Looking for the best summer weekend getaways from Ottawa?
One of our favourite things about living in Ottawa is how easy it is to trade the city for wine country, mountain trails, charming small towns or a weekend by the water. You can leave after breakfast and feel like you have travelled somewhere entirely different by lunchtime.
Whether you are planning a full weekend away or simply looking for a change of scenery, these five destinations offer plenty to see, eat and explore. Here is what each one is best for, what not to miss and where you might want to stay.
01. Prince Edward County
Drive time from Ottawa: Approximately 3 hours
Best for: Wineries, beaches, restaurants and boutique stays
Prince Edward County is an easy choice when you want your weekend to feel like a true escape. Between its wineries, beaches, farm stands, restaurants and small towns, there is plenty to fill a few days without needing a packed itinerary.
Spend some time wandering through Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington, book a wine tasting or two and leave room for a beach afternoon at Sandbanks Provincial Park. It is the kind of destination where the drive between stops is part of the experience, with quiet country roads, vineyards and roadside stands along the way. Prince Edward County is approximately a three-hour drive from Ottawa.
What to do in Prince Edward County
- Spend a day at Sandbanks Provincial Park
- Visit a few local wineries or cideries
- Browse the shops in Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington
- Stop at a farm stand or local market
- Make a dinner reservation somewhere you have been wanting to try
Where to stay: The Royal Hotel is a beautiful option in the heart of Picton, while The June Motel offers a more playful boutique motel experience just outside the downtown.
Our tip: Reserve your daily vehicle permit for Sandbanks before you leave Ottawa. The park frequently reaches capacity during summer weekends, and permits become available five days before your visit.
02. Chelsea and Wakefield
Drive time from Ottawa: Approximately 30 to 40 minutes
Best for: Spa time, hiking, cafés and river views
Chelsea and Wakefield are perfect when you want to get away without spending much of the weekend in the car. They are close enough for a spontaneous day trip, but staying overnight gives you time to slow down and enjoy both communities.
Begin in Chelsea with coffee, a walk through Gatineau Park or a visit to Nordik Spa. From there, continue into Wakefield to browse the local shops, have dinner and take a walk beside the Gatineau River.
The area combines outdoor activities with restaurants, galleries, boutiques and places to unwind, all within a short drive of Ottawa.
What to do in Chelsea and Wakefield:
- Spend a few hours at the Nordik Spa
- Hike or cycle in Gatineau Park
- Browse the shops and galleries in Wakefield
- Walk along the river
- Stop for coffee, dinner or a treat in one of the villages
Where to stay: Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa is set beside Maclaren Falls near the entrance to Gatineau Park, just outside the village of Wakefield.
Our tip: Start your day in Chelsea and continue into Wakefield in the afternoon. It is an easy way to experience both communities without retracing your route.
03. Mont Tremblant
Drive time from Ottawa: Approximately 2 hours
Best for: Hiking, lake time and a lively resort atmosphere
Mont Tremblant may be known as a winter destination, but there is so much to do during the summer. The pedestrian village makes it easy to wander between restaurants, shops and activities, while the surrounding mountain and lakes offer plenty of options for a more active weekend.
Take the panoramic gondola to the summit, choose one of the nearby hiking trails or spend a slower afternoon by the lake. You can make the weekend as active or relaxed as you like, which is part of what makes it such an easy destination for couples, families or a group of friends.
Mont Tremblant is approximately two hours from Ottawa, and summer activities include hiking, beaches, paddling, cycling and the panoramic gondola.
What to do in Mont Tremblant:
- Ride the panoramic gondola
- Hike one of the mountain trails
- Explore the pedestrian village
- Spend time at the beach or on the water
- Enjoy dinner and an evening walk through the resort
Where to stay: Ermitage du Lac is conveniently located near the pedestrian village. There are also several hotels and condominiums within the resort, making it easy to walk between your room, restaurants and activities.
Our tip: Stay close to the pedestrian village so you can park once and explore much of the resort on foot. Complimentary resort transportation is also available between several lodging areas and the village.
04. Perth
Drive time from Ottawa: Approximately 1 hour
Best for: Patios, local shops and a slower small town weekend
Perth is one of those places that feels far enough away to be a getaway, even though it is only about an hour from Ottawa. Its heritage downtown is filled with beautiful stone buildings, independent shops, restaurants and places to stop for coffee.
Take your time walking through Stewart Park, browse the downtown shops and find a patio for lunch. Perth works equally well for a relaxed day trip or an overnight stay when you simply want to slow the pace down for a little while.
The town’s official tourism guide highlights its historic streets, local food, independent shops and natural spaces, while Stewart Park sits right in the heart of downtown.
What to do in Perth:
- Walk through Stewart Park
- Browse the heritage downtown
- Visit the Perth Farmers’ Market
- Stop for lunch or dinner on a patio
- Explore the shops, cafés and local businesses
Where to stay: Nevis Estate Boutique Hotel and Perth Parkside Inn and Spa are both within walking distance of the downtown area.
Our tip: Plan your trip for a Saturday so you can visit the Perth Farmers’ Market before exploring downtown. The market runs Saturday mornings during its seasonal operating period.
05. Kingston
Drive time from Ottawa: Approximately 2 hours
Best for: Waterfront walks, restaurants and a livelier city escape
Kingston is a great choice when you want the convenience and energy of a city with the relaxed feeling of being near the water. Its downtown is walkable, filled with historic architecture and home to plenty of restaurants, shops and patios.
Take a cruise through the 1000 Islands, walk along the waterfront or spend the afternoon browsing downtown before heading out for dinner. There is enough to do for a full weekend, but the city is compact enough that your plans never need to feel rushed.
Kingston is approximately two hours from Ottawa, and its downtown waterfront offers cruises, walking routes, restaurants, shops and historic attractions.
What to do in Kingston:
- Take a 1000 Islands Cruise
- Walk along the waterfront
- Explore the historic downtown
- Browse the shops along Princess Street
- Make a reservation for dinner near the water
Where to stay: Frontenac Club and The Rosemount Inn are both boutique options close to downtown. The Rosemount is within walking distance of the waterfront, while Frontenac Club is located in the centre of historic Kingston.
Our tip: Stay downtown so you can leave the car parked and explore much of Kingston on foot. It makes it easier to enjoy the waterfront, restaurants and shops without worrying about driving between every stop.
Where Will You Go First?
We hope this list makes planning your next summer weekend getaway from Ottawa a little easier. Whether you revisit an old favourite or explore somewhere new, sometimes a couple of days away is all it takes to feel refreshed.
Have a getaway from Ottawa that deserves a spot on this list? We would love to hear about it.
Looking for something closer to home? Read our guide to 3 neighbourhoods in Ottawa where you can walk to brunch
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