Enjoy a scenic drive from Spencerville to Kemptville

Produced in cooperation with Explore North Grenville.

Looking for a scenic drive that will take you to hiking trails, historic sites, bakeries and even a beach—all in one day? Just “Follow 44,” a new tourism route along Leeds-Grenville County Road 44, from Spencerville to Kemptville. (I’ve ordered it this way so that you’ll be close to Ottawa when you finish the route.)

Start your adventures at the south end of County Road 44 in the charming village of Spencerville. To get there quickly from Ottawa, drive south on Highway 416 south and take exit 12 (County Road 21). Turn left at the T junction at the end of the exit, onto County Road 21. After 450 metres, turn right onto County Road 44, which will take you straight into the village.

This friendly community is home to the Spencerville Fair and the mystical Diablo Manor (a unique Victorian-themed supernatural experience), as well as a games café, an art gallery and other attractions.

Begin the morning with warm cinnamon buns and fresh coffee from the Village Pantry. At the nearby Spencerville Mill and Museum, you can enjoy your treats at a picnic table beside the South Nation River.

Once you’re fuelled up,  point your car north on County Road 44. Just after the road crosses Highway 416, take a short detour onto Ventnor Road if you’d like to cuddle and walk with adorable Peruvian animals at Little Foot Alpacas.

Then, retrace your route to County Road 44 for the short drive to Green Gables Vines in Oxford Station, to sample red and white wines made from winter-hardy grapes. (The surrounding vineyards are planted with some 4,000 vines.)

Less than a kilometre up County Road 44, you’ll come to Saunders Country Critters & Zoological Sanctuary, where you can see—and learn about—domestic and exotic rescue animals, including capybaras, macaws, red kangaroos, lynx and lemurs. Depending on the time of year, you can also pick up plants at the garden centre. All of the proceeds support the care of these animals, which would otherwise have nowhere to go.

About three kilometres further north, Country Side Antiques is a lovely place to browse for vintage furniture, textiles, tools, décor items and more. The stock is displayed in three buildings: an 1830s stone farmhouse, an old carriage barn and a log cabin.

Just a stone’s throw further is Wildling Acres, a farm offering pick-your-own flower events and farm tours every second Saturday from July to September. Stroll through native plant gardens, butterfly gardens, open meadows and cut-flower gardens. The owner will explain the ways Wildling Acres—which grows flowers for the Ottawa market—strives to be a sustainable, organic, commercial farm.

Less than 10 minutes further along County Road 44, you’ll arrive in the heritage downtown shopping district of the growing town of Kemptville. Pick up bread baked in an 1885 wood oven at Grahames Bakery, British-style baked goods at The Crusty Baker, or coffee, light fare and sweet treats at Bubba and Bugs Coffee Bar. You can also enjoy pub dishes at O’Heaphy’s or Cajun fusion at Salamanders (try to snag a table on the patio overlooking Kemptville Creek).

Kemptville is home to shops galore, including Home & Beyond (gifts and décor), Sugold Jewellers and Giftware, and the new Mama’s Cheeky Boutique (women’s clothing), all located on the route. While you’re in Kemptville, you could also unwind at Saltastic Salt Spa, play a round of golf at one of Kemptville’s two courses, or drop by the Ferguson Forest Centre to launch your kayak or canoe, take your pooch to the dog park, or hike 22 kilometres of wooded trails.

Your last stop on Follow 44 is Rideau River Provincial Park. There you can swim, boat or fish in the Rideau River, hike a short trail, and more. Come for the day or camp for a longer stay.

After visiting the park, you can head back to Ottawa by turning right on Donnelly Drive. After 4.7 kilometres, turn right onto Dilworth Drive, which will take you to Highway 416 and back to Ottawa. (Of course, you could also follow more scenic back roads instead.)

These are just some of the experiences you’ll discover on this convenient 30-kilometre route!

Note: Many sites along County Road 44 are small, family run and/or seasonal. Check their websites or call ahead to check opening times or to book a visit. For a list of all there is to see and do along County Road 44, visit the Follow 44 website.

Looking for more tips on things to see and do in and around Ottawa? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km 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.