If great restaurants, food shops, wineries, farms, bakeries and craft breweries are the places that inspire you to hop in the car for a day trip or weekend getaway from Ottawa, here are all sorts of possible destinations for your next road trip.
Most of these gourmet getaways are in Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais, and you can get to all of them from downtown Ottawa within four hours or less (OK, there’s one slight cheat in the list). All driving distances are measured from Parliament Hill.
Right off the top, I’ll confess that I’m far from a food writer, so this list is an eclectic mix of gourmet restaurants, greasy spoons, food and kitchenware shops, bakeries, delis, craft breweries, cheese shops, cooking schools, wineries—just about anything that has captured my attention, really. Second, I’ll be adding to this post as time goes on, so what you see today isn’t the last word. Finally, please check the links before heading out, as many restaurants and shops continue to struggle with staffing problems, so opening hours and days might be more limited than they were in the past.
Almonte
I could probably spend the better part of a week eating my way around Almonte. Then, of course, I’d need to work it off by kayaking the Mississippi River or hiking the trails at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area (not that those would be bad things).
Among my favourite Almonte spots are the Mill Street Crepe Company (I’m partial to the maple ham and Boursin creoes), Café Postino for Italian food (don’t miss the bruschetta), Hummingbird Chocolate for award-winning bars, Pêches & Poivre for Canadian cheeses and an excellent selection of packaged foods, and Don’s Meat Market (try the skewers).
Long-time readers will know that I’m not a coffee drinker, so I’m relying on many recommendations from friends and readers to point you to the organic java at Equator Coffee Roasters. (I can vouch for the café’s tea and yummy baked goods.) For something completely different, Dairy Distillery‘s Vodkow—vodka made from milk permeate, sugar left over when milk is processed—is smooth, slightly sweet and delish.
Want to learn more? Check out my post, “10 things you didn’t know about Almonte.”
Distance from Ottawa to Almonte: 53 kilometres
Arnprior, White Lake and Burnstown
This Ottawa Valley town is brimming with bakeries—including Sweet & Sassy Co. and Mighty Fine Bakehouse—as well as a gastropub (Lumbertown Ale House) and a booming gourmet food store (Bee Savvy). A short scenic drive from Arnprior will take you to spots in two nearby villages worth visiting: The Kitchen at White Lake for take-home dishes, and the BlackBird Café (homespun charm and huge portions) and Neat Coffee House (live music and a pretty patio) in picturesque Burnstown. For lots more detail about things to see and do in the area, see my post “Why you need to visit Arnprior.”
Distance from Ottawa to Arnprior: 66 kilometres.
Brockville
There are lots of good restaurants in Brockville—The Noshery and the Buell Street Bistro are just two that come to mind—but for some reason, when I think of the St. Lawrence River city, my mind immediately drifts to baked goodies and other treats. Cosies is an adorable British-style tea shop, and the salted caramel fudge at O’Mally Kourt Fudgery is to die for. Looking for wonderful fish and chips (i.e., light and crispy, not heavy and greasy)? Head to Manoll’s or Don’s.
Learn more about the 1000 Islands city in my post, “10 things you didn’t know about Brockville.”
Distance from Ottawa to Brockville: 115 kilometres.
Carleton Place
One of the best dishes I’ve tried anywhere in Eastern Ontario is the beef carpaccio at Black Tartan Kitchen—and I say this as someone who isn’t normally a big fan of tartares, ceviches and so on. Truly, it is tender, sweet and so good (and anything else I’ve ever tried at the restaurant has been great, too). Some of my other go-to spots in CP include the Good Food Company for baked goodies and sandwiches, and Stalwart Brewing Company for craft beer (try the peachy Big Papa).
Learn more about Carleton Place in my post, “10 things you didn’t know about Carleton Place.”
Distance from Ottawa to Carleton Place: 53 kilometres.
Chelsea
Many people come to Chelsea for one of two reasons: to explore Gatineau Park or to unwind in the Scandinavian-style baths at Nordik Spa-Nature. Those are both eminently good reasons to visit, but don’t miss the food while you’re here! My faves include the enormous-but-delicious ice cream sandwiches at La Cigale; the pizzas, pastries and breakfast panini at Biscotti & Cie; and the burgers and beers at the Chelsea Pub (try to snag a table on the tree-shaded patio in the summer). Celebrating a special occasion? Splurge at lovely, secluded L’Orée du Bois.
For more tips on fun in Chelsea, see Katharine Fletcher’s post, “Chelsea, Quebec: Hiking, bistros, shopping and more.”
Distance from Ottawa to Chelsea: 22 kilometres.
Cobden
Don’t pass through Cobden without popping into the Whitewater Brewing Company to try a flight of craft beers and some tasty seasonal food, much of it made with local ingredients. Pub classics like burgers and mac ‘n’ cheese are usually on the ever-changing menu, along with a few surprises (falafel burgers or ginger-miso chicken noodles, anyone?).
To get your sweets fix, head to The Scoop Ice Cream and The Little Coffee Shop, twin businesses serving up Kawartha Dairy ice cream and baked treats like gooey cinnamon rolls, respectively.
Distance from Ottawa to Cobden: 116 kilometres.
The Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York is closer to us than many Ottawans think, and it’s packed with spots for food lovers.
A great place to start is New York Kitchen in Canandaigua, where you can take cooking and beverage-pairing classes, or sample New York wines in the tasting room. In Trumansburg, the Atlas Bowl is the place to enjoy clever twists on pub classics and a big beer and wine list while also getting in a few frames of bowling. In the Ithaca area, you can take a fascinating foraging hike with Sarah Kelsen of Wild FLX. The region is home to dozens of wineries, which you can research with this handy guide from Finger Lakes Tourism.
Distance from Ottawa to Ithaca: 403 kilometres (so slightly further than a four-hour drive).
Gananoque
With the 2021 addition of Lighthouse Provisions, the already good food scene in Gananoque became even better. Owner Shannon Treanor, who once owned a Gananoque café called the Socialist Pig (one of the best coffee-shop names ever), launched the sleek grocery and takeout spot in late June 2021. You can shop for meats, cheeses, locally made hot sauces, Italian pasta, fresh focaccia and so on, or get a fresh deli sandwich and some baked goods from the takeout counter to enjoy in Confederation Park, directly across the street.
Other goodies worth checking out in “the Gan” include the Naughty Otter lager at the Gananoque Brewing Company (right next door to Lighthouse), and Italian specialties and great salads at Riva Restaurant (housed in an eye-catching, early 19th-century mansion with a great patio).
Looking for more travel tips for Gananoque? Check out this post, “11 great reasons to get away to Gananoque and Chaffeys Locks.”
Distance from Ottawa to Gananoque: 166 kilometres.
Kingston
The Limestone City has lots of great food spots worth checking out so, again, I’m only focusing on some highlights here. Hands down, my top recommendation is Tango Nuevo for fabulous tapas and a lively atmosphere. Nearby Olivea is a lovely spot for Italian fare (OMG, don’t miss the truffled fries with parmesan). If bread’s your game, the sunny, usually packed Pan Chancho Bakery is worth a stop. And did you know that Kingston is home to Ontario’s oldest farmers’ market, dating to 1801? Check out the Kingston Public Market in Springer Market Square from April through November (currently open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays).
For much more information about the city, see my extensive guide to Kingston.
Distance from Ottawa to Kingston: 196 kilometres.
Merrickville
This super-cute village on the Rideau Canal is home to several great stops for food lovers. I’ll highlight two: Mrs. McGarrigle’s for the shop’s famous mustards, as well as cookware, dishes, cheeses, packaged foods, cooking classes and take-home meals; and the Yellow Canoe Café, where you can enjoy sandwiches, soups and all kinds of baked goodies indoors or on the pretty patio (or get a picnic box to go).
Looking for more inspiration? See “10 things you didn’t know about Merrickville.”
Distance from Ottawa to Merrickville: 83 kilometres.
Montebello
Probably the best-known foodie destination in Montebello is Aux Chantignoles, the posh (and excellent) restaurant at the Fairmont Le Château Montebello hotel. With its view of the Ottawa River, elegant dishes and impeccable service, it’s definitely worth a stop. But if you’re looking for something more casual, drop by Les Brasseurs de Montebello for craft beers named for local places and stories, or the Zouk for laid-back pub fare (there’s a lovely deck out back). Swing by La Fromagerie Montebello for some local cheeses (try the Tête à Papineau), and learn about the history of chocolate making at the ChocoMotive econo-museum (the hot chocolate here is some of the best in the region, IMHO).
For more Montebello ideas, see Jane Finn’s post, “Food, nature and history at Montebello.“
Distance from Ottawa to Montebello: 83 kilometres.
Montreal
Seriously, do you think I’m going to even attempt to cover a fraction of all the gourmet delights available in Montreal? Not a chance! I’m just going to point out some of my go-to stops: the Jean Talon Market (and the nearby le Marché des Saveurs du Québec shop, filled with often-quirky Quebec food products); arch rivals St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel (and, no, I’m not going to choose—they’re both great purveyors of wood-fired carby goodness); La Fromagerie Atwater, brimming with hundreds of cheeses (including many hard-to-find Quebec varieties); and the chocolatines and other baked goodies at Mamie Clafoutis (note that you don’t have to go all the way to Montreal for these, as the chain has a Westboro branch in Ottawa).
P.S.: For scenic cocktails in summer, head to the Canal Lounge, a bar on a boat moored on the Lachine Canal near the Atwater Market.
Distance from Ottawa to downtown Montreal: 199 kilometres.
Pembroke
Many of the people who came to this area of the Ottawa Valley in the 19th and 20th centuries hailed from central or eastern Europe. As a result, Pembroke is a wonderful place for delis and bakeries! My top recommendations are Ulrich’s Fine Foods for cured meats, cheeses and condiments galore, and Schmecken Bakery for squares, soups, salads and sandwiches. Pick up something cold to go with all that bounty at Square Timber Brewing Company. Or leave the cooking to others with a delicious meal at The Nook Creperie.
Distance from Ottawa to Pembroke: 147 kilometres.
Perth
Like Almonte, Perth could keep food lovers occupied for days, so I’ll just point out a few yummy stops: The Stone Cellar for fine fare from a TV-show-winning chef, and the Perth Pie Company and Perth Chocolate Works for sweets. Mex & Co. serves Tex-Mex fare on one of the prettiest patios in Perth, overlooking the Tay Canal. In summer, the Lanark County town also hosts the popular Perth Lions Garlic Festival.
I have many more ideas in these two posts: “A road trip to the Perth Pie Company for Pi Day pie” and “Things to do in Perth—a great day trip destination.”
Distance from Ottawa to Perth: 86 kilometres.
Renfrew
Renfrew is a great base for all sorts of outdoor adventures, from hiking and cycling to paddling and cross-country skiing. If you work up an appetite, you’re in luck. Pop into the Bonnechere Bakery and Bistro for fabulous cupcakes, sandwiches and more, Rocky Mountain House for schnitzel, steaks and spätzle, or Odi’s Kingburger for burgers, fries and shakes.
Distance from Ottawa to Renfrew: 95 kilometres.
Vankleek Hill
Yes, another ice cream recommendation! A cone from Broken Kettle Bakery and Barkery is just the thing on a hot day. The small, friendly shop offers muffins, wraps, coffee from local roasteries and more, too. Vankleek Hill is also home to a year-round farmers’ market, as well as the deservedly popular Beau’s All-Natural Brewing Company.
For much more information on things to see and do in and around the town, see “Day tripping from Ottawa to Vankleek Hill.”
Distance from Ottawa to Vankleek Hill: 99 kilometres.
Wakefield
Like Chelsea, postcard-pretty Wakefield is a popular jumping-off spot for trips into Gatineau Park. Fuel up for your explorations with baked goodies from Pipolinka Bakery, Pâtisserie La Toque or the Wakefield Bakery (seriously, how does a place so small have so many bakeries?); dishes from around the world at Le Hibou; or French and Indigenous-inspired fare at Nikosi Bistro-Pub. At the Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa, you can splurge on the tasting menu at the Muse Restaurant or sip vintages over more casual dishes at the Heron Wine Bar.
And (surprise, surprise), here are “10 things you didn’t know about Wakefield.“
Distance from Ottawa to Wakefield: 35 kilometres.
Westport
Deep in the heart of Rideau Lakes cottage country, Westport has lots to offer food fans. I love rummaging around Rosie Yumski’s Fine Foods, a super-cute kitchenware and food shop. Arrive early to snag a table on the patio overlooking the harbour at the Westport Brewing Company, where you can drink craft brews with your chili, soup or sandwich. If chardonnay is more your style, head to Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery for wine, pizza and hot-off-the-grill specialties.
Want to stay overnight in the area? Check out my review of Pine Brae Wilderness Escape, a two-cabin eco-resort about a half hour’s drive away.
Distance from Ottawa to Westport: 116 kilometres.
How about food trails, farmers’ markets, cafés or cheese shops?
If you’d like to explore multiple towns while pursuing a favourite food or drink—say, beer or butter tarts—I have a post about food and beverage trails in Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais and beyond. If you want to focus just on cheese, check out this cheese shops post. Java lovers can read about five pretty coffee shops you must visit. And if farmers’ markets are your thing, don’t miss my list of 35+ nearby farmers’ markets.
Looking for more tips on things to see and do in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais and beyond? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or buy my guidebook, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100km Getaway Guide.
As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.