Also known as The Jewel of the Rideau, Merrickville is full of historic charm and local shops to explore. Spend your day exploring the Rideau Locks, popping into local boutiques, and finding gems like the ruins or British telephone booth. Here are the best things to do in Merrickville, Ontario:
How To Get To Merrickville, Ontario
You’ll need a car to get to Merrickville, which is an hour from downtown Ottawa. It’s an easy drive on highways and country roads.
Destinations To Add To Your Merrickville Trip
- This friendly town feels like a movie set
- This charming town with water views and epic adventures
- Transport to Europe at this Ontario town
When’s the Best Time To Visit Merrickville, Ontario?
Merrickville is a town you can enjoy in any season! The charming town is full of shops you can browse. They also have seasonal events, like their annual Christmas in Merrickville event.
Explore the Merrickville Shops
One of the best things to do in Merrickville is explore the wonderful local shops. Take a walk-through and pop into them. Here are a few highlights:
Mrs McGarringles Fine Food Shop
Visit Mrs. McGarringles Fine Food Shop and get some of their award-winning famous mustard. They have lots of creative mustards like red wine and garlic, chipotle lime, Oktoberfest, and more. Visiting this shop is one of my favourite things to do in Merrickville.
Merrickville Cheese Shop
Merrickville Cheese Shop is an artisan cheese shop offering charcuterie boards, boxes, grazing tables and gift baskets.
Order one of their picnic on the canal boxes to enjoy a local picnic on the banks of the historic Rideau Canal. What a perfect way to enjoy a sunny afternoon!
Merrickville Book Emporium
Find a new book for your picnic at Merrickville Book Emporium. They offer used books in various genres, from fiction to Canadian history.
The Joy of Olives
Discover a wide selection of olive oil and balsamic vinegar at The Joy of Olives. Visit their tasting room to sample some of their offerings. I love grabbing fresh finds like this for bread-dipper or salad dressings.
Vinyl Destination
Vinyl Destination is for music lovers. Head here for a variety of records and band shirts.
Pickle and Myrrh
Pickle and Myrrh is an artisan sea salt caramel shop featuring gourmet pantry items and local gifts. Their caramels come in fun variations, such as coffee, cupcakes, pretzels, and more.
Wick Witch Apothecary
Add a touch of magic to your day at Wild Witch Apothecary in Merrickville. Their shelves are adorned with handcrafted candles, bath bombs, soaps and more.
1890 – Natural Bath Co.
Pamper yourself at 1890 – Natural Bath Co. with natural bath salts, shower steamers, hair soap and more.
Gather Brewery and Glassworks
Part brewery, part art glass studio, Gather Brewery and Glassworks is a unique stop in Merrickville. You can enjoy a local brew and browse the glass art. You can also purchase unique items like a whiskey dip glass, beer mug, or vase. Gather Brewery and Glassworks offers workshops where you can try the art of glassblowing for yourself. You’ll have the opportunity to make a glass ball and choose the colours.
The Merry Christmas Shoppe
Enjoy two floors of everything Christmas at The Merry Christmas Shoppe in Merrickville. Find everything ornaments to lifesize Grinch statues. I love finding ornaments on my travels and this would be a fun stop to find something to remember your visit to Merrickville. They also have items from Nightmare Before Christmas – Halloween or Christmas movie? 😉
Country Bumpkin
Head to Country Bumpkins for home decor, gifts and homemade fudge. They have fun fudge flavours like cappuccino skor and seasonal favourites like pumpkin pie.
Abel Mountain
Abel Mountain is a small boutique in downtown Merrickville. Step inside and browse fashion finds from dresses to shirts, games and more.
Nellie’s Room
Nellie’s Room is full of fun home decor finds from wall decor, vases, blankets and more.
There are plenty more great shops to explore on your trip to Merrickville!
Snap A Photo With the British Telephone Booth
Transport to England with the bright red telephone booth on St Lawrence St in Merrickville. You’ll find it outside the British pub The Goose & Gridiron.
Merrickville Lock Station Walking Tour
Use this Merrickville Lock Station Walking Tour Guide from Parks Canada to take a self-guided tour of the historic locks. It will take you to points of interest along the canal and dive into the area’s history.
Find The Merrickville Ruins
Along the walking tour, you’ll find The Merrickville Ruins. These ruins are of a Woolen Mill built in 1844. Visit these ruins in Merrickville, Ontario, and feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Picnic by the Canal
This stop is one of the best things to do in Merrickville, Ontario. Enjoy some time by the banks of the historic Rideau Canal. Order a picnic box at The Merrickville Cheese Shop and grab a book from the Merrickville Book Shop to accompany your picnic.
Visit a Beautiful Garden
Enter a garden oasis at the Rideau Woodland and Ramble. This nursery feels like a secret garden in Merrickville, Ontario. Enjoy the beautiful forest and gardens while picking up plants. Over the years, the garden has won awards.
Spend Time on the Water
Kayak, Canoe, or Paddleboard the scenic Rideau Canal. Bring your device or rent from the Merrickville Lions Campground and paddle the picturesque Rideau Canal.
Find more places to kayak, canoe or paddleboard around Ottawa here.
There’s also Merrickville Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, but check the advisories before heading into the water.
Find more places to swim near Ottawa here.
Grab A Bite in Merrickville
The Goose & Grid Iron
You’ll spot this English pub by the alleyway out front. The Goose & Grid Iron was a famous pub in London, and the owners wanted to create that same landmark in Merrickville. Enjoy a bite in this pub’s picturesque alleyway, the perfect stop for a break between adventures. Choose a classic English pub item or something else that catches your eye, like their loaded waffle fries.
Yellow Canoe Cafe
Looking for a quick bite? Head to Yellow Canoe Cafe. This is an excellent spot for a sandwich and a sweet treat. Enjoy it on their lush patio, surrounded by greenery and the landmark yellow canoe.
Downtown Ice Cream Shoppe
Enjoy a scoop at Downtown Ice Cream Shoppe in Merrickville. Their ice cream is hand-made in-house with local ingredients. Try fun flavours like chocolate peanut butter fudge or purple haze blueberry.
Iron Forge Pizza
This pizza joint offers a variety of pizzas, from classic styles to garlic chicken pizza, butter chicken pizza, and more. You’ll also find salads, poutines, desserts, and more at Iron Forge Pizza.
Bob’s Fresh Cut Fries
Enjoy classic fish and chips, specialty poutine, smash burgers, and more food truck specialties at Bob’s Fresh Cut Fries in downtown Merrickville. You can expect some next-level poutines here. You can get a classic item like their “my wife’s pregnant poutine” with deep-fried bacon or one of their specials. A past one was a seven-layer dip poutine—yum!
The Village Bean Coffee House
The Village Bean Coffee House is Merrickville’s local coffee shop. Head here for coffee, tea, breakfast specials, lunch and more.
Go For A Hike
Rideau Trail
The full Rideau Trail runs from Kingston to Ottawa. The Merrickville stretch is about 8 km long. You can walk for as long or as little as you want.
Limerick Forest
Walk through a beautiful towering forest 24 minutes from Merrickville at Limerick Forest. Chalet Loop, Forsythe South Loop, and Lookout Trail Loop are popular within Limerick Forest.
Where To Stay in Merrickville
Maple & Rose
Stay in a historic Victorian house transformed into a luxurious and modern accommodation. Maple & Rose can accommodate up to 16 guests. Enjoy a spacious accommodation with a full kitchen, fireplaces, sunroom, and more.
Baldachin Inn
Stay in the historic Baldachin Inn, built in 1860. It was once the largest department store between Chicago and Montreal. It’s situated at the corner of St. Lawrence Street, so you can easily walk to all of Downton Merrickville’s attractions. The inn’s rooms are decorated in the style of 19th-century European decor.
More adventures you might be interested in:
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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