Let me clear something up right away: I’m not the biggest fan of the expressions “girls’ getaways,” “girlfriends’ weekends” and the like. Anyone over 18 shouldn’t be called a “girl,” in my humble opinion. Also, the terms seem to be inextricably linked to images of women lounging in hot tubs or painting each other’s toenails while drinking wine—not that there’s anything wrong with any of those things, generally, but there’s so much more to the fun a group of women can get up to when they take a road trip with friends.
However, I can’t say that I’m not a slave to SEO (search-engine optimization), just like most other bloggers. It’s no good writing a post drenched in my preachy feminist principles if no one can find it. Am I right? So girlfriends’ getaways from Ottawa it is.
I promise you that I’ll have ideas for women’s weekends that range from stereotypical (think cooking classes, shopping and spas) to unexpected (blacksmithing or bungee jumping, anyone?).
And, seriously, these would be fun weekend getaways from Ottawa for any small group—it doesn’t have to be an all-female vacation!
For each destination, I’ll also suggest restaurants and places to stay—because, no matter what you do during the day, you still need to eat and sleep. (Note: When booking and staying in accommodations, please follow all restrictions regarding social distancing and bubbles. Also, to avoid disappointment, check with your chosen property to make sure that amenities such as onsite pools and restaurants are currently open.)
Disclosure: I’ve experienced some of the following accommodations, restaurants and activities for free, for review purposes; none of the companies have reviewed or approved this post. If you book a place to stay using any of the maps or accommodations links in this post, I’ll receive a small commission, which will help to support this site. And you’ll receive my thanks!
And remember, when you set off on your adventures: What happens in Merrickville stays in Merrickville. I won’t judge.
Speaking of Merrickville…
Merrickville, Ontario: Rideau Canal gem
Distance from Ottawa to Merrickville: 77 kilometres
Great for: Shoppers, paddlers
Merrickville in a nutshell: If you like cute villages, Merrickville is your spot, with its limestone buildings, blooming flower boxes and scenic Rideau Canal location (perfect for kayaking and canoeing). St. Lawrence Street and adjacent side streets are packed with independent boutiques selling everything from mustard to blown glass. For more about the village, check out Merrickville: A must-visit artsy village and 10 things you didn’t know about Merrickville.
Eat: Try the Goose & Gridiron for casual pub fare.
Stay: The 1840 Guest House B&B has three queen rooms with private bath, as well as two one-bed suites with kitchenettes, along with a pool, wi-fi, and a wine and whisky bar. You can book it and other Merrickville accommodations using the map below.
Wakefield, Quebec: Fresh-air escape
Distance from Ottawa to Wakefield: 35 kilometres
Great for: BFFs who like adventure…and their creature comforts
Wakefield in a nutshell: On the edge of Gatineau Park, Wakefield is a magnet for outdoorsy types—even though it’s just a half-hour drive from downtown Ottawa. Make like a yo-yo at Great Canadian Bungee, the country’s highest bungee jump. Hit the slopes at at Mont Cascades or Ski Vorlage. Paddle the Gatineau River or any number of lakes in Gatineau Park. And when you’re good and tired, head into town for some live music at the legendary Black Sheep Inn. P.S.: For more ideas, see my complete guide to Wakefield.
Eat: For reasons I’ve never quite figured out, Wakefield must have one of the highest bakery-to-population ratios in the region, including the lovely Pipolinka Bakery. If you don’t consider a girlfriends’ weekend to be complete without sweets, try the fudge, candy and chocolates at La Confiserie Wakefield. For something more substantial, Le Hibou serves a wide range of world cuisine, which you can enjoy on a large patio with a view of the Gatineau River.
Stay: Need to ease those aching muscles after all that kayaking, hiking and bungee jumping? A massage at the Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa might be just the ticket. Along with a spa, the hotel has a wine bar, a posh restaurant and a view of Maclaren Falls. Check the map below for other accommodations in Wakefield.
Prince Edward County, Ontario: Chic and cheerful
Distance from Ottawa to Picton: 271 kilometres
Great for: Home chefs and wine fans
Picton in a nutshell: Picton is the hub of Prince Edward County—often known as PEC or simply “the County”—an almost-island connected by a narrow strip of land to Belleville and the north shore of Lake Ontario. The town of about 4,700 people has just about everything you need for a weekend getaway: restaurants, shops, inns, gas stations and so on. Beyond Picton, PEC is home to a smattering of postcard-pretty villages, several beaches, Sandbanks Provincial Park, countless farms and more than 35 wineries. And if your BFFs are travelling from the Toronto area, the County is almost exactly halfway between Ottawa and the GTA. Bring your coolers, cameras and bathing suits.
Eat: The possibilities are endless! Try East and Main Bistro in Wellington for classics like jambalaya and steak frites; the restaurant at Huff Estates in Bloomfield for wood-fired pizza on a covered terrace overlooking the vineyard; Fifth Town Artisan Cheese near Picton for cow’s- and goat’s-milk goodies; and Slickers in Picton and Bloomfield for delish ice cream. The Prince Edward County Winegrowers’ Association has a searchable database of the County’s wineries.
Stay: On Picton’s western edge, the Waring House offers rooms in a wide range of configurations, as well as a fine-dining restaurant, a pub and a cooking school. Also in Picton, the June Motel is an updated, Instagrammable hipster haven. On a quiet rural road near Milford, the gorgeous Jackson’s Falls Country Inn has several guest rooms , along with two self-contained apartments that each sleep up to four. Travellers seeking sleek big-city style often gravitate to the Drake Devonshire in Wellington, with its chic restaurant and private beach. Check the map below for these and other accommodations in Prince Edward County.
Pembroke, Ontario: Ottawa Valley adventures
Distance from Ottawa to Pembroke: 147 kilometres
Great for: Paddlers and hikers
Pembroke in a nutshell: If you want to get outdoors in the Upper Ottawa Valley, laid-back and friendly Pembroke makes a great base. Whitewater rafting companies in Beachburg and Foresters Falls are within an hour’s drive, and canoeing and kayaking at Bonnechere Provincial Park are even closer (about 35 minutes). The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association has a detailed guide to paddling throughout the region, as well as tips on walking and hiking trails in Pembroke, Petawawa and beyond.
Eat: Pack a killer picnic with meats, cheeses and condiments from Ullrich’s, or sandwiches and desserts from Schmecken Bakery. Refresh yourself with a beer or two from Square Timber Brewing Company.
Stay: To unwind in a sauna or indoor pool after your exertions, try the Best Western Pembroke Inn & Conference Centre. The pretty Grey Gables Inn, housed in a grand 1913 mansion replete with panelling and antiques, has both individual guest rooms and several self-contained apartments (the latter have kitchen facilities). Check the map below for more accommodations in Pembroke.
Brockville, Ontario: Get in touch with the river
Distance from Ottawa to Brockville: 115 kilometres
Great for: History buffs, river lovers
Brockville in a nutshell: If you’re fascinated by history, this city on the St. Lawrence River boasts Canada’s oldest railway tunnel (now home to a cool sound-and-light show), a mansion built by a patent-medicine magnate and a good local history museum. (Brockville was also the site of one of Canada’s most notorious bank robberies, back in the 1950s.) If exploring the river intrigues you, check out the Aquatarium—an interactive river museum—take a cruise through the 1000 Islands or dive among the river’s shipwrecks. You can learn all about this and more in my post, 10 things you didn’t know about Brockville.
Get there: No car? No worries. Currently, VIA Rail provides multiple connections daily between Ottawa and Brockville.
Eat: Try Cosies for a girly afternoon tea, or the Mill Restaurant for classics like rack of lamb. I recently had a reader recommend getting takeout from Don’s Fish and Chips and eating it by the river; sounds like a great idea. (I’m also fond of the fish and chips at Manoll’s.)
Stay: Travelling with a small group? Try to snag the second-floor Senator Suite at the Noble Suites. With two bedrooms and a pull-out couch, a full kitchen, a private balcony, a washer and dryer, and a big dining room table, this 167-square-metre (1,800 square foot) apartment offers ample space for six (if you don’t mind sharing a big bed) and a prime downtown location.
If you’d like to relax while someone else makes you a bountiful breakfast, you’ll likely love the Sir Isaac Brock B&B Luxury Suites. As the antiques-laden B&B has just two guest rooms (one king and one queen), each with its own charming sitting area, your little group could have the place to yourselves. This 1824 mansion is also very close to downtown.
Check out the map below for these and other places to stay in Brockville.
Perth, Ontario: Shopping and spa treatments
Distance from Ottawa to Perth: 86 kilometres
Great for: Classic girls’ weekend fun
Perth in a nutshell: So far, I’ve had lots of suggestions for best-friend weekends that are a bit beyond the stereotype. Now, I’m going to give you the archetypal girls’ getaway destination: photogenic, genteel, just-around-the-corner Perth. You can shop ’til you drop—try Studio 87 (87 Gore Street East) and Riverguild Fine Crafts for art, Strévé for locally designed clothes, Lavender and Lace for lingerie and jewellery, or Flint and Honey for candles, beauty products and fashion. For more ideas, see Perth, Ontario: A great day trip destination.
Eat: I’m not a coffee drinker, but I just love the atmosphere at Coutts Coffee Roastery & Cafe, housed in an old stone building near the river. (You can get tea, sodas, hot chocolate and other drinks, too.) For burgers, sandwiches, ribs and pasta, try popular Michael’s Table. Many (I’m one of them) feel no girls’ getaway is complete without chocolate; those folks should drop by Perth Chocolate Works for bonbons crafted from Belgian chocolate. And Top Shelf Distillers can provide locally made vodka, gin, whisky, bitters and even moonshine to power your late-night gabfests.
Stay: Seeking manicures, massages and accommodation all under one roof? Try the Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn and Spa (wow, that’s a mouthful), where you’ll find super-friendly staff and a great location overlooking Stewart Park and the Tay River. For other accommodations in Perth, see the map below.
Eastern Townships, Quebec: Like Vermont, but bilingual
Distance from Ottawa to Bromont: 281 kilometres
Distance from Ottawa to Mont Megantic National Park: 427 kilometres
Great for: Sporty types and spa fans
The Eastern Townships in a nutshell: This hilly (some would say mountainous) region southeast of Montreal is huge, so I’m not going to even try to sum it up in a paragraph; you could easily spend a week here! Highlights include shopping and noshing in the super-cute lakefront village of North Hatley, learning about the stars at the observatory at Mont Megantic National Park and kicking back at the Balnea spa in Bromont-sur-le-Lac. Trying the Circuit de l’Abbaye, a roughly 150km self-guided walking route, is on my wish list. And if skiing is your thing (it’s not mine, alas), Bromont and Orford are noted ski towns. For more inspiration, see my imaginatively titled 7 cool reasons to visit Quebec’s Eastern Townships and 5 more reasons to visit the Eastern Townships.
Eat: Check out the network of Cafés du village (Village Cafés)—independent eateries across the region that focus on local flavours and provide tourist tips.
Stay: You can book cabins that sleep up to four at Mont Megantic National Park (try the Exp cabins, which are equipped with creature comforts such as microwaves, refrigerators and hot water). Looking for something a little less rustic? Espace 4 Saisons in Orford has an upscale bistro, a casual burger pub, a spa, and suites that sleep up to four. The Château Bromont complex in Bromont includes both a hotel and a holiday condo complex (condos sleep up to six people); guests at both have access to the Amerispa with Turkish bath, a golf course and more. For more accommodations in the Eastern Townships, see the map below.
Cornwall, Ontario: Grab your bike helmet
Distance from Ottawa to Cornwall: 103 kilometres
Great for: Cyclists
Cornwall in a nutshell: In recent years, this one-time industrial city on the St. Lawrence River has been busily reinventing itself as a cycling destination. As well as 75 kilometres of bike paths and bike lanes within the city, Cornwall is also a popular stop on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, a web of bike routes stretching over 3,000 kilometres throughout much of Ontario. The 40-kilometre off-road route from Cornwall to Upper Canada Village takes you past the scenic Long Sault Parkway and through the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, among other highlights. Don’t want to bring your bike? The city will rent you one at Marina 200. Want a guided trip? See my review of Escape Tours & Rentals new Cornwall cycling tours.
Eat: Fuel up with coffee, soups and sandwiches at Stomping Grounds Bistro and Cafe, housed in a heritage mill complex. After a day of pedalling, kick back with a frosty beer from Rurban Brewing and/or an inventive pizza from ESCA Gourmet Pizza + Bar.
Stay: Bike-friendly Chesley’s Inn, housed in an 1814 mansion, is just a block north of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail as it passes through nearby Lamoureux Park. You can make friends with the resident Scottie dog, Hamish. And the breakfasts will give you the energy for hours of riding! If you’re looking for a larger hotel, try the Ramada by Wyndham Cornwall or the Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre. For more Cornwall accommodations, check the map below.
Chelsea, Quebec: Ice cream and thermal baths
Distance from Ottawa to Chelsea: 22 kilometres
Great for: Spa and park buffs
Chelsea in a nutshell: Admit it—you’ve been scrolling through this whole post looking for this one, haven’t you? So close to Ottawa that you can see the tip of the Peace Tower from certain places, Chelsea is the sort of place you can escape to with your BFFs even when you only have an afternoon to spare. The two main attractions here are Nordik Spa-Nature, one of Canada’s largest Scandinavian-style spas (warm up, cool down, lounge, repeat until sleepy), and one of the main entrances to sprawling, fabulous Gatineau Park. Looking for more travel tips? Check out Chelsea: Hiking, bistros, shopping and more and my beginner’s guide to Gatineau Park.
Eat: From the casual vibe of the Chelsea Pub to the ooh-la-la splurge factor of L’Orée du Bois, Chelsea has a restaurant to suit just about every style and budget. But please leave room for the fabulous, handmade, ice cream cookie sandwiches at La Cigale. Like, a lot of room. They’re huge.
Stay: My last girls’ getaway before the pandemic hit was a January 2020 weekend in Chelsea with two dear friends from high school. We had a grand time at Auberge Tom B&B, where we had spacious guest rooms (each with a kettle, hooray!), enjoyed huge breakfasts in a sunny dining room overlooking the Gatineau River, and had access to a huge basement sitting room where we could hang out without disturbing anyone else. Check the map below for other places to stay in Chelsea, Quebec.
Kemptville, Ontario: Bring the dog
Distance from Ottawa to Kemptville: 58 kilometres
Great for: Pet lovers
Kemptville in a nutshell: Not far from Ottawa’s southern edge, Kemptville feels worlds away from city stress—not least because it’s a great destination for people travelling with their dogs. Let your pooch run off leash at the Ferguson Forest Dog Park or put Fido on leash to explore the 22 kilometres of nature trails in adjacent Ferguson Forest. Then reward your furry friend with some tasty dog treats from the independent Healthy Pets Boutique.
Eat: Long-time Ottawa Road Trips readers will know I’m a sucker for a good bakery, and Kemptville has two: Grahame’s Bakery (check out the 19th-century wood-burning oven) and The Crusty Baker, which specializes in European-style breads. Get your morning java, scones and cinnamon buns at Brewed Awakenings. Try Hard Stones Grill for everything from brunch to burgers, and Curbalicious for above-the-ordinary food truck fare. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, don’t miss B&H Your Community Grocer, one of my favourite supermarkets in all of Eastern Ontario. I love its combination of unwavering support for local producers and great selection of international products.
Stay: Abbott Road Suites offers more than a dozen units, ranging from single suites to entire houses, and some are pet-friendly. The 74-square-metre (800 square foot) West Suite sleeps six and has a full kitchen, a gas fireplace and a Jacuzzi tub. Kemptville Suites also has a number of lofts and apartments suitable for small groups. For more Kemptville accommodations, see below.
Gananoque, Ontario: Thousand Islands getaway
Distance from Ottawa to Gananoque: 166 kilometres
Great for: Groups with wide-ranging interests
Get there: Currently, VIA Rail provides a few connections daily between Ottawa and Gananoque.
Gananoque in a nutshell: For a relatively small town (roughly 5,100 people as of the last census), Gananoque offers a surprisingly wide variety of amusements, from the Thousand Islands Playhouse and the Thousand Islands Boat Museum to the Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands and scenic cruises through, you guessed it, the Thousand Islands. Throw in some pretty shops, waterfront parks, kayaking and helicopter tours, and you’ve got a great place for a weekend getaway. My post on visiting Gananoque and Chaffeys Lock has more ideas.
Eat: Get gourmet picnic supplies at Lighthouse Provisions, rib-sticking schnitzel at the Maple Leaf Restaurant, elegant Italian fare at Riva, wood-fired pizzas at the Purple House Café, and gorgeous salads, sandwiches and brunch goodies at Laverne’s Eatery. Slake your thirst at Gan Brewing Company.
Stay: The Gananoque Inn and Spa is close to the theatre and the waterfront. As well as rooms in the main inn, there are a variety of suites in various outbuildings (some with hot tubs and/or fridges). Two friends and I spent a weekend in the inn’s separate Caverly House and had a marvellous time. For other places to stay in Gananoque, check the map below.
Westport, Ontario: Enjoy the lakes
Distance from Ottawa to Westport: 116 kilometres
Great for: Cottage types
Westport in a nutshell: Westport is the quintessential Rideau Lakes cottage town, with several pretty waterfronts, all the basic services (gas, groceries, hardware), and lots of decks and picnic tables where you can soak up some sunshine. Check out the views of the town from the hiking trails at Foley Mountain Conservation Area, shop for kitchen gadgets at Rosie Yumski’s or paddle along the Rideau system. Or hop into the car for the eight-minute drive to Newboro, where a lovely, rambling store called Kilborn’s on the Rideau appears to have swallowed half the village and sells gifts, clothes and accessories of all descriptions.
Eat: Sip wine and eat wood-fired pizza overlooking Westport Sand Lake at Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery, or enjoy chili and beers overlooking Upper Rideau Lake at Westport Brewing Company. The Country Kitchen serves up diner classics like toasted westerns, bacon-cheese dogs, fish and chips, butter tarts, and an all-day breakfast.
Stay: The Cove Country Inn, overlooking Westport Pond (see what I mean about multiple waterfronts?), has a restaurant and a busy live music schedule in addition to rooms. About a half-hour northeast of town, Pine Brae Wilderness Escape is a secluded enclave of just two off-grid cabins (just one bed in each two-person cottage, so you’ll have to be chummy). For more Westport accommodations, check the map below.
Hammond, Ontario: Think outside the girls’ getaway box
Distance from Ottawa to Hammond: 49 kilometres (like all distances in this post, this is measured from Parliament Hill; in reality, Hammond is just beyond Ottawa’s southeastern border)
Great for: Women who hate girly-girl stuff
Hammond in a nutshell: At first glance, you might write Hammond off as a quiet agricultural village—but there’s more going on here than is apparent at that first glance. You could play 18 holes at the public, par-72 Golf Hammond course. You could hike or cycle along the 72-kilometre Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail. And, for something completely different, you could learn how to forge your own chef’s knife or throwing axe at Van’s School of Blacksmithing.
Eat: The main game in town is the Hammond Golf Restaurant, where you can nosh on casual fare like tacos, pizza and burgers inside or on the huge patio, while slaking your thirst with beer from the onsite Broken Stick Brewing Company. You might catch some live music, too.
Stay: The new Hammond Hill campground currently has yurts and campsites, with plans to build off-grid cabins. It also offers a beer garden and other amenities. It’s affiliated with the golf club, so meal and golf packages are available, too. If you’re looking for a hotel, your nearest bet is the River Rock Inn in Rockland, about 12 kilometres away. It has a variety of room configurations, including interconnected rooms and family suites with kitchenettes.
But wait! What about Kingston, Montreal and New York state?
Yes, I initially planned to include all of those places in this post! But Kingston, Montreal and upstate New York all have so much to offer in terms of girls’ getaways that each really merits its own separate post.
Looking for more ideas for things to see and do in and around Ottawa? Please subscribe to my free weekly newsletter and 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.