Carleton Place
Carleton Place is conveniently located on the renowned Mississippi River. Beautiful streetscapes, scenic trails and picturesque waterfront make this town one of a kind in the Ottawa Valley. The conveniences of the city, with the friendliness of a small town make Carleton Place a wonderful place to live. A community rich in history, Carleton Place was settled in 1819 and saw several influential industries come into operation including a grist mill, lumber mills and the Findlay Stove Company. It was in 1829 that the area became formally known as Carleton Place. Today, Carleton Place boasts a population of 12,000 and growing. It’s a family-oriented community with a variety of social and recreation opportunities to suit everyone. If you’ve been searching in Carleton Place for homes for sale, you’ve come to the right place. This family friendly community is just 20 minutes away from Kanata and hosts a mix of attractive historic homes as well as many new homes from popular builders including BLD Homes. Carleton Place is the perfect fusion of modern convenience with small town charm. Residents love being able to walk to local shops, restaurants and weekly farmers markets as well as having easy accessibility to big box stores available in the community. The 4-lane highway 7 connecting the Queensway is also attracting more and more people to the town as it’s a quick commute to Ottawa.
Beckwith
The Township of Beckwith, which neighbours Carleton Place, was surveyed in 1816 and settlement started around 1817. The Township was named after Sir Thomas Sydney Beckwith (born in 1772 and died in 1831). When Beckwith was first established the only village was Morphy’s Falls which is now known as the Town of Carleton Place. Carleton Place was later established as a separate municipality. The Township of Beckwith boasts 243.09 square kilometres of land mass. By December 2016, the population in Beckwith Township had grown to 7,644 full-time residents. Residents enjoy easy commutes to centres such as Ottawa, Smiths Falls, Perth and Carleton Place. The Township includes the Mississippi Lake and River, the Jock River, fertile farmland, wide open spaces, forests, well-planned subdivisions, protected wetlands and historical hamlets. The Township was even once considered as a possible site for the Nation’s capital. This historical significance rests on the importance of Franktown as the mid-way point between Ottawa and the military establishment in Perth during the initial settlement of Lanark County. Villages and hamlets within the Township include Ashton, Blacks Corners, Franktown, Gillies Corners, Prospect, and Scotch Corners. Many residents have their cottages and summer homes along the Mississippi Lake, which provides easy access for summer recreation such as boating, camping, hiking, and great bicycle tours. Commercial and industrial ventures are as diverse and productive as the natural landscape. Lanark County is the maple syrup capital of Ontario and Beckwith partakes in the season’s harvest. Beckwith boasts approximately 100 commercial businesses within the Township and has a progressive by-law that encourages home based small business to settle within the Township. Beckwith enjoys the services and amenities of the Town of Carleton Place for the northern part of the community and Smiths Falls for those in the south. It’s also only 20 minutes away from Ottawa travelling east, or Perth if you are travelling west. Whether you’re looking for residential or commercial opportunities, historical Beckwith can meet and exceed your dreams.
Heritage
Carleton Place is a vibrant, heritage-rich community located 30 minutes west of Ottawa. CP’s roots were planted by early settlers who emigrated from Ireland and Scotland to establish new lives. By employing their skills and trades, and using locally available materials, Carleton Place grew out of the rocky soil of Lanark County. Over the years, the early community builders created beautiful stone churches, a stunning town hall, stately homes, and commercial buildings. The passion and desire to construct these beautiful buildings remain an enduring testament to the tradesmen and architects of the time. Carleton Place treasures the built heritage, and the people who shaped the community. The community tells a story of a town built on the banks of the Mississippi River and the hardy people who settled it. Life is better on the river. Meet the paddling culture of Canada’s Mississippi River, a waterway that has made Carleton Place a natural draw for decades, and home to the oldest continuously operating Canoe Club in Canada. Early settlers chose this site for the waterfall, where mills were built attracting textile and lumber industries. When the post office was constructed in 1829, the area was named Carleton Place after a square in Glasgow, Scotland. The community then grew to great success once the railway arrived later in the century. Spend an afternoon visiting the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum to find out more about the rich history of Carleton Place.
Activities / Events
Carleton Place is known for being on the historic Mississippi lake, but it also boasts many other fun and interesting activities. Explore the 7 Wonders of Carleton Place or the Heritage Haunted Walk, feast your eyes on the scenery along the Mississippi Riverwalk Trail, Riverside Park, or Roy Brown Park, learn the stories of world-famous legends such as Captain Roy Brown, Stompin’ Tom, and the Findlay Foundry through 16 hand-painted murals, try a prized craft beer by Stalwart Brewing Company or Braumeister Brewing Company, tickle your taste buds at the seasonal farmers’ market, or visit Carleton Junction where the “friendship oven” can deliver stone-baked goodness. Treat a bride, and shop where good taste shines at Sinders Bridal House or Renewed with Love Bridal Boutique, indulge your inner child at Carleton Junction, spend an afternoon visiting the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum to find out more about Carleton Place’s rich (and woolly) history, capture Carleton Place’s photo worthy landmarks and learn interesting tidbits about your new community. For example, did you know that more than 3 million pounds of raw wool is graded each year in Carleton Place. Throughout its history, the Mississippi River has made Carleton Place an attractive place to settle, and it continues to draw people here today for its beauty, commerce & way of life. Launch your boat or canoe and take in the scenery. Take a stand-up paddle board lesson. Cast a line and catch a bass, walleye, or pike. The Mississippi Riverwalk nature trail is the perfect place for a bike ride or a walk with your dog. If you’d like to get around via public transportation/transit, ride the LT community bus service provided for the low fee of $2 per person. Or if you’d like to commute to Ottawa, there’s the Classic Alliance Motorcoach that provides the commuter service between Carleton Place and the Nation’s Capital.
Dining
Carleton Place offers a diverse range of dining choices including Chinese, Indian, Italian, Irish, Canadian, Gastro – Pub and more! Enjoy a meal and a local craft beer on one of the many outdoor patios. Many restaurants and cafes have menu items that use Lanark County’s famous maple syrup. Local breweries offer tastings and a can shop so you can take your favourite syrup home with you. Be sure to check out these must-dine restaurants. The Boulton House – Scratch Dining, Wine, and Cocktails found in the historic Boulton mill, Fisherman’s Palace – Cantonese, Szechuan and Canadian Chinese Eat-in or Take-out, The Gourmet, Lakeside Shawarma & Souvlaki – Freska – Cafe & Eatery, Fresh food made to order, breakfast, brunch and lunch, Good Companion – Asian/Canadian food with dine-in and take-out options, Sagar Indian Cuisine – serving authentic Indian Cuisine for lunch and dinner, Eataria Unlimited – Canadian and Italian food, Hing Wah Restaurant – Chinese buffet and take-out, Smith and Barrel Pub & Eatery – Inspired by the look and feel of Old-English sophistication, this pub is dripping with chandeliers, tin ceilings, warm accents, a beautiful outdoor patio, Gastro-pub fare and an expansive selection of craft cocktails and an ever changing menu to suit any taste, House of Fong Restaurant – Chinese restaurant and take-out, The Good Food Co. Restaurant and Bar – Fabulous breakfast, seasonal lunch menus, from scratch desserts, organic coffee and espresso, Black Tartan Kitchen – locally sourced modern food with a relaxed yet classy atmosphere, exceptional food and service, with a seasonal menu showcasing products predominantly found from the bountiful Ottawa Valley, Spartan Pizza – pizza-eat in, takeout and delivery, Thirsty Moose Pub & Eatery, Thruway Restaurant, Waterfront Gastropub – a public house that serves high quality food, Olde Towne Bakery – fresh-baked bread, rolls and treats daily, sandwiches made fresh to order, party trays, pizza and pie dough, tourtières, chicken pies and quiche, Zak’s Diner and Guac Mexi Grill for when you’re craving Mexican food.
Shopping
Carleton Place is the perfect spot for retail therapy. Discover the joys of small-town shopping in downtown CP. Wander down the tree-lined downtown to discover independent bookstores, vintage apparel, floral boutiques, and unique gifts. Ladies – grab your friends and explore more than five specialty women’s stores within a few blocks, each providing quality products and on-site services that the big box stores have long forgotten. Every store comes with a different story, history, and personality, and when combined they create a vibrant and exciting downtown community. It’s also the ideal place to find a wedding dress, as Carleton Place is home to three of Ontario’s top bridal shops. Fulfill your Pinterest rustic, country dream wedding board at one of the boutique wedding venues.
Sports
Regardless of the season, the Carleton Place outdoors must be experienced. Hike, bike, Ski, or snowmobile along hundreds of miles of trails in the Carleton Place area. Many trails feature parks for picnicking, playgrounds for frolicking along with ample opportunity for nature observation and photography. Venture out and explore the network of trails that crisscross the community and countryside. Some of the favoured sports to participate in in the area are Swimming – dip your toe in and dare to get wet, Golfing – drive, chip and putt the scenic local fairways and greens, Park recreation – swing, dig and play in one of the many community playgrounds, Cycling – cruise the side streets or roam further afield for some great safe cycling routes, Boating – paddle the Mississippi River and explore the shores of Mississippi Lake, Birding – grab your binoculars and spy some of the 200 species that nest locally, Fishing – cast a line in the Mississippi River and Mississippi Lake, Trailing – lace up the shoes for a meander around the Town. If you’re more of a fan than a participant, the Carleton Place Canadians are a Junior A hockey team, who always put on an exciting show.
R & R
Don’t forget to relax and rejuvenate in Carleton Place. There are many occasions for a weekend away. Old friendships, milestones, anniversaries, and new beginnings to name a few. But how about devoting a weekend to yourself for a well-deserved trip of pampering and relaxing. An excuse to disconnect from the digital world and focus on charging yourself up. Enjoy spa pampering, indulgent meals, riverside strolls, and bask in the solitude of a quiet weekend with a friend, partner or even by yourself, starting with a visit to Mahogany Spa in Carleton Place. Venture through CP at a slower pace to find new hidden gems and to find yourself again. Be sure to also check out Escape Salon and Spa for an everydaycation of beauty pampering in CP.