Weekend getaway from Toronto · #10 of 10
Ottawa
Canada's capital packs Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, the Canadian Museum of History and ByWard Market into a walkable core. In winter the Rideau Canal becomes the world's largest skating rink.
Ottawa is a total gem: think grand Parliament towers, world-class museums, and a buzzy market where three rivers collide. It's a bit of a road trip from Toronto, but a quick overnighter delivers history, art, and French-Canadian vibes just across the bridge in Gatineau.
Getting there
Simple, cruise-control highway driving all the way. While the Highway 7 detour through Peterborough serves up prettier views, it's a slow, two-lane slog that won't save you any time.
Sit back and relax! Frequent daily trains glide from Toronto through Kingston and Smiths Falls. Once you arrive, you can easily walk to Parliament and the market, or hop on the quick O-Train.
Day 1 - Parliament Hill and ByWard Market
Grand Gothic architecture meets historic market eats- 17:30 AMDrive
Drive the 401 and 416 to Ottawa
Hit the road early! It's a straightforward highway run, but beating the morning rush means you'll roll in by lunch with a full afternoon ahead of you to start exploring.
📍 Ottawa, Ontario
Tip · Short on time? You can fly there in about an hour, which might beat the 4.5-hour highway haul if you want to skip the driving.
- 212:30 PMFood
Lunch in ByWard Market
This historic spot started as a gritty pioneer market. Today, it's a bustling feast of fresh produce stalls, global street food, and cozy local restaurants that keep the energy going all day.
📍 ByWard Market, Ottawa
Tip · You cannot leave without trying a BeaverTail! Grab one of these iconic, cinnamon-sweetened fried-dough treats from the George Street stands.
- 32:00 PMSight
Parliament Hill
Stroll the stunning Gothic-style grounds perched right over the river. Seeing the towering Peace Tower up close is the ultimate intro to the capital, and a self-guided walk lets you move at your own pace.
📍 Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Tip · If you visit in summer (late June to late August), head here around 9 AM to catch the colorful, daily Changing of the Guard ceremony on the grass.
- 43:30 PMSight
Rideau Canal locks and the National War Memorial
Wander past the grand Chateau Laurier to see the historic canal locks descend right into the river. It's a scenic UNESCO site next to Parliament, perfect for a peaceful walk.
📍 Rideau Canal Locks, Ottawa
- 54:30 PMSight
National Gallery of Canada
This striking glass-and-granite gem houses the country's ultimate collection of Canadian and Indigenous art. Don't miss the famous Group of Seven masterpieces inside.
📍 National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa
Tip · Make sure to snap a photo with Maman, the massive, iconic bronze spider sculpture standing guard right outside the entrance!
- 66:30 PMFood
Dinner back in ByWard Market
Watch the market transform as the sun sets. The daytime stalls swap out for buzzy pub patios, live music venues, and some of the best dinner spots in the capital.
📍 ByWard Market, Ottawa
- 78:30 PMStay
Overnight downtown
Nestle into a hotel near the market or Parliament. Staying right in the heart of downtown means you can walk to basically every single spot on this weekend plan.
📍 Downtown Ottawa, Ottawa
Day 2 - The canal and Gatineau
Scenic waterfront paths and a quick dash to Quebec- 89:00 AMActivity
The Rideau Canal
In winter, skate along the world's biggest outdoor rink stretching 8 km. In warmer weather, grab a bike or walk the gorgeous, paved paths flanking the water instead.
📍 Rideau Canal, Ottawa
Tip · No gear? No problem. You can rent skates directly on the frozen canal in winter, or grab a rental bike downtown when the weather is warm.
- 910:30 AMSight
Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau
Hop over the river to Quebec to explore this stunning museum. The towering totem poles in the Grand Hall are breathtaking, and the exhibits cover centuries of history.
📍 Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau
Tip · Skip the parking hassle. The local Route 8 bus runs directly from downtown Ottawa to the museum entrance, making the river crossing a breeze.
- 1012:30 PMFood
Lunch in Gatineau
Old Hull offers a lovely change of pace with its own distinct, Quebecois-flavored culinary scene. Cozy up in a local cafe or bistro for a tasty lunch.
📍 Gatineau, Quebec
Tip · Slip your ID into your pocket! You are crossing into a new province, even if there is no official border stop along the bridge.
- 112:00 PMActivity
Sparks Street stroll
Stroll this car-free street just off the Hill. It's packed with inviting cafes, cute gift shops, and the treasure-filled Astrolabe Gallery for antique-map lovers.
📍 Sparks Street, Ottawa
- 123:00 PMFood
Last look at ByWard Market
Do one final loop of the market before hitting the road. It's your last chance to stock up on local maple syrup, cute souvenirs, or one more sweet BeaverTail.
📍 ByWard Market, Ottawa
- 134:00 PMDrive
Drive back to Toronto
Point the car west back along the 416 and 401. The journey home takes about five hours, so pick a nice spot along the way to stretch your legs.
📍 Ottawa, Ontario
Where to eat
The ultimate Ottawa treat: hot, fried dough with your choice of sweet or savory toppings. Grab them in the market all year, or on the frozen canal in winter.
A lively hub of fresh farm stalls, global street food, and buzzing restaurants that shift seamlessly from daytime shopping to late-night drinks.
A quick hop across the Ottawa River lands you in Old Hull, where you'll find cozy cafes and bistros with a distinctly French-Canadian, European feel.
When to go
Gliding along the frozen canal is pure magic. Plus, if you visit in February, you'll catch Winterlude's massive snow playground and incredible ice sculptures.
Summer brings great vibes, warm weather, and the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony on the Parliament lawns. It's the liveliest time to explore downtown.
The city absolutely bursts into life in spring! Millions of colorful tulips bloom along the canal and in local parks, celebrated by the famous Tulip Festival.
Crisp air and gorgeous fall foliage make this a perfect time for museum hopping. Don't miss the stunning autumn colors reflecting off the river in nearby Gatineau.
Good to know
- Save yourself the parking headache. Once you arrive downtown, leave the car behind and navigate on foot or hop on the convenient O-Train.
- Mother Nature can be unpredictable! The winter skateway needs solid freezing temps to open, so check the ice conditions online before planning a winter getaway.
- Summer tours of the Parliament buildings sell out fast, so book your spots early. If you miss out, wandering the historic grounds outside is still spectacular.
- Transit is super simple here. The Ottawa and Gatineau bus networks honor each other's fares, making that trip across the river to the museum totally seamless.
