I don't know about you, but I love road trips. Even though some can be long and boring, if you have good music, good friends and good food, you're all set. The road trip part of the trip can actually be the most fun, but only on the way there. On the way back, the post-trip depression sets in hard.
Ottawa is in a good location where you can road trip to so many places in and out of the country. Toronto is only about 4 hours away, and so are some places in the States. It honestly just depends on what you're down for!
Some people like to travel to go hiking, some people like to travel to relax, and some people like to travel to go shopping and go sightseeing. There is a mix of everything in here so you and your squad will be able to choose no problem.
Old Québec, Québec
4 hours and 45 minutes
Old Québec is the perfect place to go to if you're too broke to travel to Europe. It's such a stunning city, and it's filled with so much history and knowledge. If you love to learn, Old Québec has a ton of museums that will catch your eye. Seriously, this is the closest you'll get to Europe in Canada. If you love to shop, streets like rue Saint-Jean and rue Saint-Louis are the go-to spots.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
7 hours
This trip is perfect for the chocoholics. Not only do they have a theme park called Hersheypark that is literally a chocolate-themed amusement park, but they have Hershey's Chocolate World where you can see how the products are made, a free chocolate tour ride, and they carry the most Hershey chocolate you'll ever witness. I've been here twice, and no matter what your age is, you'll enjoy it. i
Scandinave Spa, Blue Mountain
5 hours and 45 minutes
If you're looking to get away to relax, this is the place you need to travel to. You'll be able to rejuvenate in nature and they have so much to offer. Whether you just want to relax in a bath all day or want the full treatment, they have it all.
Bic National Park, Quebec
7 hours
Too broke to travel to the Bahamas? Don't worry, you don't even have to travel outside of Canada for this view. This trip is for those who love nature, and love to be adventurous. Bic National Park is filled with amazing sights such as coves, islands, and mountains. You can go on sea kayaking tours which will allow you to watch marine and bird life. There is also 25 km of trails to hike on to see the most gorgeous views.
Lake Placid, New York
3 hours
Lake Placid is a great spot for those who love small towns, but still want something to do. Something you have to do while there is check out the Lake Placid Winter Olympics Museum, and the Olympic Ski Jump sight. The little town is filled with adorable stores and restaurants too. This is definitely a low-key vacation spot, but it's easy to road trip to.
Alexandria Bay, New York
1 hour and 50 minutes
The good thing about Alexandria Bay is that you can also go to Kingston and Gananoque in the same trip! Alexandria Bay is known for the Boldt Castle, which is absolutely stunning all year round. Alexandria Bay is perfect for a day trip, and all of the restaurants along the water will make you fall in love with the little town.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
5 hours and 30 minutes
The White Mountains are so close to Ottawa, and the views really put the Gatineau Hills to shame. Located in New Hampshire, you could make this a revitalizing trip by going on wine tours and camping out. I mean, what's more relaxing than that? They have a bunch of different trails, from moderate to difficult, on White Mountains so this is every hiking lovers dream.
New York City, New York
7 hours
Let's be real, this is the most worth it. I've done this drive 3 times now, and it's always worth it. The drive goes by so quickly because of how excited you are to get into the city. I mean, there are the obvious things you can do in NYC like go to the Top of the Rock, visit Times Square, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, but if you need any suggestions, click here. This is definitely the perfect trip for anyone who loves a big city and a fast-paced life!
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
6 hours
Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect place for wine lovers. It's Canada's wine country, and the town is so charming. It's a must to stay in one of the cute countryside hotels so you're close to everything. Even just walking around the town will make you feel like you're in a movie. Life is perfect up at Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the wineries make it even better. It's only a half an hour drive to Niagara Falls too, so you get the best of both worlds!
Luciano Frattolin is taken away in custody from the Essex County Court in Elizabethtown, New York on Friday, July 24, 2026. Luciano Frattolin charged with 2nd-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse.
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Police officers open the back of a recovered truck during a press conference regarding Project 24K, a joint investigation into the theft of gold from Pearson International Airport, in Brampton, Ont., on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
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The Rockyview General Hospital is pictured in Calgary, Thursday, March 20, 2025.
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This composite image shows, left to right, B.C. NDP Leader David Eby in Vancouver, on April 13, 2026; B.C. Conservative interim Leader Lorne Doerkson, in Vancouver, on Sept. 22, 2026; B.C. Green Party Leader Emily Lowan in Victoria, on Sept. 23, 2026.
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B.C. Premier David Eby, back, and outgoing premier John Horgan embrace during a swearing in ceremony where Eby became the province's 37th premier at the Musqueam Nation, in Vancouver, B.C., Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.
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