Day Trips From Ottawa: 20+ Scenic Escapes Within 3 Hours

Ottawa often presents an image of calm, organised political importance, yet it rarely reveals the strategic brilliance of its location. The capital is at the intersection of Ontario and Quebec. Forests, lakes, rivers, riverside towns, and mountains surround the capital. That sort of geography makes Ottawa one of the easiest Canadian cities to plan rewarding day trips.

The best day trips from Ottawa are not about long drives. They are about contrast. Within thirty minutes, Parliament’s skyline gives way to forest trails. Within ninety minutes, you reach preserved heritage towns. Within two hours, you can stand beside Lake Ontario or walk through a mountain resort village. It’s about changing landscapes. In 30 minutes, the city skyline is gone, and the forest surrounds you. In 90 minutes, you are in one of the historic towns by the river. In 2 hours, you can find yourself next to Lake Ontario or in a mountain village.

Before planning road or day trips, it’s important to organise your time in Ottawa. If you haven’t already mapped out key attractions in the city, begin with Best Things to Do in Ottawa. This way, your experience will feel complete before you add on explorations outside the city.

After establishing your city base, these nearby locations will enhance your journey.

Here’s a quick comparison of the best day trips from Ottawa by distance, season, and experience type.

Destination	Drive Time	Historic Main Street	Ideal For
Gatineau Park	20–40 min	Fall, Winter	Hiking, Lookouts, Skiing
Chelsea	20–30 min	Fall	Post-hike dining, Village atmosphere
Wakefield	35–45 min	Fall, Summer	Riverside village charm
Mer Bleue Bog	20–30 min	Spring, Fall	Short nature walk
Cumberland Heritage Village	25–35 min	Spring–Fall	Family-friendly heritage
Carp	30–40 min	Summer, Fall	Countryside drive
Lac Philippe	45–60 min	Summer	Swimming, Picnic lake day
Almonte	45–60 min	Spring, Fall	Heritage-based town
Smiths Falls	50–60 min	Spring, Summer	Rideau Canal stop
Merrickville	1 hr	Summer	Canal town strolling
Morrisburg	55–65 min	Summer	Heritage base town
Montebello	1 hr 15 min	Fall	Riverside village
Parc Omega	1 hr 20 min	Summer, Fall	Wildlife drive-through
Arnprior	55–70 min	Fall	Ottawa Valley scenery
Renfrew	1 hr 30 min	Fall	Scenic rural drive
Perth	1 hr 15–25 min	Fall	Photography
Cornwall	1 hr 15–30 min	Summer	St. Lawrence River
Calabogie	1 hr 20–40 min	Summer, Winter	Hiking, Snow activities
Brockville	1 hr 15–30 min	Summer	Waterfront walk
Upper Canada Village	1 hr 30–45 min	Summer, Fall	Living history site
Gananoque	2 hrs	Summer	Thousand Islands
Kingston	2 hrs	Summer, Fall	Lake Ontario + history
Mont-Tremblant	2 hrs	Winter, Fall	Mountain village

Day Trips From Ottawa Under 45 Minutes

Gatineau Park

Drive time: 20–40 minutes

Gatineau Park is the most important day-tripDay Trips From Ottawa Within 1 Hour

destination for anyone living in Ottawa. It is the best option for getting out of the city and enjoying the natural beauty of the Ottawa Valley. The views change from big buildings to hills, lakes, forests, and lookouts over the Ottawa Valley.

In the summer, the Pink Lake area has one of the most popular hiking loops in the region. It is considered an easier hike, with bright turquoise waters along the trail, and a high level of ability is not required to get the immersive experience. Meech Lake is popular with families and swimmers. People who don’t want to hike can take the scenic driveway and explore the views from the viewpoints.

Gatineau Park also has the best fall foliage in the region. When the trees are bright red and orange, they are among the most photographed locations. There is also world-class cross-country skiing in the winter.

Gatineau Park is the best day trip out of Ottawa because it is great all year round, and for all types of visitors. Trail conditions and seasonal access details are available on the official Gatineau Park website.

Chelsea, Quebec

Drive time: 20–30 minutes.

Chelsea has much to love about it. As the gateway village to Gatineau Park, it provides features that the park doesn’t. It offers food, cafes, and a small-town feel right next to the forest. It creates the perfect soft landing after a hike. If you’ve just finished a scenic drive, you want to take it easy for a slow afternoon without having to hurry back to Ottawa.

Chelsea offers an ideal experience for those who want to spend time outside without feeling too remote. You can spend the morning hiking, swimming, or fishing at the lakes and lookouts in Gatineau Park. Then you can head to Chelsea and enjoy a long lunch. You can also take a break at the cafe without having to plan anything. That’s why Chelsea makes the perfect day trip destination.

In the fall, the village itself is a destination with the surrounding landscape covered in warm autumnal colours. It creates such a cozy feeling, perfect for the season. In winter, it is the perfect place to stop after time spent outside. It is the ideal spot to warm up after a day spent outside in the cold.

Wakefield

Drive time: 35–45 minutes.

Entering Wakefield is like entering a conversation that has been slowed down. It is a small Canadian village located adjacent to the Gatineau River, with the main street lined with independent cafes, bakeries, bookshops, and artisan stores, and the water reflecting the changing

sunlight.

Unlike larger tourist towns, Wakefield invites you to explore. There is no sense of being overwhelmed by the attractions. Rather, you are encouraged to stroll along the river, cross the coffee shop to stay longer than you initially intended, and let the day unfold.

In Autumn, Wakefield is extremely photogenic. In Winter, it takes on a cozy demeanour. Spring and Summer are active but never chaotic on the riverside patios. In contrast to Ottawa’s urban core, Wakefield is ideal when you want a gentle contrast.

Mer Bleue Bog

Drive time: 20–30 minutes.

Most visitors are surprised by Mer Bleue. While it is still technically within Ottawa’s Greenbelt, the boardwalk loop gives it the feel of northern wilderness. The wide-open peat bog is direct and calm rather than dramatic, and the open skies enhance the landscape’s atmospheric feel.

Sunrise and sunset are particularly strong times to be here, with the even light spread across the marshland.

For visitors on a solidified city itinerary like 2 Days in Ottawa, Mer Bleue is a good place to stop for a quick reset without the day of driving it would take to get there.

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

Drive time: 25–35 minutes.

If you want a family-friendly, educational, and calming experience, a trip to the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum will not disappoint. It’s like walking through a time capsule as you stroll through recreated streets lined with quaint historical buildings, stepping back in time to experience the rural life of Eastern Ontario.

Another advantage of the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum is the “low-effort” experience it offers. You don’t need to plan an elaborate trip to the museum. You also don’t need to wait for ideal weather. You arrive, walk over the grounds, explore the various historic buildings, and take as much time as you wish. It’s a perfect destination for a trip if it includes kids, elderly family members, or anyone who likes to take it easy.

You will not regret including the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum in your Ottawa itinerary. It’s a refreshing change from the usual walk-and-view stops.

Carp (West Ottawa Countryside)

Drive time: 30–40 minutes.

Carp is a great choice if you want to experience rural Ontario without spending much time on the road. It is an escape from the city. The traffic is light in the village, which is surrounded by open fields and farms. The village is a stroll; there’s no need to rush to sightsee.

Carp offers a quiet, non-touristy day trip option from the city. It is perfect for a casual breakfast, a stroll through the village, and a quick drive into the countryside before returning to the city. It is also ideal in summer, thanks to the nearby farm-to-table dining and seasonal farmers’ markets.

October is ideal for driving Carp. The rural roads outside of the village are less congested during peak driving hours for autumn leaf viewing. It also offers a quieter, more scenic drive compared to the city.

Lac Philippe (Gatineau Park Lake Day)

Drive time: 45–60 minutes.

Compared to other popular Gatineau stops, Lac Philippe is quieter and more relaxing, making it perfect for visitors to the park looking for a more relaxing day by the water. This is a great go-to spot for those looking for a picnic, a calming view of the water, and a more serene atmosphere.

In the summer, it’s great for swimming and sunbathing, and in the fall, it’s even better as the foliage creates a beautiful, tranquil setting. It enhances your trip to Gatineau and provides a more complete experience of the park.

Day Trips From Ottawa Within 1 Hour

Almonte

Drive time: 45–60 minutes.

Almonte features preserved stone buildings, a river running through the centre, and a walkable main street that is neatly integrated rather than disjointed. While the town may be small, it is far from sleepy, and the cafes and shops help animate the streets without overwhelming the area.

Almonte is the perfect town for a day trip because of its size. You can walk the entire town in a few hours without feeling rushed. It is great for leisurely lunches and long discussions.

If you’re thinking of extending your trip, Almonte makes sense as day three on a 3 Days in Ottawa plan, when you’re looking for something easier after visiting the Parliament, museums, and market.

Smiths Falls

Drive time: 50–60 minutes.

Because of its historical significance, Smiths Falls has become an important town in the Rideau Canal Corridor, located east of Ottawa. Although one may not spend an entire day here, Smiths Falls is an important canal-focused stop that helps visitors understand the region’s identity beyond Ottawa.

Spring and Summer are the best seasons to experience Smiths Falls and the Rideau Canal, as the waterway is fully operational.

Additionally, Smiths Falls serves as an important stop for integration. When planning a day in Merrickville or a country drive, Smiths Falls seamlessly integrates into the itinerary.

Merrickville

Drive time: approximately 1 hour.

Merrickville is built around the Rideau Canal. The canal runs through the middle of the town, alongside the historical stone buildings, and in the summer, passing boats provide motion and visual interest.

The Merrickville experience is best described as unhurried. Stroll alongside the canal and browse the boutiques. Enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants with patio seating, if the weather is nice.

It is authentic and uncluttered.

Morrisburg

Drive time: 55–65 minutes.

Located near the beautiful Upper Canada Village heritage site, Morrisburg is a small town along the St. Lawrence River with a slower pace than Ottawa. It provides visitors with a small, quiet, and peaceful town experience.

Morrisburg deserves mention for offering someone an experience beyond pretty towns. Morrisburg does not offer an exciting experience, but it is a great stopping point for heritage sites, seasonal events, and non-crowded day trips.

Montebello and Parc Omega

Drive time: 1 hour-1 hour 20 minutes.

Parc Omega is one of the most unique places for wildlife discovery near Ottawa. The drive-through path allows people to see regional wildlife in a controlled, natural, and immersive environment. You have the illusion of hiking without the steps, and no need to go into the backcountry.

After wildlife viewing, the contrast with Montebello provides river-side relaxation. The town is clean and picturesque, perfect for lunch and an afternoon stroll.

This combination provides a complete and fulfilling day without the tiresome time spent travelling.

Day Trips From Ottawa Within 90 Minutes

Arnprior (Ottawa Valley Town Stop)

Drive time: 55–70 minutes.

Arnprior is another great Ottawa Valley day trip, and for good reason: it brings a different kind of Eastern Ontario into focus. The valley is roomier than the towns closer to Ottawa, opening into broader landscapes and a slower pace that feels truly regional.

Arnprior is better as a stop on a longer Ottawa Valley drive, not the destination in itself. The value is in getting that feeling of leaving the capital behind and seeing how quickly everything becomes rural, open, quiet.

This area is especially rewarding for fall travellers when the drives are the main attraction.

Renfrew (Ottawa Valley Drive Extension)

Drive time: 1 hour 20–35 minutes.

Renfrew provides an additional layer of coverage for the Ottawa Valley. It is about more than just one attraction; it is about ambience. It is more attractive than the canal towns due to its more robust setting. It is a strong contrast to the canal towns of Merrickville and Perth.

For an unstructured day trip of a quiet drive, a few stops in small towns, and some nice countryside views, Renfrew is a great option.

Perth

Drive time: 1 hour 15–25 minutes.

Perth’s downtown is often referred to as one of the prettiest in Ontario. A river that divides the town, a collection of preserved architecture, and tree-lined streets give it an upscale feel.

Autumn intensifies the appeal. The winter months are welcome thanks to the seasonal decorations that add character.

Perth is slightly more polished than the other towns around it, and as a result, it makes for one of the best (if not the best) stops for photography-focussed travellers.

Cornwall

Drive time: 1 hour 15–30 minutes.

Cornwall’s location along the St. Lawrence River gives the town a more river-city feel. Unlike other towns along the river, which tend to feel more like suburbs of Ottawa, the river feels wider and more powerful, drawing people to the region’s natural features during the summer heat.

Though there is more to Cornwall than what is mentioned here, the riverfront walking, dining, and the change of scenery, along with the more relaxed feel, work. There’s no false-market postcard setting; it is an actual working river city.

For a summer day trip from Ottawa to the St. Lawrence and away from the Thousand Islands, Cornwall is ideal.

Calabogie

Drive time: 1 hour 20–40 minutes.

Calabogie has more elevation than the flat farmland near Ottawa, giving the area a more rugged feeling. Hiking trails here continue to ascend, and the viewpoints are grander as the landscape opens up.

In the summer, the primary activity here is hiking, while in the winter, it is snow-based activities.

Calabogie is suited to active travellers, not ideal for those who want to do only casual walking.

Brockville

Drive time: 1 hour 15–30 minutes.

The town of Brockville sits on the St. Lawrence River. This huge volume of water is why Brockville is so different from other towns along other rivers. Brockville has a riverfront park and marina, which creates a nice summer vibe.

The river gives the town its energy.

Day Trips From Ottawa Within 2 Hours

Upper Canada Village

Drive time: 1 hour 30–45 minutes.

Upper Canada Village is one of the most compelling heritage attractions in Eastern Ontario. It recreates a 19th-century village setting, complete with period buildings and costumed interpreters, along with additional details that make it authentic and transport the visitor back in time.

This is especially useful because it expands your day-trip guide beyond nature and towns. It becomes a destination experience in the truest sense of the term, one that caters to families, travellers on school-trip-style holidays, and others  seeking cultural depth rather than simply scenery.

Gananoque (Thousand Islands Gateway)

Drive time: about 2 hours.

Gananoque offers one of the finest waterfront day trips from Ottawa and serves as the entry point to the Thousand Islands region. The mouth of the St. Lawrence River is an open scene, filled with islands. This view is more diverse and contrasting than the narrow views seen around Ottawa. The river widens, the views open up, and the contrasts shift from urban to water.

Gananoque is at its most lively from late spring to early fall. This is when boat tours through the Thousand Islands operate. It is relaxing to spend time at the water, and even at the harbour without taking a cruise, you can walk along the harbour. Boat tour schedules vary seasonally and can be confirmed through the Thousand Islands tourism website.

Gananoque is the place to be if you want a day that is not very busy and offers more open, fresh environments. This is a place that offers a cleaner urban view, with not many museums or hiking options.

Kingston

Drive time: approximately 2 hours.

The historical gravity and visual unity of Kingston are remarkable. Its waterfront is lined with limestone structures, with a broad expanse of Lake Ontario beyond the harbour.

When visiting Kingston for the day, the most important thing is to practice restraint. Pick one main attraction and spend the rest of the day strolling along the water.

The transition from river city to lake city gives Kingston some of the best contrasts around.

Mont-Tremblant

Drive time: about 2 hours.

Mont-Tremblant offers elevation, impressive resort-style architecture, and a lively pedestrian atmosphere. In winter, skiing is what the village is all about. In summer and autumn, it is all about hiking and photography.

The terrain change alone makes it worth considering.

Seasonal Strategy

The season is an important factor in planning day trips from Ottawa. Gatineau Park is best in the fall. For winter trips, visit Tremblant and Calabogie. In summer, head to waterfront towns like Brockville and Kingston.

If you’re not sure which season best fits your preferences, check the Best Time to Visit Ottawa before making long-distance driving plans.

Logistics That Actually Matter

The neighbourhood you leave from affects how long it takes to travel. Staying centrally helps avoid being crushed on early exits, as outlined in Where to Stay in Ottawa.

Using the Ottawa Neighbourhood Guide to get to know your district helps you make realistic estimates of how long it will take you to drive.

Final Thoughts

The best day trips from Ottawa are not a checklist. They are all about broadening your idea of the region. Forested hills, canal towns, mountain villages, and lakeside cities are all within striking distance.

A good Ottawa base means these escapes can take you from city visits to region-hopping.

FAQs About Day Trips From Ottawa