This small town near Ottawa with quaint stone streets is like a summertime trip to Scotland

If you've ever dreamed of strolling the quaint streets of Scotland and walking past historic stone buildings while discovering pubs that feel like they've been around for centuries, you can — right here in Canada.

Just an hour outside of Ottawa lies a hidden gem town that feels like it's straight out of the Scottish Highlands, minus the expensive plane ticket.

Located in Lanark County, Perth is a charming small town with historic stone buildings, charming boutiques, picturesque bridges and scenic parks.

Named after Perth, Scotland, the town was settled by Scottish, Irish, and other European immigrants, and its Scottish influence is palpable today. Walking through the town's streets, its stone bridges and 19th-century heritage buildings give it an old-world feel.

The town is known for its arts and theatre culture and boasts a dynamic performing arts community, but also has lots of other activities to offer, including summer festivals, boutique and antique shopping, and nature and scenery.

Here, you'll find one-of-a-kind landmarks like the Mammoth Cheese, a replication of a 22,000-pound block of cheese the town created in 1893 and sent to the Chicago World Fair, and the "Last Duel Pistols," a pair of pistols used in Perth that marked the last place in Canada where a fatal duel occurred.

Another point of interest is Perth's dry-stone bridge, a modern bridge that harkens back to historical craftsmanship and won commendation as Canada's first Civil Engineering Demonstration Site.

Stewart Park is one of the town's crown jewels — a lush, tree-lined park with gorgeous gardens and a lovely bridge overlooking the scenic Tay River, which runs right through town.

In the summer, the park comes alive with the Stewart Park Festival. Bring a book, grab a coffee from one of the local cafes, and find your perfect shady spot by the river.

A self-guided walking tour is a great way to see the town's many historic buildings and landmarks. The town has plenty of tour inspiration online to get you started.

If you get hungry, you'll find no shortage of restaurants, bakeries, take-out spots and breweries in town to satisfy your appetite, with everything from historic taverns to chip stand-style diners.

If you want to spend time in the outdoors, the town also offers plenty of opportunities for recreational adventures, including hiking, paddling, cycling, golf, and more.

Offering plenty to see, do and eat, the town makes for a perfect little day trip from Ottawa to take this summer.

With its European feel, charming spot on the river, and tangible history, Perth makes you feel like you've crossed the ocean when you've barely left Eastern Ontario.

Perth town website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.