The call of the open road is hard to resist, especially as summer comes into full swing. Fortunately, if you're looking for a short road trip from Ottawa, there are plenty of reasons to explore the backroads of the beautiful Ottawa Valley.
If you're tired of heading to Montreal every time you get a craving for a quick getaway, know that it's only one out of many excellent options. Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais and Laurentides regions of Quebec are home to some really picturesque landscapes that make for a gorgeous summer drive, and there are a lot of destinations along the way that are the perfect summer getaway from Ottawa.
Between the largest waterpark in the country, a cheese factory, a Cold War-era nuclear bunker and a wide selection of charming historic towns, there are plenty of places that are worth the quick road trip from Ottawa.
Here are 12 suggestions for the next time you're itching to get behind the steering wheel and head out on the open road.
Mont-Tremblant
Address: Mont-Tremblant, QC
Why You Need To Go: Roughly two hours from Ottawa and embedded within the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec is the mountainside resort town of Mont-Tremblant, which has the quaint vibe of a European village.
Mont-Tremblant is perfect to visit any time of the year. Whether you want to ski in the snowy season, hike up to gorgeous views of the colours of autumn, watch the blooms of spring or enjoy the shops, beaches and concerts in the summer, you'll be blown away by the scenic beauty.
Long Sault Parkway
Address: Long Sault Parkway, South Stormont, ON
Why You Need To Go: Only an hour's drive outside of Ottawa are 11 tiny, picturesque islands on the St. Lawrence River that are all nicely tied together by the scenic Long Sault Parkway.
You can take a scenic drive, go camping in one of the many island campgrounds, or just go for a beach day with the squad. No matter how long you stay, it's worth the drive for the breathtaking views alone.
Calypso Theme Waterpark
Price: $52.99 to $64.99 per adult
Address: 2015 Calypso St., Limoges, ON
Why You Need To Go: Looking for a way to beat that Ottawa Valley heat? Only 30 minutes outside the capital is Canada's largest waterpark! Calypso is filled to the brim with all sorts of aquatic attractions that make it worth spending the entire day splashing around.
Calypso has 35 waterslides of all different varieties, 100 water games to choose from, and not one but two theme rivers, not to mention the largest wave pool in the country. It's a great way to spend a day with friends, family or that special someone.
Going on a weekday is highly recommended as a way to beat the crowds. Calypso Theme Waterpark officially opens for the 2024 season next Saturday, June 15.
Kingston
Address: Kingston, ON
Why You Need To Go: Did you know that Kingston was once the capital of Canada? This beautiful lakeside city lies only a two-hour drive from Ottawa. You can check out a historic military fort, tour Canada's oldest maximum-security prison or shop along the beautiful and vibrant Princess Street in Kingston's downtown.
There's plenty to get up to in Kingston, which is why it's perfect for a little weekend getaway. Sprinkled all throughout town are some truly amazing and tasty restaurants that offer all different kinds of cuisine.
No matter whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a quick family vacation or a patio-hopping weekend with friends, Kingston will have something for you.
Bonnechere Caves
Price: $22 per adult
Address: 1247 Fourth Chute Rd, Eganville, ON
Why You Need To Go: Did you know that there's an explorable cave system only an hour and a half from Ottawa? It's true! This unique experience is available by guided tour only, which you can do during the summer months.
Bonnechere Caves even hosts some intimate concerts throughout the summer and various other events that they publicize on their website. This is a geological beauty, and definitely worth the short drive to go check it out.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Address: Highway 60, Algonquin Provincial Park, Unorganized South Nipissing District, ON
Why You Need To Go: Bask in the great wilderness in Ontario's oldest provincial park! Algonquin Park is a scenic three-hour drive from the city and is perfect for anyone who loves nature, wildlife, camping, hiking and watersports.
You can explore over 7,600 square kilometres of open wilderness and gaze in awe at the rocky ridges, wooded hills, lakes and rivers. Algonquin Park is worth the visit no matter what time of year it is, as each season brings a whole different world of beauty and scenery.
Brockville
Address: Brockville, ON
Why You Need To Go: Only an hour's drive from Ottawa, nestled along the St. Lawrence River, is the charming, quiet city of Brockville, Ontario. This riverside town is a true hidden gem in Ontario, filled with historic buildings and all kinds of restaurants and situated at the eastern end of the 1000 islands.
Brockville is perfect for those wanting an escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Whether you want to go on a river cruise through the islands or just take a stroll through the city's picturesque downtown, you'll have a nice relaxing time.
Diefenbunker
Price: $18.50 per adult
Address: 3929 Carp Rd., Carp, ON
Why You Need To Go: Ever wanted to see the inside of a Cold War-era underground nuclear bunker? You've got to head over to the Diefenbunker, which is about a 30-minute drive from Ottawa's downtown core.
Explore the nuclear bunker where the 1960s federal government would have sought refuge in the event of a nuclear strike. You can traverse the four-storey bunker on a guided tour or brave it on your own while learning about the Cold War in Canada.
The Diefenbunker even houses the world's largest escape room, which is over 25,000 square feet!
Smiths Falls
Address: Smiths Falls, ON
Why You Need To Go: Smiths Falls is another quaint town just an hour outside of Ottawa that's bursting with charm and jam-packed with historic buildings.
You can ride a steam-engine locomotive, visit one of many restaurants, check out the Smiths Falls portion of the Rideau Canal, or get spooky with a paranormal tour. Whatever you want to do, Smiths Falls will surely have something to keep you entertained and enamoured.
Gatineau Park
Address: 33 Ch. Scott, Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: Located only a quick 15-20 minute drive from downtown Ottawa are the rolling hills and scenic lakes of Gatineau Park, the second-most visited park in Canada and the largest in the National Capital Region.
Check out old historic ruins, the country estate of a former prime minister, a cave, waterfalls and many other scenes of nature sprinkled all throughout this 361-square-kilometre park.
Gatineau Park is perfect for hiking, biking, canoeing and swimming, and if you're looking to extend your stay off the grid, there's canoe camping available at La Pêche Lake.
Wakefield
Address: Wakefield, QC
Why You Need To Go: Only a 30-minute drive from Ottawa is the quaint little Québécois town of Wakefield. You can go horseback riding through tall-grass fields, take a pedalboat ride through nature, or just enjoy the many historic buildings Wakefield has to offer.
One of Wakefield's best-known landmarks is the iconic red Wakefield Covered Bridge over the Gatineau River. Originally built in 1915, the beautiful Instagram-worthy bridge is a neat-looking attraction that's worth checking out.
If you're looking to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway, the Wakefield Mill is a cozy, charming hotel housed in a converted 19th-century flour mill surrounded by nature and the La Pêche River, complete with a tasty restaurant and relaxing spa.
St-Albert Cheese Factory
Price: Free admission
Address: 150 St. Paul St., St-Albert, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're a poutine fanatic or just a lover of cheese, the 45-minute road trip to the St-Albert Fromagerie is 100% worth the drive. You can devour some tasty poutine with the freshest cheese curds you've ever had, grab all sorts of dairy products, and watch St-Albert's signature cheese curds get made!
The St-Albert Cheese Factory has been around since 1894 and has been an absolute cheese-making powerhouse in Eastern Ontario ever since. If you've ever had a cheese curd in Ottawa — or even anywhere in Ontario, for that matter — chances are good that it was made here.
This is a perfect destination for a quick little road trip for those times that you want to get out of the city but only have a few hours.
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.
