With only so many things you can do within the city during the pandemic, it might be time to consider venturing outside of the area. Thanks to Ottawa’s convenient location, nestled along the border of Quebec, there’s a lot you can see and do only minutes from your front door. Here are some of our favourite day trips you can take from Ottawa today.
Gananoque
Are you looking to get on the water this season? Then be sure to check out the 1000 Islands with the perfect starting point in the town of Gananoque. Conveniently located on the St. Lawrence River, Gananoque is the perfect jumping-off point to enjoy the breathtaking islands. Bring your boat or book a sightseeing cruise to enjoy a guided tour that the whole family will love. The town also offers a number of culinary experiences, art galleries, boutique shops, waterfront activities, and other exciting things to do that will create lasting memories for the entire family.
Aylmer
If you haven’t been to the quaint town of Aylmer just over the border in Quebec, you’ve been missing out. Not only do they have a beautiful beach, but they also have blocks of some of the nicest patio restaurants. Best of all, Aylmer is only a 20-minute journey from downtown Ottawa, giving you plenty of time to explore, play and dine.
Chelsea
Nature lovers and adventure seekers can get their fix of the great outdoors by heading to Chelsea, the entranceway to Gatineau Park. Located only 20 minutes north of Ottawa, you can go biking along the trails, eat crepes at a café, unwind at the Nordik Spa, or go gallivanting along the historic streets while taking in the sites and shops.
Montreal
When it comes to entertainment, Montreal delivers. If you’re looking to spend a day in the heart of the big city, you’ll need a little time to plan to ensure you can fit everything you want to do into your itinerary. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend heading first to the cobblestoned Old Montreal district that is littered with boutiques, galleries and restaurants. From here you can easily walk to a number of must-see spots including the city’s biggest green space, Mount Royal Park, the bustling Saint-Laurent Boulevard, and the prestigious Museum of Fine Arts.
Parc Omega
Summer or winter, the Parc Omega is a magical place. Here you can see all of Canada’s most famous wildlife including bison, wolves, deer, coyotes and bears. Drive the loop and you can feed animals right from your car. There’s even an option for you to turn your day trip into a weekend stay in one of their decked-out chalets, fully equipped with panoramic windows where you can get up close and personal with the wolves.
Get your vehicle ready for any of your road-tripping adventures. Reach out to us at Barrhaven Honda today!