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# Ottawa Road Trips

Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Canada's Capital

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [The complete guide to things to do in Almonte, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/01/08/complete-guide-things-see-do-almonte-ontario/) - Looking for a great day trip from Ottawa? Almonte, Ontario, is a gorgeous small Ontario town, with great shops, restaurants, river views, hiking trails and museums, just 40 minutes from Parliament Hill.
- [49+ fun events in and around Ottawa, July 6 to 12](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/07/06/49-fun-events-in-and-around-ottawa-july-6-to-12/) - Yoga with alpacas in Brinston, country tunes in Wendover, artists in Wakefield and Merrickville, RBC Bluesfest in Ottawa, leaping dogs in Renfrew, and more.
- [Plays in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and beyond—Theatre for every taste](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/11/03/plays-in-ottawa-eastern-ontario-and-beyond-theatre-for-every-taste/) - If seeing live theatre is one of your favourite outings, check out this regularly updated list of upcoming plays in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and beyond.
- [The complete guide to things to do in Wakefield, Quebec](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/03/05/wakefield-quebec-visit-attractions-shopping-restaurants-hotels-skiing-hiking/) - Wakefield, Quebec, is a great day trip destination from Ottawa. Just 35 minutes from downtown, it has ski hills, hiking, shopping, music and more.
- [3 fabulous day trips southeast of Ottawa in SDG](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/07/06/day-trip-near-ottawa-sdg-cornwall-scenic-route/) - Whether your road trips revolve around food, history, the arts or the great outdoors, these routes south of Ottawa in SDG will inspire you!
- [Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Ingleside](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/19/upper-canada-migratory-bird-sanctuary-ingleside/) - The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Ingleside is home to more than 150 bird species and 8km of hiking trails.
- [Long Sault Parkway: The scenic route you might not know](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/06/10/long-sault-parkway-the-scenic-route-you-might-not-know/) - The Long Sault Parkway skips across 11 islands, is home to beaches and campgrounds, and has an intriguing history—and it's only about an hour from Ottawa.
- [35+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, June 29 to July 5](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/30/ottawa-eastern-ontario-outaouais-events-early-july/) - Beer festival in Bells Corners, art tour in the Glebe, comedy in Gatineau, cycling in Killaloe, Celtic fun in Almonte, night markets, plays and free yoga.
- [Heads Up: New canal fest, Ontario bargains, Outaouais drives](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/07/02/heads-up-new-canal-fest-ontario-bargains-outaouais-drives/) - Akwesasne tours, scenic drives beside Outaouais waterways, new speed limits on Ontario highways, vintage train rides and a TV series about Cornwall-style pizza.
- [Celebrate Canada Day 2026 in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and beyond](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/06/24/30-nearby-places-to-celebrate-canada-day/) - UPDATED JUNE 23, 2025. From LeBreton Flats and Petrie Island to Cornwall, Kingston and Petawawa, here's your guide to Canada Day fireworks, face painting and food trucks!
- [Beaches near Ottawa are great places to cool off](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/07/13/beaches-ottawa-eastern-ontario-outaouais/) - Looking for beaches near Ottawa, or beaches in Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais? Check out this huge list of beaches where you can swim and suntan!
- [Cuddle lambs on an island near Kingston, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/03/cuddle-lambs-topsy-farms-amherst-island-kingston-ontario/) - Lamb cuddling is a hot ticket at Topsy Farms on Amherst Island, a short trip from Kingston or Napanee, Ontario.
- [Great tapas spot in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/09/sainte-anne-de-bellevue-ole-tapas-restaurant/) - In Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Olé Tapas restaurant serves great Spanish fare with a beautiful view of the St. Lawrence River near Montreal.
- [49+ fun events in and around Ottawa, June 22 to 28](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/22/49-fun-events-in-and-around-ottawa-june-22-to-28/) - Fun in and near Ottawa this week includes the RCMP Musical Ride, a big potluck supper, jazz festivals, life-sized dinosaurs, ribs, faeries, and yoga with alpacas.
- [14 excellent road trip destinations within one to two hours of Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/08/13/road-trips-two-hours-ottawa-gananoque-pembroke-brockville-tremblant/) - The 1000 Islands, caves, waterfalls, lakes, ski resorts and so many fun towns of all sorts are all within one to two hours' drive of Ottawa. Road trip!
- [Escape to these gorgeous lavender farms near Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/07/03/lavender-farms-near-ottawa/) - Lavender farms near Ottawa are lovely places to sample lavender snacks and drinks, enjoy yoga or music in the fields, shop for lavender, or take photos.
- [Heads Up: Authors' festival, craft beer and Pontiac fun](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/22/heads-up-authors-festival-craft-beer-and-pontiac-fun/) - Splash pads, night kayaking, small plates and bluegrass music. West Quebec, the Bay of Quinte, Kingston and Merrickville. This week's Heads Up post has it all!
- [Learning to Zentangle at Stone Manor Studios in Newboro, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/23/learning-zentangle-art-stone-manor-studios-newboro-ontario/) - How I learned the meditative art of Zentangling at a pretty art studio in the village of Newboro, Ontario.
- [Day tripping to Kemptville and North Grenville](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/10/03/kemptville-and-north-grenville-day-tripping-tips/) - Just a 40-minute drive from Parliament Hill, Kemptville has a walkable downtown, a meandering creek and charming coffee shops—great for day tripping!
- [More than 55 fun events in and near Ottawa, June 15 to 21](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/15/events-festivals-near-ottawa-june-15-to-21/) - See the RCMP Musical Ride, take your pooch to a dog expo, compete in a canoe race, mark National Indigenous Peoples Day or treat Dad on Father's Day.
- [11 great reasons to visit Napanee, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/16/napanee-ontario-restaurants-shopping-parks-attractions/) - Napanee, Ontario, is a great weekend getaway from Ottawa, offering shops, restaurants, a museum and a pretty waterfront.
- [Heads Up: Great Lakes Museum, garden tour, alpacas](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/15/heads-up-great-lakes-museum-garden-tour-alpacas/) - Walk alpacas at Parc Omega, tour Perth gardens, take a cooking class in Carleton Place or visit an award-winning Kingston museum.
- [59+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, June 8 to 14](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/08/59-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-june-8-to-14/) - Dance under the stars, dress up like a James Joyce character, delve into Filipino or Cuban culture in Ottawa, check out Art in the Park or play Mrs. Roper Bingo.
- [59+ things to see and do in and around Ottawa, June 1 to 7](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/02/59-things-to-see-and-do-in-and-around-ottawa-june-1-to-7/) - See a play, hit a garage sale, sip wine, eat ribs, go to a duck festival, ride your motorcycle somewhere cool, try a new sport or celebrate Pride!
- [Heads Up: Ziplining, paddling and scenic cruises](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/09/heads-up-ziplining-paddling-and-scenic-cruises/) - Walking tours in Carleton Place, music camp near Wakefield, 1000 Islands cruise discounts, Dutch shop in Arnprior, Ottawa zipline, afternoon tea bus.
- [Where to buy international groceries in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/02/04/buy-international-groceries-ottawa-eastern-ontario-kingston-gatineau/) - Where to buy hard-to-find Asian, Middle Eastern and other ingredients for international dishes Ottawa, Gatineau, Kingston and beyond.
- [10+ Pride Festivals in Ontario and Quebec in 2026](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/05/30/12-pride-festivals-ontario-quebec-upstate-new-york/) - Find out where you can celebrate Pride Season 2022 in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, Quebec and beyond, with parades, concerts, festivals and more.
- [45+ farmers' markets in Eastern Ontario and West Quebec](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/05/07/farmers-market-ottawa-ontario-quebec/) - Updated for 2026! Looking for a farmers' market in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario or the Outaouais? Check this list to find local produce, meat, baked goods and more.
- [Tap into your creativity with art classes near Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/24/tap-into-your-creativity-with-art-classes-near-ottawa/) - Art classes near Ottawa — and in the city itself — are a wonderful way to jumpstart your creativity and a great reason for a road trip!
- [42+ fun events in and around Ottawa, May 25 to 31](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/05/25/42-fun-events-in-and-around-ottawa-may-25-to-31/) - Dinner in a vineyard, Zumba on the Hill, ribfests, wooden boats, a porchfest, jousters, Asian markets, a pow wow, a silent disco, plays and garage sales!
- [Plan a road trip around these 2026 Ottawa and area garage sales](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/04/08/ottawa-garage-sales-eastern-ontario/) - You can plan a day around these huge Eastern Ontario and Ottawa garage sales!
- [Heads Up: Laurier House tea, poker run, Fort Henry Tattoo](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/06/02/heads-up-laurier-house-tea-poker-run-fort-henry-tattoo/) - Fort Henry Tattoo tickets, tea at Laurier House, bike routes in the Outaouais, Calypso Waterpark savings, and a new arrival at a Smiths Falls museum.
- [Tea at this Ottawa mansion is unforgettably elegant](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/07/17/high-tea-laurier-house-national-historic-site-ottawa/) - Two prime ministers once called this Sandy Hill mansion home. These days, you can eat enjoy afternoon tea with croissants and scones on the wraparound porch at Laurier House National Historic Site.
- [Buy local in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/02/03/buy-local-in-ottawa-eastern-ontario-and-the-outaouais/) - Buy local in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais—and avoid tariffs!—at local companies making food, beverages, clothes, soap and much more.
- [10 things you didn't know about Centretown](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/12/13/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-centretown/) - Centretown in downtown Ottawa is packed with secrets, from a monument to military dogs to a hidden cocktail bar. Do you know about all 10 of these?
- [Heads Up: Balloons, craft classes, Kingston food](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/05/27/heads-up-balloons-craft-classes-kingston-food/) - Kingston culinary package, discounts on Montreal and Ottawa attractions, Shakespeare and music festival tickets, Outaouais outdoor gear rentals.
- [53+ events in and around Ottawa, May 18 to 24](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/05/19/53-events-in-and-around-ottawa-may-18-to-24/) - Free festival in Hull, book sales and plant sales, ballet and line dancing, circus and bike fests, lilacs and monster trucks, and the Great Glebe Garage Sale!
- [Heads Up: Snowbirds, cabin discounts, bouquet workshop](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/05/19/heads-up-snowbirds-cabin-discounts-bouquet-workshop/) - Snowbirds' last shows, bouquet-making workshop, garden walk, discounts on cabins, new Kelowna flight and a Renfrew County drive.
- [53+ fun events in and around Ottawa: May 11 to 17](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/05/11/53-fun-events-in-and-around-ottawa-may-11-to-17/) - Brockville Railway Tunnel opening, plant sales, folk art in Plaisance, ribs in Barrhaven, Kemptville buskers, Almonte cake picnic.
- [10 things you didn't know about Almonte, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/04/13/cool-facts-trivia-almonte-ontario-lanark-county/) - Sure, you probably knew that Almonte is a super-cute community on the banks of the Mississippi River (no, not that Mississippi River). And perhaps you knew that it makes a great day-trip destination from Ottawa—it's only 29 kilometres from the Canadian Tire Centre, after all. However, you might not know some of the following facts
- [Parc national de Plaisance is a great day trip](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/09/19/parc-national-de-plaisance-chutes-du-moulin-quebec/) - Parc national de Plaisance, about an hour's drive east of Ottawa in Quebec's Outaouais region, is a wonderful place for cycling, paddling and spotting wildlife.
- [Heads Up: Best restaurants, embassy event, bike-friendly businesses](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/05/12/heads-up-best-restaurants-embassy-event-bike-friendly-businesses/) - How to stay overnight in a church, take a new flight to London, visit the French Embassy, go to a sock hop and save money on whitewater rafting.
- [A Rideau Lakes getaway: Hiking, shopping, cheese, an old mill and the Rideau Canal](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/08/09/rideau-lakes-weekend-getaway-hiking-shopping-cheese-mill-canal/) - The Township of Rideau Lakes, between Perth and Gananoque, Ontario, is full of lakes, trails, picnic spots and shops to visit—as well as the Rideau Canal.
- [Things to do in Perth, Ontario—a great day trip destination!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/04/03/things-to-do-in-perth-ontario-great-day-trip-destination/) - Perth, Ontario, is a popular day trip from Ottawa, offering cute boutiques, great restaurants, a scenic river and a provincial park.
- [Ottawa-area maple sugarbushes are opening for the 2026 season!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/02/28/ottawa-eastern-ontario-outaouais-maple-syrup-open-2022/) - Want to visit a sugarbush or a cabane à sucre near Ottawa in 2022? Here are some maple syrup makers in Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais open this spring.
- [53+ fun things to see and do in and around Ottawa, April 27 to May 3](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/04/29/53-fun-things-to-see-and-do-in-and-around-ottawa-april-27-to-may-3/) - In and near Ottawa this week, join a Jane's Walk, go to a clay festival, make a healing tea, learn about ikebana or sourdough, get your bike tuned up, taste wine, and more.
- [59+ fun events in and around Ottawa, May 4 to 10](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/05/04/59-fun-events-in-and-around-ottawa-may-4-to-10/) - Canadian Tulip festival, paddling and mountain bike races, poutine festival, art shows, farmers' markets, board game sale, pick-your-own-bouquet events, and more.
- [25+ artist studio tours in and around Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/03/07/artist-studio-tours-near-ottawa/) - On an artist studio tour in Ottawa and nearby regions, you can shop for paintings, pottery and so much more—and meet the artists!
- [Day tripping to Aylmer, Quebec: Books, beer, a bakery and a beach](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/08/19/day-tripping-ottawa-aylmer-quebec-beach-golf-spa/) - Aylmer, Quebec, makes a great day trip from Ottawa by bike, bus or car! You can golf, unwind at a spa, drink craft beer or just bask on the beach.
- [Heads Up: Farm dinner, Mother's Day freebies, insurance warnings](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/05/05/heads-up-farm-dinner-mothers-day-freebies-insurance-warnings/) - Free fun in the Outaouais, new flights from Ottawa, new shops in Perth and Westport, new chef at Tavern at the Gallery, yoga in a field of tulips, and more.
- [Heads Up: Paddling routes, visitor guides, Nature Nocturne](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/04/29/heads-up-paddling-routes-visitor-guides-nature-nocturne/) - Plan ahead to observe the stars, cycle quiet country roads, buy soy candles, hit a waterpark, paint with your child, see the Museum of Nature at night and more.
- [Don't miss these Ottawa gardens, and nearby nurseries and farms!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/05/27/ottawa-outaouais-gardens-nurseries-greenhouses-flower-festivals/) - Visit these Ottawa garden centres—and gardens, greenhouses and farms in Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais and beyond—for gardening inspiration.
- [57+ things to see and do in and around Ottawa, April 20 to 26](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/04/20/57-things-to-see-and-do-in-and-around-ottawa-april-20-to-26/) - Festival of the Maples in Perth, poutine festivals in Orléans and Renfrew, Eganville forest walk, Atlético Ottawa season home opener, and an outdoor show in Nepean.
- [Immerse yourself in nature in and around Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/04/27/nature-outdoors-parks-ottawa-outaouais-eastern-ontario/) - Eager to get outdoors and enjoy the healing benefits of nature? Follow that instinct to a park, a forest, a hiking trail, a lake or some other outdoor spot near Ottawa!
- [Heads Up: Dinosaurs, waterfalls and discounts](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/04/20/heads-up-dinosaurs-waterfalls-and-discounts/) - Find out how to save money on VIA Rail tickets, Ottawa restaurant meals, a Carp wellness retreat, an Orléans Queen tribute, a Kingston beer fest and more!
- [41+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, April 13 to 19](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/04/14/41-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-april-13-to-19/) - I think I've rounded up something for just about everyone in this week's calendar of events. You can shop for gems, antiques, art or vinyl records. To burn off some winter weight gain, you can join a 5K fundraising run in Vanier. Feeling creative? You can make perfume in Kemptville or an art journal in
- [5 Eastern Ontario coffee shops you must visit](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/03/14/5-eastern-ontario-coffee-shops-you-must-visit/) - Don't miss these coffee shops and cafés in Eganville, Sharbot Lake, Kemptville, Westport and Calabogie if you're craving coffee, tea and baked goodies.
- [45+ things to do in and around Ottawa, April 6 to 12](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/04/06/45-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-april-6-to-12/) - Vintage records, river paddling, hockey, craft markets, live music, theatre, fashion and dining bargains, stargazing, French films, model trains, tarot, and more.
- [Heads Up: Chef's Table, theatre draw, Long Sault Parkway](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/04/14/heads-up-chefs-table-theatre-draw-long-sault-parkway/) - This week's post has news for gardeners and campers, foodies and nature lovers, parents and runners. And find out how you might win $1,500 in theatre tickets!
- [See a homegrown movie on National Canadian Film Day](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/04/13/national-canadian-film-day-ottawa-outaouais/) - National Canadian Film Day falls on April 15. Find out where you can see Canadian movies in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais, the Laurentians and Montreal.
- [Mississippi Mills Textile Museum, Mississippi Mills (Almonte), Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/04/03/mississippi-mills-textile-museum-mississippi-mills-almonte-ontario/) - The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte, Ontario, preserves the region's long history of textile mills and fabric manufacturing.
- [53+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, March 30 to April 5](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/30/53-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-march-30-to-april-5/) - Ontario Maple Weekend, Easter egg hunts, a show tune showdown, Pakenham studio tour, glow-in-the-dark ballerinas, a car rally and a Gatineau fashion sale.
- [Heads Up: Nature retreats, kids' shows, Outaouais spring fun](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/04/06/heads-up-nature-retreats-kids-shows-outaouais-spring-fun/) - Sign up for a nature retreat or a writing workshop. Join a free beach book club. Take the kids to a hot show at TD Place. Or meet alpacas in the Outaouais!
- [Mill of Kintail Conservation Area, Mississippi Mills (Almonte), Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/04/02/mill-of-kintail-conservation-area-mississippi-mills-almonte-ontario/) - The Mill of Kintail Conservation Area near Almonte, Ontario, has hiking trails, a 19th-century mill and a museum honouring basketball inventor James Naismith.
- [Murphys Point Provincial Park, Perth, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/04/02/murphys-point-provincial-park-perth-ontario/) - Murphys Point Provincial Park is a fun stop for families, campers and outdoors lovers near Perth, Ontario. Here's all the information you need for a great visit.
- [Heads Up: Waterfalls, wildflowers, Perth home tour](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/31/heads-up-waterfalls-wildflowers-perth-home-tour/) - Westport inn deal, Ripon wellness festival discount, waterfall and wildflower tips, Perth home and garden tour, new Carleton Place eatery, new Hamilton flight.
- [14 cute small towns for day trips from Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/07/08/14-cute-small-towns-day-trips-near-ottawa/) - Looking for ideas for day trips from Ottawa? Chelsea, Wakefield, Almonte and Merrickville are just a few of the cute towns near Ottawa within an hour's drive of Parliament Hill.
- [Escape to these magical forest skate trails near Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/01/10/ice-trails-ontario-and-quebec/) - From Ottawa and the Outaouais to Moose Creek and Pembroke, skate trails in Ontario and Quebec let you glide through the trees.
- [The Laurentians: Cross-country ski paradise two hours from Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/02/13/the-laurentians-cross-country-ski-paradise-two-hours-from-ottawa/) - The Laurentians region is achingly beautiful, no matter the season. But as an obsessive cross-country skier, my favourite time to visit is winter.
- [49+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, March 23 to 29](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/23/49-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-march-23-to-29/) - Pancakes, sound baths, a sock hop, bingo, comedy, book sales, an Indian dance festival, a hockey tournament, a maple syrup festival and a wedding show!
- [Cornwall Community Museum, Cornwall, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/29/cornwall-community-museum-cornwall-ontario/) - The Cornwall Community Museum showcases the history of Cornwall, Ontario, and the surrounding United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
- [100+ free things to do in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/07/16/100-free-things-to-do-in-ottawa-this-weekend-outaouais-eastern-ontario/) - Free things to do in Ottawa and surrounding areas abound, from festivals and concerts to yoga and museums. No money? No problem!
- [Priest's Mill Arts Centre, Alexandria, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/02/20/priests-mill-arts-centre-alexandria-ontario/) - Learn a bit about the history of Alexandria, Ontario, while taking a class or shopping at the Priest's Mill Arts Centre.
- [Heads Up: Paddling race, StoryFest, new Montreal airport](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/24/heads-up-paddling-race-storyfest-new-montreal-airport/) - New Douglas Tavern documentary, Raisin River Canoe Race discounts, accessible sites in the Outaouais and hot concert tickets in Burnstown.
- [2026 winter festivals in and near Ottawa: Slide, skate and celebrate](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/05/2026-winter-festivals-carnivals-ottawa-outaouais-eastern-ontario/) - Winter festivals in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais are a great way to get out in the snow!
- [Heads Up: Art workshops, cooking classes and camping reservations](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/02/02/heads-up-art-workshops-cooking-classes-and-camping-reservations/) - Take an art class, learn to make international dishes in Orleans, nab a campsite in a national park or see Degrassi stars in Kingston.
- [St. Patrick's Day fun in Ottawa and beyond](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/09/st-patricks-day-fun-in-ottawa-and-beyond/) - St. Patrick's Day in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais and beyond actually encompasses two whole weeks of music, parades, trivia, dancing and more.
- [43+ events in and around Ottawa, March 16 to 22](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/17/43-events-in-and-around-ottawa-march-16-to-22/) - Looking for something fun to do this week? How about an end-of-winter festival, a ski demo, a cooking class, film and comedy festivals, or a home and garden show?
- [45+ fun events in and around Ottawa, March 9 to 15](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/10/45-fun-events-in-and-around-ottawa-march-9-to-15/) - Shop for seeds or plus-sized fashions, meet an author or a mermaid, make soap, see foreign movies or enjoy some St. Patrick's Day fun.
- [Heads Up: New bookshop, returning birds, Cirque du Soleil](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/17/heads-up-new-bookshop-returning-birds-cirque-du-soleil/) - Kingstonlicious events, balloon festival entertainment, Parks of the St. Lawrence campsite reservations, hospice fundraiser and Montreal Grand Prix tickets.
- [10 things you didn't know about Perth, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/01/25/quirky-fun-facts-trivia-perth-ontario-lanark-county/) - Perth is a very popular day trip from Ottawa—after all, it's only an hour's drive away. But did you know these 10 fun facts about Perth, Ontario?
- ["Glamping" at Pine Brae Eco-Resort near Perth, Ontario: Camping with the comforts of home](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/08/03/pine-brae-glamping-near-perth-ontario-camping-cabin-rental/) - Pine Brae Eco-Resort near Perth offers off-the-grid "glamping" cabins with lake access ... and whippoorwills.
- [30+ ideas for March Break 2026 in Ottawa, the Outaouais and beyond](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/02/24/march-break-road-trips-ottawa/) - March Break fun for kids and teens abounds in Ottawa and the Outaouais this year: art camps, rock climbing, alpacas, mermaids and more.
- [Upper Canada Village, Morrisburg](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/21/upper-canada-village-morrisburg/) - Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg recreates Canadian life in 1866 and is one of the country's largest living-history sites.
- [Battle of Crysler's Farm National Historic Site, Morrisburg](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/11/battle-of-cryslers-farm-national-historic-site-morrisburg/) - The Battle of Crysler's Farm National Historic Site in Morrisburg, Ontario, commemorates a decisive battle in the War of 1812.
- [Martintown Grist Mill, Martintown, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/11/martintown-grist-mill-martintown-ontario/) - The Martintown Grist Mill in Martintown, Ontario, is a wonderful place to get insights into village life in Eastern Ontario in the 1800s.
- [Heads Up: Pizza, printmaking and pysanky](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/03/heads-up-pizza-printmaking-and-pysanky/) - Learn how to decorate Ukrainian Easter eggs (pysanky) or how to make botanical prints. Discover great bakeries, sample PEC wines or nosh on pizza.
- [46+ fun things to see and do in and around Ottawa, March 2 to 8](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/03/46-fun-things-to-see-and-do-in-and-around-ottawa-march-2-to-8/) - Holi and St. Patrick's Day celebrations, country and tango music, beer festival, art show, golf and cycling expos, gardening events, and maple syrup fests!
- [Heads Up: Accessible boardwalk, Kingston obstacle race, Toronto hotel deal](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/03/07/heads-up-accessible-boardwalk-kingston-obstacle-race-toronto-hotel-deal/) - CN Cycle for CHEO, Laurentians sunrise event, murder mystery fun in Kemptville, Meech Lake hotel reopening, craft brewery closing.
- [49+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, February 23 to March 1](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/02/24/49-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-february-23-to-march-1/) - Cinnamon roll baking class, film festival, mammoth book sale, beer and tacos festival, comedy, moonlit skiing, RV show, gardening events and more.
- [34+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, February 16 to 22](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/02/17/34-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-february-16-to-22/) - Two book fairs, four kilt skates, a talk about the Lost Villages in Cornwall, line dancing in Russell, a culinary contest in Gatineau and a painting class in Chapeau!
- [Heads Up: Garlic fest, ghosts and Calabogie fun](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/02/23/heads-up-garlic-fest-ghosts-and-calabogie-fun/) - The latest scoop on the Perth Garlic Festival, Capital Ribfest, paranormal investigations all over Eastern Ontario, winter fun in Calabogie and more.
- [Buy maple syrup right from a farm near Ottawa!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/02/26/buy-maple-syrup-sugarbush-eastern-ontario-outaouais/) - Many sugarbushes and cabanes à sucre in Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais sell maple syrup, maple sugar, maple butter and more online.
- [Cooper Marsh Conservation Area, South Glengarry](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/14/cooper-marsh-conservation-area-south-glengarry/) - Cooper Marsh Conservation Area—just east of Cornwall, Ontario—offers great bird-watching opportunities.
- [27+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, January 12 to 18](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/12/27-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-january-12-to-18/) - Snowshoeing by starlight, art classes in Osgoode and Carleton Place, skiing lessons in Gatineau, Ottawa ComicCon, and a mountain film fest in Kingston.
- [43+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, February 9 to 15](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/02/09/43-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-february-9-to-15/) - Tap trees in Vanier, buy comics in Carleton Place, chat with artists in Wakefield, see a magic show in Navan or dance the night away in Gatineau
- [39+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, January 26 to February 1](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/27/39-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-january-26-to-february-1/) - Ski by moonlight, skate with Kurt Browning, enjoy Winterlude, check out a home reno show, go to a pow wow or taste dishes from top chefs.
- [33+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, February 2 to 8](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/02/02/33-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-february-2-to-8/) - Watch snowmobile racers, sample soups or stews, browse for books or antiques, tackle a ski marathon, take a painting class, make a candle, or enjoy a winter festival!
- [Walk between beautiful Laurentians towns on the P'tit Train du Nord trail](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/08/02/walk-between-beautiful-laurentians-towns-on-the-ptit-train-du-nord-trail/) - The P'tit Train du Nord Linear Park is a gorgeous 234-kilometre walking and cycling trail linking communities throughout Quebec's Laurentian mountains.
- [Heads Up: Hotel deals, pasta workshop, Quebec City tips](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/27/heads-up-hotel-deals-pasta-workshop-quebec-city-tips/) - A ski-through art gallery, discounts on hotels and train trips, forest bathing in Frontenac Provincial Park, a pasta-making workshop, afternoon tea and more!
- [Lost Villages Museum, Long Sault](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/21/lost-villages-museum-long-sault/) - The Lost Villages Museum in Long Sault is a great place to learn about 12 communities now submerged below the St. Lawrence River.
- [Winter road trip to Montreal: Ski, eat and see art](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/01/17/montreal-in-winter-road-trip-ski-eat-museums-festivals/) - Visit Montreal in winter to enjoy snowy fun on Mont Royal, museums, festivals, food shops, hotels and even a rooftop pool!
- [Frontenac Club hotel: A luxurious escape in Kingston, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/02/03/frontenac-club-hotel-a-luxurious-escape-in-kingston-ontario/) - The Frontenac Club hotel in Kingston, Ontario, offers fireplaces, king-sized beds and posh bathrooms in every room and suite.
- [45+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, January 19 to 25](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/19/45-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-january-19-to-25/) - Robbie Burns celebrations, comedy in Chelsea, a film fest in Cornwall, antiques in Carleton Place, chili in Centretown, modern dance in Deep River and Orleans, and more.
- [Heads Up: Butterflies, camping and a culinary competition](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/19/heads-up-butterflies-camping-and-a-culinary-competition/) - Book campsites at some of Canada's favourite national parks, get hot tickets to a kids' show at TD Place or attend a culinary competition in Gatineau.
- [Upper Canada Playhouse, Morrisburg](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/23/upper-canada-playhouse-morrisburg/) - The Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg offers a substantial summer theatre lineup and also presents plays, concerts and more throughout the year.
- [Tips for day trips to Morrisburg and Iroquois, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/07/12/tips-day-trips-morrisburg-iroquois-south-dundas-ontario/) - Morrisburg and Iroquois, each about an hour's drive south of Ottawa, have beaches, picnic spots and parks, making them great family day trip destinations.
- [Iroquois Beach, Iroquois](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/22/iroquois-beach-iroquois/) - Iroquois Beach in Iroquois is a small, sandy beach on the St. Lawrence River. The swimming area is clearly marked with buoys.
- [25+ fun Ottawa winter activities](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/03/01/19-places-skate-ski-snowshoe-ottawa-nearby/) - Looking for Ottawa winter activities but don't want to go far? Here are 25+ places to skate, ski, snowshoe, hike and more, all within the Ottawa city limits.
- [Glengarry Pioneer Museum, Dunvegan](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/14/glengarry-pioneer-museum-dunvegan-ontario/) - The Glengarry Pioneer Museum in Dunvegan, Ontario, showcases the history of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
- [Chelsea Hotel, Toronto: An ideal base for a weekend getaway](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/15/chelsea-hotel-toronto-an-ideal-base-for-a-weekend-getaway/) - The Chelsea Hotel, Toronto offers three restaurants, two indoor pools, a rooftop terrace and great prices—what's not to like?
- [Heads Up: Restaurant deals, Macbeth, Lanark Highlands tiny house](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/12/heads-up-restaurant-deals-macbeth-lanark-highlands-tiny-house/) - Restaurant promos in Ottawa and Kingston, restored shelter at Philippe Lake, walk-about production of Macbeth, Lanark Highlands tiny house.
- [Museum shows in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and beyond](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/09/museum-shows-ottawa-eastern-ontario-outaouais-montreal/) - Find out what exhibitions are on now in Ottawa's museums and galleries—as well as in museums and art galleries in the Outaouais, Eastern Ontario and Montreal.
- [One-Hour Walk: Old Ottawa South](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/01/11/one-hour-walk-old-ottawa-south/) - Take this 55-minute walk through Old Ottawa South to see the Rideau River and Rideau Canal, vintage houses, coffee shops and ducks.
- [St. Raphael's Ruins National Historic Site, Williamstown](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/14/st-raphaels-ruins-national-historic-site-williamstown/) - St. Raphael's Ruins National Historic Site is a gorgeous spot for photography and introspection, not far from Alexandria, Ontario.
- [20+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, January 4 to 11](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/07/20-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-january-4-to-11/) - Start 2026 with a guided snowshoeing hike, a hoop dancing performance, a cross-country skiing challenge, a vision board workshop and more!
- [Heads Up: Make soap, race on snowshoes or cheer for chefs](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2026/01/07/heads-up-make-soap-race-on-snowshoes-or-cheer-for-chefs/) - From award-winning architecture and a new airport hotel to a snowshoeing race and a soap-making class, here's a roundup of the latest Ottawa-area travel news.
- [2025 Ottawa Christmas markets and nearby craft shows](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/11/01/ottawa-christmas-craft-fairs-holiday-sales-artisans/) - Ottawa Christmas markets, Eastern Ontario craft sales, Outaouais craft shows and other artisan markets are great places to buy gifts in 2025!
- [2025 New Year's Eve in Ottawa, the Outaouais and Eastern Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/12/05/new-years-eve-ottawa-outaouais-eastern-ontario/) - Wondering how to celebrate New Year's Eve 2025 in Ottawa and nearby? How about these New Year's Eve parties in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais?
- [Check out these Christmas movies shot in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/12/10/check-out-these-christmas-movies-shot-in-ottawa-and-eastern-ontario/) - Christmas movies shot in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario are packed with local landmarks masquerading as "Anytown, U.S.A."
- [What to do AFTER the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/04/ottawa-christmas-market-shops-restaurants-music-glebe-oos/) - Heading to the Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne Park? Why not make a day of it at nearby restaurants, shops and entertainment venues?
- [20+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, December 22 to January 4](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/23/20-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-december-22-to-january-4/) - See butterflies, head to a playground festival or a family play, celebrate New Year's Eve, set your intentions for 2026, or jump into an icy river!
- [35+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, December 15 to 21](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/16/35-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-december-15-to-21/) - Butterflies in flight, village carolling, A Christmas Carol, winery karaoke, salsa dancing lessons, pet photos with Santa and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
- [The best Eastern Ontario fall colours road trips (and some beyond)](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/09/19/best-eastern-ontario-fall-colours-ottawa-outaouais/) - Here are my favourite destinations for fall colours in Ontario (Eastern Ontario, that is!) and West Quebec. Start the car, leaf peepers!
- [New Year's Eve celebrations in and around Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/12/22/new-years-eve-celebrations-ottawa-eastern-ontario-montreal/) - Want to mark the beginning of 2020 in style? You have lots of choices when it comes to celebrating New Year's Eve. New Year's Eve in Ottawa The Scottish Society of Ottawa is staging a family-friendly celebration in the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park. Hogman-eh!—a Canadian twist on the traditional Scottish Hogmanay party—starts at 5pm
- [Heads Up: Forest skating, Canada Strong Pass, festive restaurants](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/16/heads-up-forest-skating-canada-strong-pass-festive-restaurants/) - Drop-in art studio in Newboro, café in Calabogie, pressotherapy in Gatineau, Canada Strong Pass discounts, and artsy destinations in Lanark County.
- [49+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa: December 8 to 14](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/08/49-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-december-8-to-14/) - Avant-garde arts festival, cheesemaker's open house, free art class, nationwide bird count, The Nutcracker, Home Alone and pet photos with Santa.
- [Heads Up: Polar bear swim, skating championships, pizza gondolas](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/09/heads-up-polar-bear-swim-skating-championships-pizza-gondolas/) - A January yoga-and-art retreat in Richmond, a frosty swim in Perth, maple wine made in Apple Hill and figure skating championships in Gatineau.
- [Heads Up: Quebec camping, songwriting retreat, festive fun](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/04/heads-up-quebec-camping-songwriting-retreat-festive-fun/) - Don't miss this post if you want to nab camping spots in Quebec, tickets to a train-themed Santa event in Smiths Falls, or a spot at a songwriting retreat!
- [2025 Santa Claus parades in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and Aylmer](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/11/14/santa-claus-parades-ottawa-area/) - 2025 Santa Claus parades in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais are coming! Find your favourite Christmas parade in Ottawa and beyond on this list.
- [62+ things to do in and around Ottawa, December 1 to 7, 2025](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/02/62-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-december-1-to-7-2025/) - Japanese desserts, Christmas festivals, standup comedy, Santa Claus parades, comic books, hockey, a fundraising run, plays, concerts and craft sales!
- [Be dazzled by Christmas lights in Ottawa and nearby places in 2025!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/11/28/be-dazzled-by-ottawas-christmas-lights/) - Christmas lights in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario abound, from the Magic of Lights in Nepean to Alight at Night in Morrisburg!
- [41+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, October 20 to 26](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/10/19/41-events-ottawa-outaouais-eastern-ontario-october-20-26/) - Trick-or-treating events, a fibre fest, a comedy show, a fiddle fest, the Ottawa International Writers Festival and PEC restaurant deals!
- [35+ fun events in and around Ottawa, November 10 to 16](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/10/35-fun-events-in-and-around-ottawa-november-10-to-16/) - A wine and food festival, five Santa Claus parades, Merrickville theatre festival, Homes for the Holidays tour, Ottawa Indigenous festival and more.
- [Heads Up: New ski hotel, singalong White Christmas, Just for Laughs deal](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/12/02/heads-up-new-ski-hotel-singalong-white-christmas-just-for-laughs-deal/) - Local history, hot concert tickets, holiday crafts, Napanee shopping, a new ski hotel and a singalong screening of White Christmas
- [45+ things to do in and around Ottawa, November 24 to 30](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/24/45-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-november-24-to-30/) - Festive fun abounds this week, from Santa parades to Christmas festivals. But you can also enjoy comedy, a National Gallery show, film fests and more.
- [Heads Up: Black Friday deals, PEC travel tips, winter camping](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/24/heads-up-black-friday-deals-pec-travel-tips-winter-camping/) - New sauna at Nordik, tasting event in the Glebe, Hollywood movie shoot, Black Friday deals, winter camping in the Pontiac and fun in Prince Edward County.
- [41+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, November 17 to 23](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/19/41-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-november-17-to-23/) - Santa Claus parades, wreath-making and card-painting classes, holiday festivals, women's hockey at TD Place, Hay Fever, lumberjacks and European movies.
- [CPKC Holiday Train coming to Finch, Merrickville, Smiths Falls and Perth!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/11/19/cp-holiday-train-coming/) - Here's the schedule for the CPKC Holiday Train's 2025 stops near Ottawa, including Montreal, Finch, Merrickville, Smiths Falls and Perth!
- [Heads Up: Alight at Night, bookstores, cookie crawl](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/19/heads-up-alight-at-night-bookstores-street-art/) - Alight at Night, Ottawa bookstores, a stained-glass workshop in Alexandria, Ottawa street art and the closure of a popular ByWard Market restaurant.
- [Heads Up: Weaving, whisky and wreaths](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/10/heads-up-weaving-whisky-and-wreaths/) - Planning ahead? Check this week's Heads Up post to find out how you can sign up for a ski marathon, a film screening, a night of culinary discovery and much more.
- [Halloween in Ottawa and beyond: Thrills, chills and treats you won't want to miss!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/10/14/halloween-in-ottawa-kingston-eastern-ontario-outaouais/) - Looking for Halloween fun in Ottawa or nearby? Check out these haunted houses, ghost walks, trick-or-treat parties and more.
- [31+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, November 3 to 9](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/04/31-things-to-do-ottawaevents-calendar-november-3-to-9/) - Whether you're in the mood for music, theatre, shopping, books, wine tasting or dog walking, this week's calendar of events has something for you!
- [33+ fun things to do in and around Ottawa, October 27 to November 2](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/10/29/33-fun-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-october-27-to-november-2/) - Deals on Outaouais meals, an art exhibition in Alexandra, wedding and pet shows (both at the EY Centre), and holiday craft sales galore.
- [Plan a festive day trip to Kemptville on November 15 and 16!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/11/01/plan-a-festive-day-trip-to-kemptville-on-november-15-and-16/) - At the Outdoor Christmas Market in Kemptville (November 15 and 16), you can shop for gifts from some 70 local artisans and farmers each day.
- [Heads Up: Comedy, sound baths and Messiah](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/10/29/heads-up-comedy-sound-baths-and-messiah/) - This week's Heads Up post is full of plan-ahead tips, whether you want to see standup comedy in Rockland, get tickets to Messiah or enjoy a serene Saturday in Kanata.
- [Heads Up: Ottawa rom-com, official bird vote, Christmas home tour](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/09/18/heads-up-ottawa-rom-com-official-bird-vote-christmas-home-tour/) - It's not too late to get tickets for a popular Christmas home tour, to camp in the Outaouais or to register your vote for Kingston's official bird!
- [In superb Kingston restaurants, every bite tells a story](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/09/18/restaurants-in-kingston-ontario-culinary-food-tour/) - Restaurants in Kingston, Ontario, offer tapas, pizza, fine-dining dishes and more—and you can take a Kingston Food Tour to sample many great dishes.
- [35+ fun things to do in and near Ottawa, October 13 to 19](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/10/16/events-ottawa-outaouais-eastern-ontario-october-13-to-19/) - Taste of the Valley in Cobden, a free aerial show in the ByWard Market, steampunk in Aylmer, a hike in Lanark, a market in Bourget, farm tours near Smiths Falls and more.
- [Heads Up: Quebec ski pass, new flights, new Smiths Falls trailhead](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/10/23/heads-up-quebec-ski-pass-new-flights-new-smiths-falls-trailhead/) - Learn about an upcoming wine-tasting event, step inside a great Perth restaurant and get the scoop on the 2026 Canada Strong Pass.
- [24+ things to do in and around Ottawa, October 6 to 12](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/10/07/24-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-october-6-to-12/) - This Thanksgiving weekend, why not stroll through a magical forest in Montebello, enjoy a fall festival in Manotick, join a walking festival in Ottawa or shop for discount fashions in Gatineau?
- [51+ things to do in and around Ottawa, September 29 to October 5](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/09/29/51-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-september-29-to-october-5/) - You can head to a home show, a costume sale, a food truck festival, a fall fair, a clothing sale, a paranormal investigation or several fall festivals!
- [Get your local apples near Ottawa now—before it's too late!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/09/09/10-road-trips-ottawa-apples/) - Here's where to buy apple products or go apple picking in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais this fall.
- [Get out on the water in South Eastern Ontario!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/07/31/get-out-on-the-water-in-south-eastern-ontario/) - From the wide St. Lawrence River to myriad lakes and babbling creeks, you’re never far from a shoreline in South Eastern Ontario, which stretches from Cornwall to the Bay of Quinte.
- [39+ things to do in and around Ottawa, September 22 to 28, 2025](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/09/24/39-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-september-22-to-28-2025/) - Fun this week in and around Ottawa includes fall fairs, studio tours, a cat show, a dog walk and the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag.
- [Heads Up: Calabogie chairlift, scenic waterfall, Pontiac yaks](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/10/06/heads-up-calabogie-chairlift-scenic-waterfall-pontiac-yaks/) - A new Ottawa River viewpoint, Rideau Canal ghost tales, Gananoque and Brockville travel ideas, and your last 2025 chance to see fall colours from a chairlift.
- [Ottawa-area pumpkin patches to visit this fall](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/09/29/ottawa-pick-pumpkin-patches-eastern-ontario/) - Find out where can you buy and even pick pumpkins in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.
- [Heads Up: Black Sheep Inn revival, museum open house, Perth theatre](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/09/30/heads-up-black-sheep-inn-revival-museum-open-house-perth-theatre/) - VIA backtracks on express train plans. Almonte is celebrating Halloween all month. And a Wakefield B&B is for sale! Read on for this news and more.
- [Observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/09/28/observing-national-day-truth-reconciliation-canada/) - Here are some ideas for observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and for broadening your understanding of Indigenous issues.
- [Heads Up: Butterfly show, cycling app, Man Who Planted Trees](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/09/24/heads-up-butterfly-show-cycling-app-man-who-planted-trees/) - Don't miss your chance to see butterflies at Carleton, The Man Who Planted Trees at the Museum of Nature or foreign films in Kanata.
- [41+ events in and around Ottawa, September 15 to 21](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/09/17/41-events-in-and-around-ottawa-september-15-to-21/) - This week, you can check out the One World Bazaar in Manotick, the Lyndhurst Turkey Fair, music festivals in Wakefield and Westport, and Kingston WritersFest.
- [Heads Up: Black Friday deals, new Porter flights, Lego fun](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/11/26/heads-up-black-friday-deals-new-porter-flights-lego-fun/) - From Black Friday bargains to a new restaurant in Morrisburg and photos with the Grinch in Carleton Place, this post is packed with news you can use.
- [Heads Up: Black Sheep, O-Train, gourmet cycling route](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/12/17/heads-up-black-sheep-o-train-gourmet-cycling-route/) - The return of a beloved Wakefield music venue, a Quebec bike route for foodies and video from the (fingers crossed) new O-Train line.
- [Heads Up: Photo contest, Kingston tour discount, meteor shower](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/08/08/heads-up-photo-contest-kingston-tour-discount-meteor-shower/) - I have lots of news you can use to share this week, whether you'd like to go whitewater rafting off Bate Island, watch the Perseids meteor shower from a kayak, learn about Ottawa's Black history, enjoy festive dinners featuring local chefs, or be the first to know about a big conservation announcement. Plus, you'll find Go rafting off Bate Island, watch the Perseids meteor shower from a kayak, learn about Ottawa's Black history, and enjoy festive dinners featuring local chefs.
- [Heads Up: Kingston hotel deal, top-notch chili, cozy Outaouais spots](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/11/17/heads-up-kingston-hotel-deal-top-notch-chili-cozy-outaouais-spots/) - This week's Heads Up post has tips on everything from the best poutine in Montreal to how you can save on Originals Christmas Craft Sale tickets.
- [Heads Up: Marathon, burgers and St. Lawrence camping](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/03/06/heads-up-marathon-burgers-and-st-lawrence-camping/) - Sip tea in a greenhouse, run a marathon, camp along the St. Lawrence or chow down on burgers by following this week's Heads Up tips.
- [Heads Up: New chocolate shop, London flights, ByWard Market idea](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/04/07/heads-up-new-chocolate-shop-london-flights-byward-market-idea/) - Art classes in Quyon, bird fest in PEC, new non-stop flights to London, colours-and-cocktails events and a new suggestion for the ByWard Market.
- [Heads Up: 1000 Islands tips, Abraska Laflèche news, Kanata flight simulator](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/04/22/heads-up-1000-islands-tips-abraska-lafleche-news-kanata-flight-simulator/) - Enjoy a festive dinner in Carleton Place, take a helicopter ride over the 1000 Islands or bounce your way through a huge new attraction in Val-des-Monts!
- [Heads Up: Outaouais shirts, Brockville writers' fest, Friends-themed coffee shop](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/05/07/heads-up-outaouais-shirts-brockville-writers-fest-friends-themed-coffee-shop/) - A new Friends-themed coffee shop in Perth, hiking and waterfalls in the Ottawa Valley, town criers in Gananoque and a gala culinary fundraiser in Kanata.
- [Heads Up: Free park admissions, Ottawa patios, new night walk](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/06/16/heads-up-free-park-admissions-ottawa-patios-new-night-walk/) - Free parks admissions, free VIA Rail tickets, Germain hotel discounts, great Ottawa patios, Parc Oméga discount and more!
- [Heads Up: New Ottawa airport bus, Munster farm dinner, river swimming, Quebec spas](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/08/04/heads-up-new-ottawa-airport-bus-munster-farm-dinner-river-swimming-quebec-spas/) - Rental sports gear in the Outaouais, a farm-to-table dinner in Munster, a new bus to the Ottawa airport, a new restaurant in Kemptville, things to see and do in New Edinburgh and Rockcliffe, a bike ride near Eganville, and more.
- [Discover farm-fresh local foods during Savour the Field!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/08/07/discover-farm-fresh-local-foods-during-savour-the-field/) - Savour the Field (August 22 to 24) is a unique opportunity to enjoy farm-fresh bounty and a scenic country drive near Ottawa!
- [Hotel review: Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (and nearby attractions)](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/05/22/review-sheraton-centre-toronto-hotel-little-canada-hockey-hall-eaton/) - Looking for a downtown Toronto hotel near Little Canada, the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Eaton Centr? I can highly recommend the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.
- [43+ events in or near Ottawa, September 1 to 7, 2025](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/09/01/43-events-in-or-near-ottawa-september-1-to-7-2025/) - Check out a comics convention, a powwow, a writers' festival, Fibrefest, a flower show, a food festival, or celebrations of Latin and African culture.
- [26+ events in and around Ottawa, September 8 to 14, 2025](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/09/11/26-events-in-and-around-ottawa-september-8-to-14-2025/) - Check out a butter tart fest in Stittsville, two ribests, a trails festival in the Kingston/Brockville region, an airshow, music and Ukrainian festivals, a night market, two artisan fairs or the RCMP Musical Ride!
- [Heads Up: Pumpkinferno, Monty Python, Watson's Mill](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/09/02/heads-up-pumpkinferno-monty-python-watsons-mill/) - Watson's Mill is for sale, Riverside Festival tickets are going quickly, and you have until Saturday to register for a scenic bike ride.
- [26+ things to do, August 25 to 31, 2025: Artisans, Welsh fun and hot air balloons](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/08/24/26-things-to-do-august-25-to-31-2025-artisans-welsh-fun-and-hot-air-balloons/) - Rockabilly in Brockville, hot air balloons in Gatineau, artisans in Maberly, Welsh fun in Ottawa, antiques in Merrickville, fiddlers in Pembroke ... and yoga with chickens!
- [Three gorgeous fall drives in Eastern Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/09/30/three-gorgeous-fall-colours-drives-near-ottawa-eastern-ontario/) - Keen to admire the fall colours in Eastern Ontario but not sure where to drive? Try one (or more) of these scenic leaf-peeping routes in and around Almonte, Perth, Westport, Cornwall, Alexandria and other pretty spots near Ottawa.
- [These cheese shops near Ottawa will have you reaching for the crackers](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/09/22/cheese-shops-near-ottawa-outaouais-eastern-ontario/) - Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais are full of fabulous cheese shops and cheesemakers, whether you like brie, blue or anything in between.
- [Charming apple cidery is a tasty stop north of Montreal](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/10/04/cidrerie-lacroix-apple-cider-near-montreal/) - Cidrerie Lacroix in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, Quebec, is a lovely apple orchard near Montreal where you can enjoy apple cider and a good meal.
- [Heads Up: Gallery shows, Kingston WritersFest, Kemptville bus](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/08/26/heads-up-gallery-shows-kingston-writersfest-kemptville-bus/) - Kingston WritersFest, craft workshops in Cumberland, upcoming shows at the National Gallery of Canada, and a new bus service linking Kemptville to the O-Train.
- [43+ events in and around Ottawa: August 18 to 24, 2025](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/08/17/43-events-in-and-around-ottawa-august-18-to-august-24-2025/) - Five fairs, six plays, jumping dogs, a cave singalong, a whitewater festival and two wellness festivals are among the events in and near Ottawa this week.
- [Heads Up: Fire truck pull, Stratford and Open NCC](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/08/18/heads-up-fire-truck-pull-stratford-and-open-ncc/) - Whether your idea of a fun outing is eating fancy appetizers, painting a mandala, two-stepping to live blues or pulling a 10-tonne fire truck, this week's Heads Up post has something for you!
- [41+ events in and around Ottawa, August 4 to 10, 2025](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/08/04/41-events-in-and-around-ottawa-august-4-to-10-2025/) - Summer is certainly in high gear all over Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais this week! From buskers on Sparks Street and Caribbean rhythms in Stittsville to motorcycles in Smiths Falls, dragon boats in Cornwall, outdoor fun in Petawawa and needle crafts in Saint-André-Avellin, there's an event for just about every taste. You can even
- [Look what's brewing in Bath](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/08/18/look-whats-brewing-in-bath/) - At MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Co. in Bath, you can enjoy live music with your craft beers on weekends.
- [42+ events in and around Ottawa, August 11 to 17, 2025](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/08/10/42-events-in-and-around-ottawa-august-11-to-17-2025/) - This week: Two Doors Open festivals, a house tour, Indigenous games, a Sunset Ceremony, garlic, jazz, a sidewalk sale, two summer fairs and a cat video festival!
- [How to road trip from Ottawa by bus or train](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/06/08/road-trip-ottawa-without-car-bus-megabus-orleans-express-train-via-rail/) - How to get from Ottawa to Kingston, Toronto, Montreal, Arnprior, Carleton Place, Perth, Belleville, Peterborough and more places, by bus or train.
- [Heads Up: Art workshops, bagels and flying south for the winter](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/08/12/heads-up-art-workshops-bagels-and-flying-south-for-the-winter/) - From deals on southbound flights to the scoop on where you can make your own emotional support chicken, this week's Heads Up post has news of all kinds.
- [Avoid delays by flying non-stop from Ottawa to the sun](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/11/05/sun-tropical-destinations-from-ottawa-direct-non-stop-flight-route/) - What airlines fly non-stop from Ottawa to Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean in winter? Snowbirds can fly direct from YOW to a surprisingly large number of sunny places, particularly if you're booking a package vacation with a charter company such as Sunwing.
- [35+ events in and around Ottawa, July 14 to 20, 2025: Shakespeare, paddling and Latin dancing](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/07/15/35-events-in-and-around-ottawa-july-14-to-20-2025-shakespeare-paddling-and-latin-dancing/) - From paddling through a Rideau Canal lock to enjoying Shakespeare, country music or outdoor movies, there's a lot you can do in and around Ottawa this week!
- [37+ things to do in and around Ottawa, July 21 to 27, 2025](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/07/24/37-things-to-do-in-and-around-ottawa-july-21-to-27-2025/) - In and around Ottawa this weekend, you could be pressing flowers, touring gardens, eating ribs, checking out a street festival, catching a concert or learning about herbs!
- [29+ events in and around Ottawa, July 28 to August 3](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/07/31/29-events-in-and-around-ottawa-july-28-to-august-3/) - Visit artists and makers around Eganville, do yoga with puppies in Ottawa, see fireworks in Gatineau, celebrate all things Scottish in Maxville and more!
- [Heads Up: Kingston airport bus, Outaouais campground, discounts and dog fun](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/07/29/heads-up-kingston-airport-bus-outaouais-campground-discounts-and-dog-fun/) - A new bus connecting Kingston to Pearson International Airport, a month of dog-friendly fun in Carleton Place, discounts at historic sites and more!
- [Heads Up: Accessible boardwalk, vintage caboose rides, yummy Quebec food](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/07/24/heads-up-accessible-boardwalk-vintage-caboose-rides-yummy-quebec-food/) - Ride in a vintage caboose or a 1929 Oldsmobile, catch a shuttle in Cornwall, enjoy great food in Quebec, or explore an accessible boardwalk in Kars!
- [Yummy ice cream in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/08/16/great-ice-cream-cake-gelato-ottawa-eastern-ontario-gatineau-outaouais/) - Do you scream for ice cream, Ottawa? Look no further than this guide to ice cream, gelato, sorbet, ice cream cakes and vegan ice cream across the city, Eastern Ontario, Gatineau and the Outaouais.
- [What to see (and eat!) in Ottawa's Sandy Hill neighbourhood](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/04/26/sandy-hill-historic-ottawa-neighbourhood-restaurants-sights-shopping/) - In the late 1800s, the central Ottawa neighbourhood of Sandy Hill was home to VIPs, who created a posh enclave of beautiful mansions.
- [Heads Up: Almonte home tour, Lake Leamy dig and Frontenac forest bathing](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/07/17/heads-up-almonte-home-tour-lake-leamy-dig-and-frontenac-forest-bathing/) - Whether you'd like to try an escape room-type adventure in Gatineau Park, have tea on the lawn in Almonte or make your own pinsa in Alexandria, this week's Heads Up post has all the details you need.
- [Sandy Hill shop is filled with cool vintage and new finds](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/01/24/sandy-hill-shop-is-filled-with-cool-vintage-and-new-finds/) - Bee You Creative Styles is a fun spot in Ottawa's Sandy Hill neighbourood to browse for vintage and consignment clothing and accessories, as well as new local goods.
- [Heads Up: Hintonburg spa, Friends cafe, Wakefield Mill](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/07/10/heads-up-hintonburg-spa-friends-cafe-wakefield-mill/) - A spa in Ottawa, a clothes shop Kemptville, a historic ship in Kingston, a pretty Wakefield hotel, Dan Aykroyd's secret island and Perth's Friends cafe.
- [Heads Up: Hard Rock Hotel, new hiking trail, new snowbird flights](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/07/02/heads-up-hard-rock-hotel-new-hiking-trail-new-snowbird-flights/) - Pop-up restaurants in Perth, a dining challenge in the Glebe, new flights from Ottawa to the sunny south, and the World's Biggest Yard Sale.
- [Heads Up: Thousand Islands, more VIA discounts, Outaouais fun](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/06/25/heads-up-thousand-islands-more-via-discounts-outaouais-fun/) - Get the most from your summer vacation—whether you want to enjoy high tea in Cornwall, ride your bike on a vehicle-free parkway or play board games in Gatineau.
- [30+ fabulous fairs in and around Ottawa!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/08/14/find-a-fabulous-fall-fair/) - Looking for a summer or fall fair in the Ottawa area? Check this big list to get your fill of midways, pie contests, concerts, demolition derbies, ring tosses and sheep-shearing demonstrations.
- [Biking in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais: The complete guide](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/08/01/biking-cycling-ottawa-eastern-ontario-gatineau-outaouais-guide-shops-routes/) - Bike shops, cycling routes, bike tours and more in Ottawa, Gatineau, Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais, Montreal and points beyond.
- [Heads Up: A new adventure park in Val-des-Monts and Kemptville's latest outdoor piano](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/06/11/heads-up-a-new-adventure-park-in-val-des-monts-and-kemptvilles-latest-outdoor-piano/) - A new trampoline attraction in the Outaouais, classical music in Cornwall, river swimming on the edge of Rockcliffe and the last days of a popular CP café.
- [Heads Up: Festival of Small Halls, Outaouais camping, writing workshops](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/05/27/heads-up-festival-of-small-halls-outaouais-camping-writing-workshops/) - Get the scoop on this year's Ontario Festival of Small Halls, a writing festival in Lanark County, van camping in the Pontiac, musical theatre in Ottawa and more!
- [Heads Up: Gatineau Park shuttle, royal visit, steam train rides](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/05/20/heads-up-gatineau-park-shuttle-royal-visit-steam-train-rides/) - News you can use: a Hardy Boys scavenger hunt, summer music fests, a free shuttle to Gatineau Park, and a visit from the King and Queen.
- [9+ ribfests and BBQ festivals to try this summer](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/06/12/11-ribfests-bbq-eastern-ontario-summer/) - Do you love gooey barbecued ribs and chicken? Here are lots of ribfests in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and Quebec to check out this summer.
- [Heads Up: Garden tour, drive-ins and thrift shops](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/05/14/heads-up-garden-tour-drive-ins-and-thrift-shops/) - Don't miss the chance to score tickets to a popular home and garden tour, or to discover some of Ottawa's coolest consignment stores.
- [Make your Mother's Day plans NOW to avoid disappointment!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/04/28/make-your-mothers-day-plans-now-to-avoid-disappointment/) - Book now if you want to take your mom (or grandma, or anyone, really!) to one of these Mother's Day events in Ottawa, the Outaouais and Eastern Ontario.
- [Heads Up: Dumpling festival, campsites and ice cream](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/04/28/heads-up-dumpling-festival-campsites-and-ice-cream/) - Upper Canada Village is opening, you can reserve campsites on an island, and the NAC Orchestra is giving away concert tickets.
- [See new, cutting-edge and offbeat movies at these cool film festivals](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/02/21/film-festivals-near-ottawa/) - Film festivals in Ontario and Quebec give you the chance to see hard-to-find dramas, comedies, documentaries, animated movies and more!
- [Heads Up: Long Sault Parkway, Quyon ferry, Rideau Lakes walks](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/04/15/heads-up-long-sault-parkway-quyon-ferry-rideau-lakes-walks/) - Spring is definitely here, folks—the Long Sault Parkway and the Quyon ferry are open, and the 1000 Islands Drive-In in Gananoque is opening on Friday!
- [The Ottawa Road Trips newsletter is changing platforms](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/03/25/the-ottawa-road-trips-newsletter-is-changing-platforms/) - The Ottawa Road Trips newsletter is switching platforms, so it will look a little different. But the newsletter will remain free!
- [Heads Up: Daffodils, top chefs and a new water park](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/03/23/heads-up-bird-camp-top-chefs-and-a-new-water-park/) - Whether you like folk music or fine food, daffodils or big ships, or birding or water parks, this week's Heads Up post has something for you.
- [Heads Up: Canoe race, fireworks and Mother's Day tea](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/03/20/heads-up-canoe-race-fireworks-and-mothers-day-tea/) - Don't miss your chance to compete in a paddling race, get tickets to a Mother's Day tea, cycle for CHEO, see waterfalls or fireworks, or enjoy a Canadian summer trip.
- [Heads Up: Dog-friendly trails, Kilt Run, Easter train fun](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/03/11/heads-up-dog-friendly-trails-kilt-run-easter-train-fun/) - Updates on O-Train lines 2 and 4, news of Ottawa's St. Patrick's Day Parade, a whitewater rafting discount, and Outaouais dog-friendly trails.
- [Heads Up: Brunch spots, campsites and wrestling](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/02/26/heads-up-brunch-spots-campsites-and-wrestling/) - Get the scoop on summer camping reservations, an RCMP Musical Ride performance, Lanark and Renfrew county brunch spots, and a winter music festival.
- [Ski these urban cross-country trails in and around Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/02/17/ski-these-urban-cross-country-trails-in-and-around-ottawa/) - Urban cross-country ski trails in Ottawa and Gatineau are a great way to get some exercise and enjoy nature in the middle of winter.
- [Heads Up: Mansion tour, dog photos, maple-themed brunch](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/02/17/heads-up-mansion-tour-dog-photos-maple-themed-brunch/) - Here's the scoop on an upcoming mansion tour, two comedy shows, a sugar-shack brunch, a spring-themed fancy dinner and a pet photo contest!
- [Heads Up: Art class, Montreal food and a wine festival](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/02/13/heads-up-art-class-montreal-food-and-a-wine-festival/) - Liven up your winter with a Kingston film festival, an Ottawa trivia fundraiser, a Newboro art class or a PEC wine festival.
- [Heads Up: New Porter flight, spa and brewery](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/02/05/heads-up-new-porter-flight-spa-and-brewery/) - News this week includes non-stop flights from Ottawa to Victoria, a new spa in Prince Edward County and a new craft brewery in Kemptville.
- [Heads Up: Gatineau Park Shuttle and Brockville tall ships](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/01/27/heads-up-gatineau-park-shuttle-and-brockville-tall-ships/) - New Ottawa Valley bus service, Gatineau Park shuttle returns, Mavis Staples coming to jazz festival, tall ships in Brockville this summer.
- [Heads Up: Valentine's book shopping, Montreal in winter and fabulous ramen](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/01/20/heads-up-valentines-book-shopping-montreal-in-winter-and-fabulous-ramen/) - Learn about a historic observatory in Ottawa, a new addition to the Trans Canada Trail, places to enjoy winter in Montreal, a free pentathlon and delicious ramen.
- [Heads Up: Snowshoeing, songwriting and skating](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/01/13/heads-up-snowshoeing-songwriting-and-skating/) - Get the scoop on a popular Valentine's dinner in Beckwith, the Rideau Canal Skateway's opening weekend and the demise of Kingston WritersFest.
- [The jaw-dropping Ottawa Christmas store you have to see](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/12/05/the-jaw-dropping-ottawa-christmas-store-you-have-to-see/) - From penguins and Doritos to bagpipes and mermen, Tinseltown Christmas Emporium has all the ornaments you never knew you needed.
- [Heads Up: Pizza, new idling rules, Robbie Burns tickets](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2025/01/06/heads-up-pizza-new-idling-rules-robbie-burns-tickets/) - Which local museums are closing for maintenance this month? What's the scoop on the new O-Train Trillium Line? And why does Travel + Leisure love the Chateau Laurier?
- [Heads Up: Shawville B&B, Long Sault BBQ and magical potatoes](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/12/11/heads-up-shawville-bb-long-sault-bbq-and-magical-potatoes/) - Montreal travel tips, Almonte Christmas movies, romantic greenhouse dinners and itineraries for shoppers!
- [Carleton Place, Ontario: Your ultimate day trip guide](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/06/25/carleton-place-ontario-your-ultimate-day-trip-guide/) - With restaurants, a beach, a hiking trail, a cheese shop, a labyrinth and a fascinating Red Baron connection, Carleton Place is a great day trip destination just a little over 50 kilometres from downtown Ottawa.
- [Heads Up: Santa train, new Soif location, Mill of Kintail Christmas](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/11/11/heads-up-santa-train-new-soif-location-mill-of-kintail-christmas/) - Hike a new-to-you trail, take your kids for a ride on a vintage train, check out a new wine shop or simply save a bit of money on your next road trip!
- [Take the family to these fall festivals and farm tours!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/10/07/fall-family-fun-farms-events-ottawa-eastern-ontario/) - Looking for a family-friendly fall road trip from Ottawa that will keep the kids amused? Don't miss these festivals and farm tours!
- [Ottawa's Tavern cafes offer scenic views and good food](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/09/24/ottawas-tavern-island-falls-hill-gallery-scenic-food/) - The Tavern on the Island, Tavern on the Falls, Tavern on the Hill and Tavern at the Gallery are all scenic, tasty Ottawa cafes.
- [Sleep in a caboose in Smiths Falls!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/09/04/stay-overnight-caboose-rmeo-smiths-falls-ontario/) - Did you know that you can stay overnight in a caboose—there are actually three cabooses to choose fromat the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smiths Falls?
- [Heads Up: Free gas, new cycling loop, boutique Quebec City hotel](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/11/01/heads-up-free-gas-new-cycling-loop-boutique-quebec-city-hotel/) - Get the scoop on a new Neflix rom-com shot in Eastern Ontario, a new Renfrew restaurant and a convent-turned-hotel in Quebec City.
- [14 things you didn't know about Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/10/26/15-quirky-facts-about-ottawa-ontario/) - From a secret staircase and an underground CBC station to French baguettes and late-night bagels, here are 15 things you just might not know about Ottawa.
- [Heads Up: Restaurant deals, Highway 17 tips, turtle heroes](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/10/15/heads-up-restaurant-deals-highway-17-tips-turtle-heroes/) - Tree tour at Experimental Farm, resumption of non-stop flights from Ottawa to the U.K., high-speed rail news and the reasons for this year's muted fall colours.
- [Heads Up: Tremblant savings, half-price Signatures tickets, Outaouais restaurant tips](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/10/06/heads-up-tremblant-savings-outaouais-rv-route-signatures/) - Outaouais restaurant tips, new Eastern Ontario cycling route, Tremblant savings, Colin James show and more!
- [Find fabulous farms when you Follow 44 near Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/07/24/find-fabulous-farms-county-road-44-kemptville-spencerville-near-ottawa/) - Meet the people who grow your food, flowers, fibres, grapes and gourds—and buying products fresh from the farm—on this scenic drive south of Ottawa.
- [Heads Up: Fall road trips, pumpkins and ostriches](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/09/17/heads-up-seat-sale-fall-road-trips-pumpkins-and-ostriches/) - Learn how to save money on Air Canada flights, where you can hang out with goats and when you can play bingo for big prizes.
- [Food tour is a tasty way to explore Cornwall, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/07/23/food-tour-cornwall-ontario-jerk-chicken-popcorn-doughnuts-tarts/) - From jerk chicken to Portuguese tarts, Cornwall Food Tours offers great tastes in this Eastern Ontario town.
- [Find the best fall colours in Eastern Ontario and beyond with these online leaf-peeping trackers](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/09/13/find-best-fall-colours-online-leaf-peeping-trackers/) - Wondering when the fall leaves will be changing colour? Here are some handy online fall foliage trackers to help you predict peak leaf-peeping times in Ontario, Quebec and the U.S. Northeast.
- [Heads Up: Montreal deals, Gatineau covered bridges, hike near Gananoque](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/09/04/heads-up-montreal-deals-gatineau-covered-bridges-hike-near-gananoque/) - Whether you're a cyclist, a hiker, a science buff or a fan of scenic driving trips, this Heads Up post has news for you.
- [Heads Up: Music fest discounts and Fibrefest workshops](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/08/28/heads-up-music-fest-discounts-and-fibrefest-workshops/) - From music festival discounts and Pumpkinferno tickets to Fibrefest workshop registrations, here's the news you need to know this week.
- [Tasty food trails to explore in Ontario and Quebec](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/06/22/tasty-food-trails-wine-routes-beer-ontario-quebec/) - If you're the type who never takes a road trip without packing a cooler, here are some food trails and beverage routes in Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais and beyond that might pique your interest and get your stomach rumbling.
- [Heads Up: Kingston WritersFest, Charlevoix train and amazing racers](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/08/23/heads-up-kingston-writersfest-charlevoix-train-and-amazing-racers/) - Learn about medicinal plants, play bingo for a good cause, save money on Broadway tickets or take a free bike tour!
- [Heads Up: Horses, Harry Potter and a historic hotel for sale](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/08/21/heads-up-horses-harry-potter-and-a-historic-hotel-for-sale/) - Heads up: You can cycle through pretty scenery, learn about Indigenous culture, go horseback riding, fly to London or hang out with Harry Potter characters!
- [Heads Up: Tall ships, small halls and cocktails with wolves!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/08/14/heads-up-tall-ships-small-halls-and-cocktails-with-wolves/) - Feast in a field, learn about LGBTQ history, visit an island or gaze at the stars, in and around Ottawa!
- [Soar to new heights on July 20 at a 2024 Lock & Paddle event!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/07/09/lock-and-paddle-2024-parks-canada-ottawa-montreal-peterborough/) - On July 20, 2024, you can join hundreds of other paddlers in a fun, free event at a lock station in Ottawa, Montreal or Peterborough!
- [Heads Up: Waterfront restaurants, whitewater discounts, citizen science](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/08/01/heads-up-waterfront-restaurants-whitewater-discounts-citizen-science/) - Whether you want to save money on whitewater rafting adventures, help researchers track wildlife, learn to camp or check out Ottawa's newest island cafe, this week's Heads Up post has news you can use. Volunteers are needed for environmental weekends The Ottawa Valley Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is seeking volunteers
- [Check items off your Christmas shopping list in Kemptville](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/12/04/kemptville-ontario-north-grenville-christmas-shopping/) - Kemptville and North Grenville are great places near Ottawa to go Christmas shopping—with lots of independent boutiques and smaller crowds!
- [Enjoy a scenic drive from Spencerville to Kemptville](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/05/16/enjoy-scenic-drive-from-spencerville-to-kemptville/) - To discover hiking trails, historic sites, bakeries, parks and more, follow County Road 44 from Spencerville to Kemptville.
- [12+ great girlfriends' getaways from Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/09/10/12-best-girlfriends-getaways-weekends-ottawa-eastern-ontario-outaouais/) - Get inspired for your next women's weekend getaway in Eastern Ontario or the Outaouais—whether you like shopping, spas, restaurants, camping or paddling!
- [Heads Up: Queensway closure, $2 day trip, new Kingston bridge](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/07/22/heads-up-discounts-queensway-closure-walking-club-kingston-bridge/) - Save money on Puppets Up!, a farm feast and New York City meals, and learn about this weekend's Queensway closures and plans for a (temporary) bridge in Kingston.
- [Why Prescott, Ontario, makes a great day trip from Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/07/13/prescott-ontario-great-day-trip-from-ottawa/) - Prescott, Ontario, is an ideal day trip from Ottawa: It has history, a pretty riverfront, baked goodies and Shakespeare, within an hour's drive of Ottawa.
- [10 things you didn't know about Merrickville](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/05/26/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-merrickville-ontario/) - Merrickville is a popular day trip from Ottawa, but did you know these 10 fun facts about the Rideau Canal village?
- [Kingston re-embraces its Lake Ontario waterfront—and you should, too!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/05/30/kingston-lake-ontario-waterfront-swimming-scuba/) - You can learn a lot about Lake Ontario in Kingston, whether you choose to stroll a beach, put on a wetsuit or visit a museum.
- [Heads Up: Golf tournament, free moonshine fest, new Mud Lake bridge](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/07/15/heads-up-golf-tournament-free-moonshine-fest-new-mud-lake-bridge/) - Whether you like kayaking in the Thousand Islands, family outings in the Outaouais, farm-to-table dinners or Elvis tunes, this week's Heads Up post has something for you.
- [Heads up: Outaouais deals, Ottawa patios, farm picnic](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/07/08/heads-up-outaouais-deals-ottawa-patios-farm-picnic/) - Whether you're looking for discounts on Outaouais attractions, hoping to join a giant singalong at the NAC or keen to sign up for a fundraising run, this week's Heads Up post will point you in the right direction.
- [Heads up: Kayak rentals, afternoon tea and quirky museums](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/07/03/heads-up-kayak-rentals-afternoon-tea-quirky-museums/) - Historic mansions hosting concerts and tea parties, canoe rentals in Gatineau, new parking rates in Ottawa, and more.
- [Heads up: Rafting discounts, Indigenous travel and local beaches](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/06/18/heads-up-rafting-discounts-indigenous-travel-and-local-beaches/) - Local beaches, discounts on whitewater rafting and scenic boat cruises, Indigenous travel, and two new outdoor art installations.
- [Getting into the groove on the Rideau Canal](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/05/07/standup-paddleboard-rideau-canal-kingston-ottawa/) - I spent a week stand-up paddleboarding the Rideau Canal from Kingston to Ottawa. The slow pace revealed a new side of the Rideau.
- [Find a hotel or vacation rental in Eastern Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/07/13/find-book-hotel-vacation-rental-accommodation-eastern-ontario/) - Looking to book a hotel or a vacation rental in Eastern Ontario? Compare prices and make your reservation using these handy maps.
- [Kingston, the 1000 Islands and beyond: Five great fall road trips](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/09/17/kingston-brockville-cornwall-morrisburg-gananoque-1000-islands-fall-road-trips/) - This post contains affiliate links. (Not sure what those are? Here's some info on affiliate links.) I also stayed in some of the hotels mentioned as a guest of local tourist boards, none of which reviewed or approved this post. From a huge display of carved pumpkins and a haunted fort to studio tours and
- [10 things you didn't know about Brockville, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/04/22/10-things-you-didnt-know-trivia-facts-about-brockville-ontario/) - Quick: Can you tell me which city in the 1000 Islands region of Eastern Ontario is home to Canada’s oldest railway tunnel and was once the site of Canada’s biggest bank heist? If you said Brockville, you know your history. And history is one of the great reasons to check out this small city on
- [Heads up: Summer event passes, Toronto hotel savings and outdoor movies](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/06/13/heads-up-summer-event-passes-toronto-hotel-savings-and-outdoor-movies/) - Savings on Ottawa museums and attractions, a summer learning series at Carleton, and a Toronto hotel!
- [Heads up: Half-price ziplining, free outdoor movies, Festival of Small Halls](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/06/02/heads-up-half-price-ziplining-free-outdoor-movies-full-moon-festival/) - Save money with these tips on a free Rideau Canal paddling event, free outdoor movies and half-price tickets for the interprovincial zipline.
- [Heads Up: NYC savings, cycling prizes, new Ottawa flights](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/05/27/heads-up-nyc-savings-cycling-prizes-new-ottawa-flights/) - NYC savings, Arnprior day trips, gourmet fireworks package, new Rideau Lakes map and lots of new flights into Ottawa's airport.
- [Heads Up: Brockville Railway Tunnel, Algonquin Trail and Barrhaven goodie bags](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/05/23/heads-up-brockville-railway-tunnel-algonquin-trail-and-barrhaven-goodie-bags/) - Cooking classes during Italian Week Ottawa, cycling the Algonquin Trail, free swag bags at a Barrhaven market and a waterfront splash pad in Morrisburg.
- [Heads Up: Lambs and Snowbirds and bears, oh my!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/05/12/heads-up-lambs-and-snowbirds-and-bears-oh-my/) - Find out how you can test out a racetrack in Calabogie, pet lambs on Amherst Island and see a new comedy festival in Ottawa.
- [Hang out with adorable alpacas near Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/02/06/walk-with-alpacas-near-ottawa-spencerville/) - Want to visit alpacas near Ottawa? This farm in Spencerville, less than an hour south of the city, offers farm tours, alpaca walks and an Airbnb.
- [Heads Up: Gatineau Park shuttle, Kingston deals, Ottawa Valley award winners](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/05/05/heads-up-gatineau-park-shuttle-kingston-deals-ottawa-valley-award-winners/) - Save money on your local road trips with everything from a free shuttle to Gatineau Park to deals on Kingston hotels.
- [9 very short road trips from Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/05/16/short-road-trips-from-ottawa-day-trips/) - Save time and save gas with these very short road trips from Ottawa. You'll be surprised where you can go in half an hour!
- [Heads Up: Free Ottawa fun, Mother's Day ideas, new VIA train](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/04/30/heads-up-free-ottawa-fun-mothers-day-ideas-new-via-train/) - Save 30 percent on an Ottawa family fun pass, treat Mom to some fun on Mother's Day, score free admission to local museums and put Doors Open in your calendar.
- [Heads Up: Musical Ride, cycling event savings, Stittsville fun](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/04/22/heads-up-musical-ride-cycling-event-savings-stittsville-fun/) - Find out when the RCMP Musical Ride is performing in Ottawa, how to save money on a lilac-themed bike ride and where to hunt ghosts in Cornwall!
- [Heads Up: Merrickville, Montreal and travel discounts](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/04/14/heads-up-merrickville-montreal-and-travel-discounts/) - Tips on Merrickville, Seneca Falls, travel discounts, vintage stores in Montreal, a weekend in Toronto and new flights from Ottawa.
- [Heads Up: New WestJet flights, Brockville Railway Tunnel news](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/04/10/heads-up-new-westjet-flights-brockville-railway-tunnel/) - This week's news includes details on expanded WestJet service from Ottawa to Winnipeg and Edmonton.
- [Poutine festivals offer cheesy fun near Ottawa in 2024!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/04/17/poutine-festivals/) - Poutine festivals galore are coming to Ottawa, Gatineau, Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais and Montreal in 2023. Here's where to find all the poutine!
- [Take the kids to these fun Easter 2024 events](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/03/23/ottawa-easter-egg-hunt-family-fun-activities-farm/) - Easter fun in Ottawa and beyond—including Kemptville, Smiths Falls and Perth—includes Easter egg hunts, pony rides, face painting and more.
- [2024 solar eclipse maps show the best potential viewing places](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/12/12/2024-solar-eclipse-map-best-places/) - Where is the best place to see the April 8, 2024 eclipse? This post includes 2024 solar eclipse maps of the North American path of totality.
- [Heads Up: Golf at TD Place, half-price walking tour, Mother's Day play](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/04/01/heads-up-golf-td-place-half-price-walking-tour-mothers-day-play/) - Practise your golf swing at TD Place, treat Mom to a play (and brunch) on Mother's Day or save 50% on a new Ottawa walking tour.
- [Get gifts and decor ideas at Homes for the Holidays!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/11/13/get-gifts-and-decor-ideas-at-homes-for-the-holidays/) - Get inspired! Homes for the Holidays is a self-driving tour of festively decorated Ottawa homes (and there's a pop-up shop, too).
- [Five must-visit small towns within 90 minutes of Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/12/11/five-must-visit-small-towns-within-90-minutes-ottawa/) - One of the questions I get most often from readers here at Ottawa Road Trips is, "Can you recommend a small-town destination for a relaxing country drive?" Fortunately, there's no shortage of good answers to that question, depending on whether you like shopping, dining, hiking, music, spas or something else completely. In fact, you don't
- [Your ultimate day trip guide to Manotick, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/06/03/best-day-trip-guide-visit-manotick-ontario-ottawa/) - Manotick, a Rideau River community on Ottawa's southern edge, offers a haunted mill, a gingerbread bakery, ice cream floats, a dog park, nice restaurants—all within the Ottawa city limits. What more could you want in a day trip destination?
- [Heads Up: Gatineau Park trails and OC Transpo route changes](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/03/26/heads-up-gatineau-park-trails-and-oc-transpo-route-changes/) - Trails you can hike in Gatineau Park right now, OC Transpo's upcoming bus route changes, discounts on Parc Oméga and more.
- [Heads Up: Art classes and eclipse glasses](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/03/19/heads-up-art-classes-and-eclipse-glasses/) - Get tickets to Gatineau's fireworks festival, take an art class beside a waterfall and plan ahead for the April 8 total solar eclipse.
- [Three easy winter hikes near Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/12/14/three-easy-winter-hiking-trails-near-ottawa-westport-brockville-kemptville/) - Looking for some easy winter hikes near Ottawa? These scenic hiking trails in Kemptville, Brockville and Westport are simple but rewarding.
- [Enjoy your own private sauna and soak in Carp](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/01/23/private-sauna-hydrotherapy-tub-carp-ottawa/) - This private sauna room on Ottawa's outskirts is a cozy escape on a winter day—especially if you include a hot bath!
- [Heads Up: Art classes, fashion show and dog-friendly Outaouais trips](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/03/11/heads-up-art-classes-fashion-show-dog-friendly-outaouais-trips/) - Whether you want to hike with your dog, eat soup for a good cause, take an art class or buy your own church, I have a tip for you in this week's Heads Up. Enjoy!
- [11 Eastern Ontario place names with intriguing origins](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/01/15/11-eastern-ontario-place-names/) - Eastern Ontario place names have some fascinating stories to tell. Did you know that the region is home to communities named for a Mexican general, a line of English royals and the capital of Lithuania? If, like me, you're fascinated by the origins of place names, read on. Almonte was named for a Mexican general
- [Heads Up: Lacrosse team, Bluefest and soup](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/02/29/heads-up-lacrosse-team-bike-show-rick-mercer-jann-arden/) - Find out about March Break fun in Quebec, a book launch this weekend, and a new show featuring Jann Arden and Rick Mercer.
- [Heads Up: Hotel deals, $5 movie tickets, campsite bookings, Norah Jones](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/02/22/heads-up-hotel-deals-movie-tickets-discount-campsite-bookings/) - Whether you want to save money on movie tickets, take a March Break trip with the kids, take a farm tour on Amherst Island, camp in a provincial or national park this summer, eat tacos at Lansdowne Park, see Norah Jones, or even throw a tomahawk like an 18th-century woodsman, the time to start planning
- [Gatineau Park: A beginner's guide](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/06/10/gatineau-park-chelsea-quebec-beginners-guide-visit/) - Visiting Gatineau Park near Ottawa for the first time? Check out great trails and lookouts, a former prime minister's summer home, a quirky lake, and an ice cream shop.
- [Montebello, Quebec: Your day tripping guide](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/09/06/montebello-quebec-your-day-tripping-guide/) - Along with Fairmont Le Château Montebello, one of the world's largest log structures, you'll find wildlife, chocolate and cheese in Montebello, Quebec.
- [The Kìchì Sìbì Winter Trail is a great Ottawa ski route!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/03/18/sjam-winter-trail-sir-john-a-macdonald-ski-ottawa/) - The Kichi Sibi Winter Trail is one of the best winter experiences in Ottawa, whether you like to cross-country ski, walk your dog, snowshoe or bike.
- [Survey says: Food, festivals, Lanark County and Leeds-Grenville](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/01/15/reader-survey-food-festivals-lanark-county-leeds-grenville/) - According to my latest survey, you like reading about restaurants, festivals, historic sites and all sorts of destinations, from the Outaouais to the Finger Lakes!
- [Heads Up: Marathons, Montreal lounge  and Merrickville ice cream](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/02/18/heads-up-marathons-montreal-lounge-merrickville-ice-cream/) - A popular Merrickville ice cream shop, early-bird prices on a marathon and a bike ride, and a posh new lounge in Montreal.
- [Day tripping to Hull, Quebec—right next door to Ottawa!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/07/18/day-tripping-hull-quebec-gatineau-near-ottawa/) - Why should you take a day trip from Ottawa to the Hull sector of Gatineau, Quebec? Are wine, a secret garden, a lake, cool food shops and an interprovincial zipline enough enticement? Many people cross the Ottawa River to Hull to visit the Canadian Museum of History (100 Laurier), and that’s a good impulse. The
- [Ontario Festival of Small Halls tickets now on sale!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/06/06/ontario-festival-small-halls-2023-almonte-manotick-russell-winchester/) - Note that the following information is for the 2023 Festival of Small Halls. If you love hearing live music by Canadian artists in small communities, check out this year's impressive and packed lineup for the Ontario Festival of Small Halls. The annual event will be staging over three dozen concerts in venues across Eastern Ontario
- [News and deals: Save $50 on Ottawa film fest passes](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2024/02/12/ottawa-travel-news-deals-february-12-2024/) - Early-bird tickets to an Ottawa film fest, the 411 on some local sand dunes and a tip on a concert that's selling out quickly.
- [Where to order Christmas dinner in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario in 2023](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/12/08/takeout-christmas-dinner-ottawa-gatineau-outaouais-eastern-ontario/) - Wondering where to order Christmas dinner in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario? These restaurants and caterers are offering turkey and more for takeout or delivery. Just reheat and enjoy!
- [How to get Gatineau Park ski passes and other winter fun deals](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/11/15/save-money-by-planning-winter-fun-now/) - With a Gatineau Park ski pass and other passes, you can save on winter fun in Quebec, Eastern Ontario or upstate New York.
- [Wellington West and Hintonburg: Ottawa's happening 'hoods](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/11/30/wellington-west-hintonburg-ottawa-neighbourhoods-fun-visit/) - Head to Hintonburg and Wellington West, two adjacent neighbourhoods on the west side of central Ottawa, for shopping, restaurants, live theatre and more.
- [Old Ottawa South: Parks, pierogi, pinball and pie](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/12/05/old-ottawa-south-neighbourhood-shopping-restaurants-parks/) - Old Ottawa South, between the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, offers lots of independent shops and restaurants, as well as two big riverfront parks!
- [50 road trips and weekend getaways from Ottawa you MUST try this summer!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/06/19/50-road-trips-ottawa-must-try-summer/) - From a craft brewery in Pakenham to a water maze in the Outaouais and an obstacle course for dogs, here are 50 road trips and weekend getaways from Ottawa you must try this summer!
- [Art galleries and tours near Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/09/28/art-galleries-studio-tours-ottawa-outaouais/) - Here's how you can tour artists' galleries and buy local artworks in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais in fall 2020.
- [Save on Outaouais meals with new promo!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/10/19/save-outaouais-restaurants-promotion-prix-fixe/) - You can get a deal on a three-course meal at participating Outaouais restaurants in November during L'Outaouais au menu!
- [Trivia quiz #19: Cowboys, pizza and butter tarts](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/08/06/trivia-quiz-19-ottawa-pizza-butter-tarts-vw-buses/) - It's a new month and a new schedule for the Ottawa Road Trips trivia quiz. From now on, I'm going to be writing these once a month, rather than once a week. But they'll still be packed with quirky facts about Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais and beyond! Try this month's 10 questions and see how
- [5 Toronto summer adventures for families](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/06/29/toronto-summer-vacations-trips-families/) - Elated, instinctual roars can be heard in schoolyards across the region as the final school bell of the year rings. But as a parent, waiting in the sun, I always feel another sentiment that lies somewhere between joy and panic—okay, now what are we going to do for the next two months? If you're looking
- [Fun Oktoberfests for Ottawa road trippers](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/09/07/10-oktoberfests-ottawa-road-trippers/) - Oktoberfests are so popular that many organizers even hold them in September! Here's where you can celebrate beer and German culture in and around Ottawa.
- [An Ottawa staycation at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/09/17/ottawa-staycation-fairmont-chateau-laurier-hotel/) - What COVID-19 safety precautions is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa taking? Lots, as I discovered during my recent stay.
- [Test your local trivia knowledge with this quiz and you could win a $10 gift card!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/03/25/ottawa-eastern-ontario-quebec-trivia-game-1/) - Welcome to the first-ever, stay-at-home Ottawa Road Trips trivia quiz! As some of you know, my husband Paul runs the Ottawa Trivia League, which hosts trivia games in bars all over Ottawa. As a result, I'm pretty immersed in the world of arcane knowledge. So it only seemed natural, when I was casting around for
- [Open washrooms in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/07/08/open-public-washrooms-bathrooms-restrooms-covid-19-ottawa-eastern-ontario-outaouais/) - It's among the top questions readers ask: Where can I find an open restroom in and around Ottawa? You asked, I've delivered. This list of public and somewhat public bathrooms in Eastern Ontario and West Quebec will keep evolving, so if you know of a spot I've missed (or one that has closed since I
- [Taste these fab food festivals in and around Ottawa!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/05/16/food-festivals-restaurants-ottawa-montreal-eastern-ontario-toronto/) - Hungry? Don't miss these food festivals, restaurant weeks and other culinary events in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais, Montreal and beyond!
- [11+ great picnic spots in Ottawa and beyond](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/08/08/11-great-picnic-spots-ottawa-outaouais-eastern-ontario/) - I've rounded up great picnic spots in Ottawa, scenic picnic grounds in Eastern Ontario and pretty picnic places in the Outaouais. Pack that picnic basket!
- [Treat yourself to coffee and more at these cute cafés southwest of Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/08/10/cafes-spencerville-brockville-westport-portland-merrickville-ontario/) - If you're looking for coffee and snacks southwest of Ottawa, check out these cafés in Spencerville, Brockville, Westport, Portland and Merrickville, Ontario.
- [Stock your pantry at these gourmet Eastern Ontario food shops](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/07/29/leeds-grenville-ontario-merrickville-brockville-westport-food-shops/) - Whether you're looking for a delicious road-trip lunch or superb take-home foods, these 12 food shops southwest of Ottawa should be on your radar.
- [Discover 12 delicious bakeries between Kemptville and Gananoque!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/07/10/discover-bakeries-kemptville-brockville-westport-gananoque/) - These 12 bakeries in Kemptville, Merrickville, Prescott and other 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways communities will definitely have you braking for baked goods.
- [Why you need to visit Arnprior, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/03/26/visitor-travel-information-arnprior-white-lake-burnstown-ontario/) - Arnprior, Ontario, is a great day trip from Ottawa, with a fun museum, great restaurants and shops, a forest full of tall pines, and a scenic drive to White Lake and Burnstown.
- [The best things to do in Kingston, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/05/05/kingston-ontario-travel-shopping-restaurants-history-weekend/) - Kingston, Ontario, is an excellent weekend getaway travel destination, with history, shopping, restaurants, hiking trails and a prime Lake Ontario view.
- [Relax in lavender fields northwest of Montreal](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/07/11/lavender-maison-lavande-saint-eustache-near-montreal/) - La Maison Lavande in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, gives you the chance to meander through fields of blooming lavender.
- [Great road trips from Ottawa for food lovers](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/08/25/great-road-trips-ottawa-eastern-ontario-outaouais-food-lovers/) - If great restaurants, food shops, wineries, farms, bakeries and craft breweries are the places that inspire you to hop in the car for a day trip or weekend getaway from Ottawa, here are all sorts of possible destinations for your next road trip.
- [Enjoy two fun events in Cornwall this weekend](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/08/14/cornwall-events-night-market-doors-open-august-2023/) - Visit Cornwall, Ontario, on the weekend of August 18 to 20, 2023, and you can enjoy a night market AND peek inside some cool historic buildings!
- [Fun things to do in Calabogie and Eganville, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/04/18/fun-things-calabogie-eganville-ontario-weekend-getaway/) - Head to Eganville and Calabogie, Ontario—in Renfrew County, just west of Ottawa—and you can sip craft cocktails, explore a cave, hike or go kicksledding!
- [Cheer on competitors at the Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/08/08/watch-dogs-work-kingston-sheep-dog-trials-festival-ontario/) - The Kingston Sheep Dog Trials Festival is a family- and pet-friendly event that showcases clever dogs.
- [18+ heart-pumping places near Ottawa for thrill seekers](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/04/07/18-adventure-places-ottawa-gatineau-thrill-seekers-adrenaline-junkies/) - Attention, adrenaline junkies! If you're the sort who thrives on challenging yourself and/or giving yourself a good scare, have I got some tips for you. Within a few hours’ drive of Ottawa-Gatineau, you can experience Canada's fastest roller coaster, highest bungee jump and largest aerial park, among other thrilling fun.
- [Take an art walk along Gatineau's Sentier Culturel (Culture Trail)](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/07/17/sentier-culturel-culture-trail-hull-gatineau-quebec-art-walk/) - When you stroll along the Sentier Culturel (Culture Trail) in the Hull sector of Gatineau, Quebec, you'll make a surprising discovery: 30-some artworks sprouting out of ponds and sidewalks, mounted on walls, and dangling above creeks. It's a wonderful, free way to explore Old Hull and encounter whimsical, intriguing and thought-provoking artworks.
- [See animatronic dinosaurs at The Lost Kingdoms Ottawa...but only until July 9](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/06/22/lost-kingdoms-animatronic-dinosaurs-wesley-clover-parks-ottawa-2023/) - Dinosaurs and Ice Age creatures are coming to Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa's west end! If you have kids of a certain age, they've probably already made you well aware of The Lost Kingdoms Ottawa, a travelling attraction created in the U.K. that is making its first North American stop in Ottawa from June 23
- [Help me find quiet restaurants in Ottawa and beyond](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/02/07/soundprint-decibel-readings-ottawa-restaurants/) - I'm trying to find quiet restaurants in Ottawa, the Outaouais and Eastern Ontario that are calm enough for conversation, and you can help!
- [Architecture fans, check out these books, guides and events!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/05/15/architecture-fans-check-out-these-books-guides-and-events/) - Learn about heritage and contemporary architecture in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and Montreal with these tours and other resources.
- [Learn fascinating facts about wolves at new museum show](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/03/07/fascinating-facts-wolves-canadian-museum-nature-show/) - Wolves: Shape-shifters in a Changing World is a fascinating exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature. You'll be surprised what you'll learn!
- [6 Quebec Nordic spas you must try!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/09/21/quebec-nordic-spas-thermal-spas-you-must-try/) - From the outdoorsy Nordik Spa-Nature near Gatineau Park in Chelsea to the ultra-urban Strøm Spa in Quebec City, there's a Quebec Nordic spa for every taste.
- [Save money on travel with these discounts and deals](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/03/14/save-money-travel-discounts-deals-seat-sales-ottawa-quebec-kingston/) - From two-for-one entry fees to Canadian-at-par deals, here are some discounts and deals that might help you save money while travelling.
- [12+ beer festivals to toast in Ontario, Quebec and New York](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/06/05/beer-festivals-ontario-quebec-new-york/) - Find beer festivals and Oktoberfest celebrations across Ontario, Quebec and northern New York State.
- [The fabulous forest views in the Laurentians you MUST see!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/10/05/sentier-des-cimes-fabulous-forest-views-laurentians-quebec/) - Sentier des cimes, a boardwalk and observation tower near Mont Tremblant in Quebec's Laurentians, give you a spectacular view of the surrounding forests.
- [7+ eco-friendly adventures in and around Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/04/22/7-eco-friendly-trips-ottawa-eastern-ontario-outaouais/) - Reduce your carbon footprint with these eco-friendly day trips and weekend getaways in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais.
- [Will a Hollywood celeb stay at this Ottawa mansion?](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/04/08/will-a-hollywood-celeb-stay-at-this-ottawa-mansion/) - Did you know that the most expensive item in the US$123,000 gift bag given to Academy Awards acting and directing nominees this year was none other than…a three-night stay in Dunrobin, Ontario, in Ottawa's rural west end? Yep, according to this CNBC story, a long weekend at a 10.67-acre Dunrobin property called The Lifestyle—complete with
- [Le Boat trip offers new Rideau Canal views](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/10/05/le-boat-houseboat-rental-rideau-canal-vacation/) - A trip on a Le Boat houseboat will give you a new perspective on Ottawa's Rideau Canal. Here's all you need to know about taking a Le Boat vacation.
- [Conquer shopping stress with these last-minute Ottawa gift ideas!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/12/14/ottawa-gift-ideas-certificates-cards-presents/) - Looking for last-minute Ottawa gift ideas? How about gift certificates or gift cards for art lessons, bungee jumping, cooking classes or museum admissions?
- [Get from Ottawa to Toronto by car, bus, train, plane, bike or trail](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/07/08/ottawa-toronto-travel-car-bus-train-plane-cycle-hike/) - Here's how to travel from Ottawa to Toronto by car, bus, train, plane, bike and foot. Whether you want to drive, fly, take the bus or train, or use active transportation, I have all the info you need to get from Ottawa to Toronto.
- [10 things you didn't know about Carleton Place, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/08/07/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-carleton-place-ontario/) - Carleton Place is a quick and easy day trip or weekend getaway from Ottawa. Here are 10 things you might not know about this Lanark County town.
- [10 things you didn't know about Wakefield, Quebec](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/03/30/wakefield-quebec-daytrip-ottawa-10-cool-things/) - Wakefield, Quebec—just 35 kilometres from Parliament Hill—is the quintessential day trip from Ottawa. But did you know these 10 things about this charming Outaouais town? This post contains affiliate links. It has a famous covered bridge OK, if you know one thing about Wakefield, it's probably that it is home to a striking red covered
- [10 things you didn't know about Kingston, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/04/30/trivia-facts-kingston-ontario-history-food-cycling-fort-henry-martello/) - K-Town, the Limestone City, YGK—you probably know that Kingston, Ontario, goes by many nicknames. But did you know the following 10 things about the city located where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River? This post contains affiliate links. Kingston was Canada's first capital—sort of It depends how you define "Canada." If you define it
- [10 things you didn't know about the 1000 Islands](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/05/08/fun-facts-trivia-thousand-islands-1000-islands/) - Sure, you've heard of this scenic chain of islands in the St. Lawrence River, straddling the border between Ontario and New York state. Maybe you've even taken a boat tour. But did you know these 10 quirky facts about the 1000 Islands—including the fact that there aren't precisely a thousand of them? This post contains
- [The Belleville burger joint you have to try](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/08/18/belleville-ontario-great-hamburger-burger-restaurant/) - Some of the best hamburgers I've ever had were dished up by a little burger restaurant just off Highway 401 in Belleville, Ontario.
- [4 walking and driving tours reveal Ottawa-area history](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/09/20/ottawa-outaouais-walking-driving-tours-local-history/) - Take these walking or self-driving tours to learn about the history of Ottawa and the Outaouais.
- ["Visit" Japan without leaving home](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/11/17/visit-japan-without-leaving-home-virtual-travel/) - Take a virtual visit to Japan with these tips on everything from udon to anime.
- [6 ways to shake up your neighbourhood walk](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/01/28/walking-tours-tips-ottawa-eastern-ontario-outaouais-fitness-history/) - Liven up your daily walk with art, birds, history, cardio, meditation or a playlist of new-to-you tunes—in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario or the Outaouais.
- [Road trip tips for a great weekend getaway or long-distance drive](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/05/24/road-trip-tips-great-long-distance-drives-weekend-getaways/) - Road trips are a summer tradition, but anyone who has done a few knows that some road trips work out better than others. To celebrate the first-ever National Road Trip Day today (OK, it's a U.S. thing, but I think it's an idea Canadians will approve of, too!), here are my top tips for making
- [Find a tourism board in Ontario, Quebec or the U.S. Northeast](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/05/30/find-a-tourism-board-in-ontario-quebec-or-the-u-s-northeast/) - When you're planning a road trip in Ontario, Quebec or the U.S. Northeast, it can be tricky knowing where to start your research. Of course, I always recommend this Ottawa Road Trips website as a great starting point, but local tourism boards and business associations are also great sources of information. They often have event
- [Ottawa ranks third for drivers among 100 world cities](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/11/12/ottawa-ranks-third-for-drivers-among-100-world-cities/) - According to a new survey from Mister Auto, a European-based chain of car repair shops, Ottawa ranks #3 on the 2019 Driving Cities Index of the best cities for drivers. And, yes, the higher the ranking, the better the city is ranked overall on factors such as congestion, gas prices, road quality and cost of
- [Comprehensive guidebook is packed with ideas for day trips from Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/05/17/new-guidebook-day-trips-ottawa-eastern-ontario-outaouais/) - A brand-new guidebook called Ottawa Road Trips: Your 100-km Getaway Guide is packed with ideas for day trips in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais.
- [New Cornwall bike trips with Escape Tours and Rentals](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/08/09/cornwall-ontario-bike-trips-escape-tours-rentals/) - On a day-long and or multi-day guided bike trip in Cornwall, Ontario, you can enjoy gardens, wildlife, scenic views, history, pizza and beer.
- [How can you support Ottawa Road Trips?](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/10/13/how-can-you-support-ottawa-road-trips/) - Here are a few ways—including lots of free ones—to support this website. Your support helps keep me on the road, discovering new things!
- [Two easy scenic winter drives near Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/01/16/two-easy-scenic-winter-drives-near-ottawa-wakefield-almonte/) - These two scenic winter drives near Ottawa will take you along pretty country roads to Wakefield and Almonte. They aren’t too far off the beaten path!
- [7 off-the-beaten path road trips from Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/08/14/7-off-beaten-path-road-trips-ottawa/) - Off-the-beaten-path day trips from Ottawa include a ruined church, a quiet picnic spot and a canyon zipline.
- [Countless places to get your maple sugar fix](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2015/03/16/countless-places-to-get-your-maple-sugar-fix/) - I once wrote a story about maple syrup for a California magazine. After I submitted it, the puzzled editor called with a question. "You keep talking about sugar bushes," she said. "But doesn't sap come from trees?" Yes, I conceded, explaining that "sugar bush" is a term for a cluster of trees. "So shouldn't we
- [Across the Prairies by train, with 17 poets](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2015/04/23/across-the-prairies-by-train-with-17-poets/) - On Tuesday around 7:45am, I found myself in a grassland somewhere west of Wilkie, Saskatchewan. Where didn’t really matter. I was aboard VIA Rail's flagship train, The Canadian. It was supposed to have arrived in Edmonton over an hour earlier, but it looked like we weren't going to get there until around 11:15. That didn’t
- [17 Father's Day road trip ideas](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2015/06/15/17-fathers-day-road-trip-ideas/) - For all those times he tossed a baseball with you or made dinner or drove you to Girl Guides or read you a story—and even those nights he stayed up late to read you the riot act when you missed your curfew—doesn't Dad deserve great concert tickets, some rib-sticking food or the chance to fire
- [Biking to Aylmer with Escape Bicycle Tours](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2015/06/27/biking-to-aylmer-with-escape-bicycle-tours/) - Where in the National Capital Region can you cycle alongside rapids teeming with birds, over a marsh populated by beavers, past a one-time hotel built in 1831, to a beachside café for a mid-morning break and then up a hill to a strawberry farm—all in about two hours, with lots of stops for photos and snacks?
- [3 great reasons to visit the Laurentians in the fall](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2015/10/27/3-reasons-visit-laurentians-season/) - Despite the fact that the days are getting shorter, fall remains my favourite time of year. I love the crispness in the air, the crunch of leaves under my feet and the smell of logs on the fire. Autumn is the perfect time of year to don your sweater and comfortable boots, and get out
- [Ontario's biggest aerial and zipline park opens in 1000 Islands](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2016/07/08/ontarios-biggest-aerial-zipline-park-opens-1000-islands/) - This aerial park lets you zip line through the trees on the Canadian side of the 1000 Islands!
- [Discovering Almonte's culinary secrets on the Good Food Tour](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/05/05/exploring-almonte-good-food-tour/) - A food tour company is unlocking the culinary secrets of Almonte for hungry visitors. I took a Good Food Tour when the company launched, and I can recommend it highly.
- [Book review and contest: 25 Places in Canada Every Family Should Visit](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/06/15/book-review-contest-25-places-canada-every-family-visit/) - Looking for ideas for your next long-distance family road trip? 25 Places in Canada Every Family Should Visit (Touchwood Editions, May 2017, $24.95, 368pp) is packed with them. (Full disclosure: The book's author, Alberta travel writer Jody Robbins, is a friend of mine, and she kindly used some quotes from me in the book.) As
- [Ottawa Sky Lounge do's and don'ts: Bring the camera, forget the purse](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/07/11/ottawa-sky-lounge-dos-donts-bring-camera-forget-purse/) - When you're going out for dinner on a platform dangling 150 feet (46 metres) above Marion Dewar Plaza, you might not want to wear a dress. You would think this would be self-evident, but I obviously didn't think things through before hopping on the bus and heading to the Sky Lounge last Saturday night. My
- [Canada 150 photo: Firing a cannon at Fort Wellington in Prescott, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/07/21/firing-cannon-fort-wellington-prescott-ontario/) - Did you know you can dress up like a 19th-century soldier and fire a real cannon at Fort Wellington National Historic Site in Prescott, Ontario?
- [Canada 150 photo: Popsilos tour in Prescott-Russell, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/07/23/canada-150-photo-popsilos-tour-prescott-russell/) - What the heck are Popsilos, you ask? They're a combination of farm architecture and art in Prescott-Russell, east of Ottawa.
- [Six fun things to do in fall in the Laurentians](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/11/07/fun-fall-autumn-laurentians-quebec/) - The Laurentians area of Quebec are a great place to see fall colours, mountains and lakes, whether you’re in the air or on the ground.
- [Westin Ottawa's rental skates make for a great weekend getaway](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/02/06/skatewestin-ottawa-program-offers-skate-rentals/) - #sponsored Are you at that midwinter point where you're longing for a mini-break but you don't want to drive very far? Do you like to skate but your skates are rusty, lost or older than your kids? The Westin Ottawa hotel may just have a great solution for you. The hotel has just launched its
- [11 great reasons to get away to Gananoque and Chaffeys Locks](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/04/30/get-away-gananoque/) - If you like messing about in boats, you’ll love Gananoque, Ontario. The town of about 5,200 people on the St. Lawrence River, between Kingston and Brockville, has a deep and enduring connection with watercraft. Since the mid-1800s, people have been puttering about the Thousand Islands in variations on a flat-bottomed boat, the St. Lawrence skiff.
- [A must-stop for cookie lovers in Victoria, B.C.](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/05/30/must-stop-cookie-lovers-victoria-bc/) - The slogan at The Cookie Guy, a cookie bakery in downtown Victoria, B.C., is "Warm cookies. Delivered." OK, they had me at "warm cookies." But delivered? Yep—the shop will bring cookies to addresses in downtown Victoria, or you can drop in to pick some up. "Think of us a cross between Domino's and a florist,"
- [Five things you might not know about Peterborough, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/08/02/five-reasons-visit-peterborough-ontario/) - Disclosure: I travelled to Peterborough as a guest of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, which neither reviewed nor approved this post. If you know Peterborough, you may well know about some of these places. However, in my experience, many Ottawans don't know Peterborough well at all, even though it's only a three-hour drive away—about the
- [Prince Edward Island's best lobster meals](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/08/28/prince-edward-islands-best-lobster-meals/) - Disclosure: The author travelled to PEI as a guest of Tourism PEI. You’re right: Someone had to tour Prince Edward Island in search of PEI's best lobster meals, and (she happily admitted) why not me? I was uber-excited to be invited by Lobster Fishers of PEI and Tourism Prince Edward Island to sample lobster recently
- [Ottawa Valley: Five great reasons for a fall road trip!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/09/03/ottawa-valley-fall-colours-road-trip/) - Updated August 27, 2019. Disclosure: I visited the Ottawa Valley as a guest of the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association, which neither reviewed nor approved this post. As I write this post, Ottawa is still in the grips of summer. Eventually, though, the warm temperatures will give way to the crisper days of fall, and that
- [App provides excellent locals' travel tips on Montreal](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/09/09/iphone-android-cellphone-app-provides-locals-tips-montreal/) - Disclosure: I received a free review copy of the app but do not receive any sort of commission on sales. A few years ago, on my first (and so far only) trip to Barcelona, I downloaded a Spotted by Locals guide to the Spanish city. The concept behind the user-friendly app is simple: Residents of
- [The Ottawa Valley’s best live music venues](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/09/25/the-ottawa-valleys-best-live-music-venues/) - “There’s nothing better than listening to live music; the sound, the interaction with the entertainers, the audience, the atmosphere: all contribute to [an] all-around awesome experience.” So says avid live music fan Mark Killoran—and I couldn’t agree more. There’s nothing like hearing a musician play, and as far as I’m concerned, the smaller and more
- [Temporary House of Commons and Senate are now open for tours](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/02/19/temporary-house-of-commons-senate-ottawa-parliament-open-2019/) - If you thought living through a kitchen renovation was a nightmare, imagine what it must have been like for the people who had to figure out a place to stash more than 400 parliamentarians—and hundreds of staffers—when the federal government decided to renovate the Centre Block on Ottawa's Parliament Hill. Unlike the average homeowner, the
- [Kenauk Nature in winter: A recipe for adventure in the Outaouais!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/03/12/kenauk-nature-winter-recipe-adventure/) - Kenauk Nature near Montebello, Quebec, is a vast preserve where you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other winter fun.
- [A family visit to see wildlife at Parc Oméga in Montebello, Quebec](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/06/25/family-visit-see-wildlife-parc-omega-montebello-quebec/) - Disclosure: Author Stephen Johnson was a guest of Parc Oméga, which neither reviewed nor approved this post. When I first told my wife, Sandy, that we would be spending the weekend sleeping near wolves and bears, she said, “We’re what?” When I told our 10-year-old son, David, he said, “Cool—when do we go?” I was
- [Seeing Chelsea and Gatineau Park by e-scooter with Géo-Explora](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/07/02/trivia-adventure-chelsea-gatineau-park-escooter-ebike-geo-explora/) - Disclosure: I tried this activity as a guest of Géo-Explora, which neither reviewed nor approved this post. All opinions are my own. Even if you’ve been to Chelsea, Quebec, many times, you’ve probably never it from the seat of an electric scooter. But now you can, with a small company called Géo-Explora. The firm has
- [Bonnechere Caves in Eastern Ontario shows visitors a fossil-filled underground world](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/07/22/bonnechere-caves-fossils-geology-eganville-eastern-ontario/) - Disclosure: The author visited the site as the guest of the Bonnechere Caves. An hour and a half west of Ottawa, you’ll find Eganville, Ontario, a small community occupying a deep limestone valley along the Bonnechere River in Renfrew County. Eganville is a pretty spot, but the main attraction is actually beneath your feet. A
- [5 great reasons to plan a trip to Toronto with teens  ](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/07/30/5-reasons-travel-vacation-toronto-with-teens-teenagers/) - Disclosure: The author travelled to Toronto as a guest of Tourism Toronto, which neither reviewed nor approved this post. I'm terrified, and I'm not even on the roller coaster. It's my teen daughter dangling her feet in open air at Canada's Wonderland, just outside Toronto, on the biggest, baddest coaster of them all, the Yukon
- [My eventful night in an oTENTik between Smiths Falls and Perth, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/09/02/glamping-otentik-smiths-falls-perth-rideau-canal-upper-beveridges/) - Disclosure: During this trip, I was a guest of Parks Canada, which neither reviewed nor approved this post. I was looking up at the inky, star-spattered sky, contemplating my insignificance in the cosmos, when I heard the crash. Grabbing the battery-powered lantern Parks Canada had supplied, I grappled with the "on" dial until I had
- [3 great ways to escape in the Outaouais: Cycling, spa and wine](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/11/04/cycling-spa-wine-travel-outaouais/) - As road trips go, the Outaouais is a pretty quick excursion from Ottawa. Yet when you’re cycling along a waterfront trail, enjoying an unusual aromatherapy “ritual” or sipping a glass of fine wine, it can feel like you are light years from home.
- [9 things you didn't know about Smiths Falls, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/11/30/10-quirky-fun-facts-trivia-smiths-falls-ontario/) - Smiths Falls, Ontario, has ties to the Beatles, is home to a major cannabis company and has a cool railway museum.
- [Smiths Falls, Ontario: A guide for day trippers](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/06/17/smiths-falls-ontario-visitor-travel-guide-day-trippers/) - Take a day trip to Smiths Falls, Ontario, and you can enjoy a picnic beside the Rideau Canal, visit a railway museum, taste some local beers, get ice cream, hike the Cataraqui Trail and learn about cannabis!
- [Zip lining across the Ottawa River on Interzip Rogers](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/06/29/zip-lining-ottawa-river-interzip-rogers-gatineau-zibi/) - Interzip Rogers offers thrill seekers the chance to shoot across a 366-metre zip line high above the Ottawa River between Ottawa and Gatineau at speeds of about 40 km/h.
- [Unexpected Journeys: Clever road trip itineraries from Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/08/21/unexpected-journeys-clever-road-trip-itineraries-from-ottawa/) - Unexpected Journeys sells surprise road trip itineraries that lead drivers and their passengers through Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais.
- [Renfrew, Ontario: A quick day tripping guide](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/08/31/renfrew-ontario-day-trip-guide-weekend-getaway/) - Renfrew, Ontario, is a great day trip destination from Ottawa. You can hike, fish, snowmobile, cycle, eat, shop and visit museums!
- [Sunset at the Remic Rapids Park Bistro](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/09/21/sunset-ncc-bistro-remic-rapids-park-hot-dogs/) - The Remic Rapids Park Bistro in Ottawa is a gorgeous spot to watch the sunset over the Ottawa River, as you enjoy gourmet hot dogs, cold beers and other casual fare.
- [Ile d'Orléans: Food-lover's island near Quebec City](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/10/19/ile-dorleans-food-lovers-island-near-quebec-city/) - Ile d'Orléans near Quebec City is a island wonderland of rolling hills and quiet roads, farm stands and cheese shops, jam makers and apple orchards.
- [Lofts du Village: A posh alternative to hotels in Chelsea, Quebec](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/02/20/lofts-du-village-a-posh-alternative-to-hotels-in-chelsea-quebec/) - Looking for hotels in Chelsea, Quebec? Lofts du Village is a luxurious place to stay after a day in Gatineau Park or at Nordik Spa-Nature.
- [Happy fifth anniversary to Ottawa Road Trips!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/05/28/happy-fifth-anniversary-ottawa-road-trips-favorite-popular-posts/) - Five years ago yesterday, I hit "send" on the first-ever Ottawa Road Trips newsletter, a few weeks after officially launching this website. It's been a fun, fascinating and (yes, I'll admit) occasionally exhausting half-decade since. I've driven my trusty Mazda all over Eastern Ontario, Southern Ontario, the Outaouais, Montreal, the Eastern Townships and upstate New
- [How I nearly became a human Popsicle at Montreal's Bota Bota spa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2015/02/03/nearly-became-human-popsicle-montreals-bota-bota-spa/) - I truly didn't mean to jump into the outdoor cold bath on a January day when the windchill was -29C. I'll do almost anything for a story—except cryogenically freeze myself. But it was a matter of honour. You see, I was spending the morning at Bota Bota, a Nordic-style spa on a former ferry now
- [A country store worth the drive in Beachburg](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/06/24/a-country-store-worth-the-drive-in-beachburg/) - One of our first newsletter subscribers asked for more posts about shops and cafés, and I'm happy to oblige. If you're headed northwest of Ottawa, between Renfrew and Pembroke, Simple Things in Beachburg is an eminently pleasant place to browse for crafts, garden decor, jewellery and gifts. Keep an eye out for the store's eco-friendly
- [Shopping in Merrickville, Ontario: Mustard, natural cosmetics and more](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/08/26/shopping-in-merrickville-mustard-natural-cosmetics-and-more/) - Less than an hour's drive southwest of Ottawa, Merrickville may just be the perfect day trip destination. Pretty location on the historic Rideau Canal? Check. A few decent lunch spots? Check. And stores selling everything from blown glass to South American hammocks? Definitely check. In fact, the shopping is what draws me back to Merrickville
- [Shop the world at the One World Bazaar](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/10/07/start-your-christmas-shopping-at-the-third-world-bazaar/) - I know it's early. Heck, it isn't even Thanksgiving yet! But for many Ottawans, the opening of the One World Bazaar marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. This year, the family who runs this annual event—Peggy and Dick Bakker, and their children Case and Anneka—started the festivities last weekend, a week earlier
- [How to get groceries delivered by small Ottawa-area companies during COVID-19](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/04/08/how-to-get-groceries-delivered-by-small-ottawa-area-companies-during-covid-19/) - These Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and Outaouais companies will deliver groceries, baking supplies, beer, wine and more to your door.
- [Finish your shopping at these Eastern Ontario gift shops](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/12/07/gift-shops-almonte-vankleek-hill-alexandria-delta-lyndhurst-ontario/) - Finish your Christmas shopping at these gorgeous gift shops and boutiques in picture-perfect Eastern Ontario villages and towns.
- [Photo of the week: Cottage lake, Wakefield](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/06/16/photo-of-the-week-cottage-lake-wakefield/) - There's nothing like an early summer morning at a lake.
- [Photo of the week: Anne of Green Gables](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/06/23/photo-of-the-week-anne-of-green-gables/) - Heading to Cavendish, Prince Edward Island? If you visit Green Gables Heritage Place, you may just run into Anne Shirley herself (well, OK, an actress dressed in period garb, but don't tell the kids).
- [Photo of the week: Iles de la Madeleine](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/06/30/photo-of-the-week-iles-de-la-madeleine/) - Candy-coloured houses in Havre-Aubert on les Iles de la Madeleine (Magdalen Islands)—a windswept, gorgeous archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence—caught my eye. These Quebec islands are a bit off the beaten track, but you can get there by ferry, cruise ship or plane.
- [Photo of the week: Parliament Hill at dusk](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/08/11/photo-of-the-week-parliament-hill-at-dusk/) - OK, this is kind of a cheat, since Parliament Hill isn't a road trip from Ottawa. But I was just fond of this image, which I shot from the roof of the Chateau Laurier a few minutes before the fireworks started on Canada Day this year. Indulge me. :-)
- [Dogsledding in the Pontiac region of the Outaouais: Go to the dogs!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/02/25/dog-sledding-pontiac-region-outaouais-west-quebec-ottawa/) - “My mother had sled dogs, so I get my passion for them and sledding from her," said Denis Rozon, owner-operator and chief guide at Timberland Tours Dog Sled Adventures in Bristol, Quebec. “We lived in Maniwaki; we are native and had sled dogs for as long as I can remember. As well, 50 or 60
- [Tap and Cork Route: Wine, beer and cider in the Pontiac and Ottawa Valley](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/11/18/tap-and-cork-route-wine-beer-cider-pontiac-outaouais-ottawa-valley/) - There's a brand-new kid on the scenic route block: the Pontiac and Ottawa Valley's Tap and Cork Route, featuring microbreweries, wineries and cider houses. By exploring it, you'll discover exciting new tastes of le terroir—the land of our region. Because Quebec's Pontiac is my home 'hood, I'm going to highlight its destinations. I'm proud of
- [A frosty drink: 14 ice bars, near and far](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2016/02/13/a-frosty-drink-14-ice-bars-you-can-visit/) - If this weekend's temperatures don't slake your thirst for chills, you can always raise a glass at an ice bar. Here are a few suggestions, from upstate New York to the South Island of New Zealand. Hôtel de Glace, Quebec City What would a hotel be without a hopping bar? Quebec City's ice hotel has
- [Canada 150 photo: St. Raphael's Ruins](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/07/03/canada-150-photo-st-raphaels-ruins/) - Did you know there is a hauntingly beautiful National Historic Site just off Highway 34, in Glengarry County between Lancaster and Alexandria? I stumbled across St. Raphael's Ruins completely by accident one day, while driving back from Glengarry Fine Cheese in Lancaster (a great place—more on that in a future post!). Like my dad, I
- [10 MORE things you didn't know about Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/04/27/10-more-things-you-didnt-know-about-ottawa/) - Did you know that an Orleans intersection has an X-Files connection? That a modest Centretown apartment building was the site of an incident that helped spark the Cold War? Or that you will soon be able to go both ziplining and whitewater rafting within the Ottawa city limits? If you didn't know these tidbits—or even
- [Five great beaches within a day's drive](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/05/20/five-great-beaches-within-a-days-drive/) - Now that we've had the year's first hot days, you've probably started daydreaming about summertime on the beach. I hear ya. You may be surprised to realize how many beaches are within a day's drive of Ottawa. (Granted, in some cases, it is a very LONG day, so don't try some of these as the
- [Explore Montebello in a quiet, eco-friendly ATV](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/08/19/explore-montebello-in-a-quiet-eco-friendly-atv/) - Our vehicle for the day looked like a souped-up golf cart. Canary yellow, the electric ATV was plugged into a power outlet when my daughter Stephanie and I first saw it. Rémi Tremblay, owner of Camp Explora in Montebello, Quebec, unplugged our ride and reminded us to put on the giant helmets he'd given us,
- [Pumpkinferno: Halloween family fun](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/10/13/pumpkinferno-halloween-family-fun/) - You know your neighbour down the street who always decorates his house for Halloween with garlands of orange lights, lots of cobwebs and a truckload of jack o' lanterns? Pumpkinferno is like that house ... multiplied by a thousand. Officially, it takes 40 minutes to tour, but it's easy to spend a couple of hours
- [A personal post: The healing power of water](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2015/06/01/the-healing-power-of-water/) - I wrote this more-personal-than-usual post on June 24, 2014, but didn't post it then. Today, on the first anniversary of my mother's passing, it seemed like the right time. Travelling was one of Mom's favourite things, so I think she would like to be remembered among a group of fellow travel lovers. My mother loved
- [5+ pirate adventures in Ontario and upstate New York](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/07/04/5-pirate-adventures-ontario-upstate-new-york/) - Arrrgh, mateys! There does seem to be a mania for swashbucklers these days. (I suspect the everlasting Pirates of the Caribbean series has something to do with it.) If you have a pint-sized buccaneer in your house—or harbour dreams of high seas adventures yourself—here are a few pirate-themed adventures in Ontario and upstate New York that
- [See 500 dolls at Montreal Barbie Expo](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/09/12/montreal-barbie-expo-cours-mont-royal/) - Barbie Expo, an exhibition in a downtown Montreal mall, features more than 1,000 Barbies wearing everything from Elizabethan gowns to Mountie uniforms.
- [5 more reasons to visit the Eastern Townships](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2016/03/14/5-reasons-visit-eastern-townships-winter/) - As promised in my earlier post about the Eastern Townships, here are five more great reasons to visit this scenic region of Quebec—including an astronomical observatory, a scenic hiking trail and an unusual place to stay. Sleep in a sleek cabin in the forest Wild, quiet Parc national du Mont-Mégantic is home to seven EXP
- [Film crew hits Eastern Ontario to shoot Christmas movie](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2016/03/08/eastern-ontario-movie/) - If you're watching an American movie this December, don't be surprised if the setting looks familiar; A Rooftop Christmas Tree has been shooting in and around Carleton Place, Pakenham and Almonte recently. The most familiar name in the cast is probably Tim Reid, who played Venus Flytrap in the classic TV series WKRP in Cincinnati,
- [Rocking out in Bancroft](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2016/05/03/rocking-out-in-bancroft/) - "It's an addiction," says Bob Eaton. His eyes dart back and forth, scanning the ground while we talk, searching for his next fix. It doesn't take long to find. "Now this one's a beauty," he declares, holding up a purple crystal to the sun before placing it in a pail with the others. Eaton is
- [Paddling and relaxing at an Algonquin Provincial Park resort](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2016/10/17/paddling-relaxing-algonquin-provincial-park-resort/) - Guest post After a three-and-a-half hour drive from Ottawa, you’ll reach a winding, tree-shaded dirt road. It leads you away from any connection to the outside world and onto the property of Arowhon Pines—an all-inclusive wilderness resort in the heart of Algonquin Provincial Park. If you’ve never been to Algonquin, you aren’t alone. I’ve lived
- [Do you know the cool stories behind these Eastern Ontario landmarks?](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/02/16/history-higginson-tower-fulford-place-perth-st-andrews/) - Higginson Tower in Vankleek Hill, Fulford Place in Brockville, the town of Perth and St. Andrews Catholic Church in St. Andrews West are four Eastern Ontario sites with intriguing stories.
- [Canada 150 post: Merrickville motorcycles](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/07/04/canada-150-post-merrickville-motorcycles/) - I took this shot a few years ago, but it's still one of my favourites. I just love the contrast between the powerful-looking motorcycles, the heritage building, the cute shop signs and the flower baskets...not to mention the British phone box. Merrickville is one of the places I'm constantly recommending to people as a day
- [Canada 150 photo: Perth Through the Ages](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/07/06/canada-150-photo-perth-ages/) - I took today's Canada 150 photo close to home: It's a 2015 picture from The Maid and the Merchant, one of the outdoor theatre presentations put on each summer by Perth's Classic Theatre Festival as part of its "Perth Through the Ages" series. It's sort of hard to describe Perth Through the Ages without experiencing
- [Canada 150 photo: Moon over Golden Lake](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/07/07/photo-moon-golden-lake-ontario/) - This is another photo from my archives—this time, from a research trip for a magazine article in 2014. I shot this in the gorgeous garden of a friend's cottage on Golden Lake. The lake and its residents have had a rough time this year, due to flooding and the continuing rain. If you're in the
- [Canada 150 photo: Prince Edward County barn quilt](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/07/10/canada-150-photo-prince-edward-county-barn-quilt/) - So what on earth is a barn quilt, you ask? It's a replica of a pieced quilt block, painted on a panel and attached to a building (often, but not always, a barn). The particular quilt square might have some sentimental meaning to the barn owners—if I had a barn, I'd put up a square
- [Canada 150 photo: Iles de la Madeleine](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/07/12/canada-150-photo-iles-de-la-madeleine/) - Another short post today, partly because I realize Quebec's Iles de la Madeleine (Magdalen Islands) are a pretty long road trip from Ottawa. However, if you're in the mood to discover a unique part of Canada, I highly recommend them. Sometimes you go to a place that feels out of time and on the edge
- [Canada 150 photo: Pakenham General Store](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/07/13/canada-150-photo-pakenham-general-store-ontario/) - Now this is what I call a bricks-and-mortar store. (Well, actually, it's made of lovely limestone, but you know what I mean.) The Pakenham General Store, which dates back to 1840, is Canada's oldest general store to have operated continuously on its original site. Just as residents did in the generation before Confederation, you can
- [Canada 150 photo: Wakefield covered bridge](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/07/14/canada-150-photo-wakefield-covered-bridge/) - When Wakefield's famous red covered bridge caught fire in 1984, locals mourned the loss of a local landmark that had spanned the Gatineau River since 1915. Then, in 1987, they got to work building another one. It took seven years to raise a sizeable enough portion of the $600,000 needed to reconstruct the Gendron bridge,
- [Books to inspire your Ottawa-area road trips](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/01/21/buy-books-ottawa-gatineau-outaouais-montreal-eastern-ontario/) - These novels, cookbooks, gardening books, travel guides and history books will transport you to Ottawa, Gatineau and Montreal.
- [Pre-order my new weekend getaways book!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/04/01/pre-order-my-new-weekend-getaways-book/) - Looking to pre-order my 2022 book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend Getaway Guide? You've come to the right place!
- [New guidebook outlines 20+ weekend getaways from Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/04/18/new-guidebook-outlines-20-weekend-getaways-ottawa/) - New guidebook is packed with ideas for weekend getaways from Ottawa—from eating tapas in Kingston to zip lining above a waterfall in the Outaouais!
- [Canada 150 photo: Building sandcastles at Brackley Beach, P.E.I.](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/07/15/canada-150-photo-building-sandcastles-brackley-beach-p-e/) - Today's Canada 150 photo is another glimpse of the East Coast. (Can you tell I love it down there?) In 2013, I had the chance to learn from master sandcastle builder Maurice Bernard on Brackley Beach in Prince Edward Island National Park. Each summer, Bernard offers weekly sessions on Brackley Beach and Cavendish Beach to
- [Festival of Small Halls venues are a story in themselves](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2016/09/27/festival-small-halls-venues-story/) - As we head into the final week of the Festival of Small Halls—a concert series currently taking place across Eastern Ontario—you may have a question: What, exactly, is a "small hall"? In a nutshell, it's an intimate venue that may or may not regularly host concerts and events. Buildings featured in this year's festival include
- [Ontario Festival of Small Halls tickets on sale June 9!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/06/08/ontario-festival-small-halls-tickets-sale-june-9/) - OK, road-tripping music lovers, here's some big news: the Ontario Festival of Small Halls has just announced its lineup for the 2017 festival (September 14 to October 1) and it is packed with great shows in communities across Eastern Ontario. As the name implies, many of these concerts take place in little venues—so they give
- [Ontario Festival of Small Halls: Lots of road trips for music fans](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/09/07/ontario-festival-small-halls-lots-road-trips-music-fans/) - What do you get when you mix intimate venues in small communities with local musicians and national acts? A lot of great excuses for a road trip, I say! The Ontario Festival of Small Halls, now entering its fourth year, has added several new venues this year. In 2017, more than 30 spaces across Eastern
- [Merrickville, Ontario: A must-visit artsy village near Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/12/19/merrickville-ontario-a-must-visit-artsy-village-near-ottawa/) - Long known as the "Jewel of the Rideau" for its stunning location on the Rideau River, Merrickville boasts more than heritage architecture, interesting boutiques and trendy food shops. It’s also a haven for artists. Although you may have visited many of them during the annual MAG Studio Tour, organized by the Merrickville Artists' Guild, several
- [Discover Canada's history in these fascinating online museum exhibitions](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/03/24/online-exhibitions-museums-galleries-ottawa-gatineau/) - Museums and galleries in Ottawa, Gatineau and beyond are closed right now due to the COVID-19 emergency, but you can still discover their wonders via online exhibitions. For instance, you can learn about vintage toys, Ottawa in the 1950s, the early days of the Rideau Canal, the Indigenous people who came to the Ottawa Valley
- [Ottawa art show casts animals in a new light](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/12/21/shadowland-art-show-museum-nature-casts-animals-new-light/) - Shadowland, a new exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature, showcases artist Lorraine Simms' detailed drawings of shadows cast by animal bones.
- [Learn about fascinating buildings at Doors Open Ottawa this weekend](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/06/03/doors-open-ottawa-learn-about-fascinating-buildings/) - Doors Open Ottawa gives you the chance to learn what goes on in 90 buildings across the city, from museums and research labs to embassies and fire stations.
- [8+ gorgeous travel Zoom backgrounds](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/05/07/gorgeous-travel-zoom-background-meetings-conference-calls/) - By now, you've probably been on roughly a million Zoom calls, and you're getting heartily sick of looking at your bookshelves or kitchen cupboards in the background. You may have even looked on in envy as other people on the call sat in front of gorgeous photos of far-away locales. If you want to spruce
- [Adventure and luxury in Fort Coulonge, Quebec](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/08/05/five-cool-places-in-fort-coulonge-quebec/) - For a small and rather undiscovered town (at least among the road trippers I know), Fort Coulonge—about 90 minutes from Ottawa—has a lot to offer. History buffs can immerse themselves in the area's logging past. Cyclists and paddlers can find amusements. Photographers can focus their lenses on a stunning waterfall, while daredevils try their luck
- [Bike through Lanark County and the Bonnechere Valley on Sunday](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/08/16/bike-lanark-county-bonnechere-valley-sunday/) - Itching to get your bike on a scenic country road after a rainy summer? I can't promise sunshine, but it sure looks as though the multiple routes available in these two cycling events on Sunday, August 20, will take you through some pretty beautiful places. The Tour de Bonnechere: Pedal for Mental Health includes 60K,
- [Summer 2021 news at Ontario Parks and Parks Canada sites](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/06/08/summer-2021-news-camping-day-use-ontario-parks-canada/) - Can I camp? How do I get a day pass or a seasonal pass? Are any days free? Is the Rideau Canal open? Here are the answers to all your most common questions about Ontario Parks and Parks Canada sites in Ontario in summer 2021.
- [Easy hiking at Morris Island Conservation Area](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/06/13/morris-island-conservation-area-gentle-hikes-fitzroy-harbour-ottawa-river/) - Morris Island Conservation Area near Fitzroy Harbour has six kilometres of hiking trails through forests and along the Ottawa River.
- [One-Hour Walk: Ottawa's New Edinburgh neighbourhood](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/01/17/one-hour-walk-ottawas-new-edinburgh-neighbourhood/) - Walking is a great way to discover New Edinburgh, a small, historic Ottawa neighbourhood where you can see Rideau Falls and Rideau Hall—and eat scones!
- [Three spots near Ottawa for winter fun and a great meal](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/02/08/ski-skate-tube-near-ottawa-outaouais-breakfast-lunch-dinner/) - Eager for outdoor winter adventures near Ottawa? Here's where you can go skating, snowshoeing, cross-country and more, and enjoy a great meal, too.
- [One-Hour Walk: Kemptville, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/02/15/one-hour-walk-sightseeing-kemptville-ontario/) - Kemptville, Ontario, is a compact place for a walk—an hour's stroll will take you through most of downtown, where you can skate, kayak, shop and eat scones!
- [Mont Morissette in Blue Sea: Short hike, great view](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/06/16/mont-morissette-blue-sea-quebec-outaouais-hike-observation-tower/) - Take a free, half-hour hike up Mont Morissette to enjoy sweeping views of Outaouais hills and lakes, just a 90-minute drive north of Ottawa.
- [See Group of Seven sites on the A.Y. Jackson Trail](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/05/14/group-of-seven-ay-jackson-trail/) - Did you know that Group of Seven painter A.Y. Jackson moved to Ottawa in his 70s and spent part of his later years capturing Ottawa Valley landscapes on canvas? Me, neither, until I spent a very pleasant day exploring part of the A.Y. Jackson Trail west of Ottawa. Kathy Haycock and John Almstedt, two artists
- [20 great road trips to take in Ontario, Quebec and New York in 2020](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/01/07/new-great-road-trips-ontario-quebec-new-york-state-2020/) - From a new zipline across the Ottawa River to the World Figure Skating Championships, the world's largest Lego theme park and a new production of Monty Python's Spamalot, 2020 looks like it's going to be another great year for road trips in Ontario, Quebec and New York state. Here are my 20 recommendations for your
- [Snowshoe or ski through the Pontiac region of the Outaouais](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/02/10/snowshow-ski-pontiac-outaouais-quebec/) - The spectacular Pontiac area of the Outaouais (West Quebec) is a wonderful place for a day trip from Ottawa. With beautiful forests, gorgeous vistas of the Ottawa River and pretty agricultural land, it will linger in your heart and mind. And whether you drive via Gatineau/Aylmer, or take the Chenaux Dam bridge to pass through
- [3 great reasons for a road trip to Arnprior](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/03/10/4-great-reasons-for-a-road-trip-to-arnprior/) - Arnprior, Ontario, is a true gem. Here, you can enjoy gazing at towering pines in a protected old-growth forest, discover our past at the museum and revel in the airy brightness of a new art gallery that’s aiming to be a community hub. Come March, Ottawa Valley roadies are eager to get out and about.
- [25 great Eastern Ontario road trips from Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/06/11/eastern-ontario-road-trips-day-trips-ottawa-2020/) - Looking for a scenic drive, a pretty town or a great hiking trail near Ottawa? Maybe you have a free afternoon or a weekend to fill—but you're not sure where to start? Here are 25 great ideas. Six fun day hikes in and around Ottawa Itching to stretch your legs? Here are six destinations to
- [5 road trip ideas from the archives: Wolfe Island, Manotick and more](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/07/31/road-trip-ideas-ottawa-wolfe-island-manotick-pakenham/) - If you've been following this website for a while, you'll know that I used to be a fairly regular contributor to the Day Tripping column in the travel section of The Ottawa Citizen. Alas, at the end of 2016, that column fell victim to the general troubles affecting newspapers everywhere, but many of my Citizen
- [Take an art walk in Westboro](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/08/24/murals-sculpture-maplelawn-art-walk-westboro-ottawa/) - Ottawa's Westboro neighbourhood has murals, sculptures, photo installations and a walled garden. Enjoy public art—for free!
- [Day tripping from Ottawa to Vankleek Hill](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/08/28/day-trip-ottawa-cumberland-rockland-plantagenet-vankleek-hill/) - For a relaxed day trip, drive east from downtown Ottawa to Cumberland, Rockland, Plantagenet and Vankleek Hill, Ontario.
- [Hiking and walking in and around Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/10/08/hiking-walking-ottawa-hikes-eastern-ontario-outaouais/) - Wondering where to go for a scenic hike, a brisk walk or a gentle stroll in Ottawa and areas nearby, including parts of Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais and the Laurentians? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- [Portage-du-Fort: Come for the historical walking tour, stay for the Outaouais wine!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/11/26/portage-du-fort-pontiac-outaouais-quebec-historical-walking-tour-wine/) - Portage-du-Fort, Quebec—with its heritage buildings, intriguing history and thriving arts culture—is a fascinating day trip destination from Ottawa.
- [Events coming back in Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais—and beyond—in 2022!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/03/21/events-festivals-ottawa-eastern-ontario-outaouais-2022/) - Festivals, fairs, concerts and special events are coming back to Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais and Montreal in 2022!
- [Plan ahead this year for Valentine's Day!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2023/01/25/valentines-day-in-ottawa-outaouais-eastern-ontario/) - Celebrate Valentine's Day in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario or the Outaouais with a romantic meal, dance lessons, horseback riding, yoga or a supernatural dinner.
- [Petrie Island: A great summer evening spot in Ottawa for nature lovers](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/07/23/petrie-island-ottawa-nature-lovers/) - Petrie Island in the east-end Ottawa suburb of Orleans has three sandy beaches, seven kilometres of hiking trails and more.
- [J.W. Morrice: The Canadian artist you may not know about...but should](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/10/12/j-w-morrice-canadian-artist-ottawa-show/) - Before visiting the National Gallery of Canada yesterday, the only artwork I knew by Canadian painter James Wilson Morrice (1865–1924) was a bleak painting of the Québec-Lévis ferry in winter, which I'd had to memorize as the art expert on my school's Reach for the Top team in the early 1980s. (C'mon, don't be surprised;
- [Take a bus to Algonquin Park](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2017/08/31/take-bus-algonquin-park/) - One of the most frequent questions I get here at Ottawa Road Trips is "How do I get to such-and-such a destination without a car?" Believe me, I sympathize with the question, as my husband and I voluntarily lived without a car for seven years! So here's some good news for all of you who
- [Food, nature and history at Montebello](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/10/21/food-nature-and-history-at-montebello/) - It’s October, my favourite time of year. The trees that line the road to Montebello are a kaleidoscope of oranges, yellows and reds, but even Mother Nature has some competition in this neck of the woods. The World’s Largest Log Resort Venerable is the word that comes to mind as my husband Dave and I
- [4 Eastern Ontario road trip spots open for the season!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2015/05/08/4-eastern-ontario-road-trip-spots-open-for-the-season/) - In case this gorgeous weather isn't enough of an indication, here's more proof that spring has actually sprung: four great road trip destinations in Eastern Ontario are opening for the season this week. Charleston Lake Provincial Park Located between Lyndhurst and Lansdowne, Charleston Lake Provincial Park opens for the season today. With opportunities for swimming,
- [Tracking animals in Gatineau Park](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2015/02/28/tracking-animals-in-gatineau-park/) - Ever wonder who those little tracks in the snow belong to? Me, too, every time I'm out on a winter trail. I like to think I can recognize deer and sparrow tracks, and maybe rabbit and squirrel prints if I'm lucky, but that's being generous. I've always had the sense there's a whole world of
- [Restaurant festivals offer deep discounts and special menus](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2015/01/12/restaurant-festivals-offer-deep-discounts-and-special-menus/) - I don't know about you, but cold weather always makes me hungry. Fortunately, more and more cities are offering "restaurant weeks" and other food festivals to lure us out of our warm homes in the depths of winter. It's worth bundling up to enjoy deep discounts on special menus concocted by some pretty imaginative chefs.
- [Over 40 deals along 12 road trip routes in Southwestern Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/09/16/over-40-deals-along-12-road-trip-routes-in-southwestern-ontario/) - Southwestern Ontario—basically, everything south of an imaginary line running roughly between Grand Bend and Hamilton—is a bit of a hike from Ottawa. But if you're in the mood for a surprising road trip, it can be worth the drive. This chunk of the province between Lake Huron and Lake Erie is chock full of wineries,
- [Five great stops for foodies in Kingston](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/09/09/five-great-stops-for-foodies-in-kingston/) - Updated October 18, 2019. Sure, neighbouring Prince Edward County gets most of the gourmet hype, but Kingston's no slouch when it comes to fine food. As well as being home to one of my favourite tapas restaurants and an historic farmers' market, the Limestone City also has one of the prettiest food shops in Eastern
- [Wilno: A little slice of Poland in the Madawaska Valley](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2014/06/11/wilno-a-little-slice-of-poland-in-the-madawaska-valley/) - Blink and you might miss Wilno, a small village on Highway 60 between Eganville and Barry's Bay. But then you would miss out on a fascinating slice of Ontario history, a great craft gallery and some of the biggest pierogies I've ever seen in my life. So don't blink, OK? In the 1850s, immigrants from
- [7 fun Eastern Ontario ferries for your next road trip!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/07/31/7-fun-eastern-ontario-ferries-for-your-next-road-trip/) - When you have to get from point A to point B, Eastern Ontario ferries can be a lot more scenic and fun than a boring old bridge. Here are seven to check out on your next road trip. IMPORTANT: For seasonal ferries, the dates below are just guidelines. Near the beginning and end of the
- [Three great reasons for a day trip to Cumberland](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2018/06/19/three-great-reasons-day-trip-ottawa-cumberland-ontario/) - Whether you want a metaphysical hike, a glimpse into Ottawa’s history or some vegan muffins, point your car east on Highway 174 to Cumberland, just past Orleans. For this day trip, you don’t even need to leave the Ottawa city limits. Humanics Sanctuary and Sculpture Park Start with a bit of exercise and some meaning-of-life
- [Affordable activities and events in and around Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/04/10/free-cheap-activities-events-ottawa-eastern-ontario/) - Are you looking for affordable fun in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, including inexpensive festivals and events? Look no further! Canada's capital offers all sorts of activities that won't break the bank. Some of these suggestions are even free—and you can't get much more affordable than that! Here are a few of my favourite activities for
- [Ottawa's Britannia: Beach, birds and burgers](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/11/04/ottawa-britannia-beach-birds-burgers/) - Ottawa's Britannia neighbourhood has been a day trip destinatio for over a century. Today, you can bask on Britannia Beach, eat ice cream or go birdwatching.
- [Ottawa day trips you can take on OC Transpo](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/06/10/ottawa-day-trips-bus-lrt-train-oc-transpo/) - Take a day trip in Ottawa without driving—and without spending a fortune on gas! Leave the driving to OC Transpo and enjoy these trips by bus or O-Train.
- [6 great mother-daughter experiences in Toronto ](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/08/28/6-great-mother-daughter-experiences-toronto-weekend/) - A luxury hotel, the Toronto Zoo and a life-affirming brunch are among the highlights of this mother-daughter weekend in Toronto.
- [5 road trips you should plan for NOW...before you run out of summer!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/07/17/5-must-do-summer-fun-road-trips-ottawa-outaouais/) - Make this year the year that you enjoy All The Summer Things in and around Ottawa—those expeiences you never seem to quite get around to before Labour Day.
- [Why day trippers love Carp and Richmond, Ontario](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/11/01/day-trip-ottawa-drive-carp-richmond-ontario/) - On a day trip to Carp, Ontario, you can visit cute shops, lively restaurants, a winery and an underground bunker, all within the Ottawa city limits.
- [Get inspired for your next hike in Ontario or Quebec!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/09/21/hiking-ontario-quebec-ottawa-trail-guides-gear-reviews/) - Trail guides, gear tips and more to inspire your next hike in Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais, elsewhere in Quebec or Ontario, or beyond.
- [Ottawa biplane flights give you a whole new perspective](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/10/07/ottawa-biplane-flights-new-perspective-sightseeing/) - An Ottawa Aviation Adventures’ biplane flight gave us spectacular aerial views of Canada's capital. It was an unforgettable Ottawa sightseeing tour!
- [A road trip to the Perth Pie Company for Pi Day pie!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/03/14/road-trip-perth-pie-company-ontario-pi-day/) - Three bloggers. One mission: Check out the new digs of the Perth Pie Company and bring home some pies to enjoy on Pi Day. What the heck is Pi Day? In case you've forgotten your high school geometry, "pi" is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to that circle's diameter. (My dad was
- [Test your local history knowledge and you could win a book!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2022/02/19/test-your-local-history-knowledge-and-you-could-win-a-book/) - Take this fun quiz about historic sites and people in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais, and you could win a copy of my local guidebook!
- [Play live bar trivia in Ottawa!](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/07/27/ottawa-trivia-royal-oak-irenes-bar-robo-ogradys-lieutenants-pump/) - Live trivia is back in Ottawa! Head to these bars and pubs with your team for some physically distanced quizzing fun, bar food and drinks.
- [A walk around Ottawa's Little Italy](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/04/11/walking-ottawas-little-italy-preston-street-murals-art/) - Murals, a giant artwork nicknamed "the bowling pins," cannoli and more await you along Preston Street in the northern part of Ottawa's Little Italy neighbourhood.
- [Why you shouldn't miss New Edinburgh-Lindenlea](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/03/11/new-edinburgh-lindenlea-ottawa-visit-attractions-restaurants-shopping/) - New Edinburgh-Lindenlea is an Ottawa neighbourhood with just about everything you'd want in a day trip destination: restaurants, parks, a river, a secret skating rink, cute shops, history, embassies, Rideau Hall and a waterfall.
- [Explore the Glebe: Boutiques, bistros and history](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/11/16/glebe-ottawa-shopping-restaurants-lansdowne-park-cattle-castle/) - The Glebe neighbourhood in Ottawa has boutiques, restaurants, the Rideau Canal, an historic agricultural building, a farmers' market and more.
- [Navan, Carlsbad Springs and Mer Bleue: Rural day tripping in southeast Ottawa](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/10/15/navan-carlsbad-springs-and-mer-bleue-rural-day-tripping-in-southeast-ottawa/) - Navan, Carlsbad Springs and other communities on Ottawa's southeastern edge are surrounded by farms and wide-open spaces.
- [I'll take Ottawa sites linked to Alex Trebek for $200, Alex](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/11/13/ottawa-sites-linked-to-alex-trebek/) - Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek attended the University of Ottawa, worked at the CBC's Ottawa studios and visited Canada's capital many times over the years. Here are some of the places where you can follow in his footsteps.
- [My top road trip tips: Maps, tuneups and tunes](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2021/06/04/road-trip-tips-road-tripping-tips/) - Looking for some road trip tips? From what to pack and how to create a playlist to the value of a good cooler, I've compiled some of my top ideas.
- [How to find gas stations in Ontario, Quebec and New York](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2020/09/16/find-gas-stations-ontario-quebec-new-york/) - Here's how to find a gas station or EV charging station in Ontario, Quebec and the U.S. Northeast.
- [Eight easy winter road trips from Ottawa for food lovers](https://ottawaroadtrips.com/2019/01/11/eight-winter-road-trips-ottawa-outaouais-food/) - Updated January 3, 2020. When the mercury drops, do you suddenly channel your inner bear and eat as though you’re about to hibernate for a few months? If so, you’ll probably want to make sure you have some tasty supplies. Take a few of these road trips and you can restock your larder with locally

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