You don't need to go far to find some epic spots Instagram-worth travel spots near Ottawa. If you don't want to drive too far, often Montreal might be the first destination that comes to mind. Yet, there are plenty of other epic spots near Ottawa.
READ MORE: Spontaneous Day Trips From Ottawa You Need To Go On This Fall
From a cafe that will make you feel like you are in Southern California, a resort with swings over the water, or a restaurant where you dine next to a waterfall, there are plenty of wonderful options for road trips close to the National Capitol.
Here are some short and sweet road trip ideas from Ottawa:
Visit This Cafe With Major SoCal Vibes
@cafe.palmierDistance: 20 minutes
Palmier Cafe is a brand new cafe in Chelsea that you need to visit. Designed to feel like you are in Palm Springs, it even has a large cactus statue. The brand new building is the perfect laid-back spot to get a coffee with friends.
@cafe.palmierSpend The Day At Sandbanks Beach
@lapetitenoobDistance: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Sandbanks Beach is one of the nicest beaches in Ontario. Here you can enjoy a long stretch of golden sand and calm water perfect for swimming in. If you would like to enjoy a weekend getaway, there is a campsite nearby along with plenty of Airbnbs.
@oliviadipede
@carla.gisselleStay At This Adorable Hotel in Prince Edward County
@food.divaDistance: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Located in the middle of wine country, The June Motel is the perfect weekend getaway spot. The mid-century boutique motel is near the local wineries, delicious restaurants, and beautiful beaches. The gorgeous motel is one that you will want to share on Instagram, as it is decorated with soft pinks and neon signs.
@thejunemotel
@thejunemotelGo On Vacation At The Luxurious Esterel Resort
@emmapannetonDistance: 2 hours and 15 minutes
For a romantic getaway, head to the luxurious Esterel Resort in the Laurentians. Here you can book a suite with a fireplace, do a wine tasting, enjoy fine dining, and relax at their Nordik Spa. While visiting make sure to try the dreamy swings and hammocks over the water.
@esterel.resort
@esterel.resortDine Next To The MacLaren Falls
@wakefieldmillDistance: 30 minutes
For a memorable dining experience, make dinner reservations at Muse restaurant. Located inside the Wakefield Mill, Muse has a traditional French and Quebecois menu which you can enjoy seated near The MacLaren Falls.
@wakefieldmill
Drive A Race Car
@elysemfortinDistance: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Thrill seekers, try driving a race car around the track! At Calabogie Motorsports Park you can spend the day driving one of their high-performance cars around the track. Try driving a Porsche 911, Lamborghini Gallardo or Ferrari F430 with the help of one of the Calabogie coaches who will be with you in the passenger seat.
@twothautosport
@gab.cimonVisit Cute Animals
@ashley_ruessDistance: 45 minutes
Animal lovers, you need to visit Big Sky Ranch in Kemptville. The non-profit farm helps provide a home for injured or unwanted animals. Visiting the farm you'll be able to see all sorts of animals including horses, goats, sheep, cows, chickens, cats, ducks and pigs.
@anvita.gupta
@numbskulleryGo Glamping In Renfrew
@glampingcanadaDistance: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Save all the hassle of setting up a campsite, and try glamping instead! At Elements Luxury Tented Camp you can book a giant furnished tented structure that you can sleep in. Within the tent you'll find a cozy bed, table, and chairs, so you won't need to set up anything. Instead, you can arrive, unpack your bags and enjoy some quality time relaxing in nature.
@glampingcanadaExplore A Beautiful Castle
@thousandislands_Distance: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Located on Heart Island, Boldt Castle looks like a castle straight out a fairytale. Located near Alexandria Bay, you can book a boat tour to take you to the castle from May until late October.
@tbhallie
@boldtcastleSkate Through The Forest
@meganebouilleDistance: 50 minutes
For the perfect winter activity, try skating through the forest. Next, to Gatineau Park, there is a 3 km skating path which you can explore. Along the route, there will be outdoor fireplaces, along with a warm cabin where you can warm up with a hot beverage.
@explorecanada
@misshurt17Enjoy An Elegant French Cuisine In A Farmhouse
@oreeduboisrestaurantembedded via
Distance: 20 minutes
Foodies you need to experience dining at l'Orée du Bois, which has been serving French and regional cuisine in Chelsea for 40 years. The restaurant is located in an old farmhouse surrounded by forest which provides a magical setting. Offering spectacular French food, this is a culinary experience you will enjoy.
@la_gastronomie.mi
@savannahtranTry Goat Yoga In Carp
@ecvetDistance: 35 minutes
Curious why there is such a hype around goat yoga? Try a goat yoga class for yourself at Carp Goat Yoga. Destress as you play with goats, in the relaxing setting. Classes are offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays, but you can also book a private class if you have a group of 5 or more.
@brianna.a.z
@carpgoatyogaSee The Stunning Fall Foliage At Mont Tremblant
@nyc_you_me_4uDistance: 1 hour and 50 minutes
For the perfect spot to enjoy the fall leaves to head to Mont Tremblant. You can check on the official Mont Tremblant website for updates on how colorful the leaves are, so you can schedule your visit when the leaves look their best. For the best view of the leaves, take the panoramic gondola right to the top of the mountain.
@mariesoleilmichon
@thenumbaonestunnaGo Wine Tasting
@samanthajeanxDistance: 40 minutes
Only a short drive from Ottawa, you can enjoy a wine tasting at a vineyard. At Jabulani Vineyard & Winery you can book a tour of the vineyards and take part in a wine tasting session where you'll be able to try some of the 23 different wines available.
@justine.grams
@jabulani_wineryEnjoy A Spa Day At Strathmere
@strathmere1979Distance: 30 minutes
After a long and stressful week at work, nothing can be better than relaxing at the spa. Close to Manotick, is Strathmere is a 200-acre hotel and spa which offers a peaceful spot to relax and recharge. Here you can book a day package to take part in yoga classes, hike the nature trails, get pamper in the spa, or relax in the hot tubs.
@jenna_switzerSpend The Night On A Boat
@amorytangoDistance: 30 minutes
Spend the night sleeping on the water, by booking this amazing Airbnb. The River Den is a houseboat, docked in Wakefield which you can book for a night.
@nadzyaa
@destinationwakefieldGo Hiking At Lake Placid
@hike_adkmountainsembedded via
Distance: 3 hours
If you love hiking, you need to explore the trails around Lake Placid. Located in the Adirondacks, Lake Placid has over 3200 km of trails to explore. Along the routes, the trails will lead you to 46 high peaks that provide breathtaking lookouts.
@lakeplacidadk
@lakeplacidadkExplore This Illuminated Tunnel
@beingjennwendyDistance: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Enjoy the free LED light show inside of Canada's first railway tunnel. The Brockville Tunnel is free to visit and is only a short drive from Ottawa.
@aly.filmandtravel
@nomadic_benSpend The Day At A Waterpark
@calypsoparkDistance: 35 minutes
Cool off in the summer at Calypso Water Park. Located in Limoges, the water park has a variety of waterslides, lazy rivers, beach cabanas and even a huge wave pool for you to enjoy.
@calypsoparkTry Dog Sledding
@escapadeeskimoDistance: 1 hour and 20 minutes
For a unique winter experience, try dog sledding! At Otter Lake, Escapade Eskimo offers dog sled tours of the area. While visiting, you can also go snowshoeing on one of the trails, and meet the dogs.
@patburilliphotos
@escapadeeskimoVisit This Hidden Swimming Hole
@sarahcammisanoDistance: 30 minutes
In the summer this fantastic swimming hole is the perfect spot to cool off. Wakefield, Quebec Morrison's Quarry is popular with locals because it has clear blue water and is located close to Ottawa.
@yow.wannatravel
@hugowirthGo On A Delicious Chocolate Tour
@hummingbirdchocolateembedded via
Distance: 40 minutes
Chocolate lovers, you need to go on Hummingbird Chocolate tour. On Sundays, they offer tours of the chocolate factory where you will be able to see how they turn the cacao beans into their award-winning chocolate and sample some of their products.
@kjcaptures
@snelling_sarahVisit A Sugar Bush
@onhighlandsFor a truly Canadian experience, you need to visit a sugar bush in the winter. At Fulton's Pancake House & Sugar Bush, you can enjoy trying maple taffy on the snow, a giant pancake breakfast with fresh maple syrup and touring the sugarbush itself. While visiting make sure to pick up some maple syrup to bring home to use on your homemade waffles and pancakes.
@ottawatourism
@nicholasplacephoto