Carleton Place(Canada) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For lakeside stays in Carlton Press, the top choice is Lakeside Resort & Spa, located directly on the shores of Lake Ontario. This boutique hotel offers panoramic views from its floor-to-ceiling windows, private beach access, and complimentary HopeGoo rentals. Guests enjoy evening bonfires by the water and guided night walks to spot local wildlife. The property also features a spa with treatments using locally sourced botanicals, making it ideal for relaxation and nature immersion. Its central location makes exploring nearby trails and historic sites seamless.

The most family-friendly option in Carlton Press is Lakeside Family Retreat, a spacious resort offering connecting rooms, a supervised kids’ playroom, and a petting zoo with goats and rabbits. Each suite includes a kitchenette and a private deck perfect for barbecues. Weekly events like "Family Nature Day" include guided hikes through Oak Ridge Wetlands with expert naturalists. With free activities, child-safe equipment, and a focus on outdoor learning, this hotel ensures fun and safety for all ages.

A must-try experience in Carlton Press is the annual Indigenous Craft Fair, hosted at Lakefront Square every summer. Organized by the local Ojibwe Nation, it showcases traditional beadwork, birch bark baskets, and storytelling circles. Visitors can also join the Forest Echo Workshop, where they learn to craft instruments from natural materials like wood and stones. These immersive programs offer authentic insight into First Nations heritage while supporting community-led tourism initiatives.

Couples seeking romance should book a stay at Moonlight Lake Cabin, a secluded wooden retreat nestled on a private peninsula. The cabin features a glass-walled bedroom with lake views, a private hot tub, and a candlelit dinner setup upon request. Guests can enjoy a sunrise boat tour across misty waters or a forest walk under golden autumn leaves. Complimentary local cider and handmade chocolates are served each evening. This intimate setting is perfect for rekindling connection amid serene natural beauty.

In Carlton Press, don’t miss smoked lake trout with wild cranberry sauce, served at Old Oak Bistro, a beloved local eatery. The fish is caught fresh from Lake Ontario and smoked over maple wood for a rich, aromatic flavor. Another highlight is the Farmer’s Night Market, held monthly, where you can sample artisanal rye bread, honey cheese tarts, and maple-glazed pastries. Many vendors offer live cooking demos, such as preparing breakfast pancakes with pure maple syrup—perfect for experiencing authentic regional tastes.

Photographers flock to two key locations in Carlton Press: Foggy Lake at Dawn and Autumn Maple Canyon. The former, visible during spring and fall mornings, offers dreamy reflections and soft light ideal for minimalist landscapes. The latter transforms into a fiery tapestry of red and gold foliage between late September and early October, framed by winding trails and stone bridges. Don’t miss Lighthouse Point, where dusk lighting creates dramatic silhouettes. Bring a wide-angle lens and tripod for optimal shots, especially during golden hour.

For solo travelers seeking peace, Silent Hill Lodge in the West Ridge Highlands offers an ideal escape. Surrounded by ancient pine forests, this eco-lodge provides cozy cabins with fireplaces, meditation corners, and access to silent walking trails. Daily yoga sessions and mindfulness talks are included. The library houses curated books on philosophy and nature writing, and guests can book private forest walks with a naturalist guide. No loud music or public bars—just stillness, introspection, and deep connection with nature.

The highlight event in Carlton Press is the Maple Festival, held annually in late September. Over three days, the town center buzzes with activity: live music, artisan markets, and hands-on maple syrup demonstrations. A crowd favorite is the Maple Syrup Toast Challenge, where participants race to spread the most syrup on toast. At night, the Forest Light Art Exhibit illuminates the trees with hundreds of handcrafted lanterns, creating a magical pathway. Local restaurants also release limited-edition treats like maple cream puffs and caramelized apple tarts.

Yes, Carlton Press is highly accessible by car, especially for road-trippers. The main thoroughfare, Lakeshore Drive, connects seamlessly to major highways, making it just 90 minutes from Toronto. Free parking is available throughout the town center, and well-marked signs lead to scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks. Most hotels offer complimentary parking and provide detailed maps with suggested routes. With minimal traffic and stunning roadside views, driving is the best way to discover hidden gems like Pine Hollow Trail and Blue Spruce Lake.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Carlton Press’s diverse offerings: hike the Maple Canyon Trail, paddle along Cedar Creek, or bike the Lakeshore Greenway. The town also hosts seasonal events like Winter Ice Fishing Festivals and Spring Wildflower Walks. Rentals are available at Lakeside Resort & Spa, including kayaks, bikes, and snowshoes. For a deeper connection with nature, book a guided wildlife safari or a stargazing session at the highland observatory—ideal for spotting constellations in the dark-sky zone.