Smiths Falls Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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Smiths Falls
Brockville showing a river or creek and a park

This town is an artefact from 19th-century Ontario, when war with the U.S. was possible, water transport was booming and dentists served rural areas by train.

Smiths Falls is a small town along Ontario’s Rideau Canal. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the still-functional 19th-century waterway connects Ottawa to Kingston on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Smiths Falls is centred on the canal and features antique boat locks, heritage waterfront houses and canal-related museums.

Start by exploring the canal. Five boat locks are spread out along the waterway in the Smiths Falls area each offers different attractions. Combined Lock, the highest lock in Smiths Falls, is near the town centre. Note the antique brick design. The canal was originally opened in the 1830s to help transport supplies in case of war between the U.S. and England.

Learn about the Rideau Canal’s history at the Rideau Canal Visitor Information Centre, just north of the Combined Lock. Find out more about its original military purpose and see its actual role in the history of Ontario when the expected Anglo-American war never broke out.

Further history is on display at the southeastern Old Slys Lock, which features the Heritage House Museum. The home of the former mill owner has been preserved in late 19th-century style. Walk through the Victorian home and admire period artefacts.

In addition to the canal, the railroad was central to Smiths Falls’ growth. Detached Lock on the west side of town features an old railway bridge as well as the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. Walk through the old train cars and even book a night’s stay in an old caboose. Make sure to see the antique Dental Car, a sleeper car that transported a dentist around the Canadian countryside to inspect the teeth of area children.

Explore the Smiths Falls countryside by land or water. Take a paddleboat on the canal into the surrounding forest or rent a bike and ride the 58-mile (93-kilometre) loop.

Smiths Falls is an hour’s drive from Ottawa. However, the most appropriate way to reach the old canal town is via ferry.

Econo Lodge

Econo Lodge

2.5 out of 5
33 Centre Street, Smiths Falls, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$152 per night from 15 Oct to 16 Oct
AU$152
15 Oct - 16 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Smiths Falls. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.4/10 (824 reviews)
"_"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Econo Lodge
Best Western Smiths Falls Hotel

Best Western Smiths Falls Hotel

2.5 out of 5
88 Lombard Street, Smiths Falls, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$166 per night from 15 Oct to 16 Oct
AU$166
15 Oct - 16 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Smiths Falls. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (703 reviews)
"Pleasant check in"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Best Western Smiths Falls Hotel
Roger's Motel

Roger's Motel

2.5 out of 5
178 Lombard Street, Highway 15 South, Smiths Falls, ON
The price is AU$128 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$128
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Smiths Falls. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Smiths Falls Bascule Bridge and Rideau Canal ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (94 reviews)
"Acouple minor things that were worn out. Mattress was abit to hard for me but over all i would stay here again."

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

Roger's Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Noble Suites

The Noble Suites

3 out of 5
20 Broad Street, Brockville, ON
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Brockville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Aquatarium and Brockville Municipal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (422 reviews)
"I recommend"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

The Noble Suites
Ottawa's Finest Mansion!

Ottawa's Finest Mansion!

Ottawa
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Ottawa. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Popular attractions Ernst & Young Centre and Rideau ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"We had a wonderful family reunion celebrating my mom’s birthday. The home was beautiful, with a spacious kitchen and comfortable rooms. The basement was filled with fun activities, and we truly had a blast!"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Ottawa's Finest Mansion!
Small family & pet friendly campground. Easy access to many public beaches.

Small family & pet friendly campground. Easy access to many public beaches.

Hartington
Stay at this vacation home in South Frontenac. Popular attractions Frontenac Provincial Park and Verona Lake are located nearby.
"This was a great space and perfect for our needs. The yurt was comfortable and the fire pit was great. Really awesome to have a nice table and grill and the hammock was comfortable. Good lights and drinkable water were plentiful. Will be back!"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Small family & pet friendly campground. Easy access to many public beaches.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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