Ready to trade your inbox for indulgence? This Almonte and Perth girls trip was equal parts spa days, scenic trails, small-town charm! Exactly the Ontario escape we didn’t know we needed.
In the Ontario Highlands, the towns of Almonte and Perth in Lanark County are everything you want in a mid-week or weekend escape. There is historic architecture, river views, cozy shops, breweries, quirky distilleries, and more than a few great patios. These two towns make the perfect backdrop for a girls’ getaway where you can hike, soak, sip, and reconnect. Lanark County has something that makes you feel right at home, with even better views if you’re into adventure, relaxation, or simply reconnecting with your travel buddies (or your sister!).
Almonte and Perth are more than just pretty places. If you’re planning a girls’ trip and want to stay close to local and balance adventure with indulgence, these towns should be at the top of your list. Trust me, you’ll leave with a whole heart (and maybe a bottle of maple syrup or Vodkow).
Where are Almonte and Perth, Ontario?
Almonte and Perth are in Lanark County, Ontario. Lanark County is located in the Ontario Highlands region, approximately an hour west of Ottawa. It stretches from Mississippi Mills and Almonte in the east, to Perth and Smith Falls in the South and Maberly in the west.
There are scenic country roads connecting small towns, rural landscapes, and tons of places to explore. It’s close enough for an easy weekend road trip from Belleville, Kingston, or Ottawa, but far enough to feel like a real escape. It’s best to consider yourself unplugged around these parts, as cell service is spotty (I’m with Telus and found myself in offline maps mode), and some roads are unpaved.
So, if you’re into paddling quiet rivers, sipping local wine and beer, or discovering cozy corners of historic towns, Lanark County gives you all that and more. And without the crowds.
Hiking Lookouts at Eagle’s Nest and Brews at Calabogie
Our girls’ trip to Almonte and Perth began with stunning views, bold beers, and a cozy night by the river—and it all started with a hike that made us work for that reward.
I’m taking this trip with my sister, Irene. Irene is a firefighter and a paramedic in Hastings County and at the race tracks, so if anyone needs to put their feet up, it’s someone like her.
Even though we grew up in Belleville, we have never explored this region before, and it was so close to us! So we packed the Jeep and hit the road for a few days of nature, and some very good food and drink.
After leaving Mom’s house in Frankford, we made our way to the Eagle’s Nest Lookout in Calabogie, a popular hike along the Manitou Mountain Trail. We parked at the trailhead off County Road 508, where it’s a quick but arduous and sweaty one-kilometre trek to the lookout point. Just our luck, it’s the first hot, humid day of the season. We were already dripping with sweat halfway through, but the view from the look-out point was absolutely worth it.
Standing at Eagle’s Nest feels like teetering on the edge of Ontario itself, with layered hills and endless tree lines. We were staring out over endless hills and forest stretching to the horizon. My kids and I have hiked Sleeping Giant outside of Thunder Bay before, and that was an end-of-the-province view as well, just higher!
If you’re unsure of yourself and your footing, do not go to the ledge of the rocks. Take in a view from a safe distance.
Post-hike, we cooled down and refuelled with a tasting flight at Calabogie Brewing Co. We sampled the Uncharted Cerveza, Raspberry Kölsch, Portage Pilsner, and American Wheat Ale—refreshing and well-earned. The Raspberry Kölsch and American Wheat were our favourites.
Fueled by hops and ambition, we headed to Blueberry Mountain next, just outside the village of Lanark Highlands. This trail is relatively level, with a steeper finish, and takes about 90 minutes to complete. But between the heavy bugs and the heat, we made it to the trailhead, took one look at what we were in for, and called it a draw. Sometimes, self-preservation wins.
Riverside Luxury in Almonte at The Monte Inn and Lounge
We wrapped the day in Almonte with a stay at The Monte Inn and Lounge. This boutique inn is right on the banks of the Mississippi River and has everything a girls’ trip needs—stylish rooms in a renovated house, a sauna, a hot tub, and an onsite lounge where you can order short ribs and sip wine without ever leaving the building. There’s even a cold plunge if you’re feeling bold. It’s got that perfect balance of heritage charm and modern design, and after a day of hiking or wandering the downtown, it’s the place that makes you want to kick your feet up and never check out.
We stayed in the Judge’s Chambers Room, which features two ultra-comfy queen beds, a huge sitting area that provided space for us to be together yet separate, and a private balcony overlooking the river—hello, morning coffee with a view. It’s on the main floor, so no stairs to climb.
Everything about this place is intentional and relaxing, from the complimentary coffee station to the little dock where you can hop in a kayak (they have them onsite to borrow). If you’re planning a weekend away with your sister, your bestie, or just a treat-yourself moment, The Monte delivers.
After cleaning up, we enjoyed dinner at The Lounge at The Monte. I had an order of the lamb shank, my sister went for the short ribs, with a Caesar and I had to oblige a half-price bottle of Rioja (hello, Wednesday specials). By the end of the evening, we were officially spoiled.
The best part? A short walk down the hall to fall into a comfy bed and recharge. Our day one was full of nature and a hint of indulgence.
The Historic Town of Almonte and a Distillery Surprise
After a relaxing and slow morning of breakfast, coffee and breathing fresh air, we wandered into the town of Almonte. It’s as cute as you can imagine for an old Ontario town with historic stone buildings and waterfalls right in the heart of town. The heart of the town wraps around the Mississippi River (yes, Ontario has one too). Almonte’s historic downtown has total main character energy. I swear, if I had a notebook and a couple of quiet afternoons by that waterfall, I’d convince myself I was writing the next great Canadian novel—just so I’d have an excuse to never leave.
It’s got this perfect mix of small-town warmth and architectural wow, where you can grab a latte, wander into a boutique, and feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. We couldn’t resist popping into Baker Bob’s for some local baked goods—fuel for the road ahead.
Our next stop was Vodkow Dairy Distillery, and yes, you read that right: vodka made from milk. Yes, really.
Vodkow is crafted right in Almonte at Dairy Distillery, where they take milk sugar—left over from dairy production—and distill it into an incredibly smooth, clean-tasting vodka. It’s sustainable, creative, and way more delicious than you’d expect. The flavour is silky and neutral (no milky taste!), and they’ve got liqueurs too.
It’s the kind of place where you walk in curious and walk out with half the gift shop (I think we did). Add it to your must-visit list next time you’re wandering through Almonte.
Pedicures and a Winery Worth the Drive
After falling in love with Almonte, we drove about 45 minutes to Perth to the Best Western Parkside Inn. Our first order of business? Pedicures at the spa. After a full day of exploring (and sweating), this was precisely what our feet needed. The spa here is huge, gorgeous and caters to so many services. It’s a day trip in itself, so don’t skip out on this place. Plan to utilize it if you’re staying here.
No, I’m not posting pictures of my feet. Yes, that’s an opportunity lost.
Then, Irene and I were off to River House Winery in Maberly for lunch and a wine tasting. River House Winery is one of those places that makes you want to stay all afternoon—and maybe through a weekend at least. Sitting along the tranquil banks of the Tay River, the winery has some pretty young vines and is anchored by a stunning timber-frame tasting room that appears to have been plucked straight from a magazine. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was one of the prettiest wineries I’ve ever seen in Ontario.
Their baked brie and charcuterie board alone would have made the drive worth it, but we went all in and also ordered a crispy chicken sandwich and a beef melt for lunch. Not only was the food great, but the wines were lovely, and I came home with a bottle of Vidal and a Baco Noir.
River House is a must on any girls’ getaway or day trip itinerary in the area, especially if good wine and extraordinary views are high on your list.
After getting back to the Perth Parkside Hotel and Spa, we spent the evening soaking and relaxing in the hotel’s hot tub and pool and then sampling our Vodkow products back up in our room. They were just as good as they were at the distillery.
Don’t want to go far for dinner? Go next door to dinner at Rocky River Café. Their patio is stunning—perfect for winding down and catching up on the day. Rocky River Café’s patio seats you under shady trees, where you can cozy up with a cocktail, and enjoy truly fresh comfort food. Twinkle lights glow overhead on one of the best patios I have ever been to.
Perth’s Tay River Calm and a Maple Send-Off
Our final day started with a hotel breakfast in the lobby restaurant, and I was up for one last adventure before our departure. Since there is a river and I’m a water nut, I couldn’t wait to drop in for a paddle at Last Duel Park in Perth. This spot has a fascinating past: it’s the site of the last fatal duel in Upper Canada.
These days, it’s a peaceful spot along the Tay River where locals and visitors alike head out in kayaks and paddleboards to enjoy the calm waters. There is a boat launch and public docks for kayaks, canoes, and small boats—perfect for paddling the scenic Tay River. Bonus tip if you get wet and need to change your clothes: there are washroom facilities in the Gatehouse.
Before we wrapped up the trip and headed west on Highway 7, we made one last essential stop for maple syrup. Lanark County is known as the maple syrup capital of Ontario. The area is home to over 400 maple syrup producers! There are small backyard operations all the way to award‑winning sugar camps, so we headed to Wheeler’s Pancake House to get some golden syrup. When we got there, we saw a whole museum to explore, too! So we had to check out their Maple Heritage museum, hiked a trail lined with sap lines, and picked up a bottle of the good stuff to bring home.
Almonte and Perth Belong on Your Road Trip Radar
Almonte and Perth turned out to be the perfect setting for connection, relaxation, and discovery. Between the scenic hikes, spa indulgences, local sips and bites, and small-town strolls, every moment felt thoughtful and unhurried. It’s a place where you can slow down, fill your days with meaning, and still feel like you’ve had an adventure. The laid-back vibe makes you forget you’re on vacation and wish you lived there.
Note about cell phone service and coverage – I spent a chunk of time driving in SOS mode and Apple maps accessing offline maps, meaning there wasn’t a lot of coverage outside of the towns. I would recommend plotting your driving directions fro point A to point B before you get going to parts unknown or you will end up in the unknown. I’m with Telus for my cell coverage and this is not a commentary on them, I have no idea if Rogers was any better there.
Whether you’re reuniting with your sister, gathering your closest friends, or just looking for a weekend away with a little bit of everything, Lanark County delivers. It’s close to home but feels like a refreshing reset. This corner of the Ontario Highlands is one you’ll want to return to, again and again.
Thinking of booking accommodation in Almonte or Perth or the surrounding area in Lanark County? Start by taking a look here:
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