Southeastern Ontario road trip

Part 1: Ottawa

Discover all Canada’s capital has to offer, from stately government buildings on Parliament Hill and national museums and galleries to the historic Rideau Canal and bustling ByWard Market.

Things to do in Ottawa

Parliament Hill

Take a free, guided tour at the seat of Canada’s federal government which is housed in striking Gothic revival-style historic buildings.  

Location: Wellington Street, Ottawa

Rideau Hall

Visit the famous Tent Room and magnificent gardens at the residence of Canada’s Governor General.

Location: 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Ottawa museums

Ottawa serves up Canadian culture in a big way, with seven of Canada’s top national museums. These are:

The National Gallery of Canada 
Location: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Canadian Museum of History
Location: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau 

Canada Science and Technology Museum
Location: 1867 St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa

Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Location: 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Location: 901 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa

Canadian Museum of Nature
Location: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa

Canadian War Museum
Location: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa

Ottawa Shopping Guide 

Hunt down the best bargains and treasures in Canada’s capital using the Ottawa Shopping Guide, from the Rideau Shopping Centre to trendy retail neighbourhoods like Hintonburg and Wellington West.

Food tours

Explore Ottawa’s culinary landscape with a local. C’est Bon Cooking offers a variety of guided sweet and savoury gourmet food and drink tours, while Brew Donkey Tours leads curated "adult field trips" to some of Ottawa’s best craft breweries.

Boat and bicycle tours

Travel along Ottawa’s famous waterways, the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal and then explore the city by bike with Ottawa Boat Cruise and Escape Bicycle Tours. 

Locations:

• Ottawa Boat Cruise: 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
• Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals: 65 Sparks Street, Ottawa

Ottawa City Rafting

Experience an epic outdoor adventure in the heart of the city on a river rafting expedition. 

Location: 102 Greenview Avenue, Ottawa

Events and celebrations

Canadian Tulip Festival

See the world’s largest tulip festival, with over a million in bloom tulips.

Dates: May 9–19, 2025

Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival

Honour Indigenous culture and heritage in Canada, aligning with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.

Date: June 21, 2025

Canada Day

Ottawa is the epicentre of Canada’s largest party. Dress in red and white and join the celebration from LeBreton Flats Park, which includes activities, shows and fireworks.

Date: July 1, 2025

Ottawa International Buskerfest

Watch talented and entertaining street performers, including acrobats, dancers, daredevils and comedians.

Dates: August 8–10, 2025

Capital Pride

Celebrate Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Dates: August 16–24, 2025

Where to eat and drink in Ottawa

ByWard Market

From early-morning coffee to late-night cocktails, the ByWard Market is always bustling with activity. Spanning several city blocks, it’s home to cafés, bakeries, boutiques, restaurants, lively pubs, cocktail bars and unique shopping opportunities.

Don’t miss the famous BeaverTails, or pause for a refined tea break at Joy on Sussex, and if you’re looking for an upscale lounge, check out The Albion Rooms.

Location: ByWard Market, Ottawa

Wilfrid’s Restaurant

Book a table at Wilfrid’s for a relaxed weekend brunch overlooking the Rideau Locks and Parliament buildings. Located in the historical Chateau Laurier, its regional menu changes weekly.

Location: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa

Atelier

Dining at Atelier is a bucket list experience for foodies. The unique 44-course tasting menu and wine pairing lasts approximately four hours and is an adventure for your taste buds.

Location: 540 Rochester Street, Ottawa

Riviera

A contemporary Canadian dining experience that’s garnered a lot of buzz. Located in a former bank, the ambience is on point and their everchanging menu is consistently delicious.

Location: 62 Sparks Street, Ottawa

Places to stay in Ottawa

ARC The Hotel

Sleek and stylish, this hotel features local art and is within walking distance of many downtown attractions.

Location: 140 Slater Street, Ottawa

Fairmont Château Laurier

A landmark, historic hotel perched on the Rideau Canal with the finest touches and comforts.

Location: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa

Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market

Located in the ByWard Market district, the sweeping cityscape from the rooftop Copper Spirits and Sights cocktail bar is one of the best views of the city.

Location: 325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa

Part 2: Brockville, Gananoque and 1000 Islands

Approximate distance and time from Ottawa: 115 kilometres, 1.5 hours

South of Ottawa, the waterfront communities of Brockville and Gananoque sit on the shore of the historic St. Lawrence River in the heart of the 1000 Islands region. Brockville is home to Canada’s first railway tunnel and region also boasts a rich maritime history.

Things to do in Brockville, Gananoque and 1000 Islands

1000 Islands Kayaking

Explore the 1000 Islands by sea kayak on a guided or self-guided paddling adventure.

Location: 1000 Islands, 110 Kate Street, Gananoque

Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing

Dive into the fascinating aquatic world of the St. Lawrence River through various interactive exhibits at this unique museum.

Location: 6 Broad Street, Brockville

1000 Island Cruises

Choose from traditional sightseeing and dining cruises or a high-speed catamaran adventure.

Location: 30 Blockhouse Island Parkway, Brockville

1000 Islands Helicopter Tour

Embark on the tour of a lifetime! View the 1000 Islands from the air on an exciting helicopter tour.

Location: 88 County Road 32, Gananoque

Thousand Islands Boat Museum

View antique vessels in the open-air boathouse and take a ride in a 1989 wooden Garwood speedboat or on the sweet tug boat named "Little Toot".

Location: 125 Water Street, Gananoque

Where to eat and drink in Brockville and 1000 Islands

1000 Islands Brewing Co.

The heritage building transformed into a lively brewery and pub creates a cozy ambiance for a pint and a meal.

Location: 65 King Street West, Brockville

The Mill Restaurant

Set in a renovated 1850s grist mill, this Italian-inspired restaurant also features a fun tapas lounge.

Location: 123 Water Street West, Brockville

Places to stay in Brockville and 1000 Islands

48 King West

Architecturally unique, the luxury suites at 48 King West offer unparalleled comfort with modern amenities and seamless service, including contactless check-in.

Location: 48 King Street West, Brockville

The Woodview Inn

Enjoy upscale accommodations and a continental breakfast in a heritage Victorian-style home.

Location: 250 King Street West, Gananoque

Part 3: Kingston

Approximate distance and time from Brockville: 85 kilometres, 1 hour

Home to Ontario’s oldest public market and a lively music scene, Kingston is a walkable city with historic sites, amazing craft beer and antique markets tucked away in hidden alleyways.

Things to do in Kingston

Fort Henry National Historic Site

Fort Henry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside of Kingston by the mouth of the Cataraqui River. Witness 19th-century military life with guided tours, musical performances and military demonstrations offered by the Fort Henry Guard.

Location: 1 Fort Henry Drive, Kingston

Kingston Penitentiary Tours

Tour one of Canada’s oldest and most notorious jails, which stopped operating in 2013.

Location: 560 King Street West, Kingston

Kingston Trolley Tour

Explore the city with a hop-on-hop-off Trolley Tour, a flexible and fun way to tour historic sights and unique attractions.

Location: 248 Ontario Street, Kingston

1000 Island Cruises

Enjoy the views and a meal on a brunch, lunch or sunset dinner cruise along the St. Lawrence River. Famous for 1000 Island salad dressing, the 1000 Islands actually consists of 1864 islands of various sizes.
Location: 248 Ontario Street, Kingston

Creative Kingston Walking Tours

Discover a rich creative arts community on film, music and literary-focused walking tours available in both English and French.

Kingston Food Tours

Explore the flavours of Canada’s original capital city on a guided walking tour through the historic downtown.

Blue World Marine Adventures

Book a guided kayak tour over clear, shallow waters where shipwrecks are visible.

Location: 53 Yonge Street, Kingston

Kingston Public Market

Kingston’s oldest market in the historic downtown sells fresh products from local producers and unique finds from artisans. 
Location: 216 Ontario Street, Kingston

Antique Alley

Shop for antiques, vintage finds and a wide assortment of collectibles or original and printed artwork at Martello Alley.
Locations: 207-B and 203-B Wellington Street, Kingston

Where to eat and drink in Kingston

Pan Chancho

Whether you’re looking for an early breakfast or lazy brunch, the patio at Pan Chancho is the place to be.

Location: 44 Princess Street, Kingston

Atomica Kitchen

Delicious options include plant-based and gluten-free soups, salads and pasta.

Location: 71 Brock Street, Kingston

AquaTerra

Located in Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront, enjoy waterfront dining with sensational views indoors or on the patio.

Location: 1 Johnson Street, Kingston

Olivea

A family-run business specializing in traditional and contemporary Italian food. Ingredients come from local producers.

Location: 39 Brock Street, Kingston

Craft breweries

Kingston is home to eight top-notch breweries and a cidery.

Where to stay in Kingston

Frontenac Club

This former bank is now a luxury hotel that has retained its historic charm.

Location: 225 King Street East, Kingston

Rosemount Inn

There’s a timeless elegance to this intimate, boutique hotel in a beautifully restored Victorian building.

Location: 46 Sydenham Street, Kingston

Residence Inn By Marriott

Enjoy the views of Lake Ontario at this convenient waterfront hotel. 

Location: 7 Earl Street, Kingston

Hochelaga Inn

A quaint bed-and-breakfast-style property that’s full of character located close to downtown.

Location: 24 Sydenham Street, Kingston

Part 4: Prince Edward County

Approximate distance and time from Kingston: 85 kilometres, 1 hour

Located in the northeast end of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County or “The County” as it’s known by locals, has a long and rich farming tradition. With the introduction of grape growing in the region, the last few decades have seen The County grow into one of Ontario’s most popular destinations for wine, food, the arts and lakefront views.

Things to do in Prince Edward County

PEC Wineries

Prince Edward County is home to over 35 wineries that offer everything from wine tasting and tours to fine dining, culinary classes and more.

Don’t miss the sparkling wines at Hinterland Wine Company, Chardonnay at Closson Chase, Reisling at Sugarbush Vineyards and Baco Noir or cider at Waupoos Estates, Prince Edward County’s original winery.

Explore Prince Edward County’s backcountry roads to wineries and more by bike. County Bike Rentals provides bicycle rentals, helmets, locks and route suggestions, and free delivery and pick-up.

Sandbanks Provincial Park

From beaches and sand dunes to forests and trails, summer is a great season to explore the parks and outdoor spaces in The County. Sandbanks is a popular spot, so plan a weekday visit. Make sure to book your park pass in advance, as passes do sell out.

Location: 3004 County Road, Picton

Lake on the Mountain 

As its name suggests, this is an elevated body of fresh water with a mysterious water source. The park offers great views of the Bay of Quinte, where you can watch the Glenora Ferry cruising back and forth across the bay to Adolphustown.

Location: 296 County Road 7, Picton

Art galleries

Artists, artisans and creators have gravitated towards Prince Edward County for decades resulting in a flourishing arts community with amazing galleries and studios. Notable favourites include the Oeno Gallery at Huff Estates Winery, Mad Dog Gallery and Armstrong Glassworks.

Locations:

• Oeno Gallery, 2274 Prince Edward County Road 1, Bloomfield
• Mad Dog Gallery, 525 County Road 11, Picton
• Armstrong Glassworks, 326 2 Avenue, Wellington

The Regent Theatre

Architecture buffs and culture lovers will appreciate the restored Edwardian-style opera house built in 1918 that continues to host live performances and film events.

Location: 224 Main Street, Picton

Where to eat and drink in Prince Edward County

Midtown Brewing

Enjoy craft beers and freshly made pub food, including wood-fired pizzas and flatbreads.

Location: 266 Wellington Main Street, Wellington

La Condesa

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.

Location: 270 Wellington Main Street, Wellington

Flame + Smith 

With a sustainably sourced surf and turf menu, meals are cooked over an open flame for a unique culinary experience. Make sure to book a reservation in advance.

Location: 106 Bloomfield Main Street, Bloomfield

Stella’s Eatery 

Comfort food made with fresh, foraged and seasonal ingredients.

Location: 2470 County Road 8, Waupoos
 
The County Cider Company

Sample some of the tastiest craft cider flavours along with some of the best lake views in The County.

Location: 657 Bongards Crossroads, Waupoos

Slake Brewing

Stop by for stunning panoramic views from atop a limestone hill and the latest craft beer selections on tap.

Location: 181 Mowbray Road, Prince Edward County

Slickers County Ice Cream

This is the place to go for creamy homemade ice cream and milkshakes in delicious flavours.

Location: 271 Main Street, Bloomfield, Ontario

Where to stay in Prince Edward County

Wander the Resort

Experience peace and tranquillity at this modern beachfront property overlooking West Lake in Prince Edward County.

Location: 15841 Loyalist Parkway, Bloomfield

Merrill House

Victorian heritage boutique hotel with a fine-dining French cuisine restaurant, extensive wine cellar, cocktail parlour, on-site sauna and Natural History Exhibit.

Location: 343 Main Street East, Picton

The Royal Hotel

Located in a restored historic building, The Royal was included in Condé Nast's list of best new hotels last year.

Location: 247 Picton Main Street, Picton

The Lakeside

Located on the water in Wellington, the Lakeside is a stylish hotel with an onsite restaurant, bar, patio and pool.

Location: 349 Main Street, Wellington

Drake Devonshire

A hip, all-season boutique retreat steps from the shore of Lake Ontario.

Location: 24 Wharf Street, Wellington