7 beautiful small towns near Ottawa that will transport you to the heart of Europe
They're perfect for a quick day trip from the city. 🚗
A person in a small town in Ontario. Right: A person in a small town near Ottawa.
If you’re craving a European getaway but don’t have the time (or budget) for a flight across the Atlantic, you're in luck — there are plenty of charming small towns near Ottawa that'll make you feel like you’ve gone abroad.
With 19th-century stone buildings, cozy cafes and cute boutiques, these hidden gems are packed with old-world charm and are just a short drive away from the city.
Whether you’re in the mood for scenic riverside strolls, boutique shopping, or delicious local eats, these seven Ontario small towns are perfect for a quick European-style escape — no passport required.
Almonte
Why You Need To Go: Always wanted to star in your own Hallmark movie? Then you'll love Almonte.
The small town gem in Lanark County, Ontario, just over 30 minutes from Ottawa, is known for being the filming site of many Hallmark channel movies, with films set in Vermont, Alaska and even Milwaukee filmed here.
It's not hard to see why it's a popular spot for rom-coms — with its 19th-century historic buildings, stone structures and picturesque river setting, the town is full of charm.
Here, you can shop for gifts, antiques and clothing on the historic Mill Street, get tasty bites from cafes, restaurants and markets, or enjoy a leisurely stroll down the Mississippi River in historic downtown Almonte.
Gananoque
Why You Need To Go: Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River about an hour and a half from Ottawa is the charming town of Gananoque, which has been recognized as one of Eastern Ontario's most stunning waterfront communities.
The historic town dates back to the 1700s, when the first European settlers began establishing homes along the scenic St. Lawrence River. The town boasts tons of charm, from beautiful old stone buildings to lush gardens and quaint streets.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities here, such as kayaking and hiking along waterfront trails, or check out the town's downtown core for shopping and restaurants.
As the gateway to the 1000 Islands, Gananoque also offers the opportunity to hop on a boat cruise, explore the many islands, and see historic castles and shipwrecks.
Mont Tremblant
Why You Need To Go: Nestled in the Laurentian Mountains, just two hours from Ottawa, is the quaint Mont-Tremblant. The charming small city is best known for its ski resort and magnificent landscape.
Visit the Mont Tremblant village to feel like you’ve stepped into a European postcard, complete with cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, and après-ski vibes.
Couple this with breathtaking mountain views and quaint European-inspired architecture, and you'll easily feel like you’re in the heart of the Swiss Alps rather than Canada.
There's tons to do in this all-season destination, from enjoying scenic gondola rides and shopping at adorable boutiques to dining at an array of cafes, bistros and eateries.
Wakefield
Why You Need To Go: Wakefield is a quaint village in Quebec's Outaouais region, about 30 minutes from Ottawa.
Known for its culture, rich history, and scenic nature, it is a relaxing getaway spot.
Filled with historic sites, boutiques, cafes and galleries and set in a picturesque spot along the Gatineau River, the village is reminiscent of countryside villages in northwestern Europe, similarly surrounded by nature.
A popular spot in the area is the stunning Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa, which offers luxury spa treatments and fine dining and is located close to Gatineau Park.
The village's famous covered bridge is also a must-see during any visit. Covered bridges are known as "kissing bridges," so it's the perfect spot to visit with a loved one.
Saint-Eustache
Why You Need To Go: Just under two hours from Ottawa, you'll find Saint-Eustache, a town in the Laurentians region of Quebec lying on the Mille-Îles River.
The town offers a blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities, with a beautiful countryside where you'll find flower fields, wineries and museums, and a quaint "Old Saint-Eustache" area that's home to trendy shops and restaurants.
Here, you can visit the lavender fields of La Maison Lavande and shop for lavender-scented goods, visit the historical Moulin Légaré flour mill, or discover the lower Laurentians on the scenic La Vagabonde bike path.
Perth
Why You Need To Go: Perth is a charming small town about an hour's drive from Ottawa.
The town was named after Perth, Scotland, and was settled by Scottish, Irish, and other European immigrants. Walking through the town's streets, you can definitely feel its Scottish influence, with its stone bridges and 19th-century heritage buildings giving it an old-world feel.
The town is known for its arts and theatre culture but also has lots of other activities to offer, including spring and summer festivals, boutique and antique shopping, and nature and scenery.
A few popular points of interest include Perth's dry-stone bridge, which earned recognition as the first National Civil Engineering Demonstration Site, and Stewart Park, a picturesque spot perfect for picnicking and photos where you'll find a lovely bridge overlooking a scenic river.
Merrickville
Why You Need To Go: Dubbed the "Jewel of the Rideau," Merrickville is a small Victorian village steeped in history on the Kingston-Ottawa Rideau Heritage Route.
The village and the surrounding rural township of Wolford are home to around 3,000 people, so you can expect a quieter pace while visiting this spot.
Here, you won't find parking meters or traffic lights — instead, you may see a Town Crier and encounter friendly villagers. The village is also home to a number of heritage properties, including 19th-century stone buildings that line the main street and give the village a European feel.
In the village, you'll find several eclectic shops selling clothing, jewelry, gifts and more.
Don't miss the unique Wick Witch Apothecary, where you can purchase candles and "bath elixirs" that will bewitch the senses. There are also a number of cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite.
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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