These Hidden Ruins Near Ottawa Are Like A Free Trip To Scotland's Holyrood Abbey
Get those Euro-vibes right here.
If you dream about travelling to Europe to see the ancient castles and cathedrals, you should visit these hidden ruins near Ottawa.
St. Raphael Ruins is only one hour and 15 minutes outside of the city, and you can visit the National Historic Site for free.
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Here you can find one of the first Roman Catholic churches in English-speaking Canada built between 1815 and 1821 by Scottish pioneers.
While a fire destroyed the roof in 1970, you can still walk around the majestic ruins to see the towering stone walls and arched windows.
As you explore, you can't help but feel like you aren't in Canada anymore, as the building looks similar to Scotland's St. Andrews Cathedral or Holyrood Abbey.
St. Raphael’s Ruins
Price: Free (donations accepted)
Address: 19998 County Rd. 18, Williamstown, ON
Why You Need To Go: Even if you can't backpack around Europe this summer, you can satisfy your wanderlust and see this hidden gem only a short drive away.
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.