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Smiths Falls

77 Beckwith St N · Smiths Falls, ON

Why you should go…

Smiths Falls is a town on the Rideau Canal roughly 75 km southwest of Ottawa, known for its historic downtown and small-town charm. The town runs a Welcome Centre in a 19th-century former schoolhouse downtown that offers visitor information, free guided heritage walking tours on Saturdays, self-guided pamphlets, and a local souvenir shop. Nearby attractions include the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre, the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario and the Heritage House Museum.

  • #history
  • #canal
  • #walking tour
  • #small town
  • #museum

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Smiths Falls, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Brockville

    Free

    Ontario's City of the 1000 Islands, with a historic St. Lawrence River waterfront, trails and craft breweries.

    27 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Watson's Mill

    Under $25

    Fully operational 1860s water-powered grist mill and heritage house museum in the village of Manotick.

    28 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Outaouais

    Free

    Regional tourism guide for Quebec's Outaouais region, covering Gatineau Park, museums, and lakes and rivers.

    38 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Bank of Canada Museum

    Free

    Interactive museum exploring Canadian currency, economic history, and how the economy works, free to enter.

    39 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Tours
    Local Gem

    Ottawa Boat Cruise

    $25–$50

    Narrated sightseeing cruises on the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River departing from downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.

    39 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Counties

    Free

    Eastern Ontario counties along the St. Lawrence River, promoted through the Where Ontario Began visitor guide.

    57 mi awayMore like this