Welcome Here

Perth is a town of about 6,000 people in Lanark County, roughly an hour southwest of Ottawa. It sits on the Tay River and is known for its well-preserved heritage stone buildings, its walkable downtown, and a pace of life that feels distinctly unhurried. Perth is the county seat, which means it has more services than you might expect for its size. If you are planning a move here or have just arrived, this page covers what you need to know to get oriented.

Where to Look for Housing

Perth's housing stock leans heavily on character homes. The downtown core and surrounding streets are lined with stone and brick houses dating back to the 1800s, and many have been well maintained. Newer builds exist on the edges of town, and there are rural properties within a short drive if you want acreage.

The market here is smaller and slower-moving than what you will find in larger Ontario towns, which cuts both ways. There is less competition for any given listing, but there are also fewer listings at any given time. Rentals are especially limited. If you are renting, start looking well before your move date and check Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and local bulletin boards at places like Fiddleheads or the Perth Farmers' Market. Word of mouth matters in a town this size, so let people know you are looking.

For purchasing, Realtor.ca covers most of what is listed through agents, but some properties in the area sell privately. A local real estate agent who knows Lanark County will be worth the conversation. Our Ontario housing guide has general advice on navigating small-town markets.

Where to Find Local Events

Perth has a cultural scene that consistently surprises newcomers. The Classic Theatre Festival runs professional productions every summer. The Perth Autumn Studio Tour brings visitors through local artists' studios each fall. And the Perth Cheese Festival, held in September, draws people from across Eastern Ontario for what is exactly what it sounds like: a day built around cheese.

The Stewart Park Festival is a free outdoor music event held every July in the park along the Tay River. The Perth Farmers' Market runs weekly and is as much a social event as a shopping trip. For winter, the Perth Santa Claus Parade and the BIA's Crystal Palace events keep things going through the colder months.

To stay in the loop, follow the Town of Perth's event calendar and the Perth and District Chamber of Commerce. The Perth Courier newspaper covers local goings-on, and the "Perth Ontario Community" Facebook group is an active source for last-minute announcements and recommendations. For more ways to find what is happening in a smaller Ontario community, see our local events guide.

Where to Check Weather and Conditions

Perth gets a full Eastern Ontario winter: cold, snowy, and long. January temperatures regularly sit well below minus 10, and the snow typically sticks from December through March. Freezing rain is an occasional reality, especially in this part of the province. Environment Canada's forecast for Perth (under the Lanark County heading) is the most reliable source. The WeatherCAN app will push alerts for severe weather directly to your phone.

For road conditions, Highway 7 is the main route connecting Perth to Ottawa and points west. Ontario 511 covers highway conditions and closures. The Town of Perth and Lanark County both post updates about local plowing and road maintenance on their websites. If you have kids in school, the Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario website posts daily school bus cancellations by zone.

If this will be your first Ontario winter, we have a winter preparation guide that covers the essentials: snow tires, heating, emergency kits, and what to stock before the cold settles in.

Family and Everyday Info

Perth is served by two school boards: the Upper Canada District School Board (public) and the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (Catholic). Perth has public and Catholic elementary schools in town, and Perth and District Collegiate Institute is the local high school. Both boards handle registration online, though a phone call to the school office is the fastest way to sort things out if you are enrolling mid-year.

For healthcare, the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital has a campus in Perth with emergency services, outpatient care, and diagnostic services. Finding a family doctor in Lanark County can be a wait, as it is throughout much of rural Ontario. Get on the Health Care Connect list through ontario.ca as soon as you arrive, and use the walk-in clinic on Dufferin Street for immediate needs.

For groceries, you will find a Foodland and an Independent in town. The Perth Farmers' Market and local farm stands are good for seasonal produce. The Tay River is a draw for walkers and paddlers, and the local trail system connects several parks and green spaces. The Perth and District Union Public Library runs programs for kids and adults and is a genuine community hub.

Perth does not have public transit, so you will need a car for most things. Ottawa is about 80 kilometres east along Highway 7, which is where most people go for big-box shopping, specialist medical appointments, or airport access. For a broader look at settling in with a family, our family moving checklist covers registration, healthcare, and other tasks you will want to get through in your first few weeks.