Ottawa 
Merrickville-Wolford offers a well-rounded getaway with scenic canal views, historic architecture, and outdoor activities. Stroll the village on a self-guided heritage tour or cycle one of three routes that explore local landmarks. Enjoy birdwatching along the Riverwalk Trail. Browse local galleries, garden centres, and boutiques, or visit during seasonal events like the Antique Show and Festival of the Arts for added charm.
The Leeds Grenville United Counties include many small towns north of Kingston and on the west side of the St. Lawrence River. On the north edge of the county is the smaller Rideau Canal and the riverside village of Merrickville. The natural scenery is one draw for visitors to the village, but also the 100+ preserved historic buildings which line the picturesque streets and river.
The Rideau Canal is one of those major historical sites that is easy to see and access from Merrickville-Wolford. The designated National Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site starts on Lake Ontario and runs through southern Ontario, with Ottawa as its destination. While we provide day-trip vacation ideas for the historic town, there are also ways to enjoy the Rideau Canal’s sites with river cruises that stop in Merrickville.
Merrickville is an excellent stop on a Rideau Canal road trip.
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Merrickville
Follow the Merrickville District Historical Society’s guide to see the best historic architecture around town. There are many preserved Victorian and mid-to-late-19th-century homes and buildings along the tour route. The tour guides you all around town, to Main Street, and across the canal. Notable and must-see locations include:
- Merrickville Blockhouse National Historic Site of Canada – The Merrickville Lockstation Walking Tour highlights the area’s early industrial growth led by William Merrick, the strategic role of the Rideau Canal, and the military significance of the Merrickville Blockhouse. The tour also explores the lives of canal workers, the rise of local industries, and Merrickville’s transformation into a vital economic and defensive hub in 19th-century Canada.
- Aaron Merrick House – Built for Merrickville’s rising commerce, this imposing three-storey stone landmark became the Tallman family’s grand general store, later rescued from decay and reborn as shops, offices, and apartments, now thriving.
- Knox Presbyterian Church – Merrickville’s earliest surviving church, this red-brick landmark was restored by the Heritage Merrickville Foundation in 1983, preserving its historic character before passing into private ownership while anchoring the village streetscape.
- William Merrick House
- The Magee House – The final home of village founder and pioneering industrialist William Merrick, this storied residence later passed to foundryman William Pearson and his daughter, Mary, carrying its industrial legacy forward.
- Merrick Tavern – Built in the 1840s and later acquired by foundryman William Magee, this Queen Anne Victorian was carefully restored and reborn as Millisle B&B, one of Merrickville’s most captivating homes.
Explore the Best Trails around Merrickville
Some of the great trails of this county are right around Merrickville. There are various options for those who want to explore the historic village, including Merrickville Ruins. Highlights include:
- The Rideau River Migratory Bird Sanctuary spans 5.6 km and supports thousands of ducks and geese during fall migration. RiverWalk Trail features shoreline vegetation that supports wildlife and stabilizes the habitat. Highlights include nesting ospreys, beaver lodges along the shoreline, and diverse plant life such as cattails, mosses, and lichens.
- The Story Trail, located on the southeast side of town, offers a perfect spot for families to take a scenic and simple walk.
- If you want to explore the Rideau Canal on a road trip, visit Nicholson’s Locks too and the nearby McGuigan Pioneer Cemetery. Explore historic gravestones, an interpretive centre, and scenic canal locks with dams, rapids, and wildlife. Continue to Burritt’s Rapids for the Tip-to-Tip Trail and a walking tour starting at the village’s swing bridge.
- Merrickville offers three cycling loops starting at Blockhouse Park. Loop #1 explores village heritage homes. Loop #2 (18 km) travels east to Burritts Rapids, passing locks, cemeteries, and stone farmhouses. Loop #3 (30 km) heads west to Kilmarnock and Eastons Corners, featuring historic schools, churches, and unique brick farmhouses. A public bike repair station is located on Main Street West. The Limerick Community Forest is about 11km east of the village of Merrickville-Wolford. And while that doesn’t seem far, the forest and its trees are large enough to create a beautiful wilderness setting for hikes. A few trail options also lead to great lookout points. The Limerick Forest is divided into two areas, North and South, both of which offer hiking trails.
Explore the Arts & Galleries
Attending Merrickville-Wolford’s annual or seasonal markets are a great way to keep up with the local artisans and creators. Additionally, there are festivals and galleries in town to help explore the local arts scene.
- Rideau Woodland Ramble is a recognized Canadian garden destination and garden centre, situated on a 7-acre woodland property. It features a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and perennials, including wide, uncommon varieties. The site serves both as a display garden and a retail space, offering visitors a chance to explore plant options in a natural setting.
- Visit in the summer to celebrate the Merrickville Festival of the Arts, hosted by the Merrickville Arts Guild.
- The Monsky Creations Gallery, Anarchy Gallery, and Gather Brewery & Glassworks are all public galleries to visit in town.
Boutiques and Antiques in Merrickville
Merrickville-Wolford has a main street that follows the canal. Stroll through the Victorian village of Merrickville, where wooden arrow signs guide you to local art shops and sweet spots, particularly along St. Lawrence Street. These markers help visitors navigate the town’s charming streets without missing its unique boutiques and treats.
- Explore boutique stores like Chaiya Home & Garden Décor, Abel Mountain, Jac’s Boutique and Gifts, Anarchy Gallery, or 1890 Natural Bath Co.
- Go on a second-hand treasure hunt at local shops like R.L Collectables & Antiques, Vinyl Destination, or Bulldog Antiques & Collectibles.
- Find all the best gifts or souvenirs for your trip from Pickle & Myrrh, The Merry Christmas Shoppe, or Nellie’s Room.
- Stop by in late summer for the annual Antique Artisan Show. The Merrickville Antique Shows feature around 50 antique and artisan dealers from across Ontario, Quebec, and surrounding areas. Exhibitors showcase a wide variety of items, including pine and formal furniture, folk art, glassware, china, books, jewellery, collectibles, advertising pieces, dolls, and more.
- The Makers Market hosts seasonal pop-up markets in Merrickville-Wolford with special holiday markets.
