds and parks and recreational activities we have to offer.

Check out our local Facilities and Amenities

Savour local Food and Drink

When you live in a community surrounded by stunning natural scenery, of course you are looking for any excuse to spend time outdoors! Stop for a bite to eat at a downtown eatery or pub, many of which have created fabulous indoor and outdoor spaces to dine in, some with a view of the water.

Visit Rob Roy’s on the ground floor of the Econolodge where you can dine on a patio overlooking the Rideau Canal, or grab a sweet treat at C’est Tout or Dessert Plate Bakeries Matty O’Shea’s overlooks historic Chamber Street and is the perfect spot for people watching. Stop for a bite to eat on Sip patio at the Davidson Courtyard, or savour gastropub fare at The Vault Eatery on a bustling Russell Street.

Opened in 2019, Bowie’s has since become a fun spot to enjoy a yummy, creative cocktail, local craft beer or glass of wine while listening to up-and-coming musical talent. Enjoy the fresh air in Bowie’s outdoor sitting area and make yourself at home with good food and good music, together.

Learn more about Smiths Falls’ history, not at a museum, but at the local craft brewery! Visit 4 Degrees Brewing and sample locally crafted brews served in a delightful open-concept space, complete with outdoor patio. You’ll find 4 Degrees’ brews have unique names like Old Slys ’69, Frost & Wood ’55 or Hill 70 – ask how they came up with their names and immerse yourself in local history and frothy beer at the same time.

Check out all the Places to Dine in Smiths Falls

Have a Picnic in the Park

Take a Step Back in Time

Visit the Heritage House Museum and experience Smiths Falls as it would have been more than 100 years ago. Built in 1862 as a private mill-owner’s home, the museum now showcases the history and culture of the Smiths Falls community. Wander through the period rooms, check out the two-story privy, or stroll the scenic grounds where you can enjoy a picnic in the Victorian gazebo. The grounds are located on the picturesque Rideau Canal waterway, offering a unique glimpse at the remaining rapids in Smiths Falls and the Old Slys Lock station.

Heritage House Museum

Explore our Trails

Smiths Falls is home to three trail systems: The Rideau Trail is a 387-kilometre trail that runs between Kingston and Ottawa; the Cataraqui Trailhead and the Ottawa Valley Rail Trailhead (OVRT) are former railway lines and are ideal for foot, bike, cross country skiing, snow machines or horse back riding; the Cataraqui Trail will take you toward Kingston while the OVRT travels north to Carleton Place and beyond. There is also a network of waterside trails that run alongside tree-lined streets and scenic rural areas in and around Smiths Falls that are perfect for exploring on foot or by bike.

Cataraqui Trail

Rideau Trail

OVRT