One of the best things about living in West Ottawa is how quickly you can escape the city. Whether you’re in Stittsville, Kanata, or Barrhaven, you’re within striking distance of some of Ontario and Quebec’s best summer destinations. Load up the car and hit the road.
1. Calabogie Peaks (45 Minutes)
Head west on Highway 17 and cut south toward Calabogie for a day of hiking, zip-lining, or paddling on Calabogie Lake. The drive through the Ottawa Valley is scenic on its own, and the resort area has something for every age. Great option when you want an adventure without a long haul.
2. Parc Omega, Montebello (1 Hour)
Cross into Quebec and drive through this safari-style wildlife park where elk, bison, and wolves roam freely. Kids love feeding the deer from the car window. Pack a lunch and make a full day of it. The route along Highway 148 follows the Ottawa River and is one of the prettiest drives in the region.
3. Bonnechere Caves, Eganville (1.5 Hours)
Deep in the Ottawa Valley, these caves offer a unique geological experience. Guided tours run all summer, and the surrounding area has great picnic spots and swimming holes. The drive up Highway 17 through Arnprior and Renfrew gives you a taste of small-town Valley life.
4. Perth and Lanark County (1 Hour)
Perth is one of Ontario’s best-kept small towns. Browse the independent shops along Gore Street, grab lunch at a local café, and cool off at Perth Basin. The surrounding Lanark County countryside is perfect for a lazy summer drive with the windows down.
5. Rideau Canal to Kingston (2.5 Hours)
Follow the historic Rideau Canal south through Smiths Falls and Westport to Kingston. Stop at locks along the way, swim at one of the canal-side beaches, or detour to Frontenac Provincial Park for a hike. This is the kind of road trip that rewards you for taking the slow route.
6. Mont-Tremblant, Quebec (2 Hours)
The pedestrian village at Tremblant is just as lively in summer as it is in winter. Gondola rides, mountain biking, beach swimming at Lac Tremblant, and dozens of restaurants make it a solid overnight or long day trip. Take Highway 50 through Gatineau for the fastest route.
7. Sandbanks Provincial Park (3 Hours)
Worth every minute of the drive. Sandbanks has some of the best freshwater beaches in the world, with soft sand dunes and shallow, warm water perfect for families. Book your day-use pass early in the season because they sell out fast on summer weekends.
Get Road Trip Ready at Orr Motors
Before any summer road trip, make sure your vehicle is up to the task. At Orr Motors, we can help you find a reliable used car, truck, or SUV that’s ready for Ottawa Valley adventures and beyond. Visit us at 6230 Hazeldean Road in Stittsville or browse our inventory online. Call (613) 836-3333 to book a test drive.