Smiths Falls Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Perth featuring a bridge and a river or creek
This town is an artifact from 19th-century Ontario, when war with the U.S. was possible, water transport was booming and dentists served rural areas by train.

Smiths Falls is a small town along Ontario’s Rideau Canal. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the still-functional 19th-century waterway connects Ottawa to Kingston on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Smiths Falls is centred on the canal and features antique boat locks, heritage waterfront houses and canal-related museums.

Start by exploring the canal. Five boat locks are spread out along the waterway in the Smiths Falls area each offers different attractions. Combined Lock, the highest lock in Smiths Falls, is near the town centre. Note the antique brick design. The canal was originally opened in the 1830s to help transport supplies in case of war between the U.S. and England.

Learn about the Rideau Canal’s history at the Rideau Canal Visitor Information Centre, just north of the Combined Lock. Find out more about its original military purpose and see its actual role in the history of Ontario when the expected Anglo-American war never broke out.

Further history is on display at the southeastern Old Slys Lock, which features the Heritage House Museum. The home of the former mill owner has been preserved in late 19th-century style. Walk through the Victorian home and admire period artifacts.

In addition to the canal, the railroad was central to Smiths Falls’ growth. Detached Lock on the west side of town features an old railway bridge as well as the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. Walk through the old train cars and even book a night’s stay in an old caboose. Make sure to see the antique Dental Car, a sleeper car that transported a dentist around the Canadian countryside to inspect the teeth of area children.

Explore the Smiths Falls countryside by land or water. Take a paddleboat on the canal into the surrounding forest or rent a bike and ride the 58-mile (93-kilometre) loop.

Smiths Falls is an hour’s drive from Ottawa. However, the most appropriate way to reach the old canal town is via ferry.

Econo Lodge
Econo Lodge
2.5 out of 5
33 Centre Street, Smiths Falls, ON
The price is ฿2,208 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿2,208
฿2,495 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Smiths Falls. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.4/10 (645 reviews)
"Great value! Hotel needs updating, but then they might not be able to offer such a great price. Staff was kind, the room was clean and the bed was really comfortable. And our room had a beautiful view of the river. We were happy with our stay!"

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2024

Econo Lodge
Best Western Smiths Falls Hotel
Best Western Smiths Falls Hotel
2.5 out of 5
88 Lombard Street, Smiths Falls, ON
The price is ฿3,327 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿3,327
฿3,759 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Smiths Falls. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (582 reviews)
"Lovely hotel. Great staff, clean, quiet, good value. Continental breakfast turned out to be hot and cold choices covering all aspects served in a lovely dining area. Even make your own waffles! Great coffee. Close to all major shopping, some within walking distance. Totally recommend this little ..."

Reviewed on 5 Nov 2024

Best Western Smiths Falls Hotel
GLOBALSTAY. Luxury Rideau Apartments
GLOBALSTAY. Luxury Rideau Apartments
3.5 out of 5
20 Beckwith St N, Smiths Falls, ON
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Smiths Falls. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Rideau Canal Visitor ...
8/10 Very Good! (153 reviews)
"Always feel at home when I stay here"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2024

GLOBALSTAY. Luxury Rideau Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
GLOBALSTAY. Luxury Rideau Apartments
GLOBALSTAY. Luxury Rideau Apartments
3.5 out of 5
20 Beckwith St N, Smiths Falls, ON
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Smiths Falls. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Rideau Canal Visitor ...
8/10 Very Good! (153 reviews)
"Always feel at home when I stay here"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2024

GLOBALSTAY. Luxury Rideau Apartments
The Noble Suites
The Noble Suites
3 out of 5
20 Broad Street, Brockville, ON
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Brockville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Aquatarium and Brockville Municipal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (399 reviews)
"Very private, clean, seemed secure, lovely touch with history context of the building included. Perfectly located to do all of the touristy things."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2024

The Noble Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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