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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Perth, Ontario

Perth is a town in eastern Ontario, Canada, and the seat of Lanark County.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Perth is a town in eastern Ontario, Canada, and the seat of Lanark County. It was established in 1816 as a military settlement after the War of 1812 and later became a local commercial and administrative centre. The town is located on the Tay River southwest of Ottawa.

History

Perth was laid out in 1816 as a military settlement intended to help defend the inland water route between the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario. The town is named after Perth, Scotland, reflecting its early Scottish settler population. It was incorporated as a town in 1854, and its early growth was shaped by Scottish immigration and canal connections. The Tay Canal linked Perth to the Rideau Canal in the 1830s, strengthening its commercial role.

Geography

Perth is in southeastern Ontario on the Tay River, within Lanark County. It lies about 80 km southwest of Ottawa and is part of the Rideau Lakes region.

Economy and community

Historically, Perth developed as a commercial and administrative centre, with light industry and local services playing an important role. It has also been known as a summer destination for visitors drawn to the surrounding lake country.

Demographics

According to the 2021 Canadian census, Perth had 6,469 residents living in 3,271 occupied private dwellings. Its population density was 529.8 people per square kilometre.

Key facts

  • Perth was founded in 1816 as a military settlement after the War of 1812.
  • The town is named after Perth, Scotland, reflecting its early Scottish settlers.
  • Perth is the seat of Lanark County and located on the Tay River southwest of Ottawa.
  • The Tay Canal linked Perth to the Rideau Canal in the 1830s, boosting its commercial role.
  • Perth had a population of 6,469 in the 2021 Census.
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Canadian context

Perth is a historically significant Ontario town and county seat, and it is relevant to Canadian readers as one of the province's older inland settlements with strong ties to post-War of 1812 development.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Perth, Ontario located?
It is in eastern Ontario, Canada, on the Tay River about 80 km southwest of Ottawa.
When was Perth founded?
Perth was laid out in 1816 as a military settlement.
What is Perth's population?
Perth had a population of 6,469 in the 2021 Census.
Why is Perth important historically?
It was one of Ontario's early military settlements and later became an administrative and commercial centre after canal links improved transportation.
What county is Perth in?
Perth is the seat of Lanark County.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth,_Ontario
    Supports: Country, province, county, founding date, incorporation, population, land area, and area code.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/perth
    Supports: Founding in 1816, location on the Tay River, Lanark County seat, name origin, and historical canal development.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Perth-Ontario
    Supports: Location, founding, settlement history, and role as a commercial and administrative centre.
  4. Town of Perth — https://www.perth.ca/visit-us/plan-your-trip/about-perth/
    Supports: Municipal address and official town identification.