From the capital to The County
Combine the perfect mix of city and country on a romantic road trip for two to Ottawa, Kingston and Prince Edward County.
Ottawa | Destination Ontario
From Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, follow the Rideau Heritage Route to the city of Kingston and then chill out in Prince Edward County.
Experience unique heritage and culture, natural beauty, and great food, wine and local craft brews.
Here are some suggestions to start planning your itinerary.
Ottawa
From the stately government buildings on Parliament Hill and national museums and galleries to the historic Rideau Canal and bustling ByWard Market, discover all that Canada’s capital has to offer.
Where to stay in Ottawa
Sleek and stylish, this hotel features local art and is within walking distance of many downtown attractions.
Location: 140 Slater Street, Ottawa
A landmark, five-star historic hotel perched on the Rideau Canal with the finest touches and comforts.
Location: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa
Located in the ByWard Market district, the sweeping cityscape from the rooftop Copper Spirits and Sights cocktail bar is one of the best views of the city.
Location: 325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa
Things to do in Ottawa
Capital attractions and museums
Take a free, guided tour at the seat of Canada’s federal government which is housed in striking Gothic revival-style historic buildings.
Location: Wellington Street, Ottawa
Visit the famous Tent Room and magnificent gardens at the residence of Canada’s Governor General.
Location: 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Ottawa serves up Canadian culture in a big way, with seven of Canada’s top national museums. These are:
The National Gallery of Canada
Location: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Canadian Museum of History
Location: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Location: 1867 St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
Location: 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Location: 901 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa
Canadian Museum of Nature
Location: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa
Canadian War Museum
Location: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa
Shopping
Hunt down the best bargains and treasures in Canada’s capital using this Ottawa Shopping Guide, from the Rideau Shopping Centre to trendy retail neighbourhoods like Hintonburg and Wellington West.
Food and drink tours
Explore Ottawa’s culinary landscape with a local. C’est Bon Cooking offers a variety of guided sweet and savoury gourmet food and drink tours, while Brew Donkey Tours leads curated "adult field trips" to some of Ottawa’s best craft breweries.
Boat and bicycle tours
Travel along Ottawa’s famous waterways, the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal and then explore the city by bike with Ottawa Boat Cruise and Escape Bicycle Tours.
Locations:
Ottawa Boat Cruise: 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals: 65 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Experience an epic outdoor adventure in the heart of the city on a river rafting expedition.
Location: 102 Greenview Avenue, Ottawa
Events and celebrations
Canadian Tulip Festival, May 10-20, 2024
See the world’s largest tulip festival with over a million in bloom tulips.
Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, June 21-23, 2024
Honour Indigenous culture and heritage in Canada aligning with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.
Canada Day, July 1, 2024
Ottawa is the epicentre of Canada’s largest party. Dress in red and white and join the celebration from LeBreton Flats Park which includes activities, shows and fireworks.
Ottawa International Buskerfest, August 2-5, 2024
Watch talented and entertaining street performers including acrobats, dancers, daredevils and comedians.
Capital Pride, August 23-25, 2024
Celebrate Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQI+ community.
Where to eat and drink in Ottawa
From early morning coffee to late night cocktails, the ByWard Market is always bustling with activity. Spanning several city blocks, it’s home to cafés, bakeries, boutiques, restaurants, lively pubs and cocktail bars as well as unique shopping opportunities.
Don’t miss the famous BeaverTails or pause for a refined tea break at Joy on Sussex. And if you’re looking for an upscale lounge, check out The Albion Rooms.
Location: ByWard Market, Ottawa
Book a table at Wilfrid’s for a relaxed weekend brunch overlooking the Rideau Locks and Parliament buildings. Located in the historical Chateau Laurier, its regional menu changes weekly.
Location: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa
Dining at Atelier is a bucket list experience for foodies. The unique 44-course tasting menu and wine pairing lasts approximately four hours and is an adventure for your taste buds.
Location: 540 Rochester Street, Ottawa
A contemporary Canadian dining experience that’s garnered a lot of buzz. Located in a former bank, the ambience is on point and their everchanging menu is consistently delicious.
Location: 62 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Kingston
Approximate distance and time: 125 miles (200 kilometres), 2 hours
The Rideau Heritage Route connects Ottawa to Kingston and the St. Lawrence River alongside the Rideau Canal, through some of Eastern Ontario’s prettiest small towns and communities.
Home to Ontario’s oldest public market and Canada’s hippest live music scene, Kingston is a walkable city, with historic sites, amazing craft beer and antique markets tucked away in hidden alleyways.
Where to stay in Kingston
This former bank is now a luxury hotel that has retained its historic charm.
Location: 225 King Street East, Kingston
There’s a timeless elegance to this intimate, boutique hotel in a beautifully restored Victorian building.
Location: 46 Sydenham Street, Kingston
Enjoy the views of Lake Ontario at this convenient waterfront hotel.
Location: 7 Earl Street, Kingston
A quaint bed-and-breakfast-style property that’s full of character located close to downtown.
Location: 24 Sydenham Street, Kingston
Things to do in Kingston
Touring and sightseeing
Fort Henry National Historic Site
Fort Henry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside of Kingston by the mouth of the Cataraqui River. Witness 19th-century military life with guided tours, musical performances and military demonstrations offered by the Fort Henry Guard.
Location: 1 Fort Henry Drive, Kingston
Tour one of Canada’s oldest and most notorious jails, which stopped operating in 2013.
Location: 560 King Street West, Kingston
Explore the city with a hop-on-hop-off Trolley Tour, a flexible and fun way to tour historic sights and unique attractions.
Location: 248 Ontario Street, Kingston
Enjoy the views and a meal on a brunch, lunch or sunset dinner cruise along the St. Lawrence River. Famous for 1000 Island salad dressing, the 1000 Islands actually consists of 1864 islands of various sizes.
Location: 248 Ontario Street, Kingston
Creative Kingston Walking Tours
Discover a rich creative arts community on film, music and literary-focused walking tours available in both English and French.
Explore the flavours of Canada’s original capital city on a guided walking tour through the historic downtown.
Book a guided kayak tour over clear, shallow waters where shipwrecks are visible.
Location: 209 Ontario Street, Kingston
Shopping
Kingston’s oldest market in the historic downtown sells fresh products from local producers and unique finds from artisans.
Location: 216 Ontario Street, Kingston
Shop for antiques, vintage finds and a wide assortment of collectibles or original and printed artwork at Martello Alley.
Locations: 207-B and 203-B Wellington Street, Kingston
Where to eat and drink in Kingston
Whether you’re looking for an early breakfast or lazy brunch, the patio at Pan Chancho is the place to be.
Location: 44 Princess Street, Kingston
Delicious options include plant-based and gluten-free soups, salads and pasta.
Location: 71 Brock Street, Kingston
Located in Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront, enjoy waterfront dining with sensational views indoors or on the patio.
Location: 1 Johnson Street, Kingston
A family-run business specializing in traditional and contemporary Italian food. Ingredients come from local producers.
Location: 39 Brock Street, Kingston
Kingston is home to eight top-notch breweries and a cidery.
Prince Edward County
Approximate distance and time: 60 miles (95 kilometres), 1 hour
Located in the northeast end of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County or “The County” as it’s known by locals, has a long and rich farming tradition. With the introduction of grape growing in the region, the last few decades have seen The County grow into one of Ontario’s most popular destinations for wine, food, the arts and lakefront views.
Where to stay in Prince Edward County
Experience peace and tranquility at this modern beachfront property overlooking West Lake in Prince Edward County.
Location: 15841 Loyalist Parkway, Bloomfield
Victorian heritage boutique hotel with fine dining French cuisine restaurant, extensive wine cellar, cocktail parlour, onsite sauna and a Natural History Exhibit.
Location: 343 Main Street East, Picton
Located in a restored historic building, The Royal was included in Condé Nast's list of best new hotels last year.
Location: 247 Picton Main Street, Picton
Located on the water in Wellington, the Lakeside is a stylish hotel with an onsite restaurant, bar, patio and pool.
Location: 349 Main Street, Wellington
A hip, all-season boutique retreat steps from the shore of Lake Ontario.
Location: 24 Wharf Street, Wellington
Things to do in Prince Edward County
Winery tours and tastings
Prince Edward County is home to over 35 wineries that offer everything from wine tasting and tours to fine dining, culinary classes and more.
Don’t miss the sparkling wines at Hinterland Wine Company, Chardonnay at Closson Chase, Reisling at Sugarbush Vineyards and Baco Noir or cider at Waupoos Estates, Prince Edward County’s original winery.
Explore Prince Edward County’s backcountry roads to wineries and more by bike. County Bike Rentals provide bicycle rentals, helmets, locks and route suggestions, as well as free delivery and pick-up.
Nature and outdoors
From beaches and sand dunes to forests and trails, summer is a great season to explore the parks and outdoor spaces in The County. Sandbanks is a popular spot so plan a weekday visit. Make sure to book your park pass in advance as passes do sell out.
Location: 3004 County Road, Picton
As its name suggests, this is an elevated body of fresh water with a mysterious water source. The park offers great views of the Bay of Quinte, where you can watch the Glenora Ferry cruising back and forth across the bay to Adolphustown.
Location: 296 County Road 7, Picton
Art and culture
Artists, artisans and creators have gravitated towards Prince Edward County for decades resulting in a flourishing arts community with amazing galleries and studios. Notable favourites include the Oeno Gallery at Huff Estates Winery, Mad Dog Gallery and Armstrong Glassworks.
Locations:
Oeno Gallery, 2274 Prince Edward County Road 1, Bloomfield
Mad Dog Gallery, 525 County Road 11, Picton
Armstrong Glassworks, 326 2 Avenue, Wellington
Architecture buffs and culture lovers will appreciate the restored Edwardian-style opera house built in 1918 that continues to host live performances and film events.
Location: 224 Main Street, Picton
Where to eat and drink in Prince Edward County
Enjoy craft beers and freshly made pub food, including wood-fired pizzas and flatbreads.
Location: 266 Wellington Main Street, Wellington
Vegan and gluten-free meal options, as well as a large selection of teas and organic beverages.
Location: 153 Main Street, Wellington
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.
Location: 298 Wellington Main Street, Wellington
With a sustainably sourced surf and turf menu, meals are cooked over an open flame for a unique culinary experience. Make sure to book a reservation in advance.
Location: 106 Bloomfield Main Street, Bloomfield
Comfort food made with fresh, foraged and seasonal ingredients.
Location: 2470 County Road 8, Waupoos
The County Cider Company
Sample some of the tastiest craft cider flavours along with some of the best lake views in The County.
Location: 657 Bongards Crossroads, Waupoos
Stop by for stunning panoramic views from atop a limestone hill and the latest selections of craft beer on tap.
Location: 181 Mowbray Road, Prince Edward County
This is the place to go for creamy homemade ice cream and milkshakes in delicious flavours.
Location: 271 Main Street, Bloomfield, Ontario
Extend your trip
As you travel eastbound towards Quebec, consider exploring the sights along the St. Lawrence River, including the communities of Gananoque and the 1000 Islands, Brockville and Cornwall and the Counties.
For more trip-planning support and help building your itinerary, connect with one of our travel counsellors.
And discover even more amazing road trip itineraries in Ontario.
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Last updated: April 29, 2024