25 Best Day Trips From Ottawa (Under 2 Hour Drive)
Ottawa is a great city not just for the things you can do in its downtown core, but also for its proximity to so many amazing day trips.
I used a car share service my first year in Ottawa and took so many day trips I was finally convinced to buy my own car so I could go on more. My dog would come with me to adventure on the trails – and meet all the locals in the small towns who always have treats for him.
You’ll find tons of options for activities. If you’re into food, head to Montreal for Schwartz’s Deli. If you want to paddle in the summer, go to Wakefield in Quebec. Love hiking? Take a day trip to Calabogie or Algonquin Park.
You’ll find lots of adventures that can make your visit to Ottawa even more thrilling.
Let’s dive into these Ottawa day trips that cover every season!
1. Calabogie
Distance: 1 hour drive
Calabogie is an excellent one day trip from Ottawa, whether you visit in the summer for the famous hiking or ski the slopes in the winter.
This cottage town is positioned right on an inlet of Calabogie Lake.
There’s plenty to do in the town, including the most popular hiking trail in Calabogie, the Eagles Nest.
This 2.7km loop trail brings you to a fantastic lookout point, where you’re treated to panoramic views of the Madawaska Highlands.
2. Merrickville
Distance: 50 minute drive
Start your day by wandering down St. Lawrence Street, which is the hub of this town.
Drop in to the Merrickville Book Emporium to pick up your next good read, or enjoy home-made fudge at Country Bumpkins while browsing their selection of homewares and gifts.
In the summer, you can watch boats traveling through the locks along the Rideau River.
Don’t miss the Merrickville Ruins of an 1844 wool mill. It’s a unique, historic site!
3. Perth
Distance: 55 minute drive
Perth is one of Ontario’s must see small towns located on the River Tay.
It’s full of Victorian architecture, with over 100 designated heritage buildings.
Perth also has more than 70 boutique shops, restaurants, museums, and specialty shops.
Don’t miss the award winning Perth Museum and Matheson House, where you can learn about the town’s history.
If you’re looking to spend some time in nature, rent a canoe or kayak from Perth Major Outfitters to go paddling down the Tay River.
Or, rent a bike or e-scooter from Heritage Bikes. Bicycling is a great way to get around town, or to explore some of the town’s surrounding trails.
4. Wakefield
Distance: 30 minute drive
Just a short road trip from Ottawa, Wakefield, Quebec offers year-round entertainment.
Most people come for the Wakefield Covered Bridge – an icon built in 1915 and the first bridge to link the two shores of the Gatineau River. You walk across and read plaques that share its history.
For a unique experience, head to Wakefield’s Eco-Odyssee to take a canoe or paddle boat through a maze of waterways that have over 60 intersections.
5. Bonnechere Caves
Distance: 1.5 hour drive
You’ll find the Bonnechere Caves in the town of Douglas, Ontario, right next to the Bonnechere River.
Tours of the caves are an exciting way to spend a hot summer day, and the experience will make you feel like a true adventurer.
You can go on an educational guided trip through the cave system, seeing cave features like fossils and stalactites.
One-hour-long guided tours leave every 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Eastern Townships
Distance: 3.5 hour drive
The Eastern Townships are a small grouping of cities and towns in the south of Quebec. Highlights of the region are Sherbrooke, and Magog.
In the small city of Sherbrooke you can have traditional afternoon tea at the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre, or enjoy a wine tasting at Sherbrooke’s local winery, La Halte des Pèlerins.
If you’re looking to relax, spend a few hours at the Strom Spa Nordique.
Magog is a short drive from Sherbrooke.
There, you can take a guided tour of Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, or wander the abbey’s beautiful orchards.
Just outside of Magog you can take in nature by walking the 8.4 kilometers of trails at Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises.
7. Chelsea
Distance: 25 minute drive
Chelsea, Quebec is a picturesque Outaouais village that’s a quick drive from downtown Ottawa.
Enjoy a lunch on the patio at the Chelsea Pub, or have a pastry with coffee at Café Les Saisons Coffee.
Go on the Cave Discovery Tour at Lafléche Park to explore a cave and learn about its history, or hike one of the many trailheads near Chelsea.
Chelsea is also known for being home to the Nordik Spa-Nature, which is the largest spa in North America.
The spa has 10 baths and 9 saunas, some indoors and some outdoors. There are several spa treatments available to guests, and the spa also has a great restaurant.
8. Gatineau Park
Distance: 15 minute drive
Gatineau Park is 361 square kilometers of wilderness that features hiking trails, scenic lookouts, beautiful lakes, and interesting caves.
The provincial park is open year round, making it the perfect Ottawa day trip for any time of year.
In the winter, head there to cross-country ski, snowshoe, or winter hike.
In the summer, go there for swimming, cycling, walking and camping.
Admission to the park is free and outdoor equipment is available to rent.
But some hikes require paid parking in winter.
9. Montreal
Distance: 2 hour drive, or take Via Rail (2 hour train ride).
Montreal is the largest city in Quebec, and is actually located on a large island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River.
Year round, the city is bustling with an array of events, exhibitions and cultural gatherings.
You can spend an afternoon wandering Montreal’s different neighborhoods, like the festival-filled Quartier des Spectacles, Saint Henri, which is known for its restaurant culture, and Plateau-Mont-Royal, which is known for its colorful buildings with winding iron staircases.
Be sure to walk through Old Town Montreal to see European-style cobblestone streets.
10. Morris Island Conservation Area
Distance: 45 minute drive
Morris Island Conservation Area is a 116 acre park on the Ottawa River.
The park is open year-round.
With 5 different well marked trails, this conservation area is a fantastic park to spend a day hiking in.
The park has multiple lookout points that overlook the Ottawa River, making it a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.
For a different experience of the park, bring a paddle board, canoe, or kayak, to paddle around the islands.
11. Almonte
Distance: 35 minute drive
Almonte is a small, former mill town in Lanark County that has a picturesque main street.
Thanks to the town’s historic buildings, Almonte has become a hot spot for shooting holiday movies.
Spend a day trip to Almonte exploring the town on foot, hiking through the nearby woods, or learning about the region’s geological history at the Metcalfe Geoheritage Park.
For a special experience, head to Almonte in June for its VW Bus Festival, BusFusion.
12. Arnprior
Distance: 45 minute drive
Arnprior is located at the spot where the Madawaska and Ottawa rivers meet.
Start your day trip to Arnprior by visiting the Arnprior and District Museum on Madawaska Street, which covers all aspects of life in an Ottawa Valley town.
After delving into its history, take some time to wander Arnprior’s streets, and be sure to pop into boutiques like the Gallery Gift Shop to see locally made handicrafts.
13. The 1000 Islands / Gananoque
Distance: 1.5 hour drive
For an exciting day trip from Ottawa, head to the town of Gananoque, the gateway to the 1000 Islands.
This region is a hub of outdoor activities, from hiking to watersports.
The 1000 Islands are a group of 1,800+ islands spread out along the St. Lawrence River. Many of the islands have beautiful mansions from the 19th century, when the area was a retreat for the elite.
On Heart Island you can visit the German-style Boldt Castle, or venture to Dark Island to see the gothic Singer Castle.
14. Westport
Distance: 1.5 hour drive
Westport is a quaint village that rests at the west end of Upper Rideau Lake.
For a small village, Westport has a lot to offer!
Wander through Westport’s large home decor shop, the Village Green, pop into Vanilla Bean’s Café and Creamery for ice cream, relax at Westport Sand Lake Beach, or have a beer at the Westport Brewing Company.
Be sure to walk Beaver Trail at the nearby Foley Mountain Conservation Area. The trail delivers gorgeous views of Westport and the lake.
15. Gatineau/Hull
Distance: 15 minute drive, or 30 minutes by public transport (OC Transpo bus #66).
Hull is a relaxed area of Gatineau which is known for the Canadian Museum of History, the Children’s Museum, and Jacques Cartier Park.
Jacques Cartier Park stretches along the Ottawa River, providing fantastic views of Ottawa’s Parliament Hill and the cityscape.
You can also swing by Casino du Lac-Leamy for high end restaurants, entertainment, and gaming, or enjoy a meal at one of Hull’s French bistros, brewpubs, or cafes.
16. Kingston
Distance: 2 hour drive, or take Via Rail (2 hour train trip).
Kingston is known world-wide as the Limestone City because many of its buildings were constructed by carving limestone out of the ground, right where the building was constructed.
On a day trip to Kingston you can spend an afternoon wandering through the city’s historic center, admiring these heritage buildings.
Pop into the PumpHouse, a community museum that covers history, science and technology in a 19th-century pumping station.
You can also go on the Kingston Penitentiary Tour, which takes you into Canada’s oldest and most infamous maximum security prison, which is now a National Historic Site.
Wrap up your visit by walking Kingston’s waterfront pathway!
17. Mont Tremblant
Distance: 1 hour 45 minute drive
Mont Tremblant is a small city in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec.
It’s most famous as a destination for skiing, because the area has 2 excellent ski hills: Mont Tremblant, which is the highest peak in the Laurentians, and Mont Blanc, which is the second highest peak.
This is the perfect city to day trip from Ottawa in winter for an afternoon of skiing.
Skiing isn’t all there is to do!
Swing by the nordic style Scandinave Spa to enjoy their outdoor hot and cold plunge pools, and saunas.
There’s also lots to do in the summer!
18. Montebello
Distance: 1 hour drive
Montebello, Quebec is famous for being home to the Fairmont Le Château Montebello, which is one of the world’s largest log structures.
But there’s much more to see in this village, beyond the hotel!
Just north of Montebello is Parc Omega, a safari park where you can see animals like deer, bison, and bears from your car.
You’ll spot these creatures while driving a 12 kilometer route through the wood and along lakes, meadows, and hills.
19. Morrisburg
Distance: 1 hour drive
Morrisburg is one of Ontario’s historic small towns and home to the popular heritage park, Upper Canada Village.
The park is a living history museum that captures 19th century settler life in Ontario.
Here you can explore its 40 authentic historic buildings, many of which were moved to the park for preservation.
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the 1860s.
You get to learn all about what life in small villages was like at the time, and the people who lived in them.
If you’re in Morrisburg during summer, swing by Morrisburg beach on the St. Lawrence River.
This beach has washrooms, water fountains, change rooms, picnic tables and free parking.
20. Algonquin Provincial Park
Distance: 3 hour drive
Algonquin Park is the perfect place to escape to for a day of exploring the outdoors.
You can spend a lazy afternoon on the beach, or go swimming in one of the park’s gorgeous lakes.
If you’re up for a hike, go out on one of Algonquin Park’s many trails which range from easy to difficult. My favourite is the Track and Tower Trail.
You can also get out on the water by renting a canoe or kayak from one of the park’s outfitters.
And be sure to drop by the Algonquin Park Visitor’s Centre and the Logging Museum to learn about this provincial park’s interesting ecology.
21. Renfrew
Distance: 1 hour drive
Renfrew is east of Ottawa on the Bonnechere River.
While historically it’s known for its role in the formation of the National Hockey League, today it’s a fun day trip from Ottawa to see Renfrew’s swinging bridge, and discover the area’s craft beer scene.
The first swinging bridge (suspension bridge) in Renfrew was built in 1885, and the current bridge is a reconstruction, which was completed in 1983.
You can walk across the bridge for excellent views of the river, and pop into the nearby Mill Museum, too.
When you’re ready to taste some beer, head to Whitewater Brewing and Square Timber Brewing Company.
22. Aylmer, QC
Distance: 20 minute drive
Aylmer is a Quebec town that is positioned right on the Ottawa River.
This small town has a cute main street lined with boutiques like Campbells II, Groovy Moon, and Margarets Fernlea Flowers & Gifts.
A seasonal farmer’s market is held in Park Commémoratif.
You’ll also find lots of greenspace in and around Aylmer, like Des Cèdres Park and Parc des Rapides-Deschênes.
Nearby are many golf clubs nearby, including Rivermead Golf Club.
23. Port Elmsley
Distance: 1 hour drive
Port Elmsley is a village found en route between Perth and Smiths Falls.
It’s best known for its famous Port Elmsley Drive-In, an outdoor cinema that’s been in operation since the 1950s. A ticket to the drive-in is good for two movies, and you get to watch them from the comfort of your car or lawn chairs.
An 8 minute drive outside of Port Elmsley is the Rideau Ferry, a picturesque rest stop along the Rideau Canal system.
Many road and boat travelers drop by this little village and harbor to check out the general store, the few eateries, the marina, and take in views of the Rideau.
24. Bancroft
Distance: 2.5 hour drive
The town of Bancroft is in the York River Valley, on the southern edge of the Canadian Shield.
It’s the perfect spot to head to if you’d like to enjoy some Ontario nature.
Silent Lake Provincial Park is just a 15 minute drive outside of Bancroft.
Start your day in the park, exploring its many kilometers of hiking and mountain biking trails, and taking in views of Silent Lake from the lookout point.
After enjoying the outdoors, head into Bancroft to check out the Art Gallery of Bancroft, or pick up craft beer from Bancroft Brewing Co.
25. Bon Echo Provincial Park
Distance: 2.25 hour drive
Bon Echo is a beautiful Ontario Provincial Park known for its lakes and Indigenous pictographs.
The park is open in summer for hiking, swimming, paddling.
In the winter, you can head to Bon Echo for snowshoeing the trails and winter hikes.
In Bon Echo park you’ll find Mazinaw Lake, which is the second deepest lake in Ontario.
This is where you can see Ontario’s largest collection of rock paintings which are painted in red ochre and show human and animal figures, as well as abstract and geometric symbols.
More Day Trips Near Ottawa (3+ Hours Drive)
26. Prince Edward County
Distance: 3 hour drive
Prince Edward County is a region known for its many wineries, including Broken Stone Winery, Broken Stone Winery, and Sandbanks Winery.
The area also has a vibrant community of artists and festivals.
The county is home to Sandbanks Provincial Park, which has some of the most beautiful beaches in Ontario.
Stop by for a bicycle wine tour or to relax on Dune Beach.
27. Lake Placid
Distance: 3 hour drive
Head across the border to Lake Placid, a village that’s near the lake of the same name.
Located in New York State’s Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is known for having been a Winter Olympics venue.
Now, it’s a hub for winter sports, hiking, and outdoor activities.
28. Quebec City
Distance: 4.5 hour drive
At over 400 years old, Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in Canada.
It is the only remaining walled city in North America, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With its cobblestone streets, European architecture and fortifications, and beautiful surrounding nature, Quebec City is a must-see.
29. Toronto
Distance: 4.5 hour drive, or take Via Rail (4 hours)!
Toronto is right on the shore of Lake Ontario, and is packed with things to do.
See famous sites such as the CN Tower, drop into one of Toronto’s many museums, wander the city’s neighborhoods and parks, and enjoy Toronto’s vibrant food scene.
If you’d like to be treated to beaches, nature, and gorgeous views of Toronto’s skyline, take the ferry to the Toronto Islands.
Wrap Up: Best Ottawa Day Trips
Day trips from Ottawa are always easily done because the capital city of Canada is close to so many wonderful Ontario towns, provincial parks, villages, and attractions.
Small towns like Westport, Almonte, Alymer, and Perth are the perfect spots to drive to for boutique shopping, craft beer tasting, and ice cream.
Being close to Quebec means from Ottawa you can also access many outdoor activities like hiking in the Eastern Townships, or cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park.
And if you’re just looking to relax, a sandy beach like Morrisburg beach, and spas like the Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea and Strom Spa Nordique in Sherbrooke aren’t too far away.
Ready to plan a road trip from Ottawa, but don’t have a car? I’ve got you covered!
Looking to get around Ottawa via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!
Read More About Ottawa
- Local’s Ottawa Pronunciation Guide: How to Pronounce “Ottawa”
- What is the Primary Language in Ottawa, Canada?
- Is Ottawa in Quebec?
- Is Ottawa tap water safe to drink?
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Ottawa Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?
100% YES! — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.
💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?
Yes – ish — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)
🚙💨 Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?
Yes — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.
📲 Do I need to know French in Ottawa?
Nope! — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?
For Ottawa hotels, Booking is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?
For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommend Skyscanner. You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.
🎫 Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?
Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.
📍 Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.
