One of the first things I noticed about Carp when my family moved here from Kanata is just how friendly everyone is. It may be a small village, but the tight-knit community knows how to host incredible events and support local businesses.
Located just over 30 minutes west of downtown Ottawa, Carp is the ultimate day-trip destination to escape the city. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an avid thrifter, here are the absolute best things to do in Carp from someone who grew up here.
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Carp
Brunch at Alice’s Cafe
This is one of my favourite brunches in the city. You’ll find this restaurant in the heart of downtown Carp. From brunch all the way through to dinner it’s a great spot for a bite. I either get a breakfast item or one of their sandwiches with chips. They have great coffee or I get their London fog with Sloane tea. You can also bring your dog and sit out on the patio. Afterward, treat them at Carp Custom Creamery.
Skylark Cafe
This new cafe in Carp is the perfect spot to start your adventure with a coffee and breakfast sandwiches. They always fun pastries and its also a great spot to catch up with a friend.
Experience the Legendary Cheshire Cat Pub
You cannot visit Carp without having dinner at the Cheshire Cat Pub. Housed in a beautifully restored historic schoolhouse, this local icon is famous across Ottawa. While it features a classic British telephone booth outside and cozy wood-burning stoves inside, the food is the real star. Everything is so delicious: their burgers, Yorkshire pudding, fish and chips, stuffed jalapeños and more. I always love seeing what creative specials they have. Book a reservation in advance because this place gets packed.
Carp Custom Creamery
Grab a cone at Carp Custom Creamery across from the fairgrounds. Their ice cream is produced daily in-house and includes local ingredients. Their daily selection includes 16 different flavours and over 40 flavours available for their 1L take-home tubs. They also have gluten-free and vegan options available. They also have puppy cones for your furry friend, a small soft serve cone with a dog treat.
Kin Vineyard
Did you know Ottawa has a winery? Kin Vineyard celebrated their one year anniversary this summer. How fun that you can experience a winery right here in the capital! They offer 4 distinct tiers of wine as well as a cider. Try the wine for yourself at their tasting room, open Tuesday-Sunday 11:00am-6pm. Check their website becasue they often host fun events.
1818 Farm & Cidery
If you love crisp, craft drinks, you have to check out this beautiful family-run farm. What to expect is small-batch, bone-dry ciders naturally fermented from their own orchards and barrel-aged to perfection, alongside a fresh market store and a delicious seasonal farm-to-table menu. They have a gorgeous outdoor patio overlooking the rolling hills and apple trees, making it a spectacular, peaceful spot to hang out with a tasting flight in the sunshine. It’s the perfect country escape to add to your day trip itinerary.
Ridge Rock Brewing Company
Ridge Rock Brewing Company is a lively village hotspot housed inside a gorgeously restored 1893 heritage building. What to expect is high-quality, small-batch craft beer brewed right on-site, paired with a fantastic menu of upscale pub comfort foods like giant burgers and wood-fired pizzas. The indoor space is packed with character and often features live local music on Friday nights, while their massive, sun-drenched outdoor patio is one of the best setups in town to hang out with a tasting flight during the summer.
Best Things To Do In Carp
Carp Farmers Market
The Carp Farmers Market was voted Ottawa’s Best Market, and it’s a 100% Producer-Only Farmers Market. Head to the Carp Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 8 am-1 pm.
You’ll find a great array of vendors offering everything from fresh herbs, fresh produce, food vendors, sauces, jewellery, and more. Have a dog? This farmers’ market is also dog-friendly! You need to try the stroopwaffles from Leah’s Bakery. Perfect with your morning coffee. I also love how many international vendors there are at the market from kimchi, thai food, Brazilian/Lebanese food, there are lots of great finds.
Tour the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
- Address: 3929 Carp Road
- Best For: History enthusiasts, families, and movie buffs.
The Diefenbunker Museum is an absolute must-visit and a massive piece of Canadian history. Built underground during the Cold War to protect the government from a nuclear attack, this 100,000-square-foot bunker is now a fascinating museum. You can walk through recreated government war cabinets, secret living quarters, and emergency operation centers.
If you want a thrill, book Escape the Diefenbunker run by Escape Manor. It’s the world’s largest escape room, spanning an entire underground floor! Alternatively, movie fans will instantly recognize the blast tunnel from major film sets.
Play a Round of Golf
Play a round of golf at Irish Hills or Greensmere. Afterward, unwind at one of the local restaurants above!
Annual Carp Events
Carp Fair
If you happen to be planning a trip in late September, the Carp Fair is an absolute bucket-list item. Famously dubbed “the best little fair in Canada,” this massive agricultural exhibition dates back to 1863. It draws crowds from all over the province for its world-class horse shows, live concert lineups, midway rides, and incredible food trucks.
@juliaxweber Fall Bucketlist: visit a fair ✔️🎡 Carp Fair all weekend long ☺️ #ottawa #carp #carpfair #ontariofinds #ontariotravel #ottawatiktok ♬ Euphoria Funfair (From "Euphoria: Season 1" Soundtrack) – Labrinth & Gustave Rudman
Drive-In Bingo
For a nostalgic, small-town tradition, head to the Carp Fairgrounds on select summer nights for Drive-In Bingo. Families and tourists park their cars, set up lawn chairs, and honk their horns whenever they hit a winning sheet. It kicks off with a community BBQ at 6:00 PM, and cards are highly affordable. Check the local community calendars for specific summer dates!
Easy Adventures to add on to this:
- Day trip to Almonte, a charming “friendly town”
- Explore this hike full of islands
Find more Ottawa ideas here.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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Great post! We will be checking out the Creamery for sure!!!
Author
Thanks so much 🙂 Enjoy! All their ice creams are so delicious and generous scoops!