6-7-day Ontario road trip: Toronto to Ottawa highlight reel

Toronto and Ottawa bookend a classic Ontario road trip on this tour that offers an abundance of iconic destinations, attractions and experiences. As you journey between Canada’s largest city and the national capital, visit the many unique and charming cities located along the way.
 

Toronto – day 1

Ontario’s provincial capital, Toronto, is also Canada’s largest city. Dwarfed by the CN Tower, the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere, Toronto’s skyscrapers make a stunning skyline. This walkable city has something around every corner to explore: stunning architecture, spectacular gardens and beaches, iconic attractions and family entertainment, one-of-a-kind shopping, exciting theme parks and incredible zoos and a multitude of museums and galleries like the AGO, ROM and AGA KHAN await. Toronto’s world-renowned multicultural food scene lets you eat your way around the world in one city!
 

Things to do

A unique way to learn about Toronto, its people, culture, history and food is to ride with a friendly, local guide on Toronto Bicycle Tours.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to see the city, kick back, relax and enjoy the 360-degree views from a Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour, which also includes a free ride on the Harbour & Island Cruise.

For the most spectacular views in Toronto, head to the CN Tower’s LookOut Level. Experience mind-blowing floor-to-ceiling panoramic window walls and an all new glass floor and feel the breeze at 342 metres/ 1122 feet above ground from the Outdoor Sky Terrace. The CN Tower is also home to the world’s highest full-circle hands-free walk, The EdgeWalk. The CN Tower is proud to be Accessibility Certified by the Rick Hansen Foundation. 

Places to stay

From spectacular city views at many of the luxe hotels in the downtown core to more budget-conscious accommodations, quirky bed and breakfasts and even campgrounds, there are plenty of accommodation options in Toronto.

Courtyard Marriott Downtown: newly renovated, located in the heart of the city, lobby Bistro, free Wi-Fi, valet parking, indoor pool, easily accessible on Yonge Street.

Chelsea Hotel Toronto: fun for the whole family— Family Fun zone, Club 33 Teen Lounge, indoor pool with 40 metres/130 feet corkscrew waterslide, in an excellent location.

Fairmont Royal York: Toronto’s landmark hotel, luxury in the heart of the city just minutes from the city’s biggest attractions and lots of dining and entertainment options.

Indian Line:The closest campground to downtown Toronto.

Albion Hills: A short drive from the Toronto suburbs.

View a full list of Toronto accommodations.
 

Places to eat

Breakfast/lunch

Eggsspectation: Takes traditional breakfast ingredients and makes them into foodie delights that can be enjoyed all day long.

Sunny Morning Breakfast and Lunch: Its slogan “You just eat real food” speaks volumes to its local ingredients and wholesome food.

Lunch/dinner

360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower: One of Toronto's finest, features unforgettable food combined with a magnificent revolving view of Toronto. 351 metres (1,151 feet) below.

Amsterdam Brewhouse: Waterfront craft brewery, restaurant and retail store with four large patios and landscape views of Toronto Islands

Sotto Sotto: The walls are filled with pictures of the film festival celebs who have made the high-end Italian Sotto Sotto an annual stop since the 80s.

Prepare for some yelling at Kinka Izakaya— Toronto’s take on a traditional Japanese pub. Diners eat at communal tables and food is served tapas style. 

When diners walk into the Sultan’s Tent, they leave Toronto and enter Morocco, complete with belly dancers. Located at 49 Front Street East in one of the oldest flat iron buildings in Toronto, the flavourful menu will undoubtedly leave you with an unforgettable, magical experience.

Depart early from Toronto and hit the road for Peterborough.

Peterborough & the Kawartha’s – day 2

Distance to next stop: 138 kilometres / 86 miles to Peterborough via Highway 401 & 115
Alternatively, you can take Highway 407 to Highway 115, which is a toll route.

Peterborough: Affectionately known as the ‘gateway to the Kawarthas,' Peterborough is a vibrant city located along the Trent Severn Waterway, a national historic site of Canada. 

Take a stroll back in time and learn the history of Canada through the evolution of the canoe at the Canadian Canoe Museum. The home to the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft is located in the heart of Peterborough & the Kawarthas. Warsaw Caves Campground and Conservation Area and Lang Pioneer Village are some other bucket list stops.

A variety of galleries, makers' markets, breweries, wineries, distilleries and numerous farm-to-table restaurants, paired with the perfect mix of city life and unspoiled countryside make this place truly unique.

Whether you are looking to spend the day strolling through a park along the water, cycling through the hilly countryside, discovering the history of the iconic canoe or flying high over the area in a float plane, Peterborough & the Kawarthas has something for everyone.
 

Things to do

You can start on foot, walking through Del Crary Park which runs along Little Lake in downtown Peterborough. 

Continue your walk along the waterfront passing the Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront into Millennium Park. Stop in at the Silver Bean Café,Peterborough’s waterfront cottage in the city.They have fair-trade coffee and the famous Kawartha Dairy ice cream. Then head up the path to the bustling downtown core, as you walk along the patio filled streets you can peruse menus from the many locally sourced and owned restaurants. From authentic Mexican cuisine at La Hacienda to freshly made pasta at Kettle Drums, there is something for even the pickiest of eaters downtown. Don’t forget to drop into one of the many unique shops like Watson and Lou and Hi Ho Silver along the way. They carry items unique to Peterborough & the Kawarthas. 

Black’s Distillery is an award-winning distillery known for its gin, which crafts singular tasting spirits that show ‘a lot of soul.’  

Just 20 minutes outside of Peterborough, in Keene you can stop in at Muddy’s Pit BBQ or the new Farmhouse Bakery on your way to beautiful Elmhirst’s Resort on Rice Lake. Enjoy horseback riding through the fields, taking a sightseeing tour in a float plane or golfing at neighbouring Bellmere Winds. Elmhirst’s Resort offers endless water activities: floating playground, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, waterskiing, tubing and even kite-boarding lessons.
 

Places to stay

Elmhirst’s Resort is a family-run resort located in Keene, 30 minutes outside of Peterborough, that truly has something for everyone: farm-to-table dining, float plane rides, water activities and a spa to name a few. 

Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront is located on the Trent-Severn Waterway in downtown Peterborough, within walking distance of many restaurants and parks. 

Peterborough Inn & Suites Hotel is a unique downtown boutique hotel with a spa and offers a 15% dining card to several local restaurants. 

The Trace at Oak Lake is located northeast of Peterborough on sparkling Oak Lake. With ten beautiful private cabins and ten chalets to choose from, this recently renovated resort is the perfect spot to rest, relax and connect with nature.
 

Places to eat

Breakfast / lunch 

Blackhoney Café is known for its fresh homemade baked goods, fair trade coffee and irresistible Eggs Benedict. The perfect table is waiting for you at one of their two patios. 

East City Coffee Shop is known for its traditional breakfast options and exceptional home fries. Bonus: Watch the bustle of the east city patio side. 

Pastry Peddler in Millbrook is a bike-friendly restaurant known for mouthwatering baked goods and a menu filled with locally sourced options for breakfast or lunch. Pro tip: The Winslow is a favourite among the locals. 

Dinner 

The Publican House is an award-winning FeastON certified family-run brewery and restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients in a 170-year-old heritage building or heated patio.

If you are in the mood for a fast-food burger with a twist try Peterburgers. They have a variety of signature hamburgers with hand-cut french fries that are served with home-made sauces. You know it’s a Peterburgers original by the stamp on the bun.

Fresh Dreams is known for their Spanish and Mediterranean meals made with locally sourced ingredients served tapas style. The restaurant has a warm and authentic vibe that will make you feel like you’re in the heart of the Mediterranean. 

Ashburnham Ale House is a craft beer cafe and is known for its ‘sammichs,’ handcrafted pizzas. They also serve brunch on the weekend. Ashburnham Ale House also has a patio that is the perfect venue to spend outdoors.

If you are staying at Elmhirst’s Resort you will be able to choose from its dining options: Hearthside Dining Room or the Wild Blue Yonder Pub. Both options feature seasonal farm-to-table selections and patios with a view. If BBQ is your style, you can also head down the road and visit the Muddy’s PIT BBQ in Keene.

Distance to next stop: 52 kilometres / 32 miles 

You cannot travel from Peterborough to Trenton without stopping in Campbellford, a quaint historic town divided by the iconic Trent-Severn Waterway. The best way to experience the waterway is taking a short walk across the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, known as ‘Ontario’s most scenic suspension bridge,’ which will take you into Ferris Provincial Park. 

Make sure you have an empty stomach to visit the Empire Cheese Co-operative, World’s Finest Chocolate, and Antonia’s Bistro for some delicious butter tarts. A local favourite and voted Sweetest Bakery in Canada in 2018/19, Dooher’s Bakery has mouthwatering cream-filled donuts and baked goods.Pre-order or arrive early to the bakery since lineups that stretch around the block are normal. If all these goodies make you thirsty, stop by Church Key Brewing Company.

Stop for lunch at Antonia’s Bistro or Capers Tap House and continue onto Trenton for the evening. 

Picture opt: Canada’s Giant Toonie.

Trenton (Quinte West) – day 3

Distance to next stop: 43 kilometres / 27 miles

Located on the Bay of Quinte, Quinte West is the southern gateway to the Trent-Severn Waterway. This waterway is a unique 386 kilometres system that stretches from the Bay of Quinte to the Georgian Bay. This picturesque location allows Quinte West and surrounding towns to offer excellent walking and boating experiences.

Steeped in long military history, today Quinte West is home to Canada’s largest military air force base, 8 Wing/CFB Trenton, which opened in 1931. The city also has a long agricultural history, which you can see (and taste) by visiting the vibrant farmers' market and many farm stands dotting the country roads. And it isn't called ‘A natural attraction' for nothing! Each of the many conservation areas and trails offer a unique escape from urban life.

Known for its outdoor activities, all of Quinte West has shopping, live music, special events and history to keep people coming back. So, swim in the beautiful waterways boat or relax in the more relaxed lifestyle.
 

Things to do

If you happen to get a rainy day, you can travel directly to Trenton—home to the National Air Force Museum of Canada with more than 6968 square metres/75,000 square feet of display space and a 6 hectare/16-acre outdoor air park. You’ll need at least two hours to enjoy all this museum has to offer.

Taste the season with a visit to Brambleberry Farm, a superior berry farm featuring strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, currants and gooseberries and a wide variety of vegetables.

Discover the rolling Oak Hills while on horseback at Fina Vista Farm, which is home to a herd of Paso Fino horses, a gaited breed of Spanish origin that is known for its smooth ride and friendly temperament.

Dahlia May Flower Farm is a small family farm growing three acres of specialty cut flowers every year, chemical-free. Nestled in the beautiful rolling Murray Hills of southeastern Ontario, Dahlia May runs an on-farm store 12 months of the year, offering up 100% Ontario grown blooms to local flower lovers.

Sager Conservation Area offers a picnicking area, trails and a scenic lookout. The area is part of a glacial feature known as Oak Lake Island, a series of large drumlins that formed an island in glacial Lake Iroquois. The drumlin in the conservation area is one of the highest points of land in the area and provides an excellent point from which to view the surrounding countryside, including part of the Trent River valley. Just remember to take only photos and leave only footprints.

Places to stay

Strawberry Hallow: A bright and modern Airbnb with a touch of country warmth. Pet friendly.

Ramada by Wyndam:  A pool, sauna, free continental breakfast, convenient location and is budget-friendly.

Comfort Inn: A free continental breakfast, convenient location, is highly rated and offers middle-of-the-road pricing.

Montrose Inn: Belleville is the mailing address but it's actually located 11 kilometres away from downtown Trenton and worth the drive. This 1916 mansion is set on a high-end property with a beautiful veranda, candlelit breakfast and high tea options.

Travelling with kids? Escaping the city? Want to bring your four-legged family member? We have accommodation styles to suit every trip. Why not stay a while?

There are also lots of camping and cottage rentals available including Brighton/401 KOA Holiday Campground, Oak Lake Cottages and Resort, Cedar Cove Campground & Cottage Rentals, or Cedardale Camping & Seasonal Resort.
 

Places to eat

Breakfast/lunch

The Grind and Vine: Coffee and wine bar serving fair trade, organic and local ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere that promotes accessibility and inclusion. (Also suitable for an early dinner, closes at 5 p.m.) This is an 2SLGBTQI+ friendly destination; open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Wannamaker’s Bakeshop: A local favourite located beside the Kick Canteen so you can get savory and sweet all in one stop. Their cinnamon buns are enormous and a local favourite, but you'll probably want to try one of everything!

Dinner

Tomasso’s Italian Grille, downtown Trenton: A cozy family-owned Italian restaurant serving homemade food on the banks of the Trent River, indoor and outdoor dining, a local’s favourite.

Thai Sushi, downtown Trenton: Casual Thai and Japanese dining with a short walk to the waterfront for a nice after-dinner stroll.

Hoss's Diner, Carrying Place: A retro-style diner cooking up delicious diner dishes and outfitted with checkered floors and a jukebox. After dinner, head next door to Sister Scoops for a cone or shake made with your favourite flavour of Kawartha Dairy ice cream.

Gogi Korean Grill, Quinte West: Serving classic Korean dishes along with local craft beer and cider just east of downtown Trenton. A number of vegetarian options are available.

Hint: After dining, take the beautiful lit walk along the Trent River through Fraser Park to the Trenton Port Marina or Centennial Park.

Distance to next stop: 39 kilometres / 24 miles

Spend your second day touring Prince Edward County’s many breweries, wineries, shops and attractions. Make your first stop in “The County” Wilson Road where you'll find Sugarbush and Domaine Darius vineyards, as well as Gillingham Brewery. Sample their rainbow of IPAs, lagers and sours. Grab lunch at Flossie's Sandwiches, across the road, where the focus is on local flavours and ingredients.

Hint: Ditch the car and enjoy the full tasting experience by booking a tour. Choose from classic cars, luxury vehicles, taxis or bicycle tours. 

Distance to next stop: 10.5 kilometres / 8 miles

Head to The Local Store for some retail therapy. Find County-made art, food, preserves, sauces, clothing and more, all housed in a heritage barn. 

Distance to next stop: 20 kilometres / 12 miles

Stop in at Lighthall Vineyards for a chance to sample several varieties of sheep's milk cheese, which pair beautifully with the vineyard's sparkling wines. 

Distance to next stop: 22 kilometres / 14 miles

Next, visit Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park, with great views over the Adolphus Reach and a mysterious lake. From here it’s a quick ride to the Glenora Ferry. It takes only minutes to connect you to Adolphustown, from which you continue along the historic Loyalist Parkway to Kingston for dinner and a two-night stay. 

Know before you go: Lake of the Mountain Provincial Park and the area can be very busy, so arrive early or during the week and continue on if there is no parking.

Kingston – days 4 & 5

Distance to next stop: 52 kilometres / 32 miles

Kingston boasts four Rembrandt paintings, two film festivals, and one vibrant downtown shopping scene. Home to Ontario’s oldest public market and Canada’s hippest live music scene, Kingston is a walkable city, where hidden alleyways contain antique markets and restaurant patios. With dozens of museums and historic sites, and dozens more unique shopping and dining experiences, Kingston offers you something old and something new around every corner.

Kingston is located on a beautiful waterfront that calls for you to walk along its 8 kilometres pathway, that connects to the downtown core. Take an afternoon stroll or a moonlit walk to instantly calm your soul.
 

Things to do

Explore the historic and natural scenery of Kingston's spectacular waterfront on a sightseeing cruise with Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises. The triple-deck, paddle-wheeler, Island Queen is one of three vessels in its fleet and a fixture on these waters for many years.

Fort Henry National Historic Site: Experience scenic views, heart-pounding musical performances and precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard (a highly disciplined group of university student recruits trained as British soldiers from 1867). 

Kingston Penitentiary Tours: A rare and unique opportunity to go behind the walls of Canada's oldest and most notorious maximum-security prison. It is an amazing historical building that predates Canada's confederation in 1867. 

Ahoy Rentals: A visit to Ahoy Rentals is a chance to unplug, disconnect and spend an active day in the city. From kayaks and canoes to stand-up paddleboards, discover the beauty of Kingston from the water. 

For a look at Kingston’s more macabre side, discover haunted hotels, hidden burial grounds, stories of grave robbings, hangings and other surprises on a ghost tour with The Haunted Walk of Kingston.

View the full list of things to see and do in Kingston.
 

Places to stay

Hotels, motels, and historic inns: Kingston has a wide variety of options for your stay.

Delta by Marriott Kingston Waterfront: In the heart of downtown, enjoy a meal at AquaTerra, a Feast-On-certified restaurant that celebrates locally sourced food, wine and craft beer. It has been recognized as one of Canada's top 100 restaurants by OpenTable diners.

Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water’s Edge: All-suite hotel offering scenic views of Battery Park and the Lake Ontario waterfront, including the expansive Thousand Islands archipelago, minutes from Fort Henry.

Green Acres Inn: Experience the genuine hospitality one receives from a family-owned and operated Inn where you are treated like a welcome guest in the home. Escape to the Victorian Gazebo or enjoy a refreshing swim in a large outdoor pool beautifully situated on three picturesque hectares.

Frontenac Club: With 20 distinct layouts, the rooms are anything but standard. Limestone walls, private patios, water views, deep soaker tubs, fireplaces, and curated artwork. Every room immerses you in a different story.

View the full list of places to stay in Kingston.
 

Places to eat

With more restaurants per capita than almost any other city in Canada, Kingston has something for everyone. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here, from bāo to roti, comfort food to haute cuisine. Kingston is also located in the heart of Frontenac County farmland. Frontenac farms feed Kingston tables, and Kingston chefs utilize fresh, seasonal ingredients from local growers and producers.

Breakfast/lunch

Northside espresso + kitchen: An airy-chic Australian cafe offering coffee drinks, along with salads, breakfast & daytime bites.

Morrison’s Restaurant: A long-time staple diner offers classic breakfast and lunch favourites.

Toast & Jam: This relaxed contemporary cafe makes full use of fresh baked goods from its bakery.

Lunch/dinner

Atomica Kitchen + Cocktails: Local products are showcased on a daily card and throughout the menu. 

Days on Front: Offers contemporary Canadian Cuisine, reflective of a simplified, yet refined approach to taste. They are proud to offer the finest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible. 

Tango Nuevo: Share small plates in the spacious and elegant dining room.

New Wharf & Feather Restaurant and Patio:  An adventure in bold tastes and beautiful plates. This open-concept restaurant incorporates an open-air environment leading onto Kingston’s largest outdoor waterfront patio.

View a full list of where to eat in Downtown Kingston.

View the complete list of places to eat in the city of Kingston.

Distance to next stop: 200 kilometres / 125 miles via Highway 401 and Highway 416

Break up the drive try these stops along the way:

• From Kingston 55 kilometres /34 miles to 1000 Island Tower on Hill Island: Enjoy breathtaking views of the 1000 Islands & St. Lawrence River stretched out 130 m/400ft below at this unique attraction featuring three observation decks to provide visitors with a spectacular photographic opportunity.
  
  Did you know? Thousand Island Salad Dressing named after this region.
   
• From 1000 Island Tower 40 kilometres/25 miles to Brockville: Check out the Canada’s first Railway Tunnel and/or the Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing, all located at the beautiful Brockville Waterfront.
  
  Did you know? Canada's First Underwater Sculpture Park is in Brockville’s Centeen Park. The Park offers a one-of-a-kind experience, where divers will get to learn basic skills of diving without damaging historic shipwrecks. The Park is maintained by Save Ontario Shipwrecks (S.O.S).

OR

• From Kingston 150 kilometres / 93 miles to Upper Canada Village, Morrisburg via Highway 401: One of the largest living-history sites in Canada, this magical experience, transports you back in time to the 1860s. Over 40 authentic buildings make up the village with activities housed in each, with numerous costumed interpreters.

OR

• From Kingston 95 kilometre / 59 miles to Smith Falls and add a day or two and start your Le Boat adventure:  Europe’s number one houseboat operator for decades and recently brought its sought-after operation to Canada, anchoring themselves along the historic Rideau Canal at Smith Falls. You will travel the man-made Rideau Canal that dates back to 1832 connecting Kingston, and Ottawa. Many of customers have no boating experience but the staff at Le Boat will help you maneuver your boat on your trip. Please note, you must book ahead, and a minimum number of days may apply.
  
  Interesting Note: The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the perfect place to cruise in style in one of Le Boat’s contemporary, comfortable and easy-to-operate houseboats for short or larger excursions.

Continue to Ottawa, check into a hotel, walk the Byward Market and find the perfect spot to eat.

Ottawa – days 6 & 7

Ottawa is Canada’s capital so it truly is steeped in historical sites and landmarks. Ottawa’s Parliament Hill with its neo-gothic Peace Tower and parliament buildings provide a striking backdrop for a city that effortlessly blends stately appeal and natural beauty. Situated on the south bank of the Ottawa River with the historic Rideau Canal winding its way through the city centre, Ottawa’s waterfront location is a place of pride. These epic waterways come alive in the summer, offering boating and paddling opportunities and in winter the Rideau Canal transforms into the largest natural skating rink in the world. 

With eclectic restaurants located in lively neighbourhoods, Ottawa will beckon you with tasty craft beer, fresh local food and unique shopping experiences. This city and its locals have a passion for the history and culture of Canada, so it’s no wonder the nation’s largest Canada Day celebrations happen right here.

Things to do

When you visit Ottawa, you can experience several national museums.

The Rideau Canal a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as fun outdoor activities. Don’t miss these popular sights, attractions and activities that make Canada’s capital region a unique and vibrant destination. 

The historic, neo-Gothic parliament buildings hold pride of place on a hill overlooking the Ottawa River in Canada's capital. 

One of the world's finest museums in its field, The Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. See more than 130 civil and military aircraft and artifacts, the original Canadarm 

Head a little ways west of Ottawa to the Village of Carp, the home of The Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum, which is now a national historic site. 

Enjoy a cycling or walking tour in the city that is bike and pedestrian friendly.

Next day

Located in a picturesque spot next to the Ottawa Locks, between Parliament Hill and the Fairmont Château Laurier hotel in the city's oldest stone building, the Bytown Museum contains a collection of more than 7,000 artifacts that detail the city's modest beginnings as Bytown to its rise as the nation’s capital.

For a relaxing nature experience in the heart of the city, rent a canoe, paddleboat, kayak or standup paddle board from the Marina at Dows Lake Pavilion. Paddle around the canal’s romantic nooks, urban vistas and small islands.

Visit the Canadian Museum of History, which presents the events, people and objects that have shaped the nation. Marvel at the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles in the Grand Hall and learn about the traditions and achievements of Canada's Indigenous nations in the First Peoples Hall. 

A short road trip out of the city in any direction takes you to craft breweries, artisans, farms and museums that are sure to charm you with rural hospitality. Discover these authentic experiences in Ottawa’s relaxing countryside.

Just a short jaunt outside of Ottawa, you will discover the white-water mecca of Ontario. This waterway was significant during the fur trade and is still lush with green forests and majestic Canadian Shield rock formations and rafting outfitters such as Owl Rafting on the Ottawa River, RiverRun Rafting & Wilderness Resort, Ottawa City Rafting and Wilderness Tours. Beginners to experienced rafters will have an enjoyable experience.

Places to stay

The Ottawa region offers a broad range of urban and rural accommodations including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs, luxury to budget-friendly hotels and more.

Sheraton Ottawa Hotel: Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, steps away from Parliament Hill and minutes from the ByWard Market, with modern hotel rooms, a salt water indoor pool and a fitness centre. 

Hilton Garden Inn Downtown: Four blocks from the Parliament of Canada, The Ottawa River and Victoria Island are less than a kilometre away. Enjoy all-day dining in the Tulip restaurant and The Pavilion Pantry is open 24 hours for drinks and snacks. It has an indoor pool and it is pet friendly

Brookstreet Hotel:  A short drive west of downtown Ottawa in Kanata, the four-diamond offers outstanding dining, incredible entertainment, a golf course and luxurious accommodations.

Poplar Grove Campground & RV Park: 23 kilometres/14 miles from the Parliament Buildings at 6154 Bank Street. Highly rated in Woodalls, Trailer Life and O.P.C.A., offering full hook-ups with large sites, several that are pull through electric, water and sewer sites

View a full list of places to stay.
 

Places to eat

Take a stroll and explore the ByWard Market to find the perfect spot for dinner. The historic outdoor market is one of the country’s oldest and Ottawa’s entertainment centre. After dinner, nibble on a tasty BeaverTail pastry at its original stand located on George Street or sip a craft cocktail or local beer on a rooftop patio while taking in the view. You’ll also find fun souvenirs and gifts as well as Canadian fashion, jewellery and homewares in its many independent shops. 

Chez Lucien: A cozy bistro that serves fresh local food and craft beer.

Or head over to Sparks Street and try The Riviera which serves high-end Canadian cuisine. 

Photo op: Don’t forget to stop for a selfie with the giant OTTAWA letters on the York Street Plaza near Sussex Drive.

Next day

Brilliant chefs always elevate Ottawa’s culinary scene to new, tasty heights. From brunch to late-night snacks, immerse yourself in local flavours as you eat your way through Canada’s capital.

CRAFT Beer Market is a premium casual restaurant with a passion for fresh local food and great craft beer. With over 100 beers on tap, our location on historic Bank Street brings people together under one roof to share fresh local food and great craft beer.

Since 1993, Kettleman's Bagel in Ottawa's central trendy Glebe neighbourhood has been delighting fans with its crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bagels, topped with smoked salmon, smoked meat, chive cream cheese or other treats. 

Crafting high-quality meals with artistry and the best in local- and nationally-sourced ingredients, 1 Elgin provides an elegant space to experience exceptional Canadian cuisine and premium wine.

View a complete list of places to eat.

Don’t miss these activities: Try cycling in Ottawa with its 200 kilometres of dedicated paths or enjoy a round of golf at its many courses. Remember, Ottawa is home to Indigenous tourism activities that showcase the Indigenous culture.

Things to know

• 511 is a free Ontario 511 app for travellers that helps make it easier to find information on public rest areas, location of snow plows, construction, road closures and more.
   
• Gas Buddy app helps you find local gas prices, track rewards and more.
   
• With the PackPoint app you never have to worry about forgetting anything again. Just plug in your destination, departure date, trip length, and activities you’re planning on doing and the handy app will create a personalized packing list for you. 
   
• Waze gets you from point A to B faster by notifying you of traffic jams, accidents, construction, police stops, and more with real-time alerts that are powered by its community of users.
   
• Flush can help you instantly find the nearest public bathroom when nature calls. The app works offline so you can search from a database of over 200,000 toilets anywhere in the world.