Indoor Activities & Entertainment
Museums, Galleries & Heritage Sites
The Rideau corridor has a rich and colourful history and many thriving artists communities. Learn more about them with a visit to some of the regions' wonderful museums, galleries and heritage sites. Here are just a few examples…
Fort Henry
Fort Henry is one of Canada's most dynamic, performance-based heritage attractions, offering interactive daily programs from May to October. Check out the daily Garrison Parade and world-famous Sunset Ceremonies!
1 Fort Henry Drive, Kingston ON, K7L 4V8
t: 613-542-7388 or 1-800-437-2233
Kevin Robert Gray Glass Blowing
Kevin Robert Gray's glass artwork has been shown in group & solo exhibitions internationally. Combining precious metals and recycled crystal glass, his pieces are found in many private, corporate, government and museum collections.
635 St. Lawrence St., Merrickville ON, K0G 1N0
t: 613-269-7979
Rideau Canal Museum
Housed in a 19th century stone building (once a mill), high-tech displays and amazing artifacts bring to life the history of the canal. Learn about the construction (1826-1831) and historical role of the Rideau.
34 Beckwith Street South, Smiths Falls ON, K7A 2A8
t: 613-284-0505
The above is just a small sample of the many museums, galleries and heritage sites waiting for you along the Rideau Heritage Route - see 'Museums & Galleries' for a comprehensive listing.
Live Music & Theatre
Infuse your visit to the Rideau Heritage Route with some local culture by taking in a live musical or theatrical performance! Anchor cities Kingston and Ottawa are home to a plethora of great venues offering fresh and exciting music and performance art year-round. Here are just two examples…
Classic Theatre Festival: July 13-September 2, 2012
Every summer in heritage Perth, some of Canada's top theatrical talent stage works from the golden age of Broadway and the London Stage. The 2012 season features William Gibson's quirky romantic comedy, Two for the Seesaw, July 13-August 5, a Tony-Award winner for best play by the author of The Miracle Worker. That's followed by Jean Kerr's uproarious comedy about second chances, Mary, Mary, Aug 10-Sept. 2. It's the 8th-longest running play in Broadway history. Shows run Wednesday-Saturday at 8 pm, with 2 pm matinees Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. MasonTheatre, 13 Victoria Street (inside PDCI). Air conditioned, wheelchair accessible. 877-283-1283 www.classictheatre.ca
Centrepointe Theatre
This world-class 966 seat facility is home to top-notch community producers and supported by an award-winning volunteer company. Be engaged and inspired by local, national and international performing artists who keep the stage aglow almost every night of the week!
101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa ON, K2G 5K7
t: 613-580-2700 or 1-866-752-5231
North Grenville Performance Theatre
This brand new theatre seats 300 comfortably and boasts a large stage, ample wing space and ideal support facilities. Featuring regular movie nights & performances by local groups including the Kemptville Players and the Kemptville Youth Musical Theatre Company, there's always something going on to entertain and delight!
285 County Rd. 44, Kemptville ON, K0G 1J0
t: 613-258-2994
The Grand Theatre
Enjoy live theatre and music in style at this newly renovated theatre. Lineup includes productions by the Kingston Jazz Society, Kingston Symphony Association, Thousand Islands Playhouse and more!
218 Princess St., Kingston ON, K7L 1B2
t: 613-530-2050
Enter theatre, comedy or music into our site search engine (located towards the top right of your screen) for more great ideas, or check our event listings calendars or special/seasonal presentations - especially along the central part of the route!
Live Sporting Events
Is there a sport more synonymous with Canadian culture than hockey? Experience the thrill of being at the game with tickets to a home game of one of these exciting local clubs…
Ottawa Senators - National Hockey League
Be loud, be proud, and show off your Sens Spirit! Nothing quite compares to the thrill of rooting for the home team at an NHL game. Enjoy the match-up and the impressive facilities at Scotiabank Place, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
Scotiabank Place @ 1000 Paladium Drive, Ottawa ON, K2V 1A5
t: 613-599-0250 w: www.ottawasenators.com
Ottawa 67's - Ontario Hockey League
Get great entertainment value for your dollar with affordable tickets to an action-packed Ottawa 67's game at the Ottawa Civic Centre! Watch the NHL stars of tomorrow as they battle on the ice and enjoy a truly Canadian experience.
Ottawa Civic Centre @ 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa ON, K1S 3W7
t: 613-232-6767 w: www.ottawa67s.com
Kingston Frontenacs - Ontario Hockey League
It's better live! Enjoy an exciting evening of fast-paced hockey action and cheer on the Frontenacs with their hometown crowd in the beautiful brand new state-of-the-art facility, the 5,650 seat K-Rock Centre.
K-Rock Centre @ 1 Barrack Street, Kingston ON, K7K 0B4
t: 613-542-4042 w: www.kingstonfrontenacs.com
CFL football is returning to Eastern Ontario - stay tuned for updates on this exciting development!
Local Flavours
What better way to experience a region than by enjoying its' fresh local specialties? Take some time to wind your way through the countryside, and visit some of these talented area producers and retailers for a delicious taste of the Rideau. Here are a few examples to whet your appetite!..
Forfar Dairy Ltd. - A Tradition in Quality Since 1863
Visit the factory store for fresh curds & cheese, hand-scooped ice cream, local gourmet food products and more! Open year round.
1536 County Road 42, Portland ON, K0G 1V0
t: 613-272-2107
Mrs. McGarrigle's Fine Mustard... Fine Food Shop
Mrs. McGarrigle's gourmet mustards, chutneys, preserves and seasonings are hand-made in Merrickville, just south of Ottawa. Also selling quality kitchenware, linens and gourmet foods. Check out in-store events including fun and exciting cooking classes!
311 St. Lawrence St., Merrickville ON, K0G 1N0
t: 613-269-3752 or 877-768-7827
Wheeler's Maple Farm - Museum & Pancake House
Featuring an extensive collection of maple & logging artifacts and interactive exhibits. Enjoy hearty pancakes & sausage meals, tours and more! Special activities during maple season. Open 7 days a week, year-round.
1001 Highland Line, Lanark ON, K0G 1M0
t: 613-278-2090 or 613-278-2788
Check out 'Culinary and Agricultural Experiences' for many more great ways to taste the Rideau!
Fun & Games
The Rideau corridor is home to a host of indoor activities that will delight both young and old. Enjoy some quality time with your family and create memories that will last a lifetime! Here are just a few examples...
Basswood Family Golf Centre
This unique and affordable indoor golf practice and entertainment facility caters to both golfers and non-golfers alike. It boasts a par-44 18 hole putting course (complete with greens, tees, fairways, sand traps and water features) and a sand-framed driving range with elevated natural grass tee decks and Tartan GT mat system.
123 Poonamalie Rd., Smiths Falls ON, K7A 5B8
t: 613-283-4884
Kemptville Bowling
This fully licenced, family-friendly 5-pin bowling alley offers automatic scoring, pool table, snack bar & arcade, and the ever-enjoyable 'Cosmic Bowling'! If you don't know what that is, you don't know what you're missing!
291 County Rd. 44, Kemptville ON, K0G 1J0
t: 613-258-3121
The Boiler Room Climbing Gym
Looking for family fun, personal fitness, or an exciting group activity? This is the place to be! A state of the art, indoor rock climbing facility with the highest indoor climb in Canada. Beginners welcome!
2-6 Cataraqui St., Kingston ON, K7K 1Z7
t: 613-549-0520
