Ottawa 
Credit: Mount Pakenham
Tucked between Ottawa, Arnprior and Westport, this largely rural community is dotted with the picturesque towns of Perth, Almonte, Carleton Place and Smiths Falls. Between them lie kilometres of trails that get you out of the city and discovering the wonders of nature and some man-made fun venues.
1. Toboggan in the bowl
A natural dip in the landscape creates a perfect place to slide down one side and halfway up the next hill. The bowl behind the Almonte & District Community Centre is popular with tobogganers of all ages. You can go there day or night, but watch for those stopped at the bottom since traffic comes down from various directions. There is ample parking at the arena.
182 Bridge Street, Almonte
2. Murphy’s Point Park
For a great dose of fresh air, head to Murphy’s Point Provincial Park and its 22 kilometres of ski trails. Six different loops take you through fields, forest, wetlands and to the shores of three different lakes. Day passes range from $10 to $18.60.
2243 Elm Grove Road, Perth
3. Get a thrill on this hill
Mount Pakenham has runs for downhill skiers, tubers, and snowboarders, plus a range of trails for cross-country skiers over 20 kilometres. The vertical slope takes you down 280 feet, but beginners can enjoy the Bunny Hill at first. Seven lifts get you wherever you need to go. Day passes cost $39 for adults on weekdays and $44 on weekends.
577 Skill Hill Road, Pakenham
Credit: Mount Pakenham
4. Holy grail of a trail
The Ottawa Valley Rail Trail offers a long, level route to travel 296 kilometres from Smiths Falls almost to Mattawa. Along the way, you pass through charming Carleton Place, alluring Almonte and pretty Pakenham. You can travel on foot, on skis or via ATV or snowmobile.
5. Skate on the rink of dreams
The Gerry Lowe Memorial Sens Rink of Dreams welcomes skaters who just want to get out on their blades. The outdoor surface was created in partnership with the Gerry Lowe Foundation and the Ottawa Senators Foundation for people of all ages for public skating each winter.
150 Elmlsey Street, Smith Falls
6. Use your eagle eye
The Almonte Lagoons Birding Complex combines the Al Potvin observation tower and the Mike McPhail Bird Viewing Shelter with a natural area that attracts a wide range of gulls, ducks, falcons, jays and even bald eagles. Follow a 150-metre trail through the woods to the north end of the wastewater lagoon then a similar path to the east side.
3131 Old Perth Road, Almonte
7. A sweet view from Blueberry Mountain
This private trail meanders through a wetland and forest before climbing to a rock face where you can see the ski lifts of Calabogie. In all, it covers 4.5 kilometres within the Lanark Highlands. There are several parking spots and hikers are asked to make a donation.
8. Lace up in Carleton Place
Hit two outdoor rinks – one beside the police station and one beside the former Carambeck school – to get your cheeks glowing.
Carleton Junction – 42 Moore Street, Carleton Place
Carambeck Community Centre – 351 Bridge Street, Carleton Place
9. Ski the links
Timber Run Golf Course opens up its landscape for loops of ski trails just outside the village of Lanark. The paths meander through the slight slopes while snowmobilers use nearby trails.
54 Caldwell Road, Lanark
10. Rediscover mirth in Perth
Get out those skates and whiz like a kid across any one of three outdoor rinks in this lovely town on the Tay River.
Perth Fire Hall – 1881 Rogers Road, Perth
The Little Tay – Tay Canal, Perth
Coutts Coffee Roasters – 57 Gore Street East, Perth
11. Trails at Kintail
The Mill of Kintail Conservation Area has 154 acres to explore with a playground and trails for hikers, skiers or snowshoers. Test out your strength and balance at eight stations along its fitness trail and watch for sculptures made by R. Tait McKenzie, childhood friend of basketball inventor James Naismith. Parking costs $6 per visit.
2854 Concession Road 8, Almonte
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12. Ride the BEAST
Beautiful Eastern Association of Snowmobile Trails maintains 330 kilometres of trails for sledders who want to get out of the house with a roar. Its trails range from Richmond to White Lake. Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs passes are needed so get yours for $270 for the season or $45 for a weekend.
13. Watch a winter wonderland
Blakeney Rapids Trail not only get you out on a 1.5-kilometre hike, but allows you to see the beauty of the ice-encrusted rapids of the Mississippi River. The thick woods on shore take you away from it all, thanks to the Almonte Fish and Game Club, who maintains the park.
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14. Welcome to Wheelers
Wheeler’s Maple Sugar Camp not only serves legendary pancakes with their own syrup, the family created a destination. In addition to the playground with swings, it also has a six trails to explore. It also has a tool and chainsaw museum with a vast collection of items.
1001 Highland Line, McDonalds Corners
15. Slide away at the farm
Conlon Farm Recreation Area has the best toboggan hill in the southern half of the county and it’s a popular spot after a dump of snow. You can also explore the entire 54 acres with its outdoor rink and trails for hiking or snowshoeing.
127 Smith Drive, Perth
16. Hello, Rideau
The Rideau Trail is the longest of its kind in Eastern Ontario, running from Parliament Hill in Ottawa to the city of Kingston. In between, it follows the route of the historic Rideau Canaltaking you through the waterfront sites of Smiths Falls and Perth. A trail membership costs $26 per year.
17. Strike silver
Silver Lake Provincial Park has a half-kilometre trail with a boardwalk and a route to the marsh at the east end of the lake. You get a chance to work your way through upland forest and a wetland on the way, with a slight hill. The drive to the site is an easy one, right along Hwy. 7.
22726 Hwy 7, Maberly
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18. Ice in Almonte
Friends of Augusta Street Park have turned this small neighbourhood gem into an all-season attraction, with its many amenities, including an outdoor ice pad. Stop by and lace up.
81 Mercer Street, Almonte
19. Runs along the ridge
Sharbot Lake Provincial Park has two trails atop the ridge between Black and Sharbot lakes. The Discovery Trail loop is a moderate 1.2-kilometre jaunt amid maple, oak and birch trees. Meanwhile, the Ridgeview Trail is a steep half-kilometre climb to the top for a spectacular view of both lakes.
25467 Hwy 7, Sharbot Lake
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20. A walk back in time
Download the map for the Smith Falls Walking Tour and check off all 21 points along the way, including the former “Last Chance” Hotel and Frost Mansion Row. Bundle up since some of the sites are along the windy waterway with great views of the Rideau Canal.
21. Hike near Herrons Mills
The Baird Trail offers an 800-metre loop north of the village of Lanark, near the Clyde River. The route is ideal for snowshoers.
1024 Herron Mills Road, Lanark
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22. Explore the Seven Wonders
Stay in your car and see the Seven Wonders of Lanark County by following the guide provided. Feel free to check out sites nearby while you are in each town or village. There are six heritage driving tours as well if you need another outing.
23. Fish for free
There are 80 lakes with public access for fishing, so get out there and sink a line. There are pike and walleye under the ice of almost all of them so dig out your auger and get going. You can fish without a licence on the Family Day weekend every year.
24. Welcome Spring with a Trip to the Sugar Bush
Fulton’s Pancake House and Sugar Bush is one of Lanark County’s best-loved and well-known sugar camps. Visit the sugar bush that opens early February to enjoy delicious maple syrup products and the quiet solitude and fresh air of the 400-acre sugarbush filled with young and decades-old maple, pine, spruce, cedar, white birch trees.
Fulton`s Pancake House, 399 Sugar Bush Rd., Pakenham
