Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, can fill several days with shopping and sightseeing. Once you’ve explored the historic downtown – both the museums as well as the parliamentary district – be sure to explore some of the city’s wonderful neighbourhoods. But then get out of town: some of Ottawa’s best travel experiences can be had just a few miles away in either Ontario or Quebec. Here are a few recommendations for the best Ottawa day trips.
Hiking the Gatineau Hills (Quebec)
If you do nothing else and take no other Ottawa day trips, please promise me you’ll go for a hike up in the Gatineau Hills. Second only to Parliament Hill, this is one of the best things to do in Ottawa, without a doubt. Start off your tour with a visit to the Mackenzie King Estate, with its tea room and unusual “ruins” (Mackenzie bought them and put them here – beautiful yet strangely out of place). Then hit the trails – King Mountain Trail is a good one for several scenic points in a little over an hour’s walk. There are also several lookouts. In winter these trails become some of Canada’s best cross country skiing.
Burritts Rapids (Ontario)
Certainly one of the most unique stops on my tour of Ottawa day trips was the tiny, tiny hamlet of Burritts Rapids. The city itself is on an island in the river! The best way to experience this village is to park at the Burritts Rapids lock (Lock 17), and then walk along the island trail until you arrive into the town. It’s the strangest experience – you’re walking along in a quaint, silent forest and all of a sudden you’re in the middle of a town. The town is pretty quiet too – there’s a city beach about the size of one beach blanket, several Victorian houses, and an old swing bridge that connects the town to mainland.
Wakefield (Quebec)
For the best village feel and to get away from the city on your Ottawa day trips, I can’t more highly recommend Wakefield. It’s a very small village that is mostly known as the terminus for the stream train which runs from Hull (more info). For me the real Wakefield highlight is the Old Wakefield Inn, a luxury hotel that serves up fantastic breakfast right along the stream that once powered this mill. Once you’ve eaten, be sure to walk around the property – it’s gorgeous. The other must-see is the covered bridge (pictured); these seem to have fallen out of fashion, so it is wonderful to see one that is looking in pristine shape.
Merrickville (Ontario)
Merrickville claims to be “Canada’s prettiest village.” While I’d say that’s a long shot (I’d have to give that title to Victoria), it still makes the list for great Ottawa day trips. The lock here is quite active, and the village itself has several crafty shops and stores, perfect for a souvenir for yourself. There’s a classic English pub and other eateries as well, but if you can manage some decent weather, a picnic on the tables near the canal are the perfect choice.
Smiths Falls (Ontario)
If you want to see an alternative vision of Canada’s capital, consider Smiths Falls for one of your Ottawa day trips. Smith Falls was once one of the places under consideration for the Canadian capital due to its central railway access and convenient location near the border of Ontario and Quebec, the two more powerful provinces of the time. Today railway fans can enjoy the railway museum, otherwise relax and watch the Rideau River rushes by.
Mattawa (Ontario)
Mattawa means “meeting of the waters,” as it is where the Mattawa and Ottawa rivers converge. It’s one of the nicest Ottawa day trips because the city heavily promotes itself with a number of attractions, including wooden statues of many of the historic figures in this area. Mattawa as a settlement has been around for quite some time as it was a popular stopping point for explorers of days gone by. The last weekend of July is Voyageur Days, where you can enjoy live music and fireworks.
Bonnechere Caves (Ontario)
Tired of being above ground? Then get some perspective and head into the earth in Eganville in this one of the more experiential Ottawa day trips. Discovered in the mid 1800s, these caves were the talk of curious explorers, but at the time the caves were filled with water and technology did not permit them to investigate further. The caves are known for their fossils; want to make the experience perfect? Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after your excursion down under.
All photos by author except Smiths Falls (seaan), Mattawa (CP Storm), and the Caves (greencolander)
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As an Ottawa native, I’ve been to all of these places except for the Bonnechere Caves. Not sure how I missed that one
Let me know how you enjoy it, Terri