Things To Do
in North Glengarry
North Glengarry is a predominantly rural township in eastern Ontario, anchored by communities like Alexandria and Maxville. The region blends Scottish heritage with farmland, winding rivers, and historic Main Streets that invite exploration. Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, seasonal events, and easy access to nature along the Raisin River valley and surrounding woodlands.
With welcoming locals and a strong sense of community, North Glengarry offers a charming, small-town gateway to Ontario’s countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh pastries and locally sourced coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming streets of Alexandria, admiring historic buildings and quaint shops. Don't miss visiting the Glengarry Pioneer Museum to learn about the area's rich heritage and culture.
Indulge in a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional Canadian dishes. Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque parks and waterfront areas, including the scenic Mill Pond Park. Capture beautiful photographs as you walk along the trails, surrounded by lush greenery and serene water views.
As the sun sets, head to a local eatery for dinner, where you can enjoy a hearty meal with locally sourced ingredients. After dinner, take a relaxing evening walk along the Ottawa River, appreciating the tranquil ambiance of the area. End your day with a visit to a local pub for live music, immersing yourself in the vibrant community atmosphere.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, preparing for an exciting day at the Glengarry Highland Games. Arrive early to witness the thrilling opening ceremonies, which feature traditional Scottish music and dance. Take time to explore the various stalls showcasing local crafts and foods, immersing yourself in the celebratory atmosphere.
Engage in the excitement of the games as you watch athletes compete in traditional events such as caber tossing and tug-of-war. Join in on the cultural workshops, where you can learn Scottish dancing or try your hand at playing the bagpipes. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the grassy fields, surrounded by fellow festival-goers and the sounds of bagpipes.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot to enjoy the evening performances from local bands and dancers. Share a meal at one of the food stalls serving traditional Scottish fare, such as haggis and shortbread. Conclude your day by joining in a community ceilidh, dancing the night away under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $95-150 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $3-5 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per liter) | $1.50-2.00 CAD |
| 🧺Groceries for a week for 1 person | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic rural landscapes and river valleys
- Friendly, tight-knit communities with cultural heritage
- Limited nightlife and few large-scale attractions
- Public transit options are minimal; travel by car is easier
Places to Visit in North Glengarry
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic storefronts and river reflections along the Raisin River in Alexandria provide classic small-town photography opportunities.
Heritage architecture and a quintessential rural townscape in Maxville with period details.
Rolling farmland and river views offer wide-angle landscapes and golden-hour shots.
Historic farmyards and period buildings for rustic, nostalgic photos.
Food in North Glengarry
North Glengarry Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional meat pie commonly enjoyed in the region; often found in local bakeries and family dinners.
Must-Try!
A classic Canadian dessert available at bakeries and church bake sales; perfect with a cup of coffee.
Seasonal sausages sweetened with local maple syrup; available at farmers markets and local delis.
Hearty deli-style sandwiches featuring tender smoked meat; a popular casual option in local cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering fresh produce, baked goods, maple products, and crafts; a great place to taste local specialties.
Seasonal market with locally produced meat, dairy, vegetables, and breads; ideal for sampling regional products.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Ontario is predominantly English-speaking, with French used in some communities; greet politely and attempt basic phrases in French when possible.
Queue in orderly lines; respect personal space and wait your turn in shops and markets.
Ask permission before photographing private homes or farms; respect posted signs on trails and lands.
Observe local customs and dress codes at festivals like Highland Games; enjoy Gaelic music and dancing when offered.
Safety
Tipping in North Glengarry
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 15-20% is customary for good service; round up at casual spots; tips are appreciated in service industries.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; Interac e-Transfers and cash are commonly used; contactless payments are common in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with outdoor events and market activity; bring water and insect repellent; occasional showers can occur; plan for sun exposure and longer daylight.
Vibrant fall colors across fields and woodlots; harvest festivals and comfortable temperatures; ideal for landscape photography.
Cold and snowy with potential icy roads; layers and winter boots are essential; plenty of quiet trails and indoor cultural gatherings.
Mild weather with blooming orchards and fresh greenery; some muddy trails early in the season; markets start to resume full schedules.
North Glengarry at Night
Hiking in North Glengarry
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic riverside route offering easy to moderate hikes with views of farmland and water.
Converted rail corridor ideal for hiking and easy cycling through rural scenery.
A rural loop featuring fields, woodlands, and small hamlets—great for a day hike.
Airports
How to reach North Glengarry by plane.
Small regional airport serving charter flights and general aviation; the closest air gateway to North Glengarry.
Major international and domestic hub about a 1.5–2 hour drive away; frequent flights and wide connections.
Major international hub about 3–4 hours away by car; alternative for international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
English-speaking residents and families forming the core of the local communities.
A notable Francophone presence with bilingual services in some towns, reflecting Ontario’s mixed heritage.
Seasonal workers and visitors during harvest times and festival seasons.
A substantial number of long-standing residents and retirees in rural areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is widely played and followed; local youth and adults enjoy community rinks in winter.
A traditional sport in local schools and community events, with seasonal play.
Popular in winter at community centers and clubs across the region.
Regional courses offer scenic rounds amid rural Ontario landscapes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting North Glengarry.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Plan ahead by choosing market-fresh vegetables, dairy-based dishes, and vegetarian soups; ask for meat-free options; many cafes can accommodate with salads or veggie sandwiches.