Small Town Spotlight: Live the Village Life in Carp

The village of Carp is a small, friendly community in Eastern Ontario. Located only 15 minutes away from a pleasant mix of big box and boutique shopping experiences in Kanata Centrum and Tanger outlet Shopping Malls, you’ll remain connected to everything the city has to offer. Named for the Carp River that runs through the village, this rural community is a great place to make your home or visit for a day. Here are just a few of the local attractions you should add to your list:

1. Local food hotspots – Alice’s Café and the Cheshire Cat

Both of these restaurants are popular with the locals, and for a good reason. Alice’s is perfect for a delicious brunch or an afternoon tea. Their patio is also dog friendly! If you’re looking for hearty pub fare, the Cheshire Cat has some of the best fish & chips in the Ottawa area.

2. The Diefenbunker Museum

This museum is one of Carp’s most famous attractions and acts as Canada’s official Cold War Museum. It was created in case nuclear attacks were launched on Canada, although thankfully never used. A trip through this time capsule reveals artifacts from the Cold War Era. The Diefenbunker has also been turned into an escape room experience!

3. The Carp Fair and Farmer’s Market

The Carp Farmer’s Market is a popular destination for locals looking for fresh produce, animal products, cooked meals, herbs, and more. It is open on Saturdays from 8 AM to 1 PM and is dog friendly! The Carp Fair is a major event in the Fall that has been around for over 150 years. Derby and rodeo events, midway games, fairground rides, agricultural and livestock competitions, and more make this an unmissable experience.

4. Kin Vineyard

The Kin Vineyard is relatively new to the Ottawa area and is already becoming a popular getaway. The vineyard is located on the ridge above Carp and favours Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Take an afternoon visit to their tasting room or book for a special event. They can host anything from a wedding to a frisbee golf tournament!

Inverness Homes is excited to be building modern apartments and bungalows for rent in a new 55+ adult lifestyle village community in Carp.  Its rolling terrain is crisscrossed by rugged ravines and outlined by mature stands of trees.

 Inverness has partnered with local West-Ottawa architect, Malcolm Wildeboer to master plan a community of nearly 100 village-style homes and apartments for rent. Wildeboer’s work is well loved in Carp and includes local favourites such as Alice’s Village Café, The Cheshire Cat, Carp Commons Retirement Village, and the West Carleton War Memorial.

Rent an Inverness Home and invest in life!