Whenever I visit Ottawa, I always try to explore beyond the city. Some of my favourite day trips have been to the surrounding small towns, and the Village of Merrickville was no exception.

Located just over an hour’s drive from Canada’s nation’s capital, Merrickville is often called the Jewel of the Rideau. Set along the historic Rideau Canal, the village is known for its historic buildings, independent shops, art galleries, cafés, and antique shops, making it an easy place to spend a relaxed day exploring.

Rather than rushing from one attraction to the next, Merrickville is best experienced at a slower pace. Wandering through the streets, stepping into local businesses, stopping for an ice cream, and taking in the atmosphere ended up being the highlights of my visit.

In this guide, I’m sharing my favourite things to do in Merrickville, along with a few nearby places to visit if you have extra time.

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Is Merrickville Worth Visiting?

I definitely think so.

If you’re anything like me and you enjoy exploring small towns, browsing independent shops, admiring historic buildings, or simply taking a slower-paced day trip, Merrickville is a place I’d recommend visiting.

There are plenty of things to do, but what stood out to me most was how relaxed everything felt. I didn’t feel like I needed a packed itinerary to enjoy my visit. Instead, I spent the day wandering the streets, popping into local shops, stopping for ice cream, and taking my time exploring.

Its location along the historic Rideau Canal, beautiful setting beside the Rideau River, and genuine small town hospitality make it one of my favourite day trips from Ottawa.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ trip, or simply looking to explore another one of Ontario’s charming small towns, I think you’ll really enjoy spending a day here.

Where is Merrickville?

The Village of Merrickville is located in south eastern Ontario, just over an hour’s drive southwest of Ottawa.

The village sits along the historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site managed by Parks Canada. It’s one of several picturesque communities along the canal and a lovely place to spend a relaxing day.

Its location also makes it an easy stop if you’re exploring eastern Ontario. You could easily combine Merrickville with places like Perth, Smiths Falls, Brockville, or even a longer road trip through south eastern Ontario.

One thing I really liked was how walkable the village is. Once I parked near the downtown area, I was able to explore everything on foot, which made the visit feel even more relaxed.

The Village of Merrickville is located in south eastern Ontario, just over an hour’s drive southwest of Ottawa.

One thing I really liked was how walkable the village is. Once I parked near the downtown area, I was able to explore everything on foot, which made the visit feel even more relaxed.

My Favourite Things to Do in Merrickville

1. Wander Around the Historic Downtown

The best way to experience Merrickville is simply by wandering around the historic downtown.

The village isn’t very big, but that’s part of its charm. Between the historic buildings, colourful storefronts, cafés, art galleries, and independent shops, there’s always something else waiting around the corner.

It’s easy to arrive with a list of places you want to see, but I quickly realised Merrickville is better experienced without a strict plan. Some of my favourite discoveries were the ones I hadn’t expected, whether it was a quiet side street, a local shop, or another colourful storefront that made me stop for a photo.

More than anything, Merrickville encourages you to slow down. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, it’s the kind of place where simply walking around becomes part of the experience.

2. Watch the Boats Pass Through the Merrickville Locks

The Merrickville Locks are one of the village’s best-known attractions, and I can completely understand why.

Located on the historic Rideau Canal, they’re a great place to slow down for a while and watch the boats make their way through the lock system. I expected to stop for a few minutes, but ended up staying much longer. There was something surprisingly relaxing about watching everything move at a slower pace.

While you’re there, take some time to walk across the bridge overlooking the locks and along the canal. Between the water, the surrounding historic buildings, and the peaceful setting, it’s one of the prettiest parts of Merrickville. I found myself stopping more than once just to admire the views and take a few photos.

Whether you’re interested in the history of the Rideau Canal or simply want a quiet place to pause during your visit, this is one stop I wouldn’t skip.

3. Visit the Merrickville Blockhouse Museum

The Merrickville Blockhouse Museum is located beside the Merrickville Locks, so it is easy to include while spending time around the historic Rideau Canal.

The building is an attraction in itself. It is the largest of the four surviving blockhouses built along the Rideau Canal and originally formed part of the canal’s defensive system. Today, the museum shares the history of the blockhouse, the canal, and the surrounding community.

I would have liked to spend more time learning about the village’s history here. Since the museum operates seasonally, check the opening dates before visiting. For the 2026 summer season, it is scheduled to open Thursday through Monday from June 25 to August 24, with admission by donation.

Things to Do in Merrickville Ontario - Merrickville Blockhouse Museum

4. Explore Merrickville’s Independent Shops

The independent shops are a big part of what gives Merrickville its character.

Rather than seeing the same chain stores you find in most shopping centres, you’ll come across bookstores, specialty food shops, gift stores, art galleries, and boutiques, all within a short walk of each other. Every shop feels a little different, which makes exploring the village even more enjoyable.

I found myself stepping into whichever shops caught my eye, and some of them ended up being my favourite stops of the day. Here are a few I’d recommend adding to your visit.

Merrickville Book Emporium

As someone who loves books, I couldn’t resist stepping into the Merrickville Book Emporium.

Independent bookstores always have a different feel from the larger chains, and this one was no exception. I spent a while looking through the shelves before continuing my walk around the village. Whether you’re looking for your next read or simply want to support a local business, it’s well worth a stop.

Joy of Olives

Joy of Olives is one of those shops that’s hard to walk past without going inside.

Specialising in olive oils, balsamic vinegars, gourmet ingredients, and fine foods, it’s a great place to pick up something a little different. Rather than buying a typical souvenir, I always like bringing home something I’ll actually use, and this felt like the perfect place for that.

Wick Witch

Wick Witch ended up being my favourite shop in Merrickville.

The smell hits you the moment you walk through the door. It’s warm, inviting, and honestly one of the first things I remember about the shop.

Between the candles, home décor, bath products, and unique gifts, I spent much longer here than I’d planned. It was one of those places where every shelf had something different, and I kept spotting things I wanted to pick up.

For me, shops like this are part of what makes Merrickville so special. They give the village its character and make exploring downtown feel much more personal than visiting a shopping mall.

Natural Bath Co.

Just a short walk away is Natural Bath Co., another shop that’s worth stepping into while exploring downtown Merrickville.

The shop specialises in handmade soaps, skincare, and natural bath products, making it a nice place to pick up a small gift or souvenir that’s made locally.

What I liked most was that it didn’t feel like a repeat of the other shops nearby. Every business in Merrickville seemed to have its own personality, and Natural Bath Co. was no different.

If you’re already walking around downtown, it’s an easy stop to add to your visit.

Mrs. McGarrigle’s

Mrs. McGarrigle’s is one of Merrickville’s best-known specialty food shops and a great place to stop if you’re looking for something to take home.

The shelves are filled with gourmet mustards, preserves, sauces, and other fine foods, making it easy to find a gift or souvenir that’s a little different from the usual keepsakes.

Vinyl Destination

Vinyl Destination is another shop that’s worth stepping into while exploring downtown Merrickville.

Whether you’re searching for a specific album or simply enjoy looking through record collections, it’s another example of the independent businesses that give the village so much character.

5. Discover Local Art in Merrickville

Art is a big part of what gives Merrickville its character.

As I walked around the village, I came across several galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. It added another layer to the experience and made the village feel creative as well as historic.

MonSky Creations Gallery

One gallery I really enjoyed visiting was MonSky Creations Gallery.

The gallery features pottery, ceramics, fused glass, jewellery, and artwork created by local artists, and it was one of those places where I found myself taking my time looking at everything on display.

One of the highlights was meeting one of the owners and chatting with him for a few minutes. He was incredibly friendly, and conversations like that are one of the reasons I enjoy exploring small towns so much. You don’t often get those personal interactions in bigger cities, and it made my visit feel even more memorable.

Visit the Glassblowing Workshop

Even though I didn’t have the chance to visit Merrickville’s glassblowing workshop on this trip, it’s one of the attractions I’d love to see next time.

Glassblowing has a long history in Merrickville, and watching local artisans create handmade pieces is one of the village’s most well-known experiences. If you’re interested in traditional crafts or looking for something a little different, it’s worth adding to your itinerary.

6. Stop for a Coffee or Lunch Break

One of the nice things about Merrickville is that you never have to walk far to find somewhere to eat or grab a coffee.

Whether you’re in the mood for a light lunch, a coffee, or a sweet treat, there are plenty of cafés and delightful restaurants dotted around the village. During the warmer months, many open their patios, making it a lovely place to sit for a while and enjoy the slower pace of the town. You may even come across live music during some of the village’s seasonal events, which adds to the atmosphere.

Yellow Canoe Café

One place that immediately caught my eye was Yellow Canoe Café.

The bright yellow canoe outside makes it hard to miss, and it looked like the perfect spot to take a break while exploring downtown. Whether you’re stopping for a coffee, lunch, or a homemade treat, it’s easy to see why it’s a popular stop in the village.

Merrickville also has some full service restaurants, so if you’re planning to stay a little longer, you’ll have plenty of choice without leaving the historic downtown.

Things to Do in Merrickville Ontario - yellow canoe cafe

7. Treat Yourself to Something Sweet

If you’re anything like me, no small-town day trip is complete without a little treat.

One thing I noticed while walking around Merrickville was that there were plenty of places to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Downtowne Ice Cream Shoppe

One of my favourite stops was Downtowne Ice Cream Shoppe.

It was a really warm day when I visited, so stopping for an ice cream couldn’t have come at a better time. I was lucky enough to grab one of the seats inside, where I sat for a while enjoying my ice cream and watching people wander past outside.

It wasn’t a big attraction or anything I had planned, but it ended up being one of those simple moments that made the day memorable. Sometimes it’s nice to slow down for a few minutes before heading back out to explore the rest of the village.

Stop for Fresh Fudge

Another place that caught my attention was Fresh Fudge.

The sweet smell drifting out of the shop was enough to make me stop and have a look inside. Alongside homemade fudge, you’ll also find freshly made mini donuts and other sweet treats, making it another fun stop while exploring downtown Merrickville.

8. Keep Your Camera Handy

One thing I noticed while exploring Merrickville was how often I stopped to take a photo.

The village is full of colourful storefronts, flower baskets, historic buildings, and little details that catch your attention as you walk around. I didn’t need a map to find photo spots because they seemed to appear around almost every corner.

One of my favourites was the bright red British-style telephone box tucked between the historic buildings. It stood out straight away and quickly became one of my favourite places for a photo.

Looking back at my pictures, they’re not just of the main attractions. Some of my favourites are the colourful shopfronts, quiet streets, and little details that give Merrickville so much character.

9. Appreciate Merrickville’s Historic Buildings

History is part of what makes Merrickville feel so different from many other Ontario small towns.

As you walk through the village, you’ll pass beautifully preserved stone buildings, churches, and landmarks that have been standing for generations. Even if you don’t spend time reading every historical plaque, it’s easy to appreciate how much of Merrickville’s history has been preserved.

Visit the Historic Woolen Mill

One of the buildings that caught my attention was the historic Woolen Mill.

Located near the Merrickville Locks, it’s one of the village’s most recognizable landmarks and an important part of Merrickville’s history. Even though it’s no longer a working mill, it’s well worth stopping for a closer look while you’re exploring the area.

10. Visit During One of Merrickville’s Seasonal Events

Although my visit was fairly quiet, Merrickville hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year.

From art shows and community festivals to holiday celebrations and local markets, there’s often something happening that brings even more life to the village.

If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth checking the local events calendar beforehand. You might even be able to time your trip around one of the festivals or enjoy live music while you’re there.

11. Explore Beyond Merrickville

If you have extra time, I’d recommend exploring a little beyond the village itself.

One of the things I enjoy most about Ontario road trips is discovering places that are just outside the main destination, and Merrickville is surrounded by plenty of beautiful spots.

Rideau Woodland Ramble

If you’re visiting during spring or summer, Rideau Woodland Ramble is a lovely place to add to your itinerary.

Known for its beautiful display gardens and walking paths, it’s one of the area’s best-known natural attractions and makes a peaceful stop before or after exploring Merrickville.

Take a Scenic Drive Along the Chalet Loop

If you’re spending a full day in the area or planning an overnight stay in Merrickville, the Chalet Loop is a lovely way to spend some time outdoors.

Located in nearby Limerick Forest South, this 3 km loop trail winds through forest and wetlands, with a boardwalk offering scenic views along the way. It’s a peaceful place for a walk and a nice way to combine Merrickville’s historic village with one of the area’s natural attractions. The trail is open year-round and is also popular for cycling, birdwatching, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, depending on the season.

Explore the Rural Area of Wolford

The surrounding rural area of Wolford is another reason I enjoy visiting this part of south eastern Ontario.

One of the things I love most about Ontario day trips is that the drive often becomes part of the experience. The quiet country roads and open farmland around Merrickville are a reminder that some of the best scenery isn’t always found at the main destination.

My Favourite Thing to Do in Merrickville

If I had to choose just one favourite thing to do in Merrickville, it would be wandering around the village without a plan.

Of course, I enjoyed watching the boats at the Merrickville Locks, stopping in the local shops, and spending time around the historic Rideau Canal, but what I’ll remember most is how relaxed the whole day felt.

There was no pressure to rush from one attraction to the next. Instead, I spent the day walking through the village, stopping whenever something caught my eye, enjoying an ice cream, and appreciating all the little details that make Merrickville such a lovely place to visit.

For me, that’s what makes Merrickville such a great day trip from Ottawa. It’s a reminder that not every trip needs a packed itinerary. Sometimes slowing down is the best part of the experience.

Where to Stay in Merrickville

I visited Merrickville as a day trip from Ottawa, but I can definitely see the appeal of spending a night here.

One place that stood out to me was the Baldachin Inn, right in the heart of the village. I walked past it several times while exploring downtown, and I also met another visitor who was staying there. They spoke so highly of their stay that it immediately went onto my list for a future visit.

Staying overnight would also give you the chance to experience Merrickville once many of the day visitors have gone home. I can imagine it would be lovely to enjoy dinner in the village, take an evening walk past the Merrickville Locks, and wake up to a quieter morning before heading off to explore again.

Although I haven’t stayed overnight yet, it’s something I’d genuinely like to do on my next visit.

Best Time to Visit Merrickville

One of the things I like about Merrickville is that it’s the kind of place you can visit throughout the year. Each season offers a slightly different experience, so there’s really no bad time to go.

Spring

I visited in the spring and loved how peaceful the village felt. The weather was comfortable for walking around, the flowers were beginning to bloom, and it never felt overcrowded. It was the perfect time to spend a few hours exploring without feeling rushed.

Summer

Summer is one of the busiest times to visit. The Merrickville Locks are full of boats travelling along the historic Rideau Canal, patios come to life, and many local businesses host seasonal events and live music. It’s also the perfect time to stop for an ice cream while exploring the village.

Fall

Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn colours to this part of Ontario. It’s a lovely season for walking around the village and enjoying the surrounding countryside.

Winter

Although I haven’t visited during winter, I imagine Merrickville would have a completely different atmosphere. The historic streets, independent shops, and cozy cafés seem like they’d make a relaxing winter day trip.

How to Get to Merrickville

The easiest way to visit Merrickville is by car.

The Village of Merrickville is located just over an hour’s drive from Ottawa, making it one of the easiest day trips from Canada’s nation’s capital.

Approximate driving times are:

Ottawa: Just over 1 hour
Brockville: Around 45 minutes
Kingston: Around 1 hour 30 minutes
Montreal: Around 2½ hours
Toronto: Around 4 hours

Parking was easy during my visit, and once I’d parked near the historic downtown, I explored the rest of the village on foot.

If you’re already exploring south eastern Ontario, Merrickville also pairs well with places like Smiths Falls, Perth, Brockville, and other communities along the historic Rideau Canal.

My Perfect Merrickville Day Trip Itinerary

If you’re only visiting for the day, here’s how I’d recommend spending your time.

Morning

Arrive mid-morning and park near the historic downtown.

Spend the first part of your visit wandering through the village, stepping into the independent shops, visiting local galleries, and admiring the beautiful historic buildings. Don’t worry too much about following a strict route. Some of the nicest parts of Merrickville are the little discoveries you make along the way.

Before lunch, head over to the Merrickville Locks and spend a little time watching the boats pass through the historic Rideau Canal.

Lunch

Stop at one of Merrickville’s cafés or full service restaurants for lunch. If the weather is nice, grab a seat outside and enjoy the slower pace of the village before continuing your afternoon.

Afternoon

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring a few more local shops before stopping for an ice cream or some fresh fudge.

If you have extra time before heading home, consider visiting Rideau Woodland Ramble or taking a scenic drive through the surrounding rural area of Wolford.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Merrickville worth visiting?

Absolutely. Merrickville is one of my favourite day trips from Ottawa because it offers a slower pace, beautiful historic buildings, independent shops, local art, and plenty of character. It’s the kind of place where you can simply wander around and enjoy the day.

What is Merrickville known for?

Merrickville is best known for the Merrickville Locks, the historic Rideau Canal, beautifully preserved historic buildings, independent shops, local art galleries, and its nickname, the Jewel of the Rideau.

How far is Merrickville from Ottawa?

Merrickville is located just over an hour’s drive southwest of Ottawa, making it one of the easiest and most popular day trips from Canada’s nation’s capital.

Can you visit Merrickville in one day?

Yes. That’s exactly how I visited, and I never felt rushed. I had plenty of time to explore the village, stop in the local shops, enjoy an ice cream, visit the Merrickville Locks, and walk around the historic downtown.

If you have more time, an overnight stay would let you experience the village at an even slower pace.

Is Merrickville walkable?

Yes. Once you’ve parked, you can easily explore the village on foot. Most of the main attractions, shops, cafés, and galleries are within a short walking distance of each other.

Is Merrickville family-friendly?

Yes. Families can enjoy watching the boats at the Merrickville Locks, exploring the historic downtown, stopping for an ice cream, and discovering the many independent shops and galleries throughout the village.

Things to Do in Merrickville Ontario - explore downtown Merrickville

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed my day trip to Merrickville and would happily visit again.

Whether you’re stopping by for a few hours or planning an overnight stay, it’s a lovely place to wander, support local businesses, and discover another side of Ontario beyond its bigger cities.