Spontaneous Day Trips From Ottawa You Need To Go On
Pack the car and escape the city for a day with your best friend! Fall is the perfect time to go on a road trip as the weather isn't too hot, and the scenery outdoors is beautiful with all the leaves changing colors. Around Ottawa, there are tons of fantastic spots to visit. From old castles, bustling cities, nature parks, or charming villages there is something for everyone no matter your interests.
So pack the car, get your road trip playlist ready and start exploring. Not sure where to go? Here are tons of places that are perfect for a spontaneous day from Ottawa in the fall.Â
Boldt Castle
Spend the day touring the magnificent Boldt Castle in the 1000 Islands. Boldt Castle is located on a heart-shaped island and was built by a man as a symbol of his love for his wife. This romantic spot is the perfect one-day road trip. To reach the island, you can take one of the boat tours that run from mid-May until October. If you rather see Boldt Castle from the sky there are also helicopter tours that you can book of the area too!
Distance: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Parc Omega
Only a short drive from Ottawa, Parc Omega allows you to get up close to Canadian animals. Visiting the park is an unforgettable experience, as you can drive your car through the wildlife park and feed animals like elk and deer. As you'll be in your car most of the time, Parc Omega is the perfect way to escape the cold as you can keep your car heater on throughout your driving tour. If you wish you can also book accommodation at Park Omega, so you can sleep in a tipi or cabin near the wolves and bears.
Distance: 1 hour
Abraska Lafléche
Thrill seekers, you need to visit Abraska Lafléche in Val-des-Monts. Here you can spend the day on their zip lines over the colorful trees, and try to cross their aerial park which has suspended bridges, swings, and nets to pass. Once you've explored the aerial park, head underground to the Laflèche Cave which is the biggest cave in the Canadian Shield.
Distance: 40 minutes
Kingston
With a thriving cultural scene, and breathtaking waterfront views Kingston is a must-visit location near Ottawa. While here you need to explore Fort Henry where you will be transported into the 19th century and learn about military life. In Kingston, you'll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, shops, and festivals to keep you entertained. To get a taste of the local area sign up for one of the food or beer walking tours that will take you to the best spots in the city.
Distance: 2 hours
Jabulani Vineyard & Winery
For a fun road trip head to a Jabulani Vineyard & Winery near Ottawa. At the winery, you'll be able to learn about how wines are made, tour the vineyard, and learn more about wine in their wine appreciation lesson. As part of the wine appreciation lesson, you'll be able to sample 10 different wines which will be served with cheese, bread, and fruit.
Distance: 40 minutes
Strathmere
Strathmere is the ultimate relaxing destination near Ottawa. This popular wedding spot is also perfect for a day visit, or an overnight stay. On the grounds, there are hiking trails, hot tubs, a spa, yoga classes and an extraordinary restaurant.
Distance: 30 minutes
Wakefield
Wakefield is a nearby small village that is the perfect low-key vacation spot. Located close to Ottawa here you can enjoy time in nature by going hiking or bike riding on the many nearby trails. While here make sure to explore the red covered bridge, which is a favorite photo spot along with all the delightful antique stores and restaurants. At the Wakefield Inn, you treat yourself at the spa which is next to the water.
Distance: 45 minutes
Gatineau Park
You need to visit Gatineau Park in the fall to take part in Fall Rhapsody, the celebration of the leaves changing colors. The massive nature park which is 361 square kilometers has plenty of hiking trails near lakes, waterfalls, and ruins to keep you entertained. For a fantastic photo spot of the colorful fall leaves, the Gatineau Hills and the Ottawa Valley make sure to trek to the Champlain Lookout.
Distance: 20 minutes
Mont-TremblantÂ
Located in the Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant is the perfect spot to see the fall leaves. At the ski resort, you'll be able to take a gondola ride to the top of the mountain to get a bird-eye view of the trees, or you can go for a hike on one of the many trails. In the pedestrian village, you can find a spa, restaurants, and shopping to keep you entertained all day.
Distance: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Lake Placid
Lake Placid, New York is the perfect road trip for those who enjoy time outdoors and small towns. The Adirondacks offer year-round entertainment, and in the fall you can kayak around the stunning Mirror Lake, go golfing at Lake Placid golf course or go for a hike around the scenic mountain loop. If you are looking for something more low-key, there are also plenty of charming antique shops and markets to explore too.
Distance: 3 hours
Camp Fortune
On the next sunny day, head to Camp Fortune to spend a day out in nature. From zip lining through the trees, biking or hiking on the nature trails, or enjoying a relaxing scenic chairlift ride over the forest there is something for everyone, no matter how active you want to be.
Distance: 30 minutes
Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County is the perfect wine lover destination. Here you'll find tons of wineries that you can visit and do wine tastings at. In this area, you'll see lots of art galleries, boutique shops, biking trails, and gourmet restaurants offering you tons to explore.
Distance: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Montreal
Montreal is the perfect fall road trip for anyone looking for a city vacation. With a bustling nightlife, arts, shopping and foodie scene Montreal offers plenty to do. Head to the Old Port to ride the La Grande Roue de Montreal, a giant Ferris wheel which provides a great lookout of the city. If you are looking to escape the colder temperatures head indoors to explore the massive underground shopping center underneath downtown Montreal.
Distance: 2 hours
Algonquin Park
Spend the day hiking and canoeing around Algonquin Park this fall. Gatineau Park is particularly beautiful in the fall when you can see the spectacular fall colors. While the best time to see the fall leaves changes every year, on average, you can expect the best time to visit to be late September to mid-October.
Distance: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Montebello
The small village of Montebello is an internationally famous four-season destination. Here you can explore the worlds largest log cabin where there are plenty of activities to try such as the land rover experience. With the town, you can visit the local cheese shop that makes award-winning cheese, the local craft brewery or delicious chocolate shop.
Distance: 1 hour
Quebec City
Pack the car and head to the stunning Quebec City. Within the city center, you'll find the stunning Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, and the cobblestone streets of Petit Champlain filled with bistros, art galleries, and boutiques. Just a few minutes outside of downtown Quebec City you'll find Montmorency Falls a massive waterfall that is 83 meters tall (30 meters higher than Niagara Falls)!
Distance: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Perth
The small city of Perth has plenty to do and see in the fall. In early September they host the Perth Fair where you can enjoy amusement rides while leading up to Halloween you can join for a Halloween ghost walking tour around the city. You can also sign up for a food walking tour to discover the best places to eat, visit their local craft brewery, or enjoy the excellent cycling trails through the city.
Distance: 1 hour
Brockville
Head to Brockville to visit their Railway Tunnel that is a unique spot for an Instagram photo. Built-in 1860 the tunnel is illuminated with multi-colored lights. Visiting the Railway Tunnel is perfect in the fall as you will be protected from the cold weather and wind. In the fall Brockville also hosts their Culture Days and Oktoberfest festival which you will want to check out.
Distance: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Almonte
Almonte is a super cute town you need to explore. Walking along the 19th-century main street, you'll find plenty of boutiques, antique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Head here for the day to explore the shops, see the waterfall and savor some fine dining.
Distance: 40 minutes
Alymer
Alymer is a foodie hot spot which you need to explore. Keep cozy this fall by enjoying a delicious meal indoors at local gems like La Maison Conroy, or go for a leisurely stroll by the water to see the beautiful marina which is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. If you are looking to wander the city and enjoy shopping head to rue Principale du Vieux-Aylmer where you can find a chocolatier, art galleries, and fine grocers.
Distance: 20 minutes