Spend the day exploring North Grenville, Kemptville and several charming hamlets, by following the Muskoka Chair Tour.
In June 2021, The Best Muskoka Chair Company Canada in Kemptville placed five GIANT Muskoka chairs across North Grenville in several hamlets to promote tourism & support local businesses. Since then, other organizations have brought in a seat of their own!
With the help of local artists and community groups, each chair has been painted or designed to reflect its community. Many are affixed with QR codes with links to the #LoveNG business directory and web page.
We invite you to bike or drive as you follow the trail to visit each of the five chairs, learn a little more about North Grenville (Kemptville and the hamlets), and support the local businesses closeby.
Stop 1: The Giving Garden in Kemptville
Find it at 2895 County Road 43, off Anniversary Way.
The North Grenville Chamber of Commerce sponsored this chair located in Ferguson Forest's Giving Garden.
The Giving Garden is a community resource, available for anyone to tend it and pull a few weeds or to harvest to fill a need. It is run entirely by volunteers, supported generously by the Ferguson Forest Centre staff, who assist seasonally with irrigation and cultivating. With the addition of the giant Muskoka chair, the public can how take a seat or a selfie in this community garden.
What to do while you're here:
- Pop across to 2794 County Rd 43 to Kemptville Family Restaurant or scoot down for some shopping at Jac's Boutique 2727 County Rd 43 Unit 5.
Stop 2: Fat Les
Find it at: 288 County Road 44, Kemptville
After strolling through a beautiful, luscious garden, it’s time to cure that grumbling stomach with Canada’s favourite summertime hobby: the hunt for fresh, hot poutine!
What to do while you're here:
- Fat Les is down the street from the Municipality of North Grenville and Ferguson Forest Centre. The Municipal building has lots of resources for visitors and a cooling centre on those hot days! Ferguson Forest has lots of trails to explore, and feel free to bring your furry best friend cause their dog park is the perfect place for your puppy to sniff, play and run to their hearts desire!
Stop 3: Old Town Kemptville, Rotary Park
Find it at: The corner of Clothier St East & Prescott Street.
Located in Old Town Kemptville, Rotary Park is a beautifully landscaped area overlooking Kemptville Creek. It offers benches, gardens, a public dock and now the giant Adirondack chair, sponsored by the Old Town Kemptville BIA. The urban hub of North Grenville, Kemptville is an eclectic mix of small town charm and big city convenience, with plenty of natural beauty and heritage architecture to admire.
What to do while you're here:
- You're in the heart of Old Town Kemptville right on the Rideau. Just down the road is Grahame's Bakery (115 Clothier E) which serves up delicious doughnuts and other baked goods. Salamanders (28 Clothier St E) offers a lovely patio that overlooks the Kemptville Creek where you can sit back with a drink and watch paddlers, fishers, and swimmers enjoy the calm waters.
Stop 4: Royal LePage Realty
Find it at: 139 Prescott St, Kemptville
If you find yourself falling in love with the charm of North Grenville, check out Royal Lepage Realty to see what kind of options are available for a more long-term stay.
What to do while you're here:
- Located in the centre of old downtown Kemptville, there are so many wonderful shops around to explore! From grabbing a latte at Bubba & Bugs and a delicious pastry at the Crusty Baker, to grabbing a good read at the Book Market and going on a shopping spree at Mama’s Cheeky Boutique—there is so much fun to be had within walking distance.
Stop 5: Kemptville Campus
Find it at: The corner of County Road 43 & Curtis Ave
Attention history & nature buffs! Among the beautiful 600+ acres of land including a network of trails to explore, you can check out all the historic buildings of Kemptville Campus. Previously the Kemptville Agricultural School (KAS), Kemptville Campus now operates as an Education and Community Centre.
What to do while you're here:
- In winter, spring, and fall, the Kemptville Campus Greenhouse (75 Campus Drive) creates a tropical oasis open to the public (9am-12pm) which includes a cactus garden that will have you ooh-ing and awh-ing!
- Check out the several public trails tha weave through the campus, including one that runs by a maple production!
- Keep an eye on their online calendar for upcoming events including the Night Markets, Christmas on Campus, NG Pride Parade Afterparty, Kemptville Live Music Festival and many more!
Stop 6: Brigadoon Restaurant
Find it at: 9 Bridge Street Oxford Mills
Originally built around Asa Clothier’s stone grist mill, this peaceful village still houses the original general store – including the original iron vault (now The Brigadoon Restaurant), the historic Maplewood School (now the Community Hall), and the original stone Town Hall. With serene vistas, colourful residents, and rich history, Oxford Mills is sure to delight its visitors.
What to do while you're here:
- Dinner at The Brigadoon Restaurant (9 Bridge St, Oxford Mills), is a MUST. The menu features only the freshest ingredients, with which the cooking team has created a delectable menu, designed to tantalize the most discerning tastes!
Stop 7: Bishops Mills
Find it at: 38 Main Street Bishops Mills
Settled in 1840 by Chauncey and Ira Bishop, Bishops Mills is a rural village whose residents are dedicated to keeping their history alive through their churches, community hall, Women’s Institute, and Community Association. History buffs will want to visit the Bishops Mills cemetery, which dates back to 1862 and houses the remains of the village’s earliest pioneers.
What to do while you're here:
- History lovers may choose to visit the Bishops Mills Cemetery located a few kilometres north of the village on County Road 18. Here lie the remains of some of Bishops earliest pioneers, including Chauncey and Ira Bishop, with dates ranging back as far as 1862.
- Or click here for the Bishops Mills historical walking tour.
Stop 8: Jonsson's Your Independent Grocer
Find it at: 2600 Highway 43 West Kemptville Mall, Kemptville
Whether you’re picking up some road trip snacks or getting groceries to bring back to your suite or Airbnb—Jonsson’s has all the essentials!
What to do while you're here:
- In the same plaza, there are many places to explore, including the Habitat for Humanity Restore where you can thrift to your hearts desire. Enjoy jenga-ing your car with all the fine treasures you find!
