7 Destinations You Need To Stop At On Your Next Road Trip Out Of Ottawa
Waterfalls, canoeing, wineries and more.
Hitting the open road with a few friends, some good music and adventure on the horizon is one of life's joys. There's nothing like a good road trip to enjoy the summer months, as long as you have a set of wheels, that is.
If you love the unmatched freedom of road-tripping but don't have a car at your disposal, there's a way to get on your way and organize your accommodation all in one booking — rent a camper!
Outdoorsy is the world's largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. It's affordable (some rentals are as low as $65 a night), and between retro Volkswagens, decked-out campervans and no-frills cars with simple upgrades, there's a rig for everyone.
Plus, every Outdoorsy camper comes with a comprehensive insurance policy, 24/7 roadside assistance and customer support to give you peace of mind while out on the road. Many rentals are pet friendly too.
Once you've locked in your favourite camper, it's time to plan your perfect road trip out of Ottawa. With picturesque vineyards, endless lakes and sun-drenched beaches just a drive away, Ottawa's surroundings are full of must-see spots just outside the city.
Get Lost In Prince Edward County's Vineyards
Price: Various
Address: Prince Edward County, ON
Suggested Rig: Irene (Sleeps 6)
Why You Need To Go: Picture-perfect Prince Edward County is a must-visit for anyone in the Ottawa region. With around 35 wineries offering tours and tastings, this area is calling out to your inner wine connoisseur.
After a day of strolling the vineyards, grab yourself a bottle of vino to enjoy later with dinner in your decked-out vintage campervan. While you're here, don't miss the chance to relax by the water at Sandbanks Provincial Park. You can park up for the night here and watch the sunrise from the beach in the morning.
Go Canoeing In Algonquin Park
Price: $21 for day use, RV camping from $42.38 per night
Address: Hwy. 60, ON
Suggested Rig: Jayco Redhawk (Sleeps 8)
Why You Need To Go: This park, which is almost three hours' drive from Ottawa, has pretty much any outdoor activity that you could wish for. From camping, boating, dog sledding and fishing to walking trails, picnicking, skiing and swimming — you can probably do it at Algonquin Park.
If you're not sure where to get started, try a nice afternoon canoe ride followed by checking out some of the wildlife. You may spy moose, white-tailed deer, beaver, black bear and even a wolf or two.
Overnight, camp out in the provincial park and enjoy the stars. There are several developed campgrounds that offer electricity or water (or both), like Pog Lake, Mew Lake and Lake of Two Rivers.
Take In The Cascades At Chutes de Plaisance
Price: $7 for adults
Address: 168/200 Chem. Malo, Plaisance, QC
Suggested Rig: Prolite Profil 14 (Sleeps 4)
Why You Need To Go: Waterfalls are among Mother Nature's most gorgeous natural wonders, and this one at Chutes de Plaisance is a must-see. You can even bring your dog, as long as Rover stays on a lead.
Just a 45-minute drive into Quebec, these falls have a 63-metre drop that can be observed from a scenic lookout, several observation points and from the park's winding trail. Once you've gotten your fill of the beautiful falls and lush scenery, you can tuck into your lunch at the picnic area.
Whether you park up at Parc national de Plaisance or head further into Quebec for a weekend-long trip, Chutes De Plaisance is a charming first stop.
Go Back In Time At Bonnechere Caves
Price: $19 for adults
Address: 1247 Fourth Chute Rd., Eganville, ON
Suggested Rig: Jayco Greyhawk (Sleeps 6)
Why You Need To Go: For a more educational trip around Ottawa, consider checking out the Bonnechere Caves. Located about an hour-and-a-half drive from Ottawa, these caves are not only stunning but full of history too.
Take a tour and learn all about the geology of the caves, including the fossils that can be seen throughout, which were formed on the floor of a tropical sea 500 million years ago.
Bonnechere is just a short drive from Algonquin, so if you're up for a weekend full of adventure, consider renting a decked-out RV and heading into the provincial park for a few nights. Canoe through the lakes, hike to spot wildlife and enjoy the stars.
Soak Up The Sun At Sandbanks Beach
Price: $47.50 per night
Address: 3004 County Rd. 12, Picton, ON
Suggested Rig: Retro Boler (Sleeps 2)
Why You Need To Go: What's better than a romantic getaway with your boo? Take advantage of the last weeks of summer by booking a cozy RV and heading to Sandbanks Beach for a cute road trip and a few nights away.
This beach is about three hours from Ottawa, which gives you plenty of time to set the vibe with a road-trip playlist before your arrival. Once you've set up camp, check out the sandy beaches and tuck into a picnic as the sun goes down.
Take A Hike At Foley Mountain Conservation Area
Price: $7 for adults
Address: Foley Mountain Rd., Westport, ON
Suggested Rig: Teardrop Trailer (Sleeps 2)
Why You Need To Go: There's nothing better than getting to take in a good view, and the one from Foley Mountain is one of the best. Follow the signs to Spy Rock for a panoramic view of the Upper Rideau waterway and Village of Westport.
There's also hiking and snowshoeing, along with educational programs, camps and a natural swimming area at Foley Mountain Conservation Area. With 325 hectares of woods, it's also home to a variety of wildlife for you to spot as you hike through the area.
Have A Splash At Morrison's Quarry
Price: $10
Address: Hwy. 105, Wakefield, QC
Suggested Rig: Volkswagen T3 Westfalia (Sleeps 4)
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for somewhere magical to escape the city, look no further than Morrison's Quarry. This water hole is 30 minutes from Ottawa, and the water is so clear that you can see up to 100 feet down. Plus, with a beach, picnic tables and a floating sundeck, there's ample space to relax.
This is a great spot if you're into scuba diving. You can swim around a plane that rests under 35 feet of water, and there's a submerged tugboat at 60 feet down. Bungee jumping is also available.
Unwind after your day of adventure with a picnic alongside your rented retro Volkswagen.
With Outdoorsy, there's a rig for every budget and every trip as you head out to explore Ottawa and beyond. Choose from teardrop trailers that can be towed with a small car (perfect for an intimate getaway) or head out on the road with a Class C RV that can fit the entire family.
New to campervans? Outdoorsy owners are super knowledgeable about their rigs and the areas they rent them in. Make sure to pick their brains ahead of your next adventure!
Learn more about Outdoorsy by visiting their website or following them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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