Despite the calmness implied by its attractive tree-lined streets and grand heritage buildings, Perth has an explosive heritage. In 1816, a defensive military base for the Rideau corridor was set up along the Tay River, making Perth the military and political capital of the Ottawa Valley. The fatal shooting contest between two law students in 1833 gave Perth notoriety. The event marks its place in Canada's history books as the last duel ever fought in the country. Today's commotions are more focused on festivals—the Perth Polar Bear Plunge in winter, the Festival of the Maple in spring, summer's Stewart Park Music Festival and the Garlic Festival in fall. Recreational options abound in and around Perth, including golfing at Perth's Links O'Tay, the oldest continually operating golf course in Canada. Perth is centrally located in Southern Ontatio, only an hour's drive southwest of Ottawa and another hour's drive north of Kingston.