Planning a Visit to Merrickville, ON
The quaint and historic town of Merrickville is one of many favoured small towns to visit from Ottawa. Located south of the city, it takes almost an hour to get into town. If the architecture, local stores, and tasty eats weren’t enough of a reason to visit, there are also antique shops, beautiful hikes and waterfront views! Wander down St Lawrence Street as the hub of this little town.
Just past the lock station operating on the Rideau River, you’ll find a small historic site in Merrickville. The original building was constructed in 1844 and operated as a woolen mill. The building was destroyed by a fire, and now you can walk and admire the stone ruins. Visit for a quick photo stop, or take the time to admire the grassy shaded areas and enjoy a picnic by the river.
The museum is one of four blockhouses constructed along the Rideau Canal as defensive structures. This blockhouse location was chosen as Merrickville was already an established town at the time, and seen as a potential target to invaders. It was never the site of battle, but has functioned as lockmaster’s quarters, a church and maintenance building. Packed with artifacts and information about the area, the museum is also a National Historic Site of Canada.
Free admission. Temporarily closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
You’ll be enchanted the second you step into Wick Witch by the scent and mystical atmosphere. Everything is Canadian made and handcrafted in Merrickville. They sell bath products such as scrubs, soaps and perfumes, yet are most known for their natural soy candles. Look for their ‘F**k Off Mosquitos’ citronella candle.
Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Food Shop
You’ll love this shop if you’re a mustard fan, as they are award winning! They sell other preserves, spices, syrups and vinaigrettes as well as high quality kitchen items, and take-home dinners. Their unique artisan mustards, however, are made on site, with a variety of flavours to choose from. Their Mustard Gift pack is a great gift idea, or personal purchase to try different flavours.
Home décor and accents, this shop has many quaint, rustic and quality pieces, you’re sure to find something you’ll want to take home. They have an entire section dedicated to children’s toys and gifts.
Whistle Post Antiques and Nostalgia
With ever-changing stock, this antique shop is full of collectibles, furniture and various unique items from generations past. Find a unique treasure, and ask Bill about his latest finds.
Glassblowing is becoming a lost art and it’s pretty amazing that it’s being preserved here in Merrickville. Open for consultations if you want a custom piece made, or shop the collection of hand blown glass items. Book a group event and make your own piece!
The studio and gallery is currently open with reduced hours. They are not doing regular glass blowing demos due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Natural, local and eco-friendly bath and body products from soaps and shampoo bars to candles and balms.
The backyard style patio of your dreams, this quirky café has a lovely patio in a grassy area with a garden. The café and bakery serves many tasty treats such as homemade soups, sandwiches, and desserts. They support local and carry a variety of wines, beers and other drinks.
Delicious, fair trade coffee, on the main strip in Merrickville. Enjoy breakfast or lunch on their little patio out front. I’ll have to venture back, because I hear their butter tarts are a must.
A family run bakery where every batch is made from scratch. They have weekly featured products and are well known for their breads and tarts. Sourcing locally whenever possible.
This family-run ice cream shop has so many flavours! Selling both ice cream and gelato, as well as ice cream cakes and chocolates, you’ll find this purple shop with a cute corner order window. All flavours are made in house, using local ingredients when possible. If it is made with a flavour such as mint or rhubarb you better believe it’s from their garden.
European-inspired cuisine in a historic building and elegant ambiance. The building was built in 1860 with the purpose of being a department store. Stay for the night if you’re from out of town, enjoy their attached pub or courtyard patio if you’re looking for something more casual.
Gothic and girly, Angelina’s gallery holds prints and posters of her work. The artwork could be described as mysterious or haunting. She has also curated a selection of unique clothing pieces, including some accessories and her own custom pieces.
This fry shop has been a Merrickville staple for over 30 years! They are known for their poutine and generous portions, making some creative options like the ‘My Wife is Pregnant Poutine’.
Full service restaurant and pub, with a terrace style patio. Use it as a photo stop next to their antique British phone booth.
Nearby Hikes
The full Rideau trail runs from Kingston to Ottawa. The Merrickville stretch is about 8KM long, and you can go further. Rated as a moderate hike, depending on which portion you hike.
Limerick forest is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Merrickville. Some popular hikes within the forest are include the Chalet loop, the Forsynthe south loop, and Lookout trail loop.
There is also a campground and beach area to enjoy in the town.
There are more Merrickville stops besides those listed above; take the time to wander around town and find what looks appealing to you. The majority of local shops and restaurants can be found off of St Lawrence Street and Main Street West. The shops cross promote each other; keep an eye out for Nana B’s butter tart ice cream at Downtowne, or Mrs McGarrigle’s mustard at Bob’s Chip Truck and the Yellow Canoe.
Public washroom located at a parking lot on Wellington St. W. near St. Lawrence and the rinkhouse on Main St. W.
Looking to visit other small towns near Ottawa?
Guide to Perth, Ontario
Visiting Wakefield Quebec
The Best of Carp
What to do in Almonte
What about washrooms for day-trippers to use if they aren’t in a restaurant at the time they need one?
Thanks!
There is a walking trail within the village starting at the corner of Drummond and Julia streets. The trail is a 2.5 km loop through cedar woods with an excellent view of the village from the top of the toboggan hill. There are also hiking trails just outside the village in the Limerick Forest North Tract, best accessed by following Collar Hill up past Merrickville Estates until the pavement ends at Scotch Line. In this tract there are stone walls, ruined houses, lots of wildlife and a boardwalk out to a viewing platform in Hanlan’s Marsh. Both are easy walks.
If people have time and love stories – take an historical walking tour with locals Jane and Anney! 1 1/2 hours and tales of the people who have lived here over the last 200 years
Experience Our Merrickville
Thank you for visiting and the lovely feature on our unique village!
Why not stay for a couple of nights. The Merrickville Guest Suites offers 3 deluxe private Suites. Enjoy.