Ottawa is a fantastic city to call home, but sometimes the best thing about living here is how easy it is to escape it — even just for the day. Merrickville, a picturesque village perched along the Rideau River about an hour south of Ottawa, is exactly the kind of place that reminds you why you love living in this region.
A Village That Wears Its History Well
Merrickville isn't just cute — it's legitimately old. Founded in the late 1700s and built up through the 19th century, the village is one of the best-preserved heritage communities in Ontario. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that connects Ottawa to Kingston, runs right through town, and the Merrickville Lockstation is a highlight of the route. Parks Canada manages the lock and the surrounding blockhouse, one of the largest surviving examples of its kind in Canada.
Stepping into Merrickville genuinely feels like stepping back — in a good way. The main street is lined with limestone buildings that have been standing since before Confederation, and the whole place has a care and intention to it that's increasingly rare.
Shop Small, Shop Local
Merrickville has quietly become one of the best antique and artisan shopping destinations in Eastern Ontario. Dozens of independent shops line St. Lawrence Street, selling everything from vintage furniture and handmade jewellery to locally produced pottery, art, and preserves. If you're the type to lose two hours in a well-curated antique shop, clear your afternoon.
The village has a strong arts community, and it shows. Several working studios and galleries are open to visitors, giving you the chance to meet the makers behind the work. It's the kind of place where you actually end up talking to people.
Where to Eat
For a small town, Merrickville punches well above its weight when it comes to food. A handful of cafés and restaurants anchor the main drag, with menus that lean on local ingredients and comfort-forward cooking. It's a great spot for a long lunch — grab a patio table if the weather cooperates, which in summer it usually does.
Getting There from Ottawa
The drive from Ottawa takes roughly an hour via Highway 416 South to County Road 43 West. It's an easy, scenic cruise through the Ottawa Valley countryside, and the kind of trip that makes you remember Ontario's rural backroads are genuinely beautiful. Fill the tank, bring some cash for the shops, and don't bother rushing — Merrickville rewards a slow pace.
It's also a popular cycling destination for Ottawa riders looking for a destination route, so if you're on two wheels, it's well worth plotting on a summer weekend.
Worth the Trip?
Absolutely. Merrickville is one of those places that Ottawa locals often overlook in favour of longer road trips, but it earns a spot on the regular rotation. History, good shopping, decent food, and a genuinely relaxed vibe — it's a hard combination to beat, especially when it's only a tank of gas away.
Source: CTV News Ottawa via Google News
