This week’s Heads Up post has tips for just about everyone, whether you’re a cyclist, a hiker or a science buff. From scenic driving routes through Lanark County to Ottawans’ votes for the worst city traffic, this week’s post has lots of news you can use. You’ll even find out how to save up to 30% on a Montreal hotel!
Kingston makes a shortlist of great cruise ports
Did you know that Kingston—that’s Kingston, Ontario, not Kingston, Jamaica—is a cruise ship port? Well, it is, and the Seatrade Cruise Awards have taken notice. According to this post by The Kingstonist, the Limestone City has made a shortlist of three cruise ports vying for the Destination of the Year Award. Go, K-Town!
Lanark County has its own Seven Wonders
Here’s something else you might not know: Lanark County, immediately southwest of Ottawa, has its own Seven Wonders! They include two hiking trails, a historic mill and Pakenham’s Five-Span Bridge (see photo above). Lanark County Tourism has created three driving routes that take you past the Seven Wonders and to other fun sites throughout the county.
Tourisme Montréal is offering hotel and activity deals
Heading to Montreal this month? Then you might want to check out Tourisme Montréal’s latest discounts and deals, which include up to 30% off accommodations at Hotel Gault, a $3 discount on admission to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 40% off a French-language comedy show and a $100 food-and-beverage credit at the Westin Montreal.
This bike route takes you to three covered bridges in Gatineau
Did you know that there are three covered bridges in the old section of Gatineau, all built between 2010 and 2020? Me, neither. Fortunately, Hans of the local cycling website Hans on the Bike has mapped out a route that will take you to all three, largely along trails separated from vehicle traffic. Speaking of traffic…
People have a LOT to say about Ottawa traffic
The City of Ottawa asked for feedback on the worst traffic congestion in the city, and boy, did people have comments. CBC reporter Arthur White-Crummey sums up the highlights, including beefs about Orleans, Bank Street, Bronson Avenue and Barrhaven.
You can sleep in a caboose in Smiths Falls
For all you train fans, here’s an Airbnb you won’t forget! A few weeks ago, my sisters and I stayed in a caboose at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smiths Falls. From afternoon tea in the Dining Car to a nocturnal encounter with a raccoon, here’s my report on the fun experience.
Hiking site spotlights trail near Gananoque
OK, I’ve been writing about Eastern Ontario for decades now, and I’ll confess that I’d never heard of Marble Rock Conservation Area until I read this post from Ontario Hiking the other day! Are you looking for a somewhat challenging route? This one may not be as busy as nearby trails in Thousand Islands National Park and Charleston Lake Provincial Park. I’ll bet it’s pretty in fall, too. Check the Ontario Hiking post for lots of details on the various loops, along with nice photos.
Mark your calendars for Canadian Museum of Nature Open House
On Saturday, October 5, from 10am to 4pm, you can see some of the Canadian Museum of Nature’s 15 million natural-history treasures—plants, animals, fossils and minerals—during the museum’s annual Open House. Taking place at its Natural Heritage Campus in Gatineau, it gives you the chance to meet some of the museum’s leading science experts, marvel at the collections and visit labs. This is a free event, but you will need timed tickets. They will be available as of Friday, September 27, on the museum’s website and they are usually snapped up quickly.
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.