3 Best Sights in Woodstock, St. John River Valley

A fine example of Greek Revival architecture, this is the former home of Honorable Charles Connell (1810–73), a politician active in many areas of public life, but perhaps best remembered for putting his own image on the five-cent stamp instead of that of the Queen when he was Postmaster General. The largely restored house, home to the Carleton County Historical Society, contains fine furniture, artifacts, musical instruments, and the Tappan Adney Room, honoring the man who is credited with saving the birch-bark canoe. His grave is in the Upper Woodstock Cemetery. Temporary exhibitions and occasional concerts are added attractions, and a Victorian High Tea buffet (C$20) is served from 11:30 am to 2 pm every Thursday in July and August.

For a quick stop for something quirky, from Woodstock you can take Route 105 along the St. John River toward Nackawic---known as the Forestry Capital of Canada---to see "the world's biggest axe." The 60-foot-tall axe is lodged in a concrete stump in a small park by the river.

Dating from 1833, this splendid galleried former court house was restored after years of neglect and misuse and was opened to the public by H.R.H. Princess Anne in 1986. Guided tours are available in summer, and occasional special events include an annual Christmas concert.