16 excellent road trip destinations within one to two hours of Ottawa

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Ever want to leave the city behind…but not TOO far behind? Here are 16 road-trip-worthy destinations within one to two hours’ drive of Ottawa.

For me, an excellent road trip features some combination of eye-catching scenery, cool shops, good food and a bit of soft adventure—think a rewarding hike or a quiet place to paddle. A great local museum or historic site is always a bonus. And a quirky festival never hurts!

If you’re looking for a fun destination that’s further than an hour but no more than two hours from Ottawa, read on. They’re listed by their distance from Parliament Hill. (For destinations closer to Ottawa, see my post 14 cute towns for day trips from Ottawa.)

In a number of cases, I’ve included surrounding communities and attractions under the main heading. It’s just easier that way. And heads up: Many of these destinations, particularly the smaller ones, are very seasonal. If you’re planning to visit anytime but summer, check ahead to make sure the things you want to see and do are open.

If you’re planning to check out one of the wineries or craft breweries I suggest in this post, please choose a designated driver, ‘kay?

And, finally, for those who may cry, “What about are Kingston and Montreal?”…well, they were just a tiny bit further than the two-hour limit. (I mean, I’m talking five to 10 minutes, but a girl’s gotta set a limit somewhere, right?) I foresee another post in my future about places over two hours from Ottawa. Stay tuned!

Disclosure: I’ve visited many of these places in the past as a guest of tourism bureaus, hotels and other travel businesses. None of them have reviewed this post, and all opinions are my own.

Cover photo: Westport Harbour.

Table of contents

Vankleek Hill, Ontario

Distance from Parliament Hill: 93 kilometres

Vankleek Hill bills itself as the Gingerbread Capital of Ontario—the Victorian wooden house trim type of gingerbread, that is. It’s a lovely place to stroll around if you’re a fan of heritage architecture. You can also drop into Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company for a craft beer or the Vankleek Hill Vineyard for a bottle of chardonnay, or swing by the year-round farmers’ market for local produce. Garden Path Homemade Soap makes natural bath products and often runs special events. Learn more about the town’s origins as a spa destination at the summer-only Vankleek Hill Museum. In fall, take the kids to Ouimet Farms Adventure for pint-sized fun, such as pedal cars, a small zip line and a corn maze. Check my post about day tripping from Ottawa to Vankleek Hill for more ideas.

Ogdensburg, New York

Distance from Parliament Hill: 99 kilometres

Just across the St. Lawrence River from Prescott, the small city of Ogdensburg may be best known to road trippers for the Frederick Remington Art Museum. Remington was born in nearby Canton and made his name with bronze sculptures of cowboys and other Old West scenes. The museum is definitely worth a visit, but leave time to explore the rest of surrounding St. Lawrence County as well. Stop by the TAUNY Center in Canton to shop for locally made crafts and learn about North Country arts traditions. South of Canton, you can take a 15-minute easy hike to wide and thundering Lampson Falls. And back on the northern edge of the county, the Nicandri Nature Center in Massena—right across the river from Cornwall—is a great place to learn about local ecology. Learn more in my guide to St. Lawrence County.

Calabogie, Ontario

Distance from Parliament Hill: 102 kilometres

If you love the outdoors, Calabogie might just be your happy place. The Madawaska Valley community overlooks a lake and is surrounded by hiking trails, and local outfitter Mad River Paddle Co. can set you up with everything from kayaks to kicksleds. Reward yourself for all that exercise with coffee and sweets at the Oh-el-la Café, or a cold drink and really good pub fare at Calabogie Brewing Company. For something a bit fancier, head to On the Rocks, the stylish lakeside restaurant at the Calabogie Lodge Resort, for craft cocktails and a wide-ranging menu. For more details, see my post about road tripping to Calabogie and Eganville.

Cornwall, Ontario

Distance from Parliament Hill: 102 kilometres

There’s a lot to enjoy in Cornwall, if you know where to look. For instance, you can explore some 75 kilometres of bike trails and routes, including long stretches along the St. Lawrence River and the Cornwall Canal (Ottawa-based Escape Bicycle Tours sometimes offers an overnight Cornwall bike trip on request). Slake your thirst with a beer from Rurban Brewing, try the Jedi pizza (toppings include chicken, bacon, caramelized onion and balsamic glaze) at Esca Gourmet Pizza and Bar, learn about power generation at the Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre, and stay overnight at the gorgeously restored Chesley’s Inn (a one-time private mansion built in 1814). Nearby, don’t miss the fabulously scenic Long Sault Parkway, which connects 11 islands along the edge of the St. Lawrence (not open in winter).

Alexandria, Ontario

Distance from Parliament Hill: 107 kilometres

In Alexandria, the Buvette du Marché gastropub serves tasty bites like the mushroom bruschetta above, along with clever cocktails. Across the street, the North Glengarry pub has a pretty patio beside a waterfall that once powered the town’s old stone mill. The pub fare is delicious and very well priced. After exploring Alexandria’s other shops and restaurants, you could check out the rest of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG), including Glengarry Fine Cheese in Lancaster, Stonehouse Vineyard in Lochiel, St. Raphael’s Ruins in Williamstown and the Glengarry Pioneer Museum in Dunvegan. Plan your trip in late July or early August and you could take in the popular Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville. In this fun fall drives post, I have more information about many of these places.

Portland, Ontario

Distance from Parliament Hill: 107 kilometres

Portland is the hub of the Township of Rideau Lakes. In winter, a speed-skating event called Skate the Lake draws competitors and spectators from miles around. The Recess Cafe serves up grain bowls, breakfast burritos, baked goodies and more in a converted 1960s school. For local bread and cheese, swing by the building that houses both the Forfar Dairy and the Sunflower Bake Shop. Artist Claire Jacobs sells her paintings and runs art workshops at the Chandelier Tree Gallery. Speaking of art workshops, Stone Manor Studios in nearby Newboro also offers classes. While you’re in Newboro, pop into Kilborn’s on the Rideau, a rambling shop selling a little bit of just about everything. Other nearby towns to check out include Delta (with its historic stone mill) and Athens (get gourmet coffee and pastries at Luke’s European Style Market). For more ideas, see my post about a Rideau Lakes getaway.

Brockville, Ontario

Distance from Parliament Hill: 115 kilometres

When I first heard about the Brockville Railway Tunnel, I was perplexed. Who would want to go into some old underground tunnel? I wondered. Lots of people, it turns out, including me—I’ve done it twice! Carefully restored and now illuminated with a mesmerizing sound-and-light show that at times mimics a passing train, it’s unique and fun for the whole family. Other amusements in Brockville include the Aquatarium, where you can learn about the ecology and history of the St. Lawrence; the Brockville Museum, which has great exhibits on the city’s industrial history; and the Brockville Arts Centre. You’ll find lots of restaurants, too; I’m partial to Buell Street Bistro for a quiet, delicious dinner, Cosies for tea and scones, and Manoll’s Fish and Chips for tasty takeout you can eat at a picnic table on nearby Blockhouse Island (where you can also board a 1000 Islands sightseeing cruise). For more about the city, see my post 10 things you didn’t know about Brockville.

Westport, Ontario

Distance from Parliament Hill: 117 kilometres

One of those quintessential cottage towns, Westport is a place where much of the activity revolves around the small, pretty harbour on Upper Rideau Lake. You can do a little shopping—try Rosie Yumski’s for kitchenware and fine foods, or Lake Effects for gifts and home décor—or kick back with dinner and live music at the Cove Inn (you can stay there, too). There’s cold craft beer with a water view (from the upstairs patio) at the Westport Brewing Company, and wine and pizza with a water view at Scheuermann’s Vineyard + Winery. More in the mood for a snack? Get ice cream and hand-rolled bagels at Vanilla Beans Cafe and Creamery or butter tarts and other baked treats at Tasty Goodness.

Fort Coulonge, Quebec

Distance from Parliament Hill: 117 kilometres

Do you love waterfalls? And yurts? Then point your car to the far western corner of the Pontiac, where you can indulge your dreams of outdoor adventure at Chutes Coulonge Park. As well as hiking a trail beside the namesake waterfall, you can soar above it on a zip line or inch along the adjacent rock face on a via ferrata (a type of tethered rock climbing). For something less strenuous, there are two small museums focusing on the region’s logging history. Kids can cool off on a splash pad. And at night, the whole family can bed down in a yurt that sleeps six. (If yurts aren’t your style, check out the nearby Spruceholme Inn, located in a Victorian mansion.) While you’re in town, don’t miss the chance to snap a selfie in front of the photogenic Félix-Gabriel-Marchand covered bridge. Feeling really energetic? You could cycle from Shawville to Fort Coulonge along the Cyclopath PPJ.

Sharbot Lake, Ontario

Distance from Parliament Hill: 124 kilometres

Before Highway 416 was built (yes, I’m that old), I often drove to Toronto via Highway 7. As a result, I probably drove along the edge of Sharbot Lake dozens of times without stopping for more than gas. But while researching my weekend getaways book in 2022, I finally pulled off the highway and discovered a pretty little waterfront community. The Cardinal Café, housed in a former church, serves up delicious doughnuts, sandwiches and drinks. Railway Heritage Park, open in summer, has a restored caboose and other train-related gear to explore. And Sharbot Lake Provincial Park, accessible right from Highway 7, offers more than 150 campsites, two beaches, a couple of short hiking trails, and canoe, kayak and standup paddleboard rentals (and more).

Eganville, Ontario

Distance from Parliament Hill: 133 kilometres

Active fun near this Renfrew County community includes exploring the very popular Bonnechere Caves and hiking scenic trails—some through old-growth forest—at the Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre. The Bonnechere Museum grounds you in the region’s logging, industrial and social history. Fuel up with specialty brews and baked goods at Fifth Chute Coffee, and leave time to admire the coffee shop’s namesake waterfall nearby. For more inspiration, see my post about road tripping to Calabogie and Eganville.

Pembroke, Ontario

Distance from Parliament Hill: 147 kilometres

On the way to Pembroke from Ottawa, you could stop in Cobden for a cheering ice cream from The Scoop or a refreshing beverage at Whitewater Brewing Company. Or you could spend a day or more shooting the rapids of the Ottawa River with one of several whitewater rafting companies in Beachburg and Foresters Falls. Once you arrive in Pembroke, you can’t miss the town’s historical murals—they’re everywhere! Stop into Ullrich’s Deli to pick up the fixings for a fabulous picnic, or unwind with crepes and cocktails at the Nook Creperie. Delve into local history at the Upper Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre, or take in a show at the Festival Hall Centre for the Performing Arts.

Mont Tremblant, Quebec

Distance from Parliament Hill: 153 kilometres

Ask many people what they think of when they think of Mont Tremblant, and they’ll reply “Skiing.” And, sure, Tremblant is one of the best-known ski resorts within easy reach of Ottawa. After avoiding skiing for four decades, I was persuaded to try my luck there again in 2023. (Here’s my Zoomer post about the experience.) But there is more to Tremblant than skiing! In summer, you can hike, swim, paddle, cycle, go zip lining and even learn a bit about falconry; in winter, snowshoeing and other winter sports await. Year-round, about 20 minutes southeast of the resort, you can walk up a 40-metre tower for sweeping views of the Laurentians. (It’s especially gorgeous in fall.) But if your idea of exercise is reaching for the TV remote, don’t worry—there are restaurants and shops galore at Tremblant, as well as a Nordic-style spa.

Alexandria Bay, New York

Distance from Parliament Hill: 157 kilometres

You’ve gotta love a place that holds a pirate festival every year! Alexandria Bay, which you can reach from Canada via the 1000 Islands Bridge near Ivy Lea, is also one of the primary U.S. bases for people visiting the 1000 Islands. And it’s a great place to hop aboard a scenic cruise to Boldt Castle, an enormous mansion that was left unfinished when the owner’s wife died suddenly in 1904. (You can also get to Boldt Castle via scenic cruises from Gananoque—see below.) “A Bay” has lots of the usual vacation town amenities—takeout spots, souvenir shops—and usually holds a promotion called “Eh Days” to attract Canadian visitors over the May 24th weekend. Within about half an hour of Alexandria Bay, you can check out the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton or the annual French Festival in Cape Vincent, which celebrates that little community’s quirky connection to Napoleon.

Petawawa, Ontario

Distance from Parliament Hill: 164 kilometres

Petawawa, about 20 minutes northwest of Pembroke, is fun for families. Start with the huge breakfasts at Sunny Side Up, which will provide more than enough energy for the day. The kids can splash at Petawawa Point Beach and time travel at Petawawa Heritage Village. In mid-October, the Petawawa Ramble is a multi-day festival offering lots of family-friendly fun, including random spottings of “Pumpkin Folks” (scarecrow-like creations with pumpkins for heads, arranged in tableaux). If military history is your thing, the Garrison Petawawa Military Museums are two museums in one: the Garrison Petawawa Museum Collection and the Canadian Airborne Forces Collection. Together, they tell the story of the town and its the garrison (the latter dates back to 1905). And if you drive another 30 kilometres or so west on Highway 17, you can check out the Canadian Clock Museum and some great hiking trails in and around Deep River.

Gananoque, Ontario

Distance from Parliament Hill: 166 kilometres

As I mentioned earlier, you can catch a 1000 Islands cruise in Gananoque. If you choose an itinerary that includes Boldt Castle, you’ll need your passport, as the site is on the U.S. side of the river. Aside from river cruises, there’s lots of other fun to be had in Gananoque. The Thousand Islands Playhouse comprises two theatres and presents everything from lively musicals to thought-provoking dramas from late spring through late fall. You can kayak among the islands with 1000 Islands Kayaking, fly above them with 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours or camp on them in Canada’s tiniest national park. Check out the 1000 Islands History Museum on the downtown Gananoque waterfront. Pop into Lighthouse Provisions (seasonal) for fresh sandwiches and tasty take-home meals, or try the wraps, salads, sandwiches and breakfast dishes at Laverne’s Eatery. For more ideas, see my post, 11 reasons to visit Gananoque and Chaffeys Locks.

Where are all these places?

Glad you asked. Here’s a map to help you find your way.

Where can I stay?

Glad you asked that, too. You can use the map below to find hotels, motels, vacation rentals and more. Even though it is titled “Brockville accommodations,” you can use it to book a place just about anywhere. Disclosure: If you book accommodation using this map, I’ll receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this site!

Looking for more tips on things to see and do in Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais, northern New York state and beyond? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend 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.