Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

This 2-hour train trip from Ottawa takes you to a waterfront town brimming with coastal charm

It's known for its "storybook castles" and "historical shipwrecks."

 A person sitting at a patio. Right: A shoreline with turquoise water.

A restaurant patio in Ontario. Right: A waterfront community in Ontario.

Lead Writer, Travel

If you're dreaming of a little summer getaway, you'll want to plan a visit to this enchanting small town near Ottawa. With old-world streets and crystal water views, it's a magical spot for a little vacation, and the best part is, you don't need a car in order to get there.

You can take a 2-hour VIA Rail trip from Ottawa to this waterfront village for a dreamy outing.

There's lots to do during the summer months, from dining at local restaurants to visiting attractions, hanging out by the water and more.

Here's what to know about this dreamy waterfront destination.

Gananoque is a historic town located along the St. Lawrence River. VIA Rail offers trips to this beautiful spot from Ottawa and you can get there in just a few hours.

The trip costs around $62 round trip, so you don't have to spend a ton of money in order to go on a little getaway.

According to 1000 Island Tourism, Gananoque is known for "storybook-like castles, historical shipwrecks" and "stunning mansions." The castles can only be reached by boat and you can take a cruise to these enchanting landmarks.

There's lots to do in the village, including seeing a show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse or taking a cruise around the surrounding 1000 Islands.

You can also enjoy the local cuisine at spots like Riva, Stonewater Pub and Purple House Café.

Joel Stone Park boasts beautiful water views and swimming opportunities.

The train station is just a 7-minute drive from downtown, so you can take a quick taxi ride to the area once you arrive.

Ottawa to Gananoque

Price: $62 round trip

Gananoque 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.

Explore this list   👀

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

This enchanting small town set on a BC island was named among North America's 'most peaceful'

Sandy beaches, ancient forests and a cozy town — anyone?. 🌲

New data reveals the 'most peaceful' places to live and Canadian towns demolished US ones

Five Canadian towns were named the most serene on the continent. 🍁

This Ontario gem with waterfront towns and beaches is one of Canada's 'best' spots to live

It has "large" homes "priced much lower" than major Canadian cities.