Best stops: Toronto to Ottawa Round Trip Guide
Make great memories in charming towns, vibrant small cities and stunning natural areas on a round-trip drive from Toronto to Ottawa.
St. George's Cathedral Church in Kingston | Destination Ontario
Highway 401 drive from Toronto to Ottawa
Stop 1: Cobourg
Day visit
Distance: 119 kilometres. Time: One hour, 36 minutes. Note: All drive times are approximate
Cobourg is a small town with a renowned waterfront and charming historic district.
Head for the sparkling blue waters and sandy shores of Cobourg Beach, a hidden gem made up of two beaches. Expansive Victoria Park Beach on the north side has views of the seemingly unending lake plus various events throughout the year, including festive lighting at Christmas. For a quieter experience, head to West Beach for a stroll on its quaint boardwalk and then to Cobourg’s Harbour, a picturesque haven for summer paddling with plenty of waterfowl bird-watching opportunities. Hungry? Enjoy lunch at El Cobourg, a short distance from the beach.
Tour historic downtown sites like Victoria Hall, a nineteenth-century, neoclassical-style building that serves as Cobourg’s town hall. Behind Victoria Hall, you’ll find the Old Market Building, a symbol of Cobourg’s economic prosperity in the 1850s. Before you head on to your next stop, stop in at The Buttermilk Cafe for coffee and freshly baked pastries.
For a rejuvenating self-care experience on your way to Ottawa or returning to Toronto, stop for a day visit at Ste. Anne’s Spa, a full Spa in a beautiful fieldstone country estate in Grafton, a short drive from Cobourg.
Stop 2: Prince Edward County
Overnight stay
Distance: 100 kilometres. Time: One hour, 15 minutes.
Your next stop is Prince Edward County. Often called “The County” or “PEC,” it’s one of Ontario’s most popular getaway destinations. The County is a largely rural area off Highway 401 that juts out into Lake Ontario. Almost surrounded by water, it’s known for its sandy beaches and scenic parks and is dotted with charming towns and villages. The County is home to young and new entrepreneurs who have brought a youthful, energetic spirit to create a distinct culture of farm-to-table eateries, wineries, boutique accommodations and a focus on the arts, while maintaining the County’s original, laid-back rural feel.
The County is made up of ten regions, easily explored by car. The key towns of Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington are a short distance from one another and there are many interesting stops along the way. You can also cycle between the towns–try this Town & Country Road Ride Cycling Itinerary–or hike or bike the County’s 49 kilometer Millennium Trail system for a more rural experience.
Food and drink
This lush region has a diverse culinary scene, with a wide selection of restaurants and artisanal food producers that showcase the county’s unique flavours and ingredients.
Visit GOOD Place in Wellington for fresh vegan and gluten-free foods, La Condesa for authentic Mexican cuisine or drop by Enid Grace Cafe and Piccolina Mercato for a traditional Italian coffee or aperitivo and a chance to stock up on fresh foods for the road. In spring and summer, dine on an outdoor patio at Vic Social, Picton’s retro hotspot or head to Merrill House (open mid-February) for fine French cuisine in a stunning setting. If you’re visiting between May and October, Sand and Pearl is a summertime favourite on the county’s South Shore, with exquisite lobster rolls cooked with hot butter, shucked oysters and fish and chips with locally caught pickerel. Many of the County’s fine winery restaurants offer excellent culinary experiences you don’t want to miss.
Stop by the outdoor Wellington Farmers’ Market in Bloomfield for fresh foods and locally made goods. It’s open between May and October.
If you’re staying overnight, unwind at trendy bars like Adega Wine Bar and Old Salt Cocktails after a day of sightseeing.
Art and nature
Enjoy abstract sculpture at Tom Ashbourne Gallery or delight in the beauty of unique blown glass pieces at Armstrong Glassworks, both in Wellington. See contemporary sculpture at Oeno Gallery’s Sculpture Garden or view a range of artworks at the airy Melt Studio and Gallery, built in a former army barracks outside of Picton. Pick up a whimsical memento or gift at Early Grey flower and gift shop in Picton.
Visit the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation at Sandbanks Provincial Park. Enjoy three picturesque sandy beaches that extend out from Lake Ontario and walking trails that guide you through Sandbanks’ unique dune and wetland habitats. Insider tip! The park is quite busy in summer and early fall so get your day vehicle permit in advance.
For a cultivated nature experience, stroll through aromatic lavender fields at Prince Edward County Lavender in Hillier, where the flowers bloom from late June until mid-August.
Wine tasting
Prince Edward County is known for its exceptional vineyards, thanks to limestone-rich soil and dedicated winemakers. Taste wonderful wines produced here at local wineries such as Huff Estates Winery and many others, which you can find on this County Social Map (which also includes cideries, breweries and distilleries).
Sign up for a Vintage Car Wine Tour or build your own ultimate wine itinerary to explore.
Places to stay
Take more time to explore this incredible county. Spend a night or two at one of these popular accommodations.
Known for great service and excellent, locally sourced food and wine, this trendy, 13-room boutique hotel sits right by the lake and features contemporary art installations and a popular restaurant with lake views.
Location: 24 Wharf Street, Wellington
Stunningly restored and beautifully decorated, the stately Royal Hotel has 33 rooms, a swimming pool, private terrace, spa and a farm-to-table ethos at its One MICHELIN Key restaurant.
Location: 247 Picton Main Street, Picton
Stay in one of ten Nordic-inspired, quietly luxurious cabins with sleek interiors. Paddle in a canoe, relax in a barrel sauna or enjoy your own, personal outdoor fireplace on your cabin’s deck.
Location: 15841 Loyalist Parkway, Bloomfield
See places to stay in Prince Edward County for additional accommodation options.
Scenic route to Kingston
Take the Loyalist Parkway from Picton to the Glenora Ferry dock (approximately 10 minutes or 8.9 kilometres). The free Glenora Ferry operates year-round. It’s a short trip to the Adolphustown Dock where you disembark and drive along the lakeshore to Kingston on the scenic and quiet Loyalist Parkway.
Stop 3: Kingston
Overnight stay
Distance: 82 kilometres. Time: 58 minutes.
Kingston is roughly halfway between Toronto and Ottawa. This vibrant city was the first capital of what was then called the “United Province of Canada.” Get ready to uncover a mix of historic landmarks, scenic views and fine arts and culture at this stop.
Historic Kingston
Fort Henry is a must-see destination in Kingston that attracts visitors from around the world. Built to replace the original fortification from the War of 1812, this National Historic Site and museum is perched atop Point Henry. During the summer, experience 19th-century Canadian military life with guided tours and performances by the internationally acclaimed Fort Henry Guard.
Drive to the other side of the Great Cataraqui River to take a guided tour of the Kingston Penitentiary, Canada’s oldest penitentiary, which housed some of this country’s most notorious inmates from 1867 to 2013.
On the Kingston Waterfront during spring and summer, nautical enthusiasts should tour the S.S. Keewatin, a historic Edwardian passenger liner. Explore the first-class accommodations of this Great Lakes steamship and the engine room with quadruple steam-powered engines. The Great Lakes Museum, home of the S.S. Keewatin, is open year-round.
Downtown, visit Kingston City Hall, a National Historic Site that showcases the history of Kingston, take a free guided tour of the 1840s police station and jail cells in the summer months and discover the history of Springer Market Square, a market hub that first came into use by Indigenous Peoples and settlers in the early 1700s. You can also see historic downtown Kingston from your seat in a bright red trolley on a one-hour guided tour.
Cultural attractions
Enjoy Kingston’s bustling arts and culture scene. Walk through the colourful art-themed historic Martello Alley in downtown Kingston and meet and chat with artists on-site. Or explore cutting-edge modern art at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, a sophisticated art centre with a wide range of Canadian historical art, Indigenous art, African art and more, including over 500 works by the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt. Keep your energy up! Join the waitlist for comfort food at the popular Toast & Jam Cafe or make a reservation ahead at Chez Piggy Restaurant & Bar and stroll over after wandering the downtown area.
Waterfront and 1000 Islands cruises
Kingston is the starting point for cruises that uncover local history, shipwrecks and scenery or venture deep into the wild and beautiful 1000 Islands region. See Kingston’s top waterfront sights on the one-hour Discovery Cruise. Or take in the best views of the 1000 Islands, home to famous castles, diverse ecosystems and breathtaking natural beauty with the popular three-hour Heart of the Islands Cruise, which sails from April to October. Buy tickets at Waterfront Gifts & Apparel.
Places to stay
Stay overnight and see more! Book one of these accommodations:
Rest well in this century-home boutique hotel, which offers 11 rooms and boasts a combination of timeless design and modern, curated comforts. Indulge in a premium experience that includes a chef-prepared breakfast.
Location: 46 Sydenham Street, Kingston
Stay in one of 10 design-focused lofts in this unique hotel in a nineteenth-century limestone church. Make good food in your well-equipped kitchen and good sounds with curated vinyl selections and excellent audio equipment.
Location: 221 Queen Street, Kingston
Looking for something else? Browse through these great places to stay in Kingston.
Stop 4: Frontenac Provincial Park
Day visit
Distance from Kingston to Frontenac Provincial Park: 39.8 kilometres. Time: 40 minutes
Frontenac Provincial Park is a 5,355-hectare, four-season backcountry recreation playground for adventurers of all ages. A sprawling, stunning natural environment and part of the rocky Canadian Shield, the park is open year-round. Enjoy bird-watching and hiking throughout the year and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Stop 5: Gananoque and the 1000 Islands
Day visit
Distance from Kingston: 35 kilometres. Time: 27 minutes.
Get even closer to nature in the internationally renowned 1000 Islands region: drive northeast to reach Gananoque and the nearby Thousand Islands National Park. Explore stunning granite islands and rugged shorelines by boat, take a tour through the park’s wooded trails and learn about the region’s rich Indigenous heritage. A 40-second elevator ride to the 130-metre-high observation deck of the 1000 Islands lookout tower (open between May and October) gives you incredible panoramic views of the 1000 Islands and the St. Lawrence River. If you’re seeking spectacular aerial views, try the 1000 Islands Helicopter Tour.
Enjoy tasty meals at small restaurants that feature local ingredients, with comfort food at Laverne’s Eatery and simple, flavourful dishes on the outdoor patios at Riva, both in the town of Gananoque. For a cultural experience, book seats at “the most charming theatre in Canada,” the dockside 1000 Islands Playhouse, where you can see productions of Canadian and international works, both classic and contemporary.
If you decide a day stop isn’t long enough, there are a variety of comfortable hotels, inns and bed & breakfasts throughout this beautiful region. Discover the top places to stay in the 1000 Islands.
Stop 6: Jones Falls Locks
Day visit
Distance: 35 kilometres. Time: 26 minutes.
The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the early nineteenth century following The War of 1812 for military purposes and as a vital connection for trade, it was a major engineering feat of its time and one of the first systems in North America designed to handle steamboats. Thousands of labourers and tradesmen constructed it, largely by hand, through daunting terrain.
Jones Falls Locks is one of 45 locks along the Canal and is considered one of the prettiest of the Rideau Canal lock stations, used today by recreational boaters. Imagine yourself in the past as you take the Jones Falls Lockstation Walking Tour, visiting the 60-foot stone arch dam—the highest in North America when it was completed in 1831, with a cascading waterfall – the blacksmith’s forge and Sweeney House, one of 12 remaining defensible lockmaster’s houses with two-foot thick stone walls. After sightseeing, take a short drive to The Opinicon at nearby Chaffey’s Lock during the spring and summer months for a meal of locally sourced ingredients at this stately historic home.
Rideau Scenic Heritage Route
Jones Falls and Chaffey’s Lock are just two highlights of many along the Rideau Heritage Route, a 281-kilometre drive to Ottawa you can take from Kingston. A series of scenic country roads take you alongside the Rideau Canal Waterway, with historic locks and quaint towns with cute boutiques to view on the way. Learn more about points of interest and directions for the Rideau Heritage Route.
Stop 7: Merrickville-Wolford
Day visit
Distance: 59 kilometres. Time: 48 minutes.
Merrickville is a picturesque village and National Historic Site that began as a thriving mill centre. Called “the jewel of the Rideau,” its nineteenth-century feel makes it a very popular stop on the Rideau Heritage Route. Take a self-guided Merrickville Historical Properties Walking Tour to view elegant heritage properties. Dip in and out of boutiques, art studios and galleries on Lawrence Street. Stop at Gather Brewery and Glassworks for pub food and a beer on tap and view the brewery’s shop of beautiful, hand-blown glass. Interested in giving glassblowing a try? Plan ahead to book a spot in a glassblowing workshop. In the spring or summer, make a reservation ahead at the Yellow Canoe Cafe for a locally sourced meal enjoyed on the garden patio overlooking the Rideau Canal. The Merrickville Lockstation’s three locks are the midpoint of the Rideau Canal–visit The Blockhouse Museum to learn its role in defending the Rideau Canal from possible invasion.
Stretch your legs before you get back on the road. Enjoy long or short walks on natural paths through forests and farmland or on a trail that takes you through the Rideau Migratory Bird Sanctuary. The 387-kilometre Rideau Trail also passes through the town.
Return from Ottawa to Toronto along Highway 7
Plan your return drive to Toronto along Highway 7, a quiet, slower, scenic route from Ottawa. You’ll pass through forest, farmland and several small historic towns and villages that welcome visitors.
Stop 8: Almonte
Day visit
Distance from Ottawa: 53 kilometres. Time: 40 minutes
Almonte is a charming, quintessential Ontario small town full of nineteenth-century romance and character. Numerous “made-for-TV” Christmas movies have been shot here, giving Almonte the nickname “Christmas Town.” Experience that charm as you walk down Mill street, stopping in at antique stores and boutiques, Mill Street Books, a vintage diner and the old Almonte post office with the town clock, a National Historic Site of Canada. The post office is now Café Postino, a wonderful spot to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. Learn about the historical significance of the woollen industry on Almonte at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum and drop into galleries and studios to uncover local artists’ work. If you can plan your visit ahead for December, come to Light Up the Night, (usually the first Friday in December) for a magical outdoor Christmas concert with stunning fireworks. For a taste of something different, take a short four-minute drive to visit Dairy Distillery and try Vodkow, carbon-neutral vodka and lactose-free cream liqueurs.
In spring and summer, hike the wooded trails at the Mill of Kintail Conservation area a short 10-minute drive from town. Visit the beautifully preserved Mill of Kintail Museum to see the collections of sculptor and surgeon Dr. R. Tait McKenzie, and learn about McKenzie’s lifelong friend Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball.
Stop 9: Perth
Overnight stay
Distance: 46 kilometres. Time: 35 minutes.
Built in 1816, Perth is one of Ontario’s oldest military settlements and is defined today by its beautiful heritage buildings, nature trails and reserves, and cultural attractions.
Architecture and history
Many of Perth’s exceptional heritage buildings are still in use, including the Perth Town Hall, an attractive sandstone edifice with a belltower, built in 1863, Code’s Mill, once a successful woollen mill built by T.A. Code in the late 1800s and now an event space and Kininvie, Code’s Edwardian mansion, heated by steam from underground pipes from the mill. At Perth Museum, a National Historic Site, you can visit to gain a sense of the lifestyle of the original owners of an 1840s restored stone home.
Learn more about Perth’s history, architecture and natural highlights through The Town of Perth’s self-guided tours and free walking tour app.
The Ontario Temperance Act banned alcohol sales in the province from 1917 to 1927. During this prohibition period, Perth’s thriving distilleries were shut down and secret underground tunnels are said to have been used to transport illegal liquor. Uncover this troubled aspect of the town’s history on the Heritage Perth Tavern and Brewery Tour. Today, craft spirits and beer makers such as Top Shelf Distillers and Perth Brewery carry on the fine (and now legal) tradition. Stop in to try their wares.
Noteworthy attractions
One of Ontario’s most unusual monuments is the Mammoth Cheese, built to celebrate a 22,000-pound cheese that was made in Perth for the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. You’ll find the monument in the Tay Basin, near downtown.
Food and culture
Visit the fine art gallery Studio 87 or the Tay River Gallery at 28 Wilson Street West to view artworks by local artists. Enjoy cheese and charcuterie at 1827 Wine and Cheese Lounge or book a reservation ahead at intimate, family-run Bistro 54 Italiano.
Places to stay
Rest overnight in Perth before travelling on to Peterborough. Book one of these accommodations:
Enjoy a Perth heritage building experience. Stay in luxury in one of six elegant rooms that evoke a bygone era in this restored home built in 1842. Start your morning with a gourmet made-to-order breakfast or wake up with a swim in the heated saltwater outdoor pool.
Location: 61 Drummond Street West, Perth
Stay close to Stewart Park and the Tay River in this modern hotel with a full spa and pool. Enjoy comfortable accommodation, multilingual staff and easy proximity to downtown Perth shopping and restaurants.
Location: 82 Peter Street, Perth
For a more adventurous stay, try this upscale, boutique wilderness resort with three off-grid, private luxury cabins in the woods. Each cabin overlooks a quiet pond. Enjoy trails, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can cook in fully equipped kitchens or travel to Perth or Smiths Falls to eat.
Location: 2112 Elm Grove Road, Perth
Stop 10: Bon Echo Provincial Park
Day visit or overnight camping stay
Distance: 110 kilometres. Time: One hour, 17 minutes.
Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, craggy landscapes and Indigenous pictographs, Bon Echo Provincial Park is the perfect place for both history and outdoor enthusiasts.
From Highway 7, turn left onto Highway 41 (following signs for Eganville) to find the park.
See the extraordinary, 100-metre-high Mazinaw Rock, inscribed with hundreds of red ochre Indigenous pictographs that you can view by canoe or kayak. These numerous stylized human, spirit and animal figures were designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1982.
Bon Echo Provincial Park also boasts an assorted collection of wildlife and lakes, with a diverse range of outdoor activities from biking to birding, canoeing, fishing and hiking.
Stop 11: Peterborough
Overnight stay
Distance from Perth: 189 kilometres. Time: Two hours and 17 minutes.
Peterborough is a small city in the Kawartha Lakes region, renowned for its awe-inspiring lakes and rivers. Some of the city’s most compelling attractions explore the area’s connection to water.
Visit The Canadian Canoe Museum, named one of the Best Cultural Spots in National Geographic's Best of the World 2024. This elegantly designed museum features the history of early settlers and Indigenous culture through the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft.
Take a two-minute drive from the museum to the giant Peterborough Lift Lock. At almost 20 metres tall, it’s the world’s highest lift lock. Learn more about this engineering marvel and the team that built it at the visitor centre.
Settler and First Nation local heritage
Walk through the village at the Lang Pioneer Village Museum, approximately a 19-minute drive out of town. Drop into the carpenter shop, general store, blacksmith shop and other buildings and talk to park interpreters who will describe early pioneer life in the village as well as the impacts of settlement on First Nations people.
The Whetung Ojibwa Centre offers a very wide collection of unique First Nations art, crafts and artifacts from Curve Lake Nation and across Canada. Explore numerous artists’ works, including those of famed First Nations artist, Norval Morrisseau and see totem poles, sculptures, headdresses and other rare items in the gallery. Whetung Ojibwa Centre is about a 35-minute drive from downtown Peterborough.
Food and drink
In downtown Peterborough, enjoy seafood, steak and other fine dishes at Rare Restaurant or bask in the warm, exposed brick interior of Amandala’s for gourmet, locally sourced cuisine. Just outside of town, visit 100 Acre Brewing Company, a family-operated farmhouse brewery, for beer and casual, tasty dishes from food truck vendors.
Places to stay
On your final overnight stop before returning to Toronto, try one of these accommodations:
Hampton Inn by Hilton Peterborough
Stay in this comfortable hotel conveniently located close to the Shorelines Casino and other Peterborough attractions such as The Canadian Canoe Museum. A fitness centre and free hot breakfast round out your visit.
Location: 3900 Fisher Drive, Peterborough
Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront
Enjoy coffee on the riverside patio and entertainment on summer evenings as you dine. This modern hotel has contemporary rooms, a fitness centre and pool, and can serve visitors in Spanish and French.
Location: 150 George Street North, Peterborough
Nature lovers can settle into one of 30 unique and comfortable waterfront cottages at this resort on the shores of Rice Lake, about 26 minutes outside of Peterborough. Fish, paddle in the lake, hike the trails or enjoy a range of relaxing spa services.
Location: 1045 Settlers Line, Keene
Back to Toronto
Distance: 137 kilometres. Time: 1 hour and 43 minutes.
Getting here and around
Highway 401 insider tips
To rent a vehicle, check out some trusted car rental companies in Toronto such as Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Budget Canada.
Keep an eye out for ONroute signs along Highway 400 and 401 to learn the distance to the next ONroute stop, which contains food and beverage options, gas stations and other amenities you’ll need on your Ontario road trip.
If possible, avoid driving on Highway 401 during rush hour (approximately 6:00–9:00 a.m. as well as 3:00–7:00 p.m.) You can also watch the display signs above the highway, which provide live updates about which lanes are moving the fastest, with the least delays.
If you’re driving an electric vehicle, you can stop at various e-car charging stations located in Toronto, Kingston, Prince Edward County and Ottawa. Find the charging locations where you’re going.
Driving alternative—take the train!
Don’t have a car? Consider taking the VIA Rail train from Toronto to Ottawa. This train leaves from Toronto’s Union Station seven times on most days and stops in Cobourg, Kingston and other cities and quaint towns. Enjoy a comfortable travel experience and admire the scenery without the stress of driving.
Last updated: March 28, 2025