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The 10 best day trips from Ottawa
Looking for the best day trips from Ottawa? Explore top nearby destinations, family outings, winter getaways, and transit-friendly adventures.
Looking for the best day trips from Ottawa? This guide highlights the top nearby destinations around Ottawa for transit-friendly travel, family outings, and winter getaways.
Each spot includes easy ways to get there, the best things to do, and a quick look at what you can expect to spend for the day.
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Quick picks: Where to go from Ottawa
We’ve compiled some of the top travel destinations for day trips from Ottawa in one table so you can easily compare your options and choose where you’re going next.
| Destination | Travel time | Highlights | Best for | Average cost (per person; CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perth, ON | 1–1.5 hours | Historic downtown, Tay River, Perth Museum | History buffs, couples | $115–$135 |
| Smiths Falls | 45–50 min | Rideau Canal, Railway Museum, riverside walks | History buffs, small-town explorers | $45–$70 |
| Montreal | ~2 hours | Old Montreal, Basilica, markets | Foodies, culture seekers | $100–$150 |
| Parc Omega | ~1 hour | Wildlife park, animal feeding, trails | Families, animal lovers | $18–$48 (general) / $32–$92 (tours) |
| Brockville Aquatarium | ~1.5 hours | Touch tanks, science exhibits, freshwater habitats | Kids, science enthusiasts | $22–$27 |
| Calypso Waterpark | ~1 hour | Slides, wave pools, family activities | Families with kids/teens | From $72.99 |
| Calabogie Peaks | ~1 hour | Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing | Winter sports, families | $16–$60 depending on age |
| Gatineau Park Winter Trails | 20–30 min | XC skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking | Outdoor enthusiasts, families | $11–$24 per person or $31–$52 per family |
| Massena, NY (USA) | 1.5–2 hours | Ice fishing, snowmobiling, small ski hills | Families, winter adventurers | $60–$120 |
| Saranac Lake, NY (USA) | 3 hours | XC skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating | Families, winter sports travellers | $90–$160 |
Best day trips from Ottawa without a car
You don’t need a car to enjoy day trips from Ottawa. These spots are reachable by train or bus and offer plenty to see, eat, and experience on a quick getaway.
Perth, ON
Perth is a charming heritage town with 19th-century stone buildings and riverside views, complete with cafes and boutiques. It offers a blend of history, nature, and local character for a relaxing day trip from Ottawa.
How to get there: Take a bus from Ottawa, or a train to nearby Smiths Falls, followed by a short taxi ride to Perth (1–1.5 hours total).
Top activities:
- Stroll historic downtown and browse shops and cafes.
- Visit the Perth Museum at Matheson House.
- Enjoy the Tay River, Stewart Park, or seasonal events.
- Light hiking at Murphys Point Provincial Park.
Best for: History and architecture lovers, couples, and anyone seeking small-town charm
Average cost: ~$115–$135 CAD per person (bus, museum, snacks, optional park fees)
Smiths Falls
Smiths Falls is a small town with rich history and a connection to the Rideau Canal, featuring cultural attractions, scenic waterfront areas, and local charm.
How to get there: About 45–50 minutes from Ottawa by train, with taxis and rideshares available for getting around town.
Top activities:
- Walk or cycle along the Rideau Canal and explore its locks and riverside parks.
- Visit the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario.
- Browse local shops, cafes, and seasonal markets.
- Light hiking at Lower Reach Park or along the Cataraqui Trail.
Best for: History enthusiasts, families, couples, and travelers who enjoy small-town charm
Average cost: ~$45–$70 CAD per person (train fare, museum, snacks, optional park activities)
Montreal
Montreal is a vibrant city known for its historic neighborhoods, diverse culture, and world-class food scene. A Montreal day trip lets you explore markets, museums, and entertainment for all types of travellers.
How to get there: About 2 hours from Ottawa by train or bus.
Top activities:
- Explore Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the waterfront promenade.
- Sample local cuisine at restaurants, cafes, and markets like Jean-Talon or Atwater.
- Visit museums and galleries such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or Pointe-à-Callière.
- Enjoy seasonal events, festivals, and walks along Mount Royal Park.
Best for: Food lovers, culture enthusiasts, families, and couples
Average cost: ~$100–$150 CAD per person (transport, meals, and selected attractions)
Best day trips from Ottawa with kids
Taking the kids out for the day is easy with these family-friendly day trips from Ottawa, with each offering fun attractions, learning experiences, and lots of room to play.
Parc Omega
Parc Omega is a wildlife park in the Gatineau Hills that lets families experience Canadian animals up close in a natural setting. Visitors drive or ride through forests to see deer, bison, elk, wolves, and more, making it a fun and educational outing for kids.
Hours of operation: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (subject to change during holidays, etc.)
How to get there: About 1 hour from Ottawa by car, with some family-friendly shuttles available.
Top activities:
- Drive or walk through the park to observe deer, bison, elk, wolves, and more.
- Feed certain animals under supervision.
- Explore walking trails, picnic areas, and lookout points.
- Participate in seasonal activities like pony rides or wildlife presentations.
Best for: Families with children, animal lovers, and anyone seeking an interactive nature experience
Average cost: ~$18–$48 CAD per person (day ticket) or ~$32–$92 CAD per person for guided tours
Brockville Aquatarium
The Brockville Aquatarium is an interactive freshwater aquarium and science centre that lets kids explore aquatic life from the St. Lawrence River and beyond.
Hours of operation: Friday to Monday (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM); closed on Tuesday and Thursday
How to get there: About 1.5 hours from Ottawa by car, with limited seasonal shuttle services.
Top activities:
- Explore touch tanks with fish, turtles, and other aquatic creatures.
- Walk through freshwater and marine exhibits.
- Participate in educational demonstrations and workshops.
- Enjoy interactive multimedia exhibits.
Best for: Families with children, especially kids interested in animals and science
Average cost: ~$22–$27 CAD per person (general admission)
Calypso Waterpark
Calypso Waterpark is Canada’s largest theme waterpark, offering slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones for kids and teens.
Hours of operation: Every day, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (sometimes extending to 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM)
How to get there: About 1 hour from Ottawa by car, with some family-friendly shuttles during peak season.
Top activities:
- Ride slides and tube rides for older kids and adults.
- Enjoy wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones for younger children.
- Participate in seasonal events, pool games, and family activities.
- Dine at on-site cafes or picnic in designated areas.
Best for: Families with children (check age/height requirements for certain rides)
Average cost: From ~$73 CAD per person (unlimited visits during regular hours)
Best day trips from Ottawa in winter
Ottawa has some great winter day trips within easy reach — ski hills, frozen lakes, trail networks, and charming towns on both sides of the border. These are the top places worth the drive from Ottawa.
Calabogie Peaks
Calabogie Peaks is one of the best places to visit in Canada for Christmas, offering ski slopes for all skill levels, scenic views of the Ottawa Valley, and a cozy village atmosphere.
How to get there: About 1 hour from Ottawa by car, with some winter shuttle services available.
Top activities:
- Skiing and snowboarding on groomed runs.
- Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
- Ski school lessons for beginners or kids.
- On-site dining and après-ski facilities.
Best for: Winter sports enthusiasts and families with older children or teens
Average cost: ~$16–$60 CAD per person for all-day lift tickets, depending on age
Gatineau Park Winter Trails
Gatineau Park offers a vast network of trails perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking, all set amid beautiful forests and rolling hills.
How to get there: About 20–30 minutes from Ottawa by car (limited winter public transit).
Top activities:
- Cross-country skiing on groomed trails.
- Snowshoeing or winter hiking.
- Wildlife spotting and winter photography.
- Visit lookouts with panoramic views of the Ottawa Valley.
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and families with children old enough to ski or snowshoe
Average cost: ~$11–$24 CAD per person or ~$31–$52 CAD per family, depending on activities
Massena, NY (USA)
Massena is a small town near the St. Lawrence River offering easy access to winter activities such as ice fishing, snowmobiling, and nearby ski areas.
How to get there: About 1.5–2 hours from Ottawa by car (US travel documents required).
Top activities:
- Ice fishing on local lakes.
- Snowmobiling and exploring trails.
- Visiting shops, cafes, and community events.
- Exploring small nearby ski hills.
Best for: Families with older children, winter sports enthusiasts, and travelers comfortable crossing the border
Average cost: ~$60–$120 CAD per person (activities, food, rentals, travel)
Saranac Lake, NY (USA)
Saranac Lake is a picturesque village in the Adirondack Mountains known for snowy landscapes, streets lined with historic buildings and local shops, and outdoor winter activities.
How to get there: About 3 hours from Ottawa by car (US travel documents required).
Top activities:
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Ice skating on outdoor rinks or frozen lakes.
- Exploring shops, cafes, and seasonal markets.
- Scenic winter photography and park strolls.
Best for: Families with older children, winter sports enthusiasts, and travelers comfortable with a longer drive and border crossing
Average cost: ~$90–$160 CAD per person (activities, food, rentals, travel)
Tip! Check out our guide on traveling from Canada to the US for entry requirements, what to bring, and a quick travel checklist before you consider these NY destinations.
What to prepare before you go?
Before you go, it helps to have a few things sorted out so you can focus on enjoying the day instead of scrambling midway. The list below makes for a great starting point:
- Book your train or bus tickets if you’re traveling car-free.
- Dress for the weather and pack any extra layers you might need.
- Secure any attraction tickets or timed-entry passes in advance.
- Download offline maps or your preferred navigation app.
- Bring a transit-friendly payment method, or simply carry cash.
- Know how much data you need for travel, or pick up the best eSIM for USA or eSIM for Canada for unlimited data.
Stay connected on your day trips from Ottawa with Holafly
Stay online wherever your day trip from Ottawa takes you with a Holafly eSIM. Holafly offers unlimited data, flexible validity periods from 1 to 90 days, 24/7 customer support, and reliable 4G and 5G coverage in over 200 destinations.
Frequent travelers can also check out Holafly Plans, an upgraded pay-monthly eSIM experience that allows you to stay connected in over 170 destinations with unlimited data and unlimited hotspot. Plus, get a local number for SMS and other travel perks at no cost.
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