As riders, we’ve ridden through a lot of towns, each one unique in its own way. However, the one thing every town has in common is a main street; the street where all of the action takes place, often the heart and soul of a city or town. There is something about cruising down the main strip of the towns we visit. We have a few theories; it might be our curiosity to see who’s out, it might be to turn heads if you ride a wickedly nice bike or maybe you own a Harley and this is your chance to feel the low idle of the legendary Po Ta To Po Ta To Po Ta To.

Ride the Highlands’ Rideau Ridge is lined with historic towns with unique main streets. An area of early settlement, it feels like you have been taken back in time. Here’s our list of Rideau Ridge main streets you must cruise.

Perth

The only thing that’s changed in Perth since the early 1800s is the businesses you find in the buildings. Riding through this heritage downtown core, it will feel like you have gone back in time as you ride past the century old stone buildings lining the streets which now house boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants.

Main Street Facts

Length: 500m

Name: Gore Street

Best place to people watch: Just off the main drag, take a seat on the patio at Fiddleheads Bar & Grill overlooking Stewart Park a gathering ground for locals and visitors alike.

Must see: Check out the Mammoth Cheese located at the Perth Farmer’s Market. It will have you saying, “now that’s one BIG cheese”.

Unknown fact: Perth was established in 1816 as a military settlement strategic defensive outpost along the Rideau Corridor.

Merrickville

Ride your way down St. Lawrence Street past the 19^th century stone and masonry houses. Over the years, this street has maintained its unique character and architecture, while modernization has taken hold of larger city centres. After riding down this main street you’ll understand why Merrickville is one of Canada’s prettiest villages.

Main Street Facts

Length: 900m

Name: St. Lawrence Street

Best place to People Watch: Yellow Canoe Café is located on the busiest corner of town at St. Lawrence and Main Street. Grab a coffee and enjoy the view.

Must See: Visit the Blockhouse which is located on the corner of St. Lawrence Street and Main. It was built to defend the canal, but now operates as a museum for the Merickville & District Historical Society.

Unknown Fact: Merrickville is the midpoint of the Rideau Canal system.

Smiths Falls

Smiths Falls’ main drag rides you past 19^th century buildings once used for manufacturing and one of Ontario’s significant engineering feats, the Rideau Canal. As you ride over the Rideau, you appreciate how this waterway was a significant component in the early manufacturing years and now acts as a water highway, allowing pleasure boats to tour from lake to lake.

Main Street Facts

Length: 850m

Name: Beckwith Street

Best place to People Watch: Park your bike and watch as boaters use the Rideau Canal Locks to tour from lake to lake. This is engineering work at its best.

Must See: Walk along the grounds of the Rideau Canal located off Beckwith Street to see the locks in action. Pop into the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre to learn more about the Rideau Canal’s history.

Unknown Fact: The Rideau Canal is the oldest canal system in North America and was opened in 1832. There are four separate locks and three locations throughout Smiths Falls. The combined lift is over 15 metres (50 ft.).

Westport

As you cruise down Westport’s main street, you will understand what it means to have small town charm. Loop around on Church Street; before you put your kickstand down.

Main Street Facts

Length: 450m

Name: Main Street

Best place to People Watch: Grab a bite at The Cove Inn and feel the history of town through these historic walls.

Must See: Stop into Scheuermann Winery for some delicious wood-fired pizza while overlooking the lake and vineyard. 

Unknown Fact: Westport is a food mecca. Its restaurants, bakeries, ice cream and brewery, are motorcycle deliciousness.