Day Trips from Ottawa: +17 Best Places Near Ottawa to Visit

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a popular destination for locals and travellers alike. The city is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. However, so too does the surrounding places near Ottawa. Thanks to its perfect location, there are a number of day trips from Ottawa.

With family from Ottawa, I’ve been travelling to and around Ottawa for over 40 years. And if you’re like me and always on the hunt for cute Ontario small towns, then you’ll love exploring the region around Ottawa! A few favourites that keep drawing me back are Almonte, Perth, and Carleton Place.

The Ottawa Valley and area is full of pretty little towns, hidden gems, and a wealth of parks to soak in the wonders of nature. Plus, many of these locations are accessible for those without a car. So, whether you’re visiting the nation’s capital by car or without, add a few of these unforgettable day trips near Ottawa to your itinerary!

15 Best Day Trips from Ottawa in Ontario

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Almonte

Set along the Mississippi River, Almonte is one of the prettiest towns in Ontario! Often used as a backdrop for Hallmark movies, it’s a scenic day trip from Ottawa all year long.

The main road of downtown Almonte is lined with cute boutiques, including plenty of antique shops. You’ll also find a statue of Dr. James Naismith, the man who invented basketball.

Foodies will an array of incredible places to eat and drink in town. Eating your way through town is one of the top things to do in Almonte! Downtown is home to cute cafes, top notch restaurants, and an adorable tea room.

Minutes from downtown is a collection of businesses, clustered close to each other, that features the best local treats! For chocolate head to Hummingbird Chocolate Maker. If visiting on Saturday, check out their amazing tour and tasting.

Nearby is where you’ll find the healthiest donuts in Ontario – Healthy Food Technologies. Then head across the street to the coolest distillery, Dairy Distillery. They make spirits out of a milk protein!

Almonte is a great place for nature lovers! There are a number of trails located in town and nearby. Plus, don’t forget to check out the Grand Falls.

Distance from Ottawa – 55km

Time to reach destination – 40 minutes

Recommended time spent – Half day

Where to eat – Lunch at Tea & Cake – Dinner at Stirling

Perth

Another great town near Ottawa that’s perfect set along a river is Perth Ontario! An hour drive from the city, Perth is best known for its European vibes and Mammoth Cheese.

With streets lined with stunning heritage buildings and the picturesque Tay River, you’ll find an array of things to do. And there’s something to suit everyone’s interests.

For those looking to explore the history and charm of Perth, there’s a museum and walking tour. If you’re looking for more culture, there are a number of art galleries in town.

In addition to the Mammoth Cheese, one of the top attractions is Code’s Mill. This historic complex is comprised of five different buildings and dates to 1842. Inside you’ll find various sweet shops and a restaurant.

Across the street from Code’s Mill is one of the many great green spaces in Perth, Stewart Park. Grab a coffee from one of the many cute cafes in town and take a wander through the park.

This small town is one of the best day trips from Ottawa by car because of the nearby parks. Murphys Point Provincial Park is a must visit. Nature seekers will love exploring its hiking trails. While history buffs will love a tour into the 1900s Silver Queen Mine.

Distance from Ottawa – 88km

Time to reach destination – 1 hour

Recommended time spent – Full Day

Where to eat – Lunch at Mex & Co. – Dinner at Maximilian Restaurant

Carleton Place

A must addition to any Eastern Ontario road trip is Carleton Place! This small town is a hidden gem of an Ottawa day trip.

Visitors planning a trip out of the city will find a wealth of things to do in Carleton Place. There’s plenty to keep you busy for a full day and more!

Start your visit at one of the many charming coffee shops. Two great options are Foundry and the Good Food Company.  A fun one to pop in for horror movie buffs is Deadly Grounds.

Then head over to the Visitor Centre where you can rent a bicycle to travel around town. In addition to exploring town by bike, cycle to Almonte along the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail. In under two hours you can cycle there and back. It’s a great way to visit two towns near Ottawa in one day.

But there’s plenty to do in downtown Carleton Place! Browse the unique shops that include everything from items created by local artisans to fabulous clothing boutiques.

Throughout downtown are a number of incredible murals too! Plus, if you love art, check out the Carleton Place Gallery. It’s full of stunning pieces of various mediums.

Distance from Ottawa – 55km

Time to reach destination – 40 minutes

Recommended time spent – Full Day

Where to eat – Lunch at Waterfront Gastropub – Dinner at Black Tartan

Merrickville

Nestled along the Rideau River, Merrickville is one of the best day trips from Ottawa! Full of history, this town is home to stunning architecture and fun things to do.

Merrickville is best known as one of Ontario’s art towns, with its wealth of artists that range from glassblowers to painters. One of the best places to take in outstanding pieces is at Gray Art Glass.

Throughout town you’ll find a variety of unique shops too. Many of which feature unique gift ideas including sweet treats like caramels, ice cream, and Merrickville Cookies.

If you’re visiting during the fall, be sure to pop into Wick Witch Apothecary for fun Halloween vibes. However, this candle shop oozes witchy vibes all year round!

History buffs will love exploring the Merrickville’s historic sites! Start at the Merrickville Blockhouse. This National Historic Site of Canada was built for defense in case of another war with the United States. It’s the largest blockhouse on the Rideau Canal. Now housing a museum, visitors can go inside seasonally.

Another historic gem to explore is the ruins that line the Canal. The ruins are what remain of an industrial complex that dates back over 200 years. It included a sawmill, woollen mill and more.

Distance from Ottawa – 78km

Time to reach destination – 55 minutes

Recommended time spent – Half Day

Where to eat – Lunch at Yellow Canoe Cafe – Dinner at The Goose & Gridiron

Westport

Located southwest of Ottawa is the quaint village of Westport. There’s plenty of water surrounding Westport, including Upper Rideau Lake.

The big attraction in Westport is Foley Mountain Conservation Area. Perched above the village, it has the title for the highest conservation area in the Rideau Valley.

The park is home to numerous trails, ponds, wildlife, an interpretive centre, and one of the best lookouts in the area. Spy Rock lookout gives visitors a bird’s eye view of Westport and the surrounding area.

In the downtown of Westport, you’ll find fun gift shops to browse, like Pinecone. There’s also a number of places to eat and drink, including a brewery. Plus, if you’re keen on yummy treats, Westport has a great bakery and ice cream shop.

Other spots to check out include the picturesque harbour and Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery.

History buffs, or those looking to learn more about Westport, will love this walking tour. It includes over 30 historic and notable buildings. Plus, check out the Rideau District Museum for more Westport history.

Distance from Ottawa – 118km

Time to reach destination – 1.5 hours

Recommended time spent – Half day

Where to eat –Tangled Garden Cafe

Bonnecherre Caves

One of the coolest things to do near Ottawa is visit Bonnecherre Caves! Located outside the town of Eganville, the caves are accessed off a back road in Renfrew County.

As one of Ontario’s hidden gems, the Bonnechere Caves is a unique geological site. It’s known as one of the world’s best examples of solution caves. This means the caves were created when acidic waters dissolved solid rock.

Discovered in 1955, the caves are named for their location along the Bonnechere River. The river, where the caves are found, is home to a mighty waterfall called Fourth Chute.

The caves are accessed by an engaging guided tour. Before descending into the caves, a guide shares a bit about their intriguing history. Plus, you’ll see fossils that came from the caves.

This geological wonder is a must-see in the Ottawa Valley! As the tour takes you through the damp and narrow passageways of the caves, you’ll learn about how they were formed, found, and are preserved.

After you leave the caves don’t miss the enchanting trail. The trail leads to a massive sinkhole that leads into the caves.

Travel Tip: Please note that the caves are open seasonally, between the May long weekend through September.

Distance from Ottawa – 125km

Time to reach destination – 1.25 hours

Recommended time spent – 2 to 3 hours

Where to eat – Lunch at Granary Schnitzel House Restaurant in Eganville

Morrisburg

Another one of the best Ottawa day trips is Morrisburg. Located an hour south of Ottawa, Morrisburg is a great destination because its home to a few of the top attractions in Eastern Ontario.

Situated along the St. Lawrence River, the area is well known for the shipwrecks that lie in its riverbed. Take a dive trip into the waters to see these mighty ships.

The most beloved attraction in Morrisburg is Upper Canada Village. Home to over 40 historic buildings, this living history museum depicts rural life in Canada in the mid-1800s, it’s a must visit.

Upper Canada Village is also where you’ll find one of the best holiday light displays in eastern Ontario, Alight at Night Festival. It takes place every December.

Prehistoric World is another popular place to visit. This fun family-friendly attraction is home to full size dinosaur figures. It’s like visiting Jurassic Park in Ontario!

For fans of the theatre, in Morrisburg there’s the Upper Canada Playhouse. In addition to a summer theatre series, the Playhouse hosts concerts and winter holiday family show.

Distance from Ottawa – 79KM

Time to reach destination – 1 Hour

Recommended time spent – Half Day

Where to eat – Orchard Restaurant

Smith Falls

Set along the Rideau Canal, Smith Falls was put on the map when the Canadian Pacific Railway came through town. The population grew quickly thanks to various big-name companies like Hershey’s and Coca Cola.

Nowadays, day trippers will find a variety of things to do in Smith Falls. There’s something to suit everyone’s interests, from hiking to museums.

One of the top attractions in town is the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. Home to over 10,000 artifacts, this sprawling museum also has a variety of interesting railcars. One is a stunning 1880’s CN dining car.

Plus, it’s home to some of Ontario’s unique accommodations. There are three different cabooses that visitors can stay in overnight!

Following the train theme, in the former CPR Railway Station there’s the Station Theatre. Along with live performances, the lobby features a small art gallery with art by local artists.

Smith Falls boasts other cultural sites like Heritage House Museum and the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre.

There are two great trails that are ideal for hikers and cyclers. The Smith Falls Heritage Trail runs along the shoreline of the Rideau River. And north of downtown is the start of the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail.

Distance from Ottawa – 80km

Time to reach destination – 1 hour

Recommended time spent – Half Day

Where to eat – The Lockmaster’s Taphouse

Prescott

Another picturesque small town along the Saint Lawrence River that’s a must visit near Ottawa is Prescott. Rich in cultural and historic attractions, Prescott has plenty to offer visitors.

The best time to visit Prescott is in the summer. It’s when two of the town’s big festivals take place, St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival and Upper Canada Folkfest. Plus, there’s also a summer concert series.

Prescott is also home to two National Historic Sites. There’s Fort Wellington National Historic Site and Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site. At the latter you can climb up the stairs within and take in the awesome views.

Wander downtown Prescott to browse fun shops like Olde Magick and check out the clock tower. Downtown is also where you’ll find the Visitor Centre, which is also the Prescott Museum.

Another spot to explore in town is the riverfront. Stroll the Waterfront Trail that runs along the Saint Lawrence River. And check out the lighthouse and harbour.

Close to the harbour is Prescott’s Shakespeare’s Gardens. The beautiful gardens feature flowers and plants that are in Shakespeare’s plays. It’s much like the one in Stratford Ontario.

Distance from Ottawa – 97km

Time to reach destination – 1 hour

Recommended time spent – Half Day

Where to eat – Katarina’s Coffee Shop

Renfrew

One of the best day trips from Ottawa to combine with Bonncherre Cave is the town of Renfrew.

The town of Renfrew is located along the Bonnechere River and has an attractive downtown. Take a wander along Raglan Street to browse the shops and pop into Ottawa Valley Coffee for a latte and snack.

One of the coolest attractions in town is the Renfrew swinging bridge. First built in 1885, the bridge crosses the mighty Bonnechere River. Incredibly, it’s one of only three swinging bridges in Canada!

The views from the bridge are amazing! One of the sights from the bridge is the McDougall Mill Museum. After you’ve walked across the bridge and back, head over to visit the museum.

McDougall Mill Museum is a seasonal museum. It features three floors showcasing the town and area’s history.

Another popular attraction is the NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum. Did you know that the original NHL, the National Hockey Association (NHA), was founded in Renfrew?

At the small museum you’ll see pieces celebrating the founding of the NHA in Renfrew in 1909 as well as other hockey memorabilia.

Distance from Ottawa – 96km

Time to reach destination – 1 hour

Recommended time spent – Half day

Where to eat – Lunch at Bonnechere Bakery & Bistro

Arnprior

Where the Ottawa River and Madawaska River meet is the charming town of Arnprior. There’s plenty to keep you busy in Arnprior on a day trip from Ottawa.

Downtown Arnprior is full of lovely boutiques like KOTi 28 and antique shops like Treasure Chest. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, there’s also a few bakeries with tasty goodies.

To learn more about the town and its history visit the Arnprior and District Museum. Set in a striking building, it’s home to two floor full of exhibits sharing the story of the town’s lumber industry and more.

Outdoor adventurers will find plenty of fun things to do in Arnprior! Along with a beach and riverside parks, its where the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail becomes the Algonquin Trail.

There are two great places to hike in Arnprior too! One is the Macnamara Nature Trail, which is great for birdwatching and spotting orchids.

On the other side of town is the Gillies Grove Nature Reserve. The park is home to a few short trails and the Gillies Grove and House National Historic Site.

In addition, the nature reserve is one of the last old growth forests in the province with towering white pine trees. One of the trees is the tallest tree in Ontario at 47 metres (154 feet).

Distance from Ottawa – 69km

Time to reach destination – 45 minutes

Recommended time spent – Half day

Where to eat – Krave Bistro

Pakenham

Another cute little town along the Mississippi River that makes a fun and short day trip is Pakenham. Best known for its historic bridge, this village is also home to 2 of the 7 ‘Wonder of Lanark County.’

The Pakenham five span stone bridge is a must see in the area, especially during the fall. With five arches, the bridge is the only one of its kinds in North America.

St. Peter Celestine Church is the other Lanark County wonder in Pakenham. Perched above downtown, it’s a short walk up a hill to see this beauty.

Pakenham is home to a few lovely shops that are worth a visit. Keeper’s Coffee Botanical and Vintage is a magical little shop set in a yellow building close to the bridge. Inside are shelves lined with luscious plants, vintage pieces, and local goods. I recommend grabbing a coffee, made with beans from a local roaster, and a delightful treat.

Another great shop to browse is 1840s General Store & Bakery. And to whet your whistle, head to Cartwright Springs Brewery. Located 5 minutes from downtown, this unique brewery brews beer made with on-site spring fed water.

Plus, if you’re looking for Ottawa day trips in the winter, Pakenham is a solid choice. It’s home to Mount Pakenham Ski Resort that offers beginner runs, snowboarding, tubing, and more.

Distance from Ottawa – 61km

Time to reach destination – 40 minutes

Recommended time spent – 1 to 2 hours

Where to eat – Keeper’s Coffee Botanical and Vintage

Calabogie

If you’re looking for a great day trip for nature lovers then Calabogie is the place to go! Best known for Calabogie Peaks ski resort, its an ideal nature escape any time of year.

One of the most popular times of year to visit Calabogie is winter. Calabogie Peaks ski resort is the tallest in the Ottawa Valley. It’s the perfect place to ski and snowboard near Ottawa. Plus, you can snowshoe the trails and skate on the pond.

I recommend visiting Calabogie during the fall! The four-season ski resort offers chairlift rides to take in the spectacular fall colours.

Calabogie is also home to one of the best Ontario fall hiking trails, Eagles Nest Lookout! There are two ways to hike the trail. One is a short 1.5 km trail leading out to the stunning views. The second is a long 9km loop that connects Manitou Mountain Trail with Eagles Nest Lookout.

In town you’ll find a cute café, Oh-el-la Cafe and Calabogie Brewing Company to refuel at. Plus, for more hiking, or cycling, there’s access to the Kingston and Pembroke Trail. Also known as the K&P Trail, it travels 180km between downtown Kingston and Renfrew.

Distance from Ottawa – 104km

Time to reach destination – 1 hour

Recommended time spent – Half Day

Where to eat – Redneck Bistro

Thousand Islands Region

Between Kingston and Brockville is the Thousand Islands region, which is one of the best Ontario road trips! The area makes for one of the best day trips from Ottawa too!

The region is best known for the over 1800 islands in the St. Lawrence River. Also, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and National Park, it’s a great destination for outdoor adventurers.

Nature lovers will love all the hiking trails that offer scenic views and dreamy boardwalks, like Langon Bay. Paddling among the islands is another fun activity.

One of the top attractions in the Thousand Islands are their diverse variety of cruises. They range from one to five hours, so if you’re on a day trip you can easily squeeze one in.

Other fun things to do in the region include taking in a show at the theatre and seeing the epic views from the 1000 Islands Tower.

A great town in the region to make your main day trip destination is Gananoque. This charming small town is full of places to eat, shops, and numerous historic sites downtown.

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Gananoque to keep you busy on a day trip. There’s everything from museums to murals.

In addition to being a fun day trip by car, the Via Rail makes trips between Ottawa and Gananoque too.

Distance from Ottawa – 165km

Time to reach destination – 1.5 hours

Recommended time spent – Full Day

Where to eat – Lunch at Purple House Café – Dinner at Riva

Kingston

One of the best day trips from Ottawa without a car is Kingston! Both the train and bus are available to travel between Ottawa and Kingston.

Kingston is best known for being home to some of the most haunted places in Ontario. With a rich history, it’s no surprising the ghost stories that come from the city’s historic sites. One of the most popular haunted attractions is Fort Henry National Historic Site.

You can spend a whole day exploring Kingston’s historic sites. Other must visit places include Bellevue House National Historic Site and Fort Frontenac.

If you’re planning on a day trip in October, Kingston is home to some of the best things to do in the fall in Ontario for adults. There are ghost walks and the infamous Pumpkinferno at Kingston Pen.

Also called Limestone City because of its stunning 19th-century buildings, I highly recommend just wandering downtown. You’ll find plenty of fun shops, cute coffee shops like Crave, and incredible architecture.

For those who have visited a few times, there’s a variety of unique things to do in Kingston. There are food tours, unusual art galleries, and so much more.

Kingston is also one of the best Ontario winter getaways for couples. The city is filled with fun winter activities like holiday markets and ice skating. Plus, the magic of the city under a blanket of snow oozes romantic vibes.

Distance from Ottawa – 198 km

Time to reach destination – 2 hours

Recommended time spent – Full Day

Where to eat – Lunch at Juniper Cafe – Dinner at Tango Nuevo

Best Day Trips from Ottawa to Quebec

Thanks to its proximity to the border of Quebec some of the best Ottawa day trips are to destinations in the neighbouring province. You can visit everything from bustling cities to dreamy outdoor destinations.

Montreal

One of the best day trips from Ottawa by train is to Montreal! This dynamic city, is two hours away by Via Rail and has so much to offer day trippers.

Rich with history and culture, one of the coolest attractions in Montreal is free! That’s a climb to the top of Mont Royal to take in the sweeping views of the city.

Montreal is also full of incredible museums! A couple of top ones are the Redpath and Museum of Fine Arts. The city itself is also home to an open-air museum with its copious amounts of street art.

Best known for its Mural Festival, you’ll find murals around every corner. However, the best neighbourhood for street art in Montreal is Plateau Mont Royal.

Another must-do in the city is wander Old Montreal. Filled with streets lined with historic buildings, it’s also home to a few of the best coffee shops in Montreal. Café culture is huge in Montreal.

Also in the heart of old town is Notre Dame Basilica. This striking church has an interior that will wow you! Plus, the basilica is home to a brilliant light show called the Aura that makes the experience even more magical!

Distance from Ottawa – 199km

Time to reach destination – 2.5 hours (2 hours by train)

Recommended time spent – Full Day

Where to eat – Lunch at St-Viateur – Dinner at Le Bird Bar

Gatineau

If you’re looking for easy day trips from Ottawa without a car then Gatineau is the place! Located immediately across the river from Ottawa, Gatineau is easy to visit by bus or on foot.

Gatineau is home to Canada’s most popular museum, the Canadian Museum of History. The museum shares a host of exhibits chronicling the culture and history of Canada. It also features an IMAX theatre and a separate Canadian Children’s Museum.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love a day trip to Gatineau from Ottawa! The city is filled with incredible parks like Jacques-Cartier Park. Running along the Ottawa River, this park has trails along the water and is home to various events throughout the year.

A top highlight in Gatineau is Gatineau Park. This sprawling park has plenty to keep you busy exploring for the whole day.

Some of the popular features of Gatineau Park include caves, waterfalls, and the Mackenzie King Estate. It’s also filled with incredible trails, many leading to awesome lookouts.

Distance from Ottawa – Right across the Ottawa River

Time to reach destination – minutes

Recommended time spent – Full day

Where to eat – Le Troquet & Clandestin

Mont Tremblant

Known as one of the best Quebec road trips, Mont Tremblant is a popular destination in the winter. So, if you’re looking for day trips from Ottawa in winter, this is the place to go.

Mont Tremblant is set within the scenic Laurentian Mountains. The ski resort is buzzing when the snow flies but is a four-season destination.

Located on the shores of Lake Tremblant, Mont Tremblant Ski Resort features a charming pedestrian village at its base. It’s home to various restaurants and shops.

For those visiting in the summer, there’s a beautiful lakefront beach in the village. Also along the shores is a lovely boardwalk to stroll.

Other fun things to do include hiking and the Skyline Luge. The Skyline Luge is a fun family friendly activity where you speed down the mountain in single person go-kart-like vehicles.

I think the best time to take a day trip to Mont Tremblant is in the fall! The area is surrounded by brilliant autumn colours. Plus, taking the panoramic gondola, from the village to the peak, offers sweeping vistas of the fall foliage from the cable car.

Distance from Ottawa – 164km

Time to reach destination – 2 hours

Recommended time spent – Full Day

Where to eat – Lunch at La Maison de la Crêpe – Dinner at Le P’tit Caribou

Tips for Planning a Day Trip from Ottawa

There are a few things to consider when planning a day trip. Some of these tips depend on transportation, like if you are travelling by car or train.

• Check for hours of operation. Not everything, especially in small towns is open every day.
• Pack a cooler. If you are travelling by car, pack a cooler to safely bring back food treats.
• Pack for weather. There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
• Allow for travel time. This is a must, especially when day tripping by public transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ottawa Day Trips

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