North Perth offers fun and excitement for people of all ages, making it the perfect setting for any family vacation! They pride themselves on being a “Community of Character” that embraces everyone. Listowel is located at the heart of North Perth, with a selection of arts, theatre, shopping and dining experiences that won’t disappoint. Be sure to take in one of Theatre Three-Eleven’s thought-provoking performances often featuring local actors. Then head to the lower level and view the creations of some local artists. The beautiful parkland, trails and stunning 27-hole golf course provide the ideal backdrop for golfing, walking, cycling, skiing and more. Just a short drive from Listowel, you’ll find the quaint village of Monkton where you can browse through the antique and collectible shops in search of a treasure for your own collection. From the Teddy Bear Family Fun Day to Paddyfest (North America’s largest Irish festival), Summerpalooza to the Atwood Canada Day celebrations, North Perth proves time and again that they know how to have a good time.

Recreation and Activities

This “Community in Motion” promotes being active every day, and they offer many quality recreational facilities to help locals and visitors do just that. There are three arenas, two public swimming pools, tennis courts, a skateboard park, soccer pitches, baseball diamonds and several children’s playgrounds. The challenging 27-hole golf course is made up of three nine-hole layouts. North Perth is also known for their various parks and green spaces. The approximately 22-kilometre North Perth Trail system is wonderful for walking, hiking, running, cycling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Bring your bike to Only Sports on Sunday afternoons at 4 p.m. for a casual 25-kilometre road ride beginning on April 25. In May, a Wednesday evening family bike ride along the trail will also be available. Everyone is welcome, and encouraged, to participate. North Perth is the home of the Listowel Cyclones Jr. B Hockey Team, named after local NHL Hall of Famer, Fred "Cyclone" Taylor.

Shopping and Treasures

Spend the afternoon meandering through Listowel’s assortment of stores providing chic women’s fashions, jewellery, sporting goods, home decor and everything you need to fill your kitchen cupboards. Satisfy all of your cravings at the local chocolate boutique. The handmade chocolates, specialty coffee and assortment of trendy accessories make it the sweetest spot in town. Enjoy the glorious fragrance and ambiance of a local candle shop. In addition to their fun and unique collection of candles, they also have an extensive line of soaps, jewellery, home and garden decor. For the avid green thumb, there are a variety of garden centres where you can pick up some friendly advice along with your purchases. The Main Street natural living store has all the products and information you need to live a healthy lifestyle. Drop by Spinrite Factory Outlet and check out the huge selection of yarns. Watch for their two massive sales events in February and August. Go for a drive and peruse the antiques, giftware and crafts in the pleasant village of Monkton. If you’re passing through the small community of Gowanstown this summer, cool off with a frosty treat at the local ice cream parlour.

Natural Attractions and Architecture

Tranquil green spaces are plentiful in North Perth. The North Perth Community Trails connect the region’s three wards with a 22-kilometre trail system consisting mostly of former railway lines. You can go from Gowanstown to Henfryn through Listowel and Atwood. Each season, the countryside will amaze you with its colourful splendour. View the area’s most attractive gardens during the Listowel Horticultural Society’s North Perth Garden Tour, held the first Saturday in July. Guides brochures and maps are available at www.northperth.ca.

Music and Theatre

Theatre Three-Eleven is Listowel’s masterpiece for the arts. This intimate, 123-seat live theatre is located in a magnificent former Baptist church. They present a fantastic lineup of engaging performances throughout the year. Visit the licensed lounge before the show for a beverage and a look at the art gallery, which features the creative works of local, visual artists. You can check out some of the area’s musical talent on Thursday evenings at a downtown Listowel pub. To find out about all of the region’s musical and theatrical performances, visit the North Perth Arts and Culture Council’s event calendar at www.northpertharts.ca.

Fabulous Food

Listowel offers a whole spectrum of culinary experiences, from fine dining to fast food. Join in the Taste of Listowel, which takes consumers on a fun, irresistible and tasteful journey to Listowel's great food destinations that they may not have discovered otherwise! The local kitchen supplier has all the essentials you need to stock your cupboards, pantry and freezer. Visit the chocolate boutique on Main Street and indulge in some melt-in-your-mouth goodies. Take a drive out to the country market and pick up some locally grown produce, meat, baked goods and more. Pick up a copy of the Huron Perth Buy Local Buy Fresh map at the Perth County Welcome Centre in Shakespeare for directions to all of North Perth’s farm-gate sales.

Arts & Crafts

The North Perth Arts and Culture Council promotes arts and culture experiences by creating opportunities for the community to appreciate arts and culture. They do this by providing workshops aimed at assisting local artists working in all mediums. Their website (www.northpertharts.ca) features a directory of North Perth’s creative individuals and organizations, as well as an event calendar highlighting all of the arts and culture events in the region. Theatre Three-Eleven boasts an extensive art gallery showcasing the talents of area visual artists. Local artwork can also be seen at various downtown Listowel shops and studios. Sit down and relax on the 10 whimsical, hand-carved wooden benches that are situated throughout the townl. Atwood native Bobbi Switzer carved each bench with its own unique theme out of soft maple wood.

Festivals and Fairs

North America’s largest Irish festival, the Listowel Kinsmen Paddyfest, is the place to be on St. Patrick’s Day. Every March, fun seekers of all ages and interests invade Listowel to paint the town green. This two-week long festival honours the area’s Irish heritage and brings the entire community together. There’s a parade, skating and dances with live entertainment often featuring major acts. Listowel’s Home and Lifestyles Show is the second weekend in May at Memorial Arena. It features vendors specializing in fashions, food and home decorating with demonstrations and seminars throughout the show. When you leave, check out the stunt biking and live chainsaw carving outside the arena. A Teddy Bear Parade, from the North Perth Library to Memorial Park, begins the Teddy Bear Family Fun Day on the last Saturday in June. Children enjoy an afternoon exploring a dozen educational play zones sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Highlights this year included a free swim, rock climbing, music, entertainment and a jumping castle. Locals celebrate Canada Day in Atwood with a parade, ball tournament, children’s games and more. There’s non-stop action and fun for the whole family at the 154th North Perth Agricultural Fair. It offers an incredible mix of entertainment and competition for four days in July.

Heritage

“A Walking Tour of Listowel” is a fantastic self-guided experience of this fascinating town. You can visit up to 26 historic points of interest. You’ll stop at the North Perth Carnegie Library and see the Millennium Garden outside that houses the touching memorial for those lost in the tragic 1959 Arena Disaster. Other destinations include Listowel Memorial Park (North Perth’s best kept secret) and the Listowel Public Utilities Pump House (Listowel’s only building with an Ontario Heritage Foundation designation). Pick up a copy of the walking tour at the North Perth Visitors’ Centre located at the Pump House.

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