2026 Spring Mini Guide

lace Springmini guide Carleton

Spring2026

StART THE SEASON WITH SOMETHING NEW

outdoorExperiences

OUT FOR A STROLL

From peaceful waterfront strolls to longer, more scenic routes, Carleton Place offers trails suited to every pace. The provides an accessible path along the water, and connects to trails leading to parks and green spaces. Or, take a stroll through scenic downtown and experience our small town charm firsthand.

CYCLING

Mississippi Riverwalk

For those ready to cover more ground, there’s no better season than spring to discover Carleton Place on two wheels. With a mix of short and longer trails, spring is the perfect time to enjoy an invigorating ride along the Mississippi River, cruise along former rail lines, or explore the downtown for a mid-ride coffee stop. Starting in May, pick up a cruiser-style rental bike from the and head out with friends. If you are looking for a bigger challenge, explore the route that connects Lanark County to Ottawa as part of a 200 km loop.

Information Centre

Cycle MORE

Guided Walking Tour

WILDLIFE & BIRDWATCHING

Carleton Place’s riverbanks and green corridors, come alive as 200+ species of migrating birds return and local wildlife becomes more active. Bring your binocularsor borrow a pair from the and turn a riverside walk into a rewarding wildlife watch.

Information Centre

Information Centre Bait Casters

Anglers will appreciate the easy access to calm, open waters, ideal for casting from shore or heading out by boat. Walleye, bass, pike, crappie, and bluegill are all found here, with popular spots near Riverside Park. Borrow a fishing pole from the int or stop in at for gear before settling in for an unhurried afternoon on the water.

DAYS ON T

The Mississippi River is the heart of Carleton Place and a perfect place to spend a spring day. Cast from shore, launch a canoe, or take in the scenery along the riverwalk. With peaceful parks and plenty of waterfront views, it’s easy to enjoy the outdoors at your own pace. Selfserve kayak rentals and stand-up paddleboards are available at C in May. Centennial Park

WARMER N

MaketheMost

Chasin’ Turkeys Bowling Alley

Enjoy a local A day of explora C

Final Score Sports Bar

Th W t f t

. If you re looking for something different, gather your crew for karaoke and games at , then settle in for some great food and drinks as live music kicks off at loc l b lik T G and .

Gastropub

St. James Gate

DOWNTOWN FINDS

As Good As New Coastal Murray’s Flea Market

Foundry Coffee Bar Blue Spoon

Coastal

Atelier

Wander Carleton Place’s charming downtown and uncover treasures in thrift and vintage shops, from preloved clothing to unique home décor. Try and for stunning outfits, or for a famously unique experience. Explore even more specialty boutiques all day, then take a break at a local café or bakery, like or A to refuel before your next stop.

MAKE MOM’S DAY SPECIAL

The Blossom Shop The Floral Boutique Freska

Winners Retreat Boho Thermal Spa

Mahogany Salon & Spa

Springtime is the perfect excuse to plan a thoughtful outing just for the moms in your life. Fresh flowers from T or , a walk to the Market Square for Farmer’s Market opening day, and brunch at make for a day you’ll both cherish. Top it off with a relaxing afternoon at T or and end with a luxury stay for the night, and you’ve got a Mother’s Day outing that Mom will remember for years to come !

EXPLORING HERITAGE: AN ITINERARY

DISCOVERTHE PEOPLE, PLACES & MOMENTSTHAT BUILT OURTOWN

Information Centre Moore House Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum

Begin at the , located inside the historic , and uncover some of our town’s earliest stories. Then visit the P to delve into exhibits like the upcoming‘Layers of Time: The History of McArthur Island,’opening May 30.

AWW1 FLYING ACE WITH A SKY-HIGH LEGACY

Information Centre Sinclair Square

Bean Commercial Truck Centre

Learn more about our local ace at the Roy Brown display when you visit the , then walk over the bridge to to see the bronze statue and mural that reflect his legacy. On April 21, attend the unveiling of halfsized models of both Brown’s Sopwith Camel and the Red Baron’s Fokker I. at T and discover the hometown hero whose legacy soared far beyond our skies.

HERITAGE STOREFRONTS & HIDDEN GEMS

Canadian Co-Operative Wool Growers Ltd.

Real Wool Shop

CARLETON PLACE & BECKWITH HERITAGE MUSEUM

LOCATED AT 267 Edmund St.

LOCATED AT 200 Bridge St.

Housed in a 1872 Canadian Pacific Railway roundhouse, the G blends heritage with style and craftsmanship. See wool grading and livestock supply operations, then browse the S for beautiful pieces made of wool, alpaca, silk, linen, sheepskin, and more. If you missed it earlier, continue the story by exploring the history of McArthur Island Mill, where it all comes full circle.

CCWG & REAL WOOL SHOP

LOCATED AT 142 Franktown Rd.

SmallTown

Big Culture

Carleton Place Gallery

Spring in Carleton Place brings a burst of creative colour and live entertainment for every taste. Discover curated exhibitions at the , where rotating shows highlight talented local and regional artists. Time your visit with an‘Art House Music Series’show, featuring intimate performances by award-winning musicians in the gallery’s relaxed setting.

Art Hub Gallery

The downtown opens its doors with seasonal exhibits like “Whispers of Change”and“Magnificence”, giving visitors a chance to explore different mediums, including pottery, sculpture, and jewelry.

SPRING ARTS

of Change

For performing arts fans, Carleton Place offers theatre, music, and community concerts by the , C , and more.

Mississippi Mudds Carleton Place Town Singers

Stay on the lookout for tickets and announcements online!

Spring also brings family-friendly shows, workshops, and group art events for visitors looking to get hands-on with creativity. From gallery exhibits to live performances, Carleton Place proves that a small town can deliver big cultural experiences.

From Farm TO TABLE

As winter fades and spring begins to emerge, seasonal flavours start to appear on menus across the region! At , as-seen in ‘Edible Ottawa’, the focus is always on showcasing local ingredients through a menu that evolves with the seasons.

Known for a thoughtful approach to contemporary food, balances refined, fine-dining technique with a strong connection to the surrounding agricultural community. The result is a seasonal menu that reflects the landscape of Lanark County and offers visitors a taste of the region’s changing flavours throughout the year.

Maple Season is Here!

Local Maple Treats

Spring is maple syrup season, and there’s no better place to celebrate it than right here on the edge of Lanark County, the Maple Capital of Ontario. Use Carleton Place as your home base to explore local sugar bushes during Maple Weekend (April 4-5) and enjoy maple-inspired delights without having to leave town.

Pure, local syrup and maple goodies.

Maple lattes, sweet treats, and brunch with a twist.

Seasonal lattes and baked goods.

For the infamous maple bacon cronut.

Local Gift Shops & Markets

Jams, candies, cookies, maple products, and small-batch syrups to take home and enjoy!

DON’T MISS WHAT’S NEXTFOLLOW ALONG!

SPRING EVENTS SPRING EVENTS

Ontario Maple Weekend

9:30am-12pm: Carleton Place Arena

Spring Fling Family Dance

10am-Noon: Public Library

Seniors & Aging Workshop

Roy Brown & Red Baron Replica

Unveiling

10am-2pm: Carambeck Centre

Rural Roots Discovery Lab

9am–3pm: Carleton Place Childcare

Mighty Machines Day!

4–10pm: Market Square

Carleton Place Beer Festival

8:30am–12:30pm: Market Square

Farmers’Market & Father’s Day Celebration

8:45pm: Carleton Junction

the Park

& 6pm: Riverside Park

Poutine Feast

8:30am-12:30pm: Market Square

Farmers’Market Opening & Mother’s Day Celebration

9:30am-3pm: Zion Memorial Church

Annual Indigenous Cultural Fair

8am-12:15pm: Evermore Venue

Business Summit

11am–6pm: Mississippi Golf Club

LCIH’s Golf Fore Change

9am–3pm: Brunton Hall

Bait Casters’ Fishing Show & Tackle Swap

12–8pm: Riverside Park

Ukrainian Festival

7:30pm: Carleton Place Town Hall

Los Desperados - Eagles Tribute Concert

Until Oct. 10: Heritage Museum

Layers of Time: The History of McArthur Island

RECURRING EXPERIENCES RECURRING EXPERIENCES

Spring to Summer Spring to Summer

Farmers’Market: Saturdays, 8:30am–12:30pm, from May 9 – Oct 10, Market Square Pavilion

Run Clubs: Riverside Trail Trotters (Sat 8am), Chasing Sunsets Run Club (Wed 7pm)

Workshops & Classes: CP Collective, Blue Spoon Atelier, Amethyst Spiritual Studio

Live Music: Weekly at St. James Gate & Waterfront Gastropub

Games & Socials: Weekly at Final Score Sport Bar, Stalwart Brewery, GT Games; Monthly at Foundry Coffee Bar, Braumeister, Dark & Dead

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