If you’re dreaming of spring and summer road trips, I have lots of inspiration for you this week. You could enjoy a festive dinner in Carleton Place, take a helicopter ride over the 1000 Islands, hop into a flight simulator in Kanata or bounce your way through a huge new attraction in Val-des-Monts. Read on for these and other travel news tidbits!
Plan ahead to go to festive dinners in Carleton Place
If you’d like to attend one of the themed dinners at Stonefields Estate in Carleton Place, it’s wise to plan ahead, as they often sell out. (I discovered that when I went to list this week’s event in my calendar, only to discover tickets were all gone.) Each evening includes cocktails, a multi-course dinner and live music. Upcoming dinners include French Provençal (Friday, May 30), An Italian Affair (Thursday, June 19) and a Mexican Fiesta (Thursday, July 24).
There’s lots to do in the 1000 Islands
Long-time readers of Ottawa Road Trips will know I’m a big fan of road tripping to the 1000 Islands. It turns out that Stephanie from the Facebook group Ontario Hidden Gems is a big fan of the 1000 Islands, too. Check out her video above for her top recommendations for things to do in and around Gananoque. The video of her helicopter ride is gorgeous! (I’m jealous, because on the day years ago when I took a flight with the same company, it was pouring rain.)
You can take a spin in a flight simulator in Kanata
Years ago, I tried a flight simulator in Laval, and it was a blast to feel like I was at the controls of a big commercial jet. However, I just learned last week that a similar experience is available from a different company in Kanata. AviaSim at the Brookstreet Hotel is open seven days a week and puts you at the simulated controls of an Airbus A320. For your simulated flights, you can choose from 24,000 airports around the world. One-hour sessions are $159 for one person or $199 for two; other sessions are available, including a longer class designed to help people overcome their fear of flying (as a passenger).
Big changes are coming to Arbraska Laflèche
Lots of new attractions are coming to the Arbraska Laflèche adventure park in Val-des-Monts, Quebec. In June, the park will open uplå, a 12,000-square-foot playground of bouncy nets (see above) that the company says will be the largest such installation in North America. It will be open to visitors of all ages. Later in the year, Laflèche aims to open obā, an immersive sound-and-light installation in Laflèche Cave. And in spring 2026, the park plans to have six nesta tents—big spheres suspended high above the ground—available for adventurous campers. You can read about all three projects on the Arbraska Laflèche website.
Ottawa Valley tourism award nominees are announced
Looking for some cool businesses to check out in the Ottawa Valley? Check out this diverse list of nominees for this year’s Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards. They include Bonnechere Valley Inspired, which coordinates a self-driving arts and culture tour each summer; the WhiteWater O’Brien Winery in Westmeath; the Mount Molson Dairy Bar in Petawawa; Renfrew’s Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival; and the Splash Valley Waterpark and Resort in Cobden.
Smiths Falls approves funding for railway museum
After a spirited debate, the Smiths Falls town council recently approved $50,000 in funding for the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. The money has to be re-approved each year and can be used only for capital expenditures. (P.S.: Did you know you can stay overnight in the museum’s three vintage cabooses?)
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.
