Located on the historic Rideau Canal (Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site) the
Merrickville Locks offer a glimpse into the legacy of the small town. The ruins are an artifact of the industrial development in the area that saw Merrickville turn into a booming mill town in the 1800s. The ruins date back to 1793, and include a foundry, tannery, a flour mill, a woolen mill, and a gristmill.
With the nearby
Rideau Trail, you’ll have access to a world-class setting for all four seasons of the year. The Rideau Trail is a 387 km network of hiking trails between the City of Kingston and the City of Ottawa located in the general area of the Rideau Canal and its tributary waters. The trail itself crosses terrain ranging from farmland to the Canadian Shield, and cuts right through Merrickville. It is intended for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
If a day at the same old mall doesn’t appeal to you, Merrickville offers a unique retail experience. In the summer months, the streets are lined with boutique stores and artisan shops. There’s everything you can think of, from specialty foods at
Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Food Shop , wonderful aromas at
Wick Witch Candle Co., or works of art at the
Canal Gallery & Frame Shop. There’s an endless number of options, and tourists will always come back finding something new when shopping in Merrickville.
A day spent in Merrickville will feature good food no matter where you go. If you’re grabbing a bite,
The Goose & Gridiron knows a thing or two about good pub food - they’ve been making it since 1856. Or you can check out
Mainstreet Restaurant & Patio for a family sit down, or
The Yellow Canoe Cafe for a delectable fruit and cheese board. For treats, Ottawa residents will be familiar with the selection of gelato at Merrickville’s own
Stella Luna. But if you’re craving something unique, there’s the
Downtowne Ice Cream Shoppe , or the
Village Bean for specialty coffee. Rural locations within the town and surrounding areas also offer farmers’ markets for the freshest food you can find in the region.