A Scenic 4-Day Itinerary with Hidden Gems
Ottawa makes for a perfect road trip from Toronto, especially when you slow down and explore some incredible spots along the way. Instead of a straight drive, we planned scenic stops on both the onward and return journeys, turning this trip into a memorable mini-adventure through Ontario and Quebec.
Here’s our 4-day Ottawa road trip itinerary, ideal for families, couples, or first-time visitors.
Day 1
Primitive Designs (Port Hope)
Toronto → Port Hope: ~1 hr 10 min
Primitive Designs is a retail import store and a unique roadside attraction located in Port Hope, Ontario. For over 19 years, it has been importing distinctive arts and crafts from around the world and showcasing them in its impressive 8,000-square-foot gallery. Open to the public six days a week, the space feels like an open-air art gallery, with intricate details and striking sculptures at every turn. It’s a quick yet memorable stop—perfect for photos and a short break during a road trip.
The attraction is closed for the 2026 winter season and is scheduled to reopen on March 21, 2026.
🅿️ Free on-site parking
💲 Free to visit (donations welcome)
Brockville Railway Tunnel
Port Hope → Brockville: ~1 hr 40 min drive
The Brockville Railway Tunnel is Canada’s first railway tunnel, originally built in 1860 and now beautifully repurposed into a pedestrian attraction. Stretching about 525 meters, the tunnel takes visitors on a unique underground walk beneath the city of Brockville. What makes this experience truly special is the immersive LED light and sound show, where colorful projections illuminate the tunnel walls, telling the story of the tunnel’s history, railways, and the St. Lawrence River region.
The temperature inside stays cool year-round, making it a refreshing stop during warmer months. The walk is flat and stroller-friendly, perfect for families. The entire experience takes about 10–15 minutes, but it leaves a lasting impression.
🅿️ Free parking is available nearby in downtown Brockville (street parking and municipal lots)
💲 Free attraction
💡 Best visited after sunset to fully enjoy the LED projections
Rideau Falls – Ottawa
Brockville → Ottawa: ~1 hr 15 min
Rideau Falls is a scenic natural attraction where the Rideau River splits into two cascading waterfalls before flowing into the Ottawa River. Surrounded by greenery and historic landmarks, this spot offers a peaceful break after a long drive. One of the best places to view the falls is from 50 Sussex Drive, home to Tavern on the Falls, which provides an elevated and unobstructed viewpoint.
You can also follow the walking paths along the river’s edge, which offer excellent vantage points to watch the water plunge into the Ottawa River and capture beautiful photos from multiple angles. It’s an easy, short stop that doesn’t require much walking, making it ideal for families.
🅿️ Street parking is available nearby, with public parking garages in the area if needed
💲 Free attraction
Ottawa River Cruise (Ottawa & Gatineau)
Downtown Ottawa
An Ottawa River Cruise is a relaxing way to experience the capital from the water while covering both Ontario and Quebec in one ride. The cruise sails along the Ottawa River toward the Quebec border, passing into Gatineau, and also includes a round-trip route to Rideau Falls. One of the highlights is a brief 5-minute stop near Rideau Falls, giving passengers time to capture photos of the twin waterfalls from a unique river perspective.
Cruises can be booked through Lady Dive Tours, a popular operator offering two different experiences. The Lady Dive Cruise is an amphibious adventure that starts on land and then splashes into the river, making it especially fun for families and kids. The regular Ottawa River Cruise is a traditional boat ride, ideal for sightseeing, photography, and learning about the city’s landmarks through onboard commentary.
🛳️ Advance booking recommended, especially during peak season
📸 Great views of Parliament, Gatineau skyline, and Rideau Falls
🅿️ Paid parking near the dock
💲 Paid attraction (advance booking recommended)
Booking Link : https://ladydive.com/
Rideau Canal Boat Lift – Ottawa Locks
Walking distance from Parliament
The Rideau Canal Boat Lift at the Ottawa Locks is one of the most fascinating sights in downtown Ottawa, located right next to Parliament Hill. This historic engineering marvel uses a series of hand-operated locks to raise and lower boats between the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal, offering visitors a close-up view of how boats are lifted through multiple lock levels. Watching the lockmasters operate the system is like stepping back in time, as the locks have been functioning since 1832.
You can walk along the lock pathways, observe boats slowly moving through each chamber, and enjoy stunning views of the canal, Parliament buildings, and the river. The area is especially lively in summer when pleasure boats, kayaks, and tour boats pass through.
🅿️ Nearby street parking and public parking garages available
💲 Free to watch and explore
Day 2
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is a must-visit attraction for aviation enthusiasts and families alike. Home to an impressive collection of historic aircraft, helicopters, and space artifacts, the museum showcases Canada’s rich contributions to aviation and aerospace history. Visitors can explore everything from early bush planes to modern fighter jets, along with interactive exhibits and hands-on displays that make the experience engaging for all ages.
The spacious hangars allow you to walk right up to many of the aircraft, making it a great spot for photography. There’s also a dedicated kids’ play area and flight-themed activities, which makes it especially family-friendly.
🅿️ Free on-site parking
💲 Paid admission : https://tickets.ingenium.ca/aviation/
⏳ Plan for 2–3 hours to fully explore the exhibits
Parliament of Canada – Guided Walking Tours
Includes Senate of Canada and House of Commons
A visit to Ottawa is incomplete without exploring the Parliament of Canada, and the guided walking tours of the Senate and House of Commons are an excellent way to experience the country’s political heart. These tours offer insight into Canada’s history, governance, and stunning Gothic Revival architecture, all explained by knowledgeable guides.
The Senate tour takes place at 2 Rideau Street, inside the beautifully restored Senate of Canada Building (formerly Ottawa Union Station). The House of Commons tour begins on the western side of Parliament Hill at 111 Wellington Street, where visitors are escorted into the chamber when sessions are not in progress.
Each tour lasts approximately 45–60 minutes and is free of charge, but advance booking is required through the official Parliament of Canada website.
👉 Important: Please arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled tour time to allow for security screening.
💲 Free attraction (reserve your tickets : https://rts.parl.ca/en-CA/home )
📸 Only Photography is allowed in designated areas
👨👩👧 Family-friendly and educational experience
Bytown Museum
The Bytown Museum is a small but fascinating museum located at the base of the Rideau Canal Locks, right next to Parliament Hill. Housed in Ottawa’s oldest surviving stone building, the museum tells the story of how Ottawa evolved from a rugged settlement known as Bytown into Canada’s capital city. Inside, exhibits showcase early settler life, the construction of the Rideau Canal, and the city’s transformation over time.
Despite its compact size, the museum is rich in history and offers excellent views of the canal and Ottawa River from its upper floors. It’s an easy stop that pairs well with a walk around Parliament Hill and the canal locks.
🅿️ Street parking and public parking garages available nearby
💲 Paid admission (Adult : $10, Child : $3)
⏳ Visit time: 30–45 minutes
Maman (Giant Spider Sculpture)
Maman is a giant spider sculpture by renowned French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, prominently displayed outside the National Gallery of Canada. Standing at more than 9 metres (over 30 ft) tall and over 10 metres wide, Maman is one of the largest spider sculptures in the world. Maman is a well-loved Ottawa landmark — a striking public artwork that invites visitors to walk beneath its towering legs and reflect on the interplay between fear and fascination, fragility and strength.
🅿️ Street parking nearby
💲 Free
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a historic Roman Catholic minor basilica located at 385 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, Ontario. It is the oldest and largest church in Ottawa. The basilica welcomes visitors for prayer, tours, and attendance at Mass. It remains an active spiritual centre and a visually striking landmark in the capital city, blending historic craftsmanship with deep cultural heritage.
🅿️ Paid parking nearby
💲 Free entry (donations appreciated)
Kìwekì Point & Major’s Hill Park
Kìwekì Point is a stunning urban park and scenic lookout in downtown Ottawa, located behind the National Gallery of Canada with panoramic views over the Ottawa River and the Ottawa–Gatineau skyline. A new pedestrian bridge connecting Kìwekì Point to Major’s Hill Park, restoring a historic link and making the area even more walkable for locals and visitors.
Throughout the park, interpretive installations, artwork, and design elements draw visitors into the natural and cultural story of the Ottawa River valley, one of Canada’s oldest landscapes of trade, travel, and community.
🅿️ Paid Parking Location : Major’s Hill Park Car Parking Lot https://maps.app.goo.gl/4FuGFGmdt5eTG4xcA
💲 Free
Day 3
Parc Omega
Ottawa → Parc Omega: ~1 hr 30 min
Aboard your vehicle, on a 12 km safari trail, discover North American wild animals: elk, bison, wolves, bears, foxes and much more in their natural environment. Feed deer who come to you for a carrot. Open year-round, the park offers a wide range of activities: animal presentations, walking trails, picnic areas, restaurants, farm animal visits and much more. Along the car route, you’ll come across some twenty animal species living in habitats that are very close to what they have in the wild. We encourage the cohabitation between animal species and present animals adapted to the biotope and climate found in Quebec.
🅿️ Parking included
💲 Paid entry
Mont-Tremblant Village
Parc Omega → Mont-Tremblant: ~1 hr
Mont-Tremblant Village is a quaint, car-free resort town nestled in the Laurentian Mountains of Québec, Canada, about 2 hours from Ottawa. It’s famous for its European-style cobblestone streets, vibrant cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and outdoor adventure options, all within walking distance — making it a perfect destination for weekend trips, fall foliage visits, and year-round stays.
The village is centered around a lively plaza with charming streets full of shops, places to eat, lively patios, and entertainment. Whether you’re here for nature, relaxation, or adventure, Mont-Tremblant Village offers something for every traveler.
🚡Gondola Rides :
Paid Panoramic Gondola: Head all the way to the mountain summit for spectacular views of the Laurentians, forests, and lakes. Once at the top you can explore hiking trails, enjoy 360° vistas, and soak in the scenery.
Free Gondola (Cabriolet Lift): A fun open-air cable car ride from the lower village up toward the base of the mountain. It’s a free ride that gives you panoramic views of the village — perfect just for sightseeing or photos.
Things to do: Free Cabriolet gondola ride, Panoramic gondola to the summit, Skyline Luge (go-kart style ride), Ziplining (Ziptrek Ecotours), Hiking and scenic trails, Fall foliage sightseeing, Village sightseeing and photography, Shopping in pedestrian village boutiques, Café hopping and dining, Patio dining and nightlife, Casino de Mont-Tremblant, Kayaking and paddleboarding (seasonal), Lake activities and scenic cruises, Mini golf and arcades, Relaxing spa experiences, Skiing and snowboarding (winter season).
🅿️ Paid parking (village access gondola included)
Day 4: Return Journey with Hidden Gems
Patrimoine & Chutes de Plaisance & Chutes du Moulin
Mont-Tremblant → Plaisance: ~2 hrs
A beautiful park featuring powerful waterfalls, walking trails, and suspension bridges. Great for nature lovers and photographers. A lesser-known waterfall that’s peaceful and uncrowded. A perfect short stop to stretch and enjoy nature.
🅿️ Free parking (Limited)
💲 Paid entry
🚢 Free Wolfe Island Ferry
The Wolfe Island ferry between Kingston, Ontario and Wolfe Island is operated by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and is free for all passengers and vehicles, no ticket or fee required. The crossing takes about 20 minutes and runs year-round (weather permitting).
Where to Board : (Kingston Side) – 📍 Kingston Terminal, 295 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON (near the corner of Barrack Street, downtown)
This is the main ferry terminal where vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians board. There’s a dedicated staging area for pedestrians and cyclists at the terminal — easy to find and well signed.
Where the Ferry Lands on Wolfe Island : 🛳 Dawson Point Dock or Marysville Dock (Depends on season)
🛥️ Ferry Details
- Ferry Name: Wolfe Islander (e.g., Wolfe Islander III/IV) — the vessel carries passengers, vehicles, bicycles and operates first-come, first-served.
- Crossing Time: ~20 minutes.
- Capacity: Can carry vehicles and pedestrians; larger vessels like Wolfe Islander IV have greater capacity for cars and passengers.
- Season: Runs year-round; the docking point can vary with ice conditions.
🅿️ Queue parking for ferry
💲 Free ferry
Seasonal Events
🌷 Canadian Tulip Festival — Mid-May in Commissioners Park
Every spring, usually mid-May, Ottawa bursts into colour with the Canadian Tulip Festival at Commissioners Park along Dow’s Lake — one of the city’s most beloved annual events. Over 300,000 tulips representing dozens of varieties create breathtaking flower displays and walkable garden pathways right beside the Rideau Canal.
🅿️ Paid Street Parking
💲 Free access
🎈 Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (FMG) — Late August in Gatineau
For a vibrant end-of-summer experience, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival (FMG) is a must-see event usually held in the last week of August at Parc de la Baie in Gatineau, just across the river from Ottawa.
🎨 Festival Highlights
- Hot air balloons in flight — every morning and evening, colorful balloons launch into the sky, creating a magical spectacle.
- A lively music festival lineup with local and national artists performing over several days.
- Family-friendly zones, interactive entertainment, fireworks, and amusement park rides for all ages.
- Food trucks and food vendors on site, offering a mix of snacks, meals, and festival treats.
🚗 Parking Info
- During FMG days, many **local residents open up their driveways or lots for paid parking, so visitors have extra options closer to the festival grounds. This makes parking easier compared to downtown Ottawa events.
- A paid parking lot is also available at the main festival entrance on Saint-Louis Street.
🧡 Bonus Tips
- Bring a reusable water bottle — festival sites typically offer refill stations.
- Bike racks are available for cyclists if you choose to explore the festival on two wheels.
FMG is a unique summer celebration blending colourful balloon art, music, rides, and culinary delights — perfect for families, couples, and festival lovers.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our Ottawa travel story. We truly appreciate your support and hope this blog helped you plan or get inspired for your own visit. Until our next adventure, happy travels and thanks again for being part of our journey!