Living in Ottawa means having easy access to some of Eastern Canada's most scenic and culturally rich destinations. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat in nature, a cultural city break, or a small-town escape, there are countless options just a short drive from the capital. For homeowners and prospective buyers alike, the opportunity for quick, rewarding travel is one of the many perks of living in this region.
Here’s a curated guide to the best weekend trips from Ottawa, Canada. Each destination offers its own unique charm, making them ideal for relaxing, exploring, or reconnecting with the outdoors—all without needing to hop on a plane.
Prince Edward County, Ontario
Approximately three hours from Ottawa, Prince Edward County has become a go-to destination for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and art seekers. Known for its wineries and scenic countryside, the area is ideal for a relaxing weekend away.
You’ll find dozens of wineries offering tastings and tours, as well as charming towns like Picton and Bloomfield with local boutiques and cafes. Sandbanks Provincial Park is another highlight, offering one of Ontario’s most impressive freshwater beaches and dune systems.
It’s a particularly popular destination in late spring through early fall, so booking accommodations in advance is highly recommended.
You’ll find dozens of wineries offering tastings and tours, as well as charming towns like Picton and Bloomfield with local boutiques and cafes. Sandbanks Provincial Park is another highlight, offering one of Ontario’s most impressive freshwater beaches and dune systems.
It’s a particularly popular destination in late spring through early fall, so booking accommodations in advance is highly recommended.
Montebello, Quebec
Just over an hour from Ottawa, Montebello offers a unique combination of wilderness and history. Known for the Château Montebello, a massive log structure that operates as a luxury resort, the area also features Parc Omega, a wildlife park where you can see Canadian animals in their natural habitat from the comfort of your car.
For those interested in outdoor activities, the region offers hiking, cross-country skiing in winter, and river kayaking in summer. Montebello’s proximity to Ottawa makes it one of the easiest weekend trips to plan, with minimal travel time and plenty to do year-round.
For those interested in outdoor activities, the region offers hiking, cross-country skiing in winter, and river kayaking in summer. Montebello’s proximity to Ottawa makes it one of the easiest weekend trips to plan, with minimal travel time and plenty to do year-round.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
Mont-Tremblant is a well-known destination for skiing and snowboarding in winter, but it also offers fantastic year-round appeal. Located roughly two and a half hours from Ottawa, it provides a balance of outdoor recreation and resort comforts.
In warmer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and zip-lining. The pedestrian village offers shops, spas, and fine dining options that create a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. During the fall, the changing leaves create one of the most photogenic landscapes in the region.
Whether you’re drawn by adventure or comfort, Mont-Tremblant is a top pick among weekend trips from Ottawa, Canada.
In warmer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and zip-lining. The pedestrian village offers shops, spas, and fine dining options that create a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. During the fall, the changing leaves create one of the most photogenic landscapes in the region.
Whether you’re drawn by adventure or comfort, Mont-Tremblant is a top pick among weekend trips from Ottawa, Canada.
Kingston, Ontario
Situated about two hours southwest of Ottawa, Kingston is rich in history and charm. Known as the “Limestone City” for its well-preserved heritage buildings, Kingston also offers waterfront views, lively restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Highlights include Fort Henry, the Bellevue House, and the Kingston Penitentiary tours. The city also serves as a gateway to the Thousand Islands, making boat tours a popular option in the warmer months.
For couples, families, or solo travellers looking for a historic and walkable weekend destination, Kingston offers a rewarding experience close to home.
Highlights include Fort Henry, the Bellevue House, and the Kingston Penitentiary tours. The city also serves as a gateway to the Thousand Islands, making boat tours a popular option in the warmer months.
For couples, families, or solo travellers looking for a historic and walkable weekend destination, Kingston offers a rewarding experience close to home.
Gatineau Park, Quebec
One of the closest getaways from Ottawa, Gatineau Park offers outdoor adventures less than 30 minutes from downtown. It’s a year-round destination that appeals to hikers, cyclists, and cross-country skiers alike.
In the fall, the park becomes a hotspot for leaf-peeping, with scenic drives and lookouts offering sweeping views of the changing foliage. In summer, visitors can swim or paddle in Meech, Philippe, or La Pêche Lakes.
For overnight stays, consider camping or booking a chalet nearby. If you're looking for a quick reset without long travel times, Gatineau Park delivers.
In the fall, the park becomes a hotspot for leaf-peeping, with scenic drives and lookouts offering sweeping views of the changing foliage. In summer, visitors can swim or paddle in Meech, Philippe, or La Pêche Lakes.
For overnight stays, consider camping or booking a chalet nearby. If you're looking for a quick reset without long travel times, Gatineau Park delivers.
Wakefield, Quebec
Located just 35 minutes from Ottawa, Wakefield is a small but lively village known for its arts community and relaxed pace. It’s perfect for a low-key weekend filled with local food, live music, and natural beauty.
Popular activities include visiting the covered bridge, hiking along the Gatineau River, and booking a stay at the Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa. The local shops and cafés offer handmade goods, books, and baked treats.
Wakefield is ideal if you want a rural escape without sacrificing cultural interest or good dining options.
Popular activities include visiting the covered bridge, hiking along the Gatineau River, and booking a stay at the Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa. The local shops and cafés offer handmade goods, books, and baked treats.
Wakefield is ideal if you want a rural escape without sacrificing cultural interest or good dining options.
Perth, Ontario
Perth is another excellent weekend destination, just over an hour southwest of Ottawa. Known for its heritage architecture and boutique-lined downtown, Perth makes for a relaxed and picturesque getaway.
The town offers well-maintained parks, antique stores, and cozy cafés, along with events like music festivals and farmers’ markets. Stewart Park, with its stone bridges and green spaces, is a popular gathering spot, especially in summer.
Perth also has a growing culinary scene and several local breweries that are worth exploring.
The town offers well-maintained parks, antique stores, and cozy cafés, along with events like music festivals and farmers’ markets. Stewart Park, with its stone bridges and green spaces, is a popular gathering spot, especially in summer.
Perth also has a growing culinary scene and several local breweries that are worth exploring.
Thousand Islands and Gananoque, Ontario
Roughly two hours from Ottawa, the Thousand Islands region offers a unique blend of natural beauty and maritime history. Gananoque serves as a convenient base for exploring this area, with its waterfront accommodations and boat tours.
Key activities include:
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Cruises through the Thousand Islands
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Visiting Boldt Castle (passport required)
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Exploring shoreline hiking trails
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Kayaking or paddleboarding
If you're seeking a water-focused weekend, this is one of the most scenic destinations within easy reach of Ottawa.
Ottawa Valley, Ontario
For a more adventurous escape, the Ottawa Valley—west of the city—is known for white-water rafting, ziplining, and backcountry hiking. Towns like Renfrew, Barry’s Bay, and Calabogie offer a mix of outdoor activities and local hospitality.
This area is perfect for those who enjoy mountain biking, ATV trails, or downhill skiing in winter. Many outfitters offer guided adventures, and seasonal cottages make extended weekends easy to plan.
This area is perfect for those who enjoy mountain biking, ATV trails, or downhill skiing in winter. Many outfitters offer guided adventures, and seasonal cottages make extended weekends easy to plan.
Make the Most of Your Weekend Trips
When you live in Ottawa, weekend trips are part of the lifestyle. With so many destinations within a short drive, residents can enjoy a variety of getaways throughout the year without committing to long travel days or complex itineraries.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
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Book accommodations early for summer and fall weekends
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Check seasonal hours for local attractions, especially in smaller towns
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Explore local dining scenes—many destinations now feature farm-to-table or chef-owned restaurants
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Pack layers and weather-appropriate gear, especially if heading into nature
These simple steps help you enjoy your weekends to the fullest and appreciate all the region has to offer.
Reach Out to The Papineau Group
If you're thinking about buying or selling real estate in Ottawa, working with a local team that understands both the city and its surrounding destinations can make all the difference. The Papineau Group provides the insight and experience to help you find a home that supports the lifestyle you want—weekend getaways included.
Whether you're relocating to Ottawa or looking to upgrade your current home, The Papineau Group offers personalized guidance, market knowledge, and a commitment to helping clients reach their real estate goals. Reach out today to get started with a team that’s as invested in your success as you are.
Whether you're relocating to Ottawa or looking to upgrade your current home, The Papineau Group offers personalized guidance, market knowledge, and a commitment to helping clients reach their real estate goals. Reach out today to get started with a team that’s as invested in your success as you are.
