Listowel combines outdoor experiences along the Maitland River with a self-guided historical walking tour and events that bring the community together. In Listowel Memorial Park, the Rotary Walkway forms a complete loop around the river. Those more interested in historic buildings and local history can start the tour at the North Perth Public Library branch; it focuses on historic buildings in North Perth. This gives visitors different options for their stay: the river and park, history or an event date.
River and Park
The Rotary Walkway is fully accessible and illuminated. Its surface is concrete, with stone dust in some areas. In the same park, the amphitheatre overlooks the restored Maitland River. It serves as a venue for performances, concerts and picnics. The park loop and amphitheatre offer different experiences: one focuses on a path along the river, the other on a place for events or a picnic break.
History and Annual Festivals
The popular self-guided historical walking tour starts in Listowel at the North Perth Public Library branch and visits historic buildings in North Perth. It differs from the Rotary Walkway, which loops around the Maitland River in Memorial Park: one focuses on buildings and history, the other on the river landscape in the park.
Paddyfest has been Listowel’s annual homecoming celebration since 1977. The North Perth community comes together around St. Patrick’s Day. The festival spans a week and two weekends and always takes place during the school March Break. The program includes music, dancing, food and games for people of all ages and with a range of interests. Donations are also collected for community projects, local charities and non-profit organizations. When planning your trip, check the dates for the current edition.
The Listowel Fair has been a local tradition since 1856. It features livestock shows, a midway, arts and crafts, agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, tractor competitions and a demolition derby. The individual program items may vary from one edition to another; if you plan to attend, check the dates and program for that year. Paddyfest and the Fair offer different reasons to take the events calendar into account when choosing your travel dates.
Trails and Recreation
The North Perth Trail System is about 22 km long and extends from Gowanstown to Listowel and from Listowel to Henfryn. It can be used year-round for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The Gowanstown–Listowel section is under construction; take this into account when planning a specific route.
Listowel offers different types of activities for other leisure plans. Listowel Golf Course has 27 holes across three nine-hole courses. The skatepark in Listowel Memorial Park is located at 550 Derry Street East and is suitable for all ages and skill levels, as well as bicycles, inline skates, skateboards and scooters. Listowel Kinette Splash Pad is located next to Listowel Kinsmen Pool. You can choose between golf, wheeled activities and the splash pad rather than treating all the leisure options as a single program.
Discover more destinations: Stratford, St Marys, Shakespeare.
Return to the main travel overview: Perth County.
