Swimming
Ashton Villa Retreat pool - Large indoor pool situated on the property for guest use (all season).
Riverside Park Beach - Small public beach perfect for families. There is ample parking, public washrooms, a play structure and splash pad for the kids, green space, and trees for shade. The beach is located at 137 John Street in Carleton Place, approximately 15 minute drive from the Villa.
Calypso Waterpark - The waterpark has 35 slides, 100 water games, 2 theme rivers and the largest wave pool in the country. The park has picnic areas with parasols and several restaurants/patios to purchase lunch or drinks.
Canoeing and kayaking
Ottawa Valley Canoe and Kayak - A local outfitters offering daily canoe and kayak rentals. Rental includes cartop tie-down gear if required.
Perth Major Outfitters - Canoe and kayak rental service on the Tay River in the historical town of Perth, Ontario. They are located at 21 Craig Street, Perth ON K7H 1X8
Walking, hiking and cycling trails
TransCanada Trail - Ottawa Carleton Trailway - This 23 km section of the TransCanada trail follows an old railroad line that was abandoned in 1990 and converted into a multi-purpose trail. The Ottawa Carleton Trailway connects on one side to the Carleton Place Trailway, and on the other side to the Capital Pathway. Avid cyclists can follow the Capital Pathway along the Ottawa River and into downtown Ottawa.
Mill of Kintail Conservation Area - Explore 6 kilometers of trails amidst field, forest and the Indian River on this heritage property. Picnic area, large covered shelter, playground and basketball court are available for use. The two museums are open to visitors in the summer months. 2854 Ramsay Concession 8, Mississippi Mills. (613) 256-3610
Marlborough Forest - National forest and hiking area. Some well marked trails, but mainly rugged wilderness mix of forest and wetlands . Parking at E2, 3801 Roger Stevens Drive, North Gower.
Gatineau Park - Under an hour from the Villa, you can find the renowned hiking trails across the river in Quebec. The park offers 183 kilometers of well-marked summer hiking trails in the hills with beautiful lookouts of the river and valley. Visit the tourist center for information and trail maps. Trails designated for cycling (road bikes) and mountain biking are marked on maps available for bikers.
South March Highlands Trail Network - A large network of trails for walkers and some challenging marked trails for mountain bikers. The main access to the trails is at the corner of Klondike Road and Old Second Line Road in Kanata.
Manitou Mountain Trail Network -Approximately 45 minutes away near Calabogie Resort is 9 km, medium level of difficulty hiking/snowshoeing trail passing through picturesque pine forests and spectacular wilderness scenery. Not for beginners, and trail map is essential. Beginners can walk the short 1.5 km trail to Eagle's Nest Lookout.
Golfing
Stittsville Golf Course - Just down the road from Ashton Villa Retreat, a challenging 18-hole golf course. 7967 Fernbank Rd, Ashton. 613-257-5181
Canadian Golf and Country Club - Within a short drive 5 minute drive from Ashton Villa Retreat, a very well maintained course for all levels with 27 holes available. 7800 Golf Club Way, Ashton. 613-253-3290.
Greensmere Golf and Country Club - A 36-hole championship golf course 20 km from the Retreat. They offer Family Fun After 4pm on weekends, where kids 16 and under golf free with a paying adult (junior clubs available for use at no cost). 1717 Bearhill Rd, Carp. 613-839-7772
Loch March Golf and Country Club - A public course offering the quality, service, and facilities of an exclusive club just 25 km from Ashton Villa Retreat. 1755 Old Carp Road. 613-839-5401
The Marshes Golf Club - Ottawa's premier public championship golf course offers 18 hole + 9 hole courses, mini putt and popular dining establishment. 320 Terry Fox Drive, Ottawa. 613-271-3370
Rafting
Ottawa City Rafting - Urban rafting on the Ottawa River near the Parliament that are perfect for families. Adventure awaits just a 25 minute drive from Ashton Villa Retreat. 102 Greenview Avenue, Ottawa. 1-844-688-7238.
Owl Rafting - For an authentic white water river experience, Owl Rafting on the Ottawa River offers low, moderate and high intensity level rafting trips. The site includes a frisbee golf course, sandy beach and activities for kids. 39 First Ave, Ottawa. 613-238-7238.
Horseback Riding
Wesley Clover Parks - Wesley Clover Parks hosts and produces a number of world class equestrian competitions and other equestrian events across multiple disciplines. Riding lessons and boarding are also available. Visit their website for information on services and the calendar of events. 411 Corkstown Road, Ottawa. 613-271-5452.
Silver Creek Ranch - Interested in knowing what it takes to ride a horse? Silver Creek Ranch offers pay-as-you-go group, semi-private or private lessons by the hour, as well as riding camps for young riders. 2430 Diamondview Road, Carp. 613-839-3920.
Boarding for horses:
- Oakhurst Farm - 8249 Fernbank Road, Ashton. 613-227-9784
- Wesley Clover Parks - 401 Corkstown Road, Ottawa. 613-271-5452
- Westar Farms - 8132 Fernbank Road, Ashton. 613-253-0078
- Lilac Lane Equestrian Centre - 2464 Munster Road, Stittsville. 613-262-9206
- Partridge Acres - 758 John Kennedy Way, Almonte. 613-864-4168
- Fox Hollow Farm - 4655 Appleton Side Road, Almonte. 613-853-2134
- Huntleigh Equestrian Centre - 29 Sherk Crescent, Kanata. 613-889-1166
