Stay awhile, play awhile, all in Perth County!
Nestled here in the fertile soil of southwestern Ontario, with lakes to the west and south and east, Perth County is sitting pretty in a number of ways.
Criss-crossed by rivers, with rolling hills, deciduous forests and rugged areas, the land is perfect for touring, whether by car, or bicycle, or motorcycle or with a walking stick and sturdy shoes. We have mapped, self-directed tours for any way you’d like to go. There’s even an Artisan Studio Tour in April.
As you travel, be sure to taste. Many farms engage in farm-gate marketing, with stands that offer up fresh fruit and veg, sausage, pies, breads. You can pick you own fruit at many farms. Kilometres of trails and parkland offer innumerable places to stop and enjoy a meal or just a snack.
Stratford is the largest city, filled with magnificent Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the downtown and older residential areas. Gardens are a sense of pride for citizens of Stratford (recipient of the coveted “Communities in Bloom” award), just as they are in St. Marys, known as Stonetown for its gorgeous limestone architecture. St. Mary’s has Canada’s largest natural swimming pool, The Quarry, as well as The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.
We have culture in the form of The Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Stratford Summer Music, Listowel’s Theatre 3-11; and a great number of artists, actors, musicians, authors and performers as citizens. Dining in Perth County is second to none, thanks in large part to some of the finest chefs in the country and their restaurants, and to the Stratford Chefs school, some of whose graduates stay to work in the area. Shopping in Perth County takes on a unique feel as you explore antique shops, little boutiques and book stores where the owners still personally make all the choices of the books they stock. And when the shopping wears you out, you can always book in at a spa or tearoom for some “me” time.
If golf is your thing, there are seven golf courses in the county; in the winter, one of them becomes a tubing paradise. There’s tons of things to do with your family: a skateboarding park, a paintball facility, a corn maze and paddleboats for a lazy view from the Avon River. All throughout the year there are celebrations of all kinds: Dragon Boat Races, Cornfest, fall fairs rodeos, arts festivals, St. Mary’s Storytelling Festival and arts and antiques shows and sales.
Whatever your interest, your speed and your age, Perth County promises you a visit you’ll always remember, and want to repeat!
Savour the Bounty of the County
No visit to Perth and Huron County would be complete without sampling our outstanding local fare. With abundant agricultural production, Perth and Huron Counties are often referred to as “Ontario’s food basket”. Perth County is one of the region’s main producers of pork, beef, dairy products, corn and organic produce, and is home to the Ontario Pork Congress.
Whether you are stopping at a roadside stand or visiting a farmers’ market, the “Huron Perth Buy Local Buy Fresh” map is a must have. From locally grown and produced vegetables and fruits, delightful cheeses, meats and maple syrup products; there are always plenty of savoury sensations that are guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Nearly 100 producers are listed on the detailed map of Perth and Huron Counties.
The Huron Perth Buy Local Buy Fresh Map will be available at the participating farm gates, farmers markets, tourism sites, municipal offices, and at local federation offices. Be sure to pick up your map today and begin the taste experience that freshness can bring! Or download the The Huron Perth Buy Local Buy Fresh Map here!
Take a hike!
Throughout Perth County you’ll discover numerous trails - planned and spontaneous - as well as walking paths, hiking trails, leisurely strolls, garden tours and guided walking tours. Put on your comfy shoes or boots and step up.
St. Marys
Hike along the Grand Trunk Trail or scenic 1.5km Riverview Walkway along the eastern bank of the Thames River. Pack a picnic and explore over 30 hectares of parkland.
The Avon Trail
The Avon Trail is a 104 km marked hiking trail that runs from St. Marys to Conestogo providing a link between the Thames Valley Trail and the Grand Valley Trail. For information and maps visit www.avontrail.ca
Stratford
Take a Stratford Stroll along streets lined with stately Victorian homes and picture-perfect Ontario cottages. Walk beside the river, under the double stone-arched bridge and through lush gardens. Join Lally Cadeau on a podcast or pick up the guide at Stratford Tourism and online www.welcometostratford.com
Mitchell Architecture Walking Tour
The tour features 12 outstanding homes within walking distance in the Mitchell Ward and describes their characteristics. As you are walking past these homes, there are many more mentionable buildings that cannot go unnoticed. Call for more information.
West Perth Thames Nature Trail
A nature trail for pleasure walkers, joggers, hikers & bird-watchers. Accessible for baby strollers, motorized scooters and wheelchairs. The trail is a photographer's paradise, from the Mill Pond through to the woodlands and the West Perth Wetlands. For information and maps visit www.naturetrail.westperth.com
North Perth Community Trails
The North Perth Trails committee was formed in 1997 to connnect the three wards of North Perth with a trail system. The trail is for the most part, the former railway lines and run approximately 22 km; from Gowanstown to Henfryn through Listowel and Atwood. The trail is used for walking, hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Brochures and maps at http://www.northperth.ca
Walking Tour of Listowel
A self-guided experience to see and enjoy many points of interest located within the community. Historic homes, landmarks, architectural highlights, and peaceful public gardens combine to create a relaxing walk along tree-lined streets. Brochures and maps at www.northperth.ca
Perth County is not only a great place to visit, it's a great place to live and work! Want to know more? Read about Perth Country - Land of Opportunity!
Reasons to Visit Perth County.