Work has been overwhelming, and life outdoors of labor hasn’t been a lot better. Enjoyable at house isn’t fairly doing the job for you, however you don’t have the time, cash, or luxurious to take every week off for a trip.
That’s the place we are available in with one of the best weekend getaways from Ottawa you don’t wish to miss! From snowboarding in Calabogie on the well-known Calabogie Peaks Resort to strolling by way of one among Montreal’s jewels and Nationwide Historic Websites, the Montreal Botanical Backyard, lots is ready for you outdoors of Ottawa.
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The place to remain in your weekend getaway?
- We advocate that if you wish to expertise the complete native flare of those locations, VRBO provides every part from riverfront cottages to a downtown condo near the motion!
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Prime 5 Weekend Getaways From Ottawa
Whether or not it’s romantic getaways close to Ottawa or day journeys from Ottawa, the record contains one of the best places and points of interest for a satisfying getaway out of your life in Ottawa!
Fort-Coulonge, Quebec

Considered one of our advisable weekend getaways from Ottawa, Fort-Coulonge is a small and charming village in western Quebec settled on the mouth of the Coulonge River. It’s extensively recognized for homing the Félix-Gabriel-Marchand Bridge, its spectacular logging historical past, and out of doors leisure alternatives ready to be explored!
Chutes Coulonge Park
An out of doors journey park and a historic logging interpretation website, Chutes Coulonge Park incorporates a vary of actions appropriate for all ages to take pleasure in. The historic park presents lookouts, trails, and footbridges that supply spectacular surroundings of the canyon and 160-foot waterfalls. Atop the treetop programs is the thrilling likelihood to zipline over the river!
It’s necessary to notice that Chutes Coulonge Park is closed in the course of the winter season. Nevertheless, they host a preferred occasion known as the Pageant of Lights for the vacation season, the place friends can go to Santa, heat up close to the bonfire, savor toasty sizzling chocolate, and stroll the path illuminated by Christmas lights.
Esprit
Suppose you prefer to be energetic and tackle new adventures for worthwhile weekend journeys from Ottawa. In that case, Esprit’s whitewater adventures on the Ottawa River are the right plans in Fort-Coulonge, Quebec, one of many high day journeys from Ottawa.
Ottawa River is Canada’s most well-known whitewater river, and at Esprit, you may tackle the river’s thrilling high-volume rapids and unbridled wilderness coached by skilled guides. Esprit provides alternatives for household rafting in an effort to deliver the children alongside for a protected but enjoyable journey down the rapids to avoid wasting the larger rapids for ages 12 and up.
Pont Felix-Gabriel-Marchand
A historic landmark, Pont Felix-Gabriel-Marchand, was inbuilt 1898 and is the longest-covered bridge in Quebec.
Crossing the Coulonge River, the bridge is taken into account distinctive because of its use of Queenpost and City trusses uncommonly encountered in structure. In consequence, many locals and vacationers come to stroll Pont Felix-Gabriel-Marchand and take photos of the intriguing construction.
The place to Keep in Fort-Coulonge, Quebec
Spruceholme Inn
A historic lodge embellished with household heirlooms and antiques, the Spruceholme Inn is surrounded by charming and pure magnificence. There are greater than six buildings to select from, every presenting a welcoming environment, intriguing décor, and loads of indoor and out of doors area to calm down in.
The lodge’s restaurant, Bryson’s Bistro du Lumberjack, options artisanal and native delicacies for dine-in or take-out in order that friends can take pleasure in dinner surrounded by an awesome companionable environment or simmer down outdoors surrounded by Canada’s vibrant open air.
Merrickville, Ontario

A quaint village in Ontario, Canada, Merrickville has made its manner onto our record of the highest weekend getaways from Ottawa. Merrickville has formally snagged the title of “Canada’s Most Lovely Village,” because of its many designated heritage buildings, a vibrant Victorian village settled on the Rideau Canal, and its peaceable and charming environment.
Merrickville Blockhouse – Nationwide Historic Web site of Canada
A Nationwide Historic Web site, the Merrickville Blockhouse is a masonry and timber defensive construction established in 1832-1833 to defend the Rideau Canal. It’s the largest blockhouse on the Rideau Canal and Canada’s second-largest surviving blockhouse and boosts up Merrickville as some of the rewarding weekend journeys from Ottawa.
Troops briefly occupied the Merrickville Blockhouse within the Revolt of 1837-1838, the place the native militia was drilled by Sergeant John Johnson, who served as lock keeper from 1836-1869. The historic website now works to symbolize useful Nineteenth-century army protection design and present how structure and army protection has modified within the current day.
Chaiya Dwelling & Backyard Decor
Chaiya Home and Garden Decor is based in downtown Merrickville and provides a novel house items retailer expertise.
The shop is in a heritage stone constructing, promoting uniquely designed creations for gardens and houses. The homeowners import items from India and Indonesia, functioning as a leeway for artworks established by fair-trade organizations and particular person artists that reside in rural villages, who’re personally visited and met by the homeowners of Chaiya Dwelling and Backyard Decor throughout their travels.
Buying at Chaiya Dwelling and Backyard Decor grants entry to a one-of-a-kind expertise and hosts loads of alternatives to purchase souvenirs and items for your self, mates, and household!
Rideau Woodland Ramble
Chosen because the #1 favourite gardening institution in jap Ontario, Rideau Woodland Ramble has been featured by the Japanese Ontario Gardeners Tour Information, Gardening Life, Backyard Making, and on Regional Contact on CTV.
The backyard heart is anchored by one among Canada’s largest glass-enclosed gazebos, Ramble Home, which homes a seating space and data to be taught extra in regards to the gardens.
As you stroll by way of the seven acres of scenic woodland, you’ll be capable of discover the six separate areas, every outlined by its planting kinds and species, mixed with intriguing sculptures and artwork items.
As a result of seasonal climate modifications, Rideau Woodland Ramble is open from mid-April to mid-October.
The place to Keep in Merrickville
Merrickville Visitor Suites
Settled within the historic village of Merrickville, Merrickville Guest Suites is simply a block from Rideau Canal and has a wide range of tasty restaurant choices and optimum looking for retail remedy and memento buying.
Merrickville Visitor Suites has two spacious non-public suites located on the primary road of Merrickville and a studio suite two blocks away in a comfy log cabin. The studio suite is ideal for romantic getaways close to Ottawa, providing peace, quiet, and solitude from the hustle and bustle of life.
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Calabogie, Ontario

Popularly recognized for its array of out of doors leisure alternatives, there’s no manner we’d hold Calabogie off our record of high weekend getaways from Ottawa. Whether or not it’s snowboarding, snowboarding, mountaineering, swimming, or guided ATV tours, Calabogie is the right place to get outdoors and run with nature.
Calabogie Brewing Co.
An award-winning craft brewery, Calabogie Brewing Co. sourced its title from the city the place its first brewery location opened. From the city’s basis as a lumber city to the current day as a infamous city of journey and out of doors leisure alternatives, the brewery has devoted its founding to residing as much as the city’s enigmatic popularity.
Calabogie Brewing Co.’s brewery and taproom on the river serve high-quality craft beers. The primary beer served there was the Entrance Porch Kolsch, which guests can nonetheless order as we speak!
Calabogie Peaks Resort

A mountainside ski resort, Calabogie Peaks Resort is a well-liked vacation spot, particularly come the winter months for snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowboarding, for these seeking to tackle the snow-covered mountainside.
Because the tallest public ski resort in Ontario, this Calabogie ski resort options all-season lodging and points of interest year-round. There are many mountaineering trails that wind by way of the pine forest to traverse, a nine-hole golf course, and a non-public seashore to swim within the lake or tan within the solar. Nevertheless, a few of these choices are lodging for resort stayers solely or obtainable with a price.
If you wish to discover the winter wilderness much more, you’ll find a small-group snowmobile tour simply down the street. This tour supplies all of the gear you will have to discover over frozen lakes and the beautiful snow coated forest that encompass the realm!
Make certain to learn how we mixed time in Calabogie with the Ottawa Valley on this adventure itinerary in Ontario’s Highlands.
Blueberry Mountain Path
A moderate-level mountaineering path, the Blueberry Mountain Trail provides spectacular surroundings and panoramic views on the summit of Blueberry Mountain.
The trailhead to begin this rewarding hike may be present in Barry’s Bay, about an hour from Calabogie. Stretching six miles, throughout this worthwhile hike, count on to select wildlife, like deer and moose, whereas surrounded by vibrant and refreshing nature.
Proceed with warning with wildlife earlier than heading into Blueberry Mountain Path. Put money into bear spray or different security mountaineering instruments to stay protected whereas having fun with the nice open air of Ontario, Canada.
The place to Keep in Calabogie
Someplace Inn Calabogie
A redesigned motel secluded within the peaceable serenity of Ottawa Valley, Somewhere Inn Calabogie provides a captivating magnificence surrounded by mountains, lakes, and forests.
Someplace Inn Calabogie provides a wide range of rooms, together with Dreamy Rooms and Pure Areas. The Dreamy Rooms are outsized rooms with beds, fireplaces, soaker tubs, and no TVs to encourage friends to benefit from the open air. The Pure Areas are positioned on two non-public acres close to Calabogie Lake. These areas include communal fireplace pits, hammocks, lounge areas, and the right placement to put below the celebrities.

In fact, should you’re going snowboarding at Calabogie Peaks, the Calabogie Peaks Resort is a superb property that is a part of the Selection Inns household and has direct entry to the mountain and is central to every part you will discover on the town.
Montreal, Quebec

Montreal, Quebec, is fondly referred to as “Quebec’s Metropolis,” because of its constantly bustling scenes of artwork, tradition, historical past, and expertise. It’s house to many festivals, a few of that are the most important of their type, and different excellent points of interest. It is no surprise we’ve added it to our record as among the finest weekend getaways from Ottawa you don’t wish to miss!
Montreal Botanical Backyard
Considered one of Montreal’s jewels, the Montreal Botanical Garden, is house to greater than twenty out of doors gardens and ten exhibition greenhouses. The thematic greenhouses function greater than 3,000 specimens, together with orchids and cacti.
Additionally a Nationwide Historic Web site, the botanical backyard is honorably preserved and cared for because of its in depth collections and services which might be famend for being among the finest on this planet. The Montreal Botanical Backyard’s location is throughout from the Olympic Stadium, one other nice cease to make whereas in Montreal.
Parc Jean-Drapeau
The third largest park in Montreal, Parc Jean-Drapeau, consists of two islands, the bogus island, Notre Dame Island, and Saint Helen’s Island.
This famend Montreal attraction is known for its spectacular cultural and sports activities programming. A favourite getaway for households, mates, and {couples}, Parc Jean-Drapeau, provides loads of actions and points of interest to discover, together with biking paths, strolling trails, public artwork, vibrant gardens, museums, and extra.
For one more distinctive attraction, we extremely advocate contemplating this private guided day trip to tour an genuine Quebecer sugar shack farm. On tour, you’ll be capable of witness first-hand how maple syrup is made, from extraction to bottling, for a novel inside look paired with a lunch buffet on the farm!
Montreal Underground Metropolis
Generally known as the Underground Metropolis or RESO in Montreal, Montreal Underground City is a famed pedestrian community discovered beneath the center of Montreal’s downtown.
The construction of the Montreal Underground Metropolis was designed as an escape from the freezing winters and blazing summers. With over 20 miles of shops and leisure choices, visiting the Montreal Underground Metropolis is a should!
Different nice actions embrace guided walking tours of East and West Outdated Montreal. Informative guides will take you to iconic websites just like the Notre Dame Basilica and the Place Royale whereas studying the realm’s wealthy historical past and uncommonly recognized information.
The place to Keep in Montreal, Quebec
Hôtel Château de l’Argoat
Positioned in Montreal’s most numerous neighborhood, Hôtel Château de l’Argoat provides a elegant location solely two blocks from the bus station and close to the well-known Saint-Denis Avenue, that includes favored eating places and boutiques to buy and dine at.
Designed to copy the realm, the lodge welcomes friends with unmatched customer support and a pleasant environment. A house away from house!
Kingston, Ontario

In Kingston, you can see a great deal of intriguing historical past surrounded by wonderful nature that refreshes the soul. Making our record as among the finest weekend getaways from Ottawa you don’t wish to miss, Kingston, Ontario, house to 4 of 11 surviving Martello towers, 4 Rembrandt work, two movie festivals, and was the previous capital of the Province of Canada till 1841. And you’ll discover this enigmatic city’s influence on Canada’s historical past!
Fort Henry Nationwide Historic Web site
The Fort Henry National Historic Site capabilities as a historic website and museum, welcoming guests to study this impactful institution.
Constructed in 1832-1837, Fort Henry changed an present fort from the Warfare of 1812. It was located to guard the naval dockyard and entrance of the Rideau Canal. Throughout World Warfare I, the fort was used as an internment camp for political prisoners, after which, throughout World Warfare II, Fort Henry was used as a Prisoner of Warfare camp. After the wars, Fort Henry was reopened as a museum and historic website, welcoming guests from all around the world wanting to watch historical past or watch the internationally acclaimed Fort Henry Guard carry out.
Lake Ontario Park
A historic park courting again to 1894, Lake Ontario Park provides serene views of Lake Ontario.
Many come to take pleasure in Lake Ontario Park’s refreshing area, and because the largest city waterfront park in Kingston, the park is filled with energetic out of doors alternatives and facilities. From the seashore volleyball courts and splash pads for the children to the boat launch and waterfront sand play areas, Lake Ontario Park is the right place to spend the day stress-free open air with the children, with household, with mates, or by yourself.
For a day of journey in Kingston, take into account this helicopter tour to find the wonders of the Thousand Islands. The gorgeous aerial views of the area’s latest cider mill are paired with tastings and lunch for an unforgettable expertise in Kingston, Ontario.
Bellevue Home Nationwide Historic Web site
The house to Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John Alexander Macdonald, from the years 1848-1849, the Bellevue House National Historic Site is a superb spot to think about for worthwhile day journeys from Ottawa.
The home was constructed within the early 1840s paired with its Italianate structure and historical past, ensuing within the house being designated as a Nationwide Historic Web site. The grounds embody heritage gardens and an orchard to walk round whereas settling in Lake Ontario’s soothing breeze. Excursions are supplied to discover the Bellevue Home Nationwide Historic Web site grounds and inside to soak up the period-style furnishings and artifacts from the 1800s.
The place to Keep in Kingston
The Rosemount Inn
The Rosemount Inn is a boutique lodge that mixes magnificence and historical past for an unforgettable keep within the Outdated Stones district. The inn has remained within the space since 1850 and has welcomed vacationers worldwide since its institution.
This genuine keep explores private contact and easy concord for a novel go to crammed with discovery and journey throughout your keep in Kingston.
Closing Ideas

Relating to one of the best weekend getaways from Ottawa you don’t wish to miss, our top-notch record pinpoints the highest locations to go to and the favored points of interest to discover while you get there. So pack your luggage and put together your digital camera roll. It’s time for the last word weekend getaway from Ottawa!
Regularly requested questions
Montreal has some nice household points of interest like Montreal Biodome and La Ronde Amusement Park. If you’re in search of a much less city vacation spot, Fort-Coulonge is a superb spot for households with tween to teen kids. Chutes Coulonge’s journey course and Espirit rafting adventures each have peak necessities however are certain to thrill essentially the most adventurous child. For households with littles, we advocate Kingston with points of interest like Playtrium, Fruition Berry Farm, and Navy Communications and Electronics Museum.
-Le Bateau-Mouche provides distinctive dinner cruises as you expertise views of the Saint Lawrence River, Jacques-Cartier Bridge, and the Clock tower you may’t get in a typical restaurant.
-Oasis Surf lets you seize a drink and catch a wave. Strive one among their tropical themed drinks and be taught to surf on this distinctive expertise!
-Expertise foods and drinks in full darkness at Onoir. That is proper. This restaurant is North America’s first ever expertise the place you heighten your different senses whereas consuming in pitch black.
-Morrow Lake Waterfall hike is a roughly 2 km spherical path that gives an in depth up view to the Morrow Lake Falls and may be accomplished in 30-40 minutes.
-Kingston and Pembroke path is a couple of 100 km in whole size however provides many locations to loop again round. It that takes you alongside the previous Ok&P railroad line by way of lovely fields and forest alongside wetlands. Provides free parking.
-Madawaska Nordic Ski Path is seen as a straightforward to reasonable hike coming in just below 6 km. Runs alongside previous logging roads and makes for an awesome kid-friendly choice.
Supply: goingawesomeplaces.com