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Summary

8 Last-Minute Summer Adventures That Are Less Than 2 Hours Away From Ottawa

Wrap up flipflop season with a bang!

Staff Writer

Summer isn't over yet. So here are eight summer road trips from Ottawa that are perfect for your last-minute summer adventure.

It's time to make the most of the final days before the leaves begin to change colour. From seeing a giant sunflower field to floating in a secret swimming hole, get ready to grab your car keys and have some fun.

Sip Wine And Pretend You're In Italy

Price: $5 for a tasting flight of three wines

Address: 2225 Craig's Side Rd., Carp, ON

Why You Need To Go: It's super affordable to go wine tasting at Kin Vineyards. While here, you can relax in the sunshine and see the grapevines.

Website

Explore Massive Underground Caverns

Price: $19 per person

Address: 1247 Fourth Chute Rd., Eganville, ON

Why You Need To Go: You won't believe your eyes when you follow the boardwalk trail through Bonnechere Caves which are filled with ancient fossils. For all of you who hate the heat, it's always cool inside.

Website

See Adorable Canadian Animals Right From Your Car

Price: $33.05 per person

Address: 399 QC-323, Montebello, QC

Why You Need To Go: At Parc Omega, you can follow the 12-kilometre driving route and see deer, elk, caribou, bison and more right from your vehicle.

Website

Visit A Gigantic Field Of Sunflowers

Price: $15.50+ per person

When: August 20 to September 6

Address: 75 Rte. 201, Coteau-du-Lac, QC

Why You Need To Go: It's a floral paradise where you can swing next to the sunflowers. Here they not only have regular golden blooms but different varieties, including white ones.

Website

Take A Dip At A Secret Swimming Hole

Price: $20 per person

Address: 1780 Quebec Rte. 105, Chelsea, QC

Why You Need To Go: Did you know there is a swimming hole not far from Ottawa? At Morrison's Quarry, you can go swimming in the bright turquoise water and relax at the beach.

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Hike To An Incredible Lookout Point

Price: Free

Address: Greater Madawaska, ON

Why You Need To Go: Eagles Nest Lookout is a short 1.5-kilometre hike that will lead you through the forest to the top of a 120-metre cliff where you can enjoy a breathtaking lookout.

Website

Cool Off With Some Ice Cream

Price: 💸

Address: 14 Ch. Scott, Chelsea, QC

Why You Need To Go: Located minutes from Gatineau Park, La Cigale is a fantastic spot to treat yourself to an ice cream cone. They rotate between nearly 70 delicious flavours throughout the summer.

Website

Walk Through A Rainbow Tunnel

Price: Free (donations accepted)

Address: 1 Block House Island Rd., Brockville, ON

Why You Need To Go: For some budget-friendly fun, you can walk through the Brockville Railway Tunnel, where colourful lights will move all around you.

Website

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.

  • Stephanie White was an Ottawa-based Associate Editor for Narcity Canada. She has been writing mouthwatering food and wanderlust-inspiring articles for Canadians since 2012. She has a B.A. and B.Ed. from Ottawa University. When she isn't writing, you can find her travelling the globe and trying new restaurants. Stephanie has previously been published on Insider, Flight Network, Apartment Therapy, Faces Magazine, Daily Hive, Dished and The Spruce.

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