This scenic drive near Ottawa takes you across 11 tiny islands dotted with sandy beaches

Are you looking for a road trip from Ottawa that combines natural beauty, serene waters and gorgeous sandy beaches? Look no further.

This 10-kilometre parkway hops across 11 tiny islands in the St. Lawrence River, and you'll definitely want to make this scenic day trip before summer ends.

Located between Kingston and Montreal, the Long Sault Parkway was flooded in the 1950s during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The 11 islands strung together by the parkway are the highest points that remained after the flooding.

The parkway is open from the spring through fall, extending over the St. Lawrence River and providing gorgeous views of the water.

The route provides plenty of places to stop, take pictures, explore, rest or just plain stand in awe at the surroundings. It's a haven for water sports, offering everything from kayaking and fishing to boating and swimming.

The parkway is also home to three campgrounds with over 600 campsites, perfect for if you want to extend your visit in the heart of the river.

Along the parkway, you'll also find the largest public beach on the St. Lawrence River corridor at Mille Roches, where you can also camp.

The Long Sault Parkway isn't just about breathtaking beaches and views, though. The road trip also serves as a journey to the past, with visitors able to encounter remnants of the area's history.

Before you start your drive, check out the Lost Villages Museum, which offers a glimpse into the villages that were relocated during the Seaway construction, preserving the heritage of a bygone era.

The Long Sault Parkway runs from the towns of Long Sault to Ingleside, Ontario. It's just an hour from Ottawa, making for an easy road trip from the city. You can drive the parkway (which takes about 10 minutes end to end) or even travel it by kayak.

Biking is also a popular activity on the parkway, with wide shoulders on the road for cyclists. Along the way, you'll find plenty of picnic areas and benches where you can admire the view.

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.

This article has been updated since it was originally published on August 18, 2023.