From vibrant cities to some bucket list destinations, here are some incredible road trips from Ottawa you need to do at least once. Whether you’re looking for a road trip nearby or something longer, here are some incredible destinations you can visit:
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1 Hour Roadtrips From Ottawa
Montbello
Montebello is the perfect spot to head to relax and enjoy nature nearby! Here are some posts to guide your visit:
- Luxurious stay in the world’s largest round log cabin
- Glamp in nature
- Chutes de Plaisance Waterfall
- Meet Canadian wildlife with this unique experience
2 hour Road Trips from Ottawa
Montreal
Montreal is one of the best road trips near Ottawa. This city is full of vibrant neighbourhoods, an amazing food scene and there are always a few festivals to stumble upon. Use this blog post to guide your visit to Montreal.
@juliaxweber What are your favourite things to do in #Montreal? 🥰 #Quebec #QuebecTravel #Canada #CanadaTravel #Explore #CanadaRoadtrip @Best Western® #Partner ♬ Sunny Day – Ted Fresco
Laval
Neighbours with Montreal, Laval is the perfect addition to your Montreal road trip or can be a standalone trip. Laval is full of unique experiences like indoor skydiving or mesmerizing flower farms. Check out my Laval guide for everything you can’t miss on your town trip.
1000 Islands
If you’re looking for a water escape, look no further than 1000 Islands. This water playground has some great swim spots, lookouts, cruises, an alpaca farm and more. Check out my full 1000 Islands guide here before visiting.
Check out these day trips in Ontario and day trips in Quebec that could easily be turned into a longer visit.
Mont Tremblant
Many visit Mont Tremblant for the slopes in winter but there are plenty of incredible activities to enjoy here year round. Check out this guide that has ideas for all year long.
3 Hour Roadtrips from Ottawa
Quebec Authentique
Known as Quebec Authentique, the regions of Lanaudiere and Mauricie provide so much natural beauty, adventure, unique accommodation and city life. You’ll find the regions between Montreal and Quebec City, making it the perfect add-on or good as a trip itself. I have a guide for your visit here, including glamping, spas, waterfalls, luxury accommodation and more.
Algonquin Park, 3 hours from Ottawa
If you are looking to escape into nature, you need to visit Algonquin Park. This Ontario Park is full of amazing lookouts and wildlife. Whether you want to canoe through a canyon or tackle some epic hikes, here are two of my favourite campgrounds to check out:
Prince Edward County
If you’re craving a visit to wine country, you need to visit Prince Edward County. There are lots of incredible wineries to visit by bike, limo, fancy car or you can do self-guided. Make sure to add on a visit to Sandbanks Provincial Park while you’re there.
4 Hour Roadtrips from Ottawa
Quebec City
Fall in love with the beautiful city of Quebec City. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Europe with its charming cobblestone streets. Wander Old Quebec City and make sure to save some time on your trip to visit Île d’Orléans and Montmorency Falls. Check out my winter guide to Quebec Cite, which also has photo locations and restaurants you can visit all year long.
This is a great destination to add to your visit to Montreal.
Toronto
There is so much to do in Toronto I feel like each road trip here has been completely different. Whether you want to explore a specific neighbourhood, dive into the diverse food scene or go for a special event. There’s always so much happening in the city. I always love visiting Distillery District and going to a new spot for brunch. Here are some restaurants to check out while you’re visiting:
Vermont
This is one of my favourite United States road trips from Ottawa. Only 4 hours from Ottawa, Vermont is an incredible spot for a road trip whether you want to swim at the base of waterfalls in summer, admire the fall foliage in autumn or hit the slopes in winter.
Check out posts on my sister blog, Spirit of a Traveller:
- Guide to Burlington, Vermont: Mountains, City, Water Adventures
- Guide to Stowe, Vermont: Picturesque towns and mountain adventures
Burlington, Vermont is the perfect city for a mix of water, mountains and city life. Check out the guide below for everything you need to do in the city. Best time to visit would be summer but you can have an amazing time in any season.
Stowe, Vermont, is where you’ll get those postcard photos of Vermont. It has amazing ski hills and is an incredible spot for fall colours as you drive through the mountains. I have a full guide to Stowe, Vermont, below.
Adirondack Mountains
Be immersed in mountain landscapes just a quick road trip from Ottawa. The Adirondack Mountains are a perfect spot for both adventure and relaxing. I’m due for a visit back here, but even as a kid, I loved the views and the activities this region offered. Lake George or Lake Placid are great home bases for your trip. This is a popular fall destination to see vibrant displays of colour.
Most Ontario’s call them Muskoka chairs but I call them Adirondack chairs from all the road trips here from Ottawa as a kid. Anyone else?
5 hour Road Trips from Ottawa
Niagara Falls
You’ll be blown away by the natural world wonder of Niagara Falls. I’ll be honest, the town of Niagara Falls felt very touristy BUT use this guide for hidden gems and more incredible sights to make your trip to Niagara Falls incredible.
Stratford
Stratford is a beautiful town that has a strong influence of Shakespeare. This is a great spot to visit to enjoy the arts scene, beautiful parks and shops and restaurants. Check the Instagram post below for ideas while you’re there. This would be a great addition to your Toronto road trip.
Elora
This charming village has been called Ontario’s prettiest! As soon as you see the charming buildings, you’ll know why. I visited in winter, and I loved seeing all the Christmas lights illuminate the town. From enjoying the local shops and restaurants, gorge views or the luxurious Elora Spa & Mill, this spot needs to be on your Ontario bucket list. I have a guide of things you can’t miss in the Instagram caption below.
6 Hour Road Trips from Ottawa
Charlevoix
Charlevoix is a beautiful region of Quebec that was shaped by a meteorite that hit millions of years ago. Today you can enjoy cute towns nestled between mountains and the St. Lawrence River. Charlevoix has the perfect dose of adventure and foodie finds. Check out my full guide to Charlevoix here. Go in summer for beach town vibes and whale-watching, fall for magnificent colours and winter for snowy mountain views and cozy restaurants.
7 Hour Road Trips from Ottawa
Boston
I visited Boston in the fall a few years ago and loved it. Boston is a beautiful city with lots of history. We stayed in a central location and walked most places. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Here’s my guide to everything you need to do while visiting Boston.
New York
From beautiful upstate New York to New York City, there’s plenty to enjoy in New York. If you’re visiting New York City at Christmas you need to check out this guide.
Longer Roadtrips from Ottawa
East Coast Roadtrips from Ottawa
7 Day Roadtrip Through Quebec
I did this road trip through Quebec a few years ago and it was such an amazing opportunity to see more of this beautiful province. From vibrant cities to whale watching, there is such a unique mix of things you can enjoy. Use this itinerary to guide your visit. Have longer? Add on Gaspesie below.
Gaspesie
Drive the 132 in Gaspesie and take in the view of the rolling hills. Make sure to leave lots of time to stop in towns like Gaspé and Percé to see the local attractions from the famous Percé rock to Forillon National Park to hidden waterfalls and unique lighthouses. I loved road tripping through Gaspesie. We visited in Fall and had an amazing time but if you visit in Summer you’ll be able to enjoy the water more!
Saint John’s, New Brunswick
Saint John’s has an amazing food scene, their unique Moonlight Bazaar (can’t be missed) and the Bay of Fundy. Fly in or add Saint John’s to your east coast itinerary. I have a full guide for your visit here.
Fredericton, New Brunswick
This fun town has plenty to do from bike-ride brewery hops, cool markets, secret lagoons and more. Stay at Atlantic Canada’s only resort and catch epic sunsets with a cocktail. here’s my full guide to Fredericton here. You could also visit for a weekend getaway with a direct flight instead of driving.
Prince Edward Island
From red sand beaches to the stunning coastline, Prince Edward needs to be on your Canadian road trip bucket list. Take a few days to drive around the whole island or go at a leisurely pace in one of the areas. Some things you can’t miss on your trip:
- Stay Overnight in a Lighthouse
- Explore the vibrant town of Charlottetown, perfect home base for your trip
Cape Breton
Cape Breton is such a unique part of Canada. Enjoy mountain views and seaside views in the same day on the world-famous Cabot Trail. This destination needs to be on your Canadian bucketlist. Summer is an amazing time to soak up the beaches and Fall is a wonderful time to admire the autumn colours. Use my guide to Cape Breton for everything you need to do while you visit.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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After reading your blog, we are now going to Almonte and Carleton place. We also see another town called Perth. Have you been?
Author
Amazing! So happy to hear that. Definitely recommend visiting Perth too. So many wonderful things to see and do there. Check out this guide before going and have fun 🙂 https://www.littlemissottawa.com/best-things-to-do-in-perth-ontario/