When I explore new destinations, I love uncovering the hidden gems. Whether it’s spots the locals recommend or a cool place I stumble upon, there’s always something exciting about going somewhere new and exploring. I recently had the opportunity to do a road trip through Ontario’s Highlands. Each new town has its own unique charm and plenty of recommendations from locals. Located just outside of Ottawa, Ontario’s Highlands is perfect for a road trip of your own, where you will explore everything from great views, bites and brews and more. Sometimes it’s the stops along the way that become the most memorable part of the journey. From top-notch breweries and must-have burgers, this blog post will celebrate everything you’ll find if you let your taste buds be your guide. 

Smiths Falls

You’ll find Smiths Falls in Lanark County on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal. This town is full of history that I learned about during some of my stops here.

Rideau Canal Locks Station

Did you know that the Rideau Canal spans all the way from the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario? It’s North America’s oldest continually operating canal. We checked out the lock station in Smiths Falls to start our trip. If you walk to the back of the RCAF Hall parking lot beside the lots you can access a rail bridge for an awesome view down the river. On our way back to the main streets we also spotted two swans! 

Café Whim

This spot has award-winning sandwiches so of course, we had to stop for a bite. They had an impressive list of more than 30 sandwiches alone! Get The Dragonfly with a side of caesar salad. This top-seller comes with Guacamole, chicken, double smoked bacon, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle mayo. They also have a craft beer selection featuring local breweries for $6. If it’s a nice day, enjoy your meal on their patio. Afterward, check out the other shops in Davidson’s Courtyard. 

4 Degrees Brewing Company

From the tasting notes and the stories, I was so glad I visited this local Smiths Falls Brewery. The thought and consideration that is put into the conception and story behind every brewed beer is phenomenal. Not only were the stories behind each beer fascinating, but they were impeccably brewed and refreshing.

This brewery is a staple in this Smiths Falls community, which is important to the founders. They offer their space as a free place for the community to host events, support groups, and charities, and also name their beers based on important Smiths Falls characteristics. It is clear to see the community narrative is strong at this local brewery. There is also a community around the beer from the origin of their names:

The Beers:

North of 7 

This beer is part of their Highway 7 series, where these contrasting beers reflect the highway that runs through Lanark County. North of 7 is a light beer that reflects the outdoor, woodsy, bonfire, cottage country that runs north of Highway 7. It’s your ‘summertime, enjoy the outdoors’ style of beer.

South of 7

South of 7 is the second beer in the Highway 7 series. This beer is a full-bodied amber ale with a smooth caramel flavor. It’s your sophisticated beer that was made with an urbanite in mind and is bolder in flavour and colour.  It’s the one you would gravitate towards after a day in the office or in the fall when it’s time for darker styles.

Frost & Wood

This is their oak infused lager. It has an earthy flavour with complex, sweet and savoury tasting notes. This beer represents one of the earliest and largest industrial plants in Canada that opened in the 1850s. It was the biggest employer in Smiths Falls for decades. This plant was known worldwide for manufacturing state of the art farming equipment and munitions during World War II. 

Old Sly

Old Sly is a hoppy IPA that’s named after a lock at the canal that was in the middle of a farmer named Sly’s property. Anyone who wanted to pass through would have to wake up this old farmer so he could open the lock. It was said that Old Sly was quite the character! 

Hill 70

Hill 70 is a tribute to WW1 and part of the ‘Lest We Forget’ program, where students in high school learn about a specific soldier from the war and have the opportunity to visit France and follow their journey. This was my first time learning about Hill 70, a forgotten battle that has more Victoria Crosses than Vimy Ridge and the first time a Canadian General was in charge of the border of Belgium/France. The staff wanted something the locals at the time would have been brewing in this area- along the border of France and Belgium- and decided on a Belgium Blonde. You also have the opportunity to buy a beer for veterans or those currently enlisted in their “Pint It Forward” program. I was glad I was able to contribute to this wall!

Before we left, we had to find out how they got their name. It turns out that 4 degrees is the optimal temperature to make a lager. This spot is definitely worth checking out for yourself! From $5 pints, their brew crew, games, and special events, 4 Degrees Brewing Company is definitely a spot to add to your brewery bucket list. You can also bring your own food while you enjoy a brew. 

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Perth

Perth is a charming town that you’ll find along the Tay River in Lanark County. I loved seeing all the heritage building and its definitely a spot I want to explore more of. 

Perth Manor

This historic inn was built in 1878 and was originally a family residence. It has an elegant, old-time feel that is full of history.  Make sure to ask the owners the story of Elizabeth Hughes, the last Canadian woman to have a duel over her. In the morning you can enjoy breakfast on the beautiful garden terrace. 

Exploring Perth

There is so much to explore in Perth. If you have time, you could easily dedicate a whole day or more to Perth alone. Inside Code’s Mill, you’ll find a courtyard in the building full of this beautiful installation. Inside you’ll find a chocolate shop, donut shops, restaurants and more. This is a great spot to enjoy one of the many treats you’ll find available in Perth! You can also walk across from Code’s Mill and grab a seat by the water. 

CC’s on the Rideau

This was the first burger spot of the trip. You’ll find it close by to Perth in Rideau Ferry. The first thing that will catch your eye is the gorgeous view of the water. Any day by the water is good in my books, especially if there are burgers involved. You can also enjoy a drink and food inside, where their atmosphere will have you feeling like you’re at a cottage. What stood out to me about this burger was the flavours and that their burger has no filler! I went with their ‘Le Boat Burger’ and it did not disappoint. It includes 8oz house-made Angus chuck-grilled with greens, sweet vidalia onion, tomato, Canadian aged cheddar and they had a special feature burger with maple bacon! Pair it with 4 Degrees Brewing Companies Old Sly. It’s hard to beat a great view, burger and brew paired together! 

Barry’s Bay

Next stop was Barry’s Bay! It’s about a 2-hour drive from Perth but you’ll probably want to stop along the way to check out the views. You drive through Foymount, which is Ontario’s highest populated point. As your getting closer you’ll get a spectacular view of Barry’s Bay along the trees. If you can, spend a couple of days here by the water, you won’t regret it! This is the perfect spot to relax at a cottage and explore in town. Not only is Barry’s Bay great for cottage and nature enthusiasts, but it also has a great shopping scene for unique finds. Here are some shops to check out:

Grumblin’ Granny’s

Grumblin’ Granny’s has an eclectic mix of everything from fun signs, jewellery, travel items and more. This shop features unique finds from around the world.  The sign out front that said “not all who wander are lost” went well with the theme of this trip. 

Gift it Gray

Two shops down you’ll find Gift It Gray, the perfect spot to treat yourself or someone else. This spot features a lot of home and lifestyle items. A few things that stood out to me was the adventure fund piggy bank, camping accessories and cute cups. 

Charlie D’s 

Today’s burger spot was Charlie D’s. You know it’s going to be good if there’s already a ton of people with meals and still a lineup. This roadside food truck has wicked poutine and burgers. I went with the classic Charlie D burger, a charbroiled Angus burger that was all dressed. I couldn’t resist getting their Opeongo poutine that comes with onion rings instead of fries, gamechanger! They have over 16 poutines to choose from. Inside the building, you’ll find ice cream and DVD’s to rent…anyone else miss going to choose a movie at the store? This spot is a must on your road trip! 

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Along the Way

I was totally stuffed at Charlie D’s but if you have room, stop by BeaverTails in Killaloe. This was the very first BeaverTails location! You can also stop at the Polish Kashub Heritage Museum and Wilno Craft Gallery. 

Pembroke

You’ll find Pembroke along the Ottawa River and was formally established in 1858. I learned a lot about the history while I visited and explored the city. 

Square Timber Brewing Company

Our first stop in Pembroke was Square Timber Brewing Company. The owner Marc, came from the music industry. He said he would always book places to play based on craft breweries in the areas they went to. In his spare time when he was back from tour, Marc would brew his home craft beer at home. His Dad had also worked in the beer industry back home in Saskatchewan. When it was time to leave the music business he decided to take this passion full time and create a brewery beside his home in Pembroke. Now Square Timber Brewing Company offers multiple types of beers. The tasting room is in a log cabin that plays nicely into the name and gives it a great atmosphere. I had the opportunity to sample these beers:

Pembroke Pilsner

This beer is an ode to Pembroke. It’s a bohemian lager that’s a great crossover into craft beer. 

Saison des Chutes

This is a French/Belgian style of beer. It’s fruity, spicy and has some white wine character. This beer got its name from crews building slides or chutes so that logs wouldn’t get stuck in rapids or falls as they traveled through the Ottawa River.  One of the more famous chutes was the Chutes Coulonge in western Quebec, not far from their location.

Slab Town

This beer got its name because there used to be a big mill nearby and slab comes off the logs. It’s a tropical IPA. You’ll get hints of peach, pear, and mango with a balance of bitterness and sweetness. 

Lala 

This beer was named after Marc’s girlfriend whose family affectionately calls Lala. He said this one is often popular at beer festivals. It’s a refreshingly dry farmhouse ale with aromas of fresh-cut fruit and white grapes with a spicy finish. 

Deacon Seat Hefeweizen

This is an easy-drinking German wheat beer. You’ll get notes of banana and clove. It’s named after a deacon seat, a half log bench running the length of a bunkhouse. It’s rumoured to get its name from the traveling deacons who would use the bench to preach to the lumbermen.

Fruits on Roots

Marc also shared that he’s doing a collaboration with Covered Bridge Brewing Co. for 4 barrel-aged beers. They will feature fruit from across Canada. It’s called Fruits on Roots and the label is a map of Canada. Marc said it would be released early August but make sure to follow them for the exact dates. 

Before we left, we had to know the name behind Square Timber Brewing Company. It comes from the Ottawa Valley settling on the square timber industry. They would raft the timber to Quebec and the square Timber would go to England to be made into ships. It’s a very recognizable for people in the area. 

When I visited the beer garden was still in progress but it’s officially open for the 2019 season! You’ll be surrounded by forest as you enjoy 12oz and 20oz servings of their beer…sounds like a hidden gem to me! Can’t wait to return and enjoy some beers at the beer garden! 

Nook Creperie

After the brewery, we headed into town for dinner at Nook Creperie. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, this creperie has so many options. Make sure to get the brie sticks with the popeye or leonardo crepe if you like savoury! They also have a beautiful patio lined with flowers on the street.

Heritage Murals

Throughout downtown Pembroke, you’ll stumble upon lots of heritage murals on the buildings. The story of Pembroke will unfold as you walk through. In 1613 Samuel de Champlain was the first European to visit the site which by the turn of the 20th century had grown into a vigorous logging community. 

Pembroke Waterfront

This is a great spot to watch the sunset. You can walk out to the lighthouse. The sky turned a vibrant pink while we were there. 

Shopping

There are so many shops to explore in Pembroke. The first shop that caught our eye was called Local. There are so many cool signs and designs in this shop. You can sign up for a workshop to make a sign of your own! The second shop was Pick It Fence. It was full of cool finds for your home and clothing. I ended up buying a romper here. You could easily spend an afternoon popping into the shops and restaurants.

Blendz

If you like smoothies make sure to head to Blendz. They have plenty of great varieties. I ended up getting their grilled cheese. It’s vegan with coconut bacon, caramelized onions, and cashew cheese! This was my first vegan grilled cheese and it was so delicious! Next time I’m in Pembroke I’m definitely stopped by to get this again! 

Ullrich’s 

We stopped by Ullrich’s for coffee before we hit the road back home. This butcher/deli/bistro is another great spot for a bite before you head home.

I hope this post inspires you to take your own road trip through Ontario’s Highlands and see what backroads, breweries, and bites you stumble upon. You never know where you’ll end up when you let your taste buds be your guide! Each brewery has its own unique story of why they started and brew the beer they do. Each burger joint has its own unique spin on this classic. For more breweries and burgers to add to your trip check out Ontario’s Highland’s guide here. 

Thank you to Ontario’s Highlands for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own.  I’m so grateful to be able to experience this road trip and share it with you. I hope it inspires you to #ComeWander in Ontario’s Highlands.