Merrickville Ontario on the Rideau Canal

Merrickville, a beautiful Victorian village on the Rideau Canal in Eastern Ontario, located in Leeds and Grenville United Counties. Here you will find artists, art galleries, art studios, wonderful restaurants and pubs. Many of the buildings architecture are of the 19^th century.

There are more than 100 historic properties, and to many, considered to be Canada’s best preserved and restored 19^th century village.

This lovely village is a short drive from the U.S.- Canada border. From Ottawa it will take you a little under than an hour to drive here.

Merrickville was named after United Empire Loyalist William Merrick. William was granted 200 acres along the Rideau River in 1791. The Merrick family saw the the power offered by the water of the Rideau, and because of their resourcefulness, built a dam across the river. They later added gris, saw and carding mills.

Rideau Canal was opened in 1832 to transport goods to Ottawa. There were fifty industries that included a, a cheese factory, blacksmith and ironworks shop, a textile and woolen mills, all along the Rideau. The malleable ironworks factory remains there today called the Village Metalsmiths and it is the oldest operating foundry in Upper Canada. You will find a set of three locks adjacent to the Blockhouse that was built in 1832, which today is a Museum, and a National Historic Site of Canada.

The local economy today is mainly related to tourism for its famous artists and local crafts people.

A pottery studio in a log house is owned and operated by Claudette Hart who creates beautiful pieces from gourds. These are a must see if you ever make it to the village of Merrickville.

At the Alloy Foundry Village Metalsmiths, you can purchase weather vanes, personalized post boxes, signposts, park benches and more.

One of a kind items are easily found in many of the wonderful boutiques, glassblowing and leatherworking shops, to purchase or to just feast your eyes on. There are furniture, antique and specialty foods stores with something for everyone.

The Grotto Artworks oozes with artistic beauty from woodworking, jewelry, paintings, porceline dolls and tea sets and photography, from various talented artists. There are so many other shops to see, and for anyone that enjoys art, touring Merrickville is truly delightful.

Restaurants for a quick bite or fine dining to satisfy anyone’s pallet are quite easily found. My personnel recommendation while visiting here would be The Baldachin Inn Pub for lunch where you can order anything from burgers to steaks or vegetarian. Their deep fried vegetables are to die for.

On Saturday nights they have live entertainment. You will find they have beer, wine and spirits from all over the world.

The building itself is breathtaking, built in 1860, and offers so much and includes an antique store. The upper level of the building has 15 foot high stonewalls with gorgeous hardwood floors. Many weddings are held here at the Baldachin Ballroom that offers seating for 200.

Decorated in a beautiful French Country décor. If you're planning a weekend here there are many rooms, suites that are air-conditioned, have cable and WiFi High speed Internet. Some rooms do have fireplaces and whirlpools. Dogs are welcome here as long as they behave.

There are four or five lovely Bed and Breakfast places to stay in Merrickville. For campers the Lion’s Club Campground is right on the Rideau River.

The Rideau Canal is one of the most scenic waterways in North America and stretches from Kingston to Ottawa. Spectacular to see whether you are in a car, on foot or bicyle or in your boat.

Merrickville is one of my favorite places to visit. Whenever I am in the Ottawa area and time permits, I find it so relaxing just to go and have lunch or browse through the shops. Many times I have just gone to sit in the park and enjoy the view. I have found many interesting Christmas and Birthday gifts for loved ones here, and always enjoy myself whether I go with a group or by myself.

Helpful information if you are a first time visitor to Canada.