Heads Up: Waterfalls, wildflowers, Perth home tour

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If you’re planning ahead for spring and summer road trips, you won’t want to miss this week’s Heads Up post—it will help you save money and avoid disappointment! For bargain hunters, I highlight deals on an inn in Westport and a wellness festival in Ripon. For nature lovers, there are tips on great waterfalls and spring wildflowers. I also have the scoop on Perth home and garden tour tickets (they go on sale this week), new restaurants in Carleton Place and at Ottawa International Airport, a new flight to Hamilton, art classes in Dunvegan, and more.

New food and new flights at YOW

Planning a long-distance trip? Here are two bits of news about Ottawa International Airport that may be of interest. On March 25, a Zak’s Diner location opened near Gate 24 in the Canadian/international departures area (post security). And Porter Airlines is launching twice-daily service between Ottawa and Hamilton, starting June 22.

A deal on weekday stays in Westport

Until May 30, 2026, the Cove Inn in Westport is offering a midweek deal. For $199, you can get a room for two and a $100 dining credit in the inn’s restaurant. Available from Sunday through Thursday nights.

Early-bird rates are available for Outaouais wellness festival

The Festival Santé & Bien-Être de l’Outaouais (August 21 to 23) will feature a weekend of health and wellness activities in Ripon, including yoga, Pilates and forest bathing, as well as talks by an herbalist, a medium, a spa founder and others. At the minute, three-day passes are available for $108 (regular price $135).

Keep your eye out for wildflowers

Wondering what wildflowers you can spot in spring? Ontario Parks has published a handy guide to five of the most common blooms. Just remember: look, don’t touch (and definitely don’t pick—it’s against the law).

Registration is open for Dunvegan art workshops

The Glengarry Pioneer Museum in Dunvegan has released its schedule of spring and summer events, which includes quite a few art classes covering everything from painting and rug hooking to making a mandala or a garden trellis. Now might be the time to register, as spaces are limited. (P.S.: If art is your thing, don’t miss my big guide to local classes.)

New restaurant opens in Carleton Place

Earlier this month, a new restaurant called the Copper Still opened in the building that formerly housed the Boulton House restaurant in Carleton Place. The property has a nice terrace overlooking the Mississippi River that I suspect will be packed come summer. According to this Inside Ottawa Valley article, the smash burger is the resto’s top seller.

The best places to chase waterfalls

Spring is prime waterfall-viewing season, as rivers are high with melted snow. Tourisme Outaouais has tips on the best West Quebec cascades, while Naturally L&A has a guide to great waterfalls in the Napanee area.

Tickets available now for Outaouais summer festivals

Summer may still seem a long time away, but tickets and passes are already available for the Outaouais en fête music festival in Aylmer (June 19 to 24), Les Grands Feux Casino Lac-Leamy fireworks extravaganza at the Canadian Museum of History (July 29 to August 15), the Petite Nation en fête music festival in Thurso (August 12 to 15) and the Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau hot-air balloon weekend (September 2 to 5). Five-day adult passes to the balloon festival are currently available for $69.99, a $20 discount from the regular price.

Perth home and garden tour tickets go on sale April 1

The CFUW Perth and District Home and Garden Tour is happening on Saturday, July 11. As well as visits to eight gardens and four homes, the tour will include live music, art exhibits, a raffle and an optional picnic lunch. This is usually a hot-ticket event, and tickets go on sale on Wednesday, April 1.

You could study writing in Picton

Looking for a good excuse to visit Prince Edward County? Available during the week? Then you could sign up for a writing workshop with local authors Linda Holmes Bond and Joy Lynn Godard on Thursday, April 16.

Learn about wedding options at Calabogie Peaks

If you’re planning to tie the knot, you might be interested in the Wedding Open House at Calabogie Peaks Resort on Sunday, April 19. As well as touring the venue, you can sign up for an optional tasting to check out the resort’s festive food and drinks, and meet with local vendors. Register by April 12 if you’re interested.

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.