Ultimate canoe-inspired Ontario road trip

Stop 1: Toronto

Start your journey in Toronto, one of the world’s most multicultural cities, with easy connections by air, rail and road for travellers. On the shores of Lake Ontario, this vibrant city features natural oases along the waterfront, minutes from downtown.

Activities

Harbourfront Canoe and Kayak Centre

You’ll be amazed at the paddling experiences available in the heart of downtown Toronto. Sign up for a canoe lesson and practice your strokes while you take in spectacular views from the waters of Lake Ontario. Cross to the Toronto islands on a tour and marvel at the city skyline.

Location: 283 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto

Food and drink

Canoe Restaurant

Located high in the downtown TD Tower, Canoe Restaurant is famous for its sweeping views of Lake Ontario and the iconic CN Tower. Wood and moss-inspired decor speaks of the Canadian wilderness, while chef Ron McKinlay creates exquisite meals that celebrate local and seasonal fare. Reservations are encouraged.

Location: 66 Wellington Street West, 54th Floor, Toronto

Accommodations

Westin Harbour Castle

Perched on the edge of Toronto’s harbour, the Westin Harbour Castle offers both the energy of the downtown core and the relaxed charm of the waterfront. Accessible to public transit, this hotel also offers easy access to watercraft rentals along the harbourfront, and it’s just a five-minute stroll to the ferry docks for the Toronto Islands.

Location: 1 Harbour Square, Toronto

Novotel Toronto Centre

The newly renovated Novotel is tucked in the downtown St. Lawrence neighbourhood near the world-famous market of the same name. It’s a great base for exploring the city. Grab a drink in the stylish lobby bar, relax in modern rooms, or go for a wander along the nearby waterfront.

Location:45 The Esplanade, Toronto

Union Hotel

Trendy and stylish, the Union Hotel is a boutique property located in the heart of the financial district, just steps away from the transportation hub of Union Station. The hotel’s exterior features a mural by local artist Emily Mae Rose, depicting the city's unofficial mascot—the raccoon. 

Location: 60 York Street, Toronto

Stop 2: Peterborough

Approx. distance and drive time to Peterborough: 140 kilometres,1.5 hours

Toronto’s bustling metropolitan area gives way to quiet countryside as you drive 140 kilometres east to Peterborough. This picturesque community features diverse dining opportunities and abundant green space. The city is also surrounded by water, including a portion of the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, contributing to its longstanding place at the heart of Canadian canoe trip culture.

Activities

Canadian Canoe Museum

Well over a century ago, some of Canada’s first commercial canoe manufacturers established themselves in the Peterborough area.

The status as the “birthplace of the modern canoe” makes the city a logical choice for the incredible Canadian Canoe Museum and a worthy stop on any Ontario road trip. This brand-new, $40 million facility is the world’s largest collection of paddle watercraft, home to over 600 canoes and kayaks—each with a story to tell. Learn about the Indigenous heritage of canoes with interactive exhibits and sign up for workshops to build paddles and other traditional crafts. Visit the Silver Bean Cafe for on-site dining with fantastic sandwiches and water views for a distinctive cottage vibe.

Plan on spending a few hours at the Canadian Canoe Museum: you’ll need the time to tour the exhibits and get out on the water. Rent a canoe and go paddling from the museum on the Otonabee River or sign up for a group tour in a big Voyageur canoe.

Location: 2077 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough

Peterborough Musicfest

Canada’s longest-running free concert series is hosted at Del Crary Park, on the waterfront of Little Lake in downtown Peterborough. Catch some great Canadian music as new and established artists take to the outdoor stage.

Location: 100 George Street North, Peterborough

Food and drink

Canoe Co. Cafe

Starbucks has set up shop in the former factory of the Peterborough Canoe Company, which manufactured iconic wooden Canadian canoes from 1892 to 1961. Grab a gelato on your way to Elmhirst’s Resort.

Location: 290 Water Street, Peterborough

The Canoe & Paddle

The quaint town of Lakefield, about 15 kilometres north of Peterborough, also has a rich canoe-building history dating back to 1858. The Canoe & Paddle is a gastropub serving British-style fare and Ontario craft beers, with a name that builds on the community’s paddling legacy.

Location: 18 Bridge Street, Lakefield

Accommodations

Elmhirst’s Resort

Stay at Elmhirst’s Resort on stunning Rice Lake, just 25 kilometres southeast of Peterborough. Comfortable waterfront cottages feature private docks and amenities like fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and more.

Enjoy paddling on the lake and book spa treatments for a truly pampered experience. The resort also features Feast On certified dining and a specially curated all-Ontario wine list.

Location: 1045 Settlers Line, Keene

Stop 3: Barry’s Bay

Approx. distance and drive time to Barry’s Bay: 175 kilometres, 2 hours

Take scenic Highways 28 and 62 into the classic Canadian Shield landscapes of rock, lake and pines through Ontario’s Kawartha region to reach your next road trip stop of Barry’s Bay on the Madawaska River.

Set aside at least three hours to make the 175-kilometre drive as there are plenty of good roadside stops along the way, including Silent Lake Provincial Park, featuring 19 kilometres of hiking trails and a crystalline expanse of water to take a dip. This region is a popular area for launching a multiday Canadian canoe trip.

Activities

Madawaska Kanu Centre

The Madawaska River is Canada’s preeminent whitewater paddling training ground, with ideal conditions for first-time moving water canoeists and experts alike.

Madawaska Kanu Centre has offered whitewater canoe and kayak instruction and guided raft trips from a gorgeous wilderness resort near Barry’s Bay since 1972. Sign up for a weekend introduction to whitewater canoeing or register for a beginner-friendly raft day trip.

Location: 247 River Road, Barry’s Bay

Waaseyaa Cultural Tours

The canoe originated as an Indigenous watercraft. Sign up for a two-hour walking tour with Indigenous knowledge keepers from Waaseyaa Cultural Tours to learn more about the organic materials that go into a traditional birchbark canoe. You’ll also visit traditional canoe-building sites on the outskirts of the town of Whitney.

This fascinating tour will leave you awe-struck and deeply appreciative of the ingenuity and land-based knowledge that went into the canoe’s development and how canoes play a central cultural role in Indigenous communities.   

Location: Highway 60, Whitney

Food and drink

Wilno Tavern

Located 10 kilometres north of Barry’s Bay on Highway 60, the small community of Wilno is home to the iconic Wilno Tavern.

This century-old establishment serves authentic Polish cuisine and hosts live music, including famous Tuesday night blues jam sessions. The vibe is always casual, family-friendly and extremely fun. 

Location: 17589 Highway 60, Wilno

Madawaska Coffee Co. Cafe

Sip a locally roasted cup of coffee at the Madawaska Coffee Co. Cafe in downtown Barry’s Bay, founded by a couple of paddlers. With 11 distinctive roasts plus seasonal specials, there’s a flavour for all coffee lovers.

Location: 19578 Opeongo Line, Barry’s Bay

Accommodations

Madawaska Kanu Centre

Fun water activities are complemented by comfortable accommodation options, including lodge rooms, off-grid cabanas and glamping. A yoga space and a traditional European-style sauna are also available for guests. MKC is a member of Feast On and serves healthy meals with a focus on Ontario ingredients. The on-site cafe serves locally roasted coffee.

Location: 247 River Road, Barry’s Bay

Stop 4: Ottawa Valley

Approx. distance and drive time to Beachburg: 90 kilometres, 1 hour

It’s a 90-kilometre drive through rolling, lake-dotted Ottawa Valley countryside to your next stop—the small communities of Foresters Falls and Beachburg on the Ottawa River.

Dense woods give way to farmlands along this effortless drive. Stately white pines signal your arrival at Ontario’s mightiest river. It’s always impressive to behold this historic waterway pulsing through rocky corridors, and you’ll have intimate encounters with the river’s power at this exciting overnight stop.

Activities

OWL Rafting

OWL Rafting has a long history of offering thrilling whitewater adventures for all levels of paddlers on the Ottawa River.

Experience world-class whitewater rafting on one of Canada’s most scenic and historic rivers. Guided day trip—low-, medium- and high-intensity options are available for individuals, couples and families. You’ll navigate the warm, frothy waters of rapids that once challenged the hearty voyageurs of the Canadian fur trade and log-driving lumberjacks, rafting in the safe company of expert guides.

Packages include riverside barbecue lunches or dinners, with accommodations available at OWL’s waterfront resort—including cabins, cabanas, a café and on-site activities like beach volleyball, a swimming beach, a fire pit and a sauna.

Location: 40 Owl Lane, Foresters Falls

Food and drink

Whitewater Brewing

Wrapping up a day on the water with a cold beer is a Canadian paddling tradition.

Whitewater Brewing is a beloved Ottawa Valley craft brewer with deep local roots. Visit the Riverside Brew Pub with views of the Ottawa River in Foresters Falls and sip ice-cold, freshly brewed beverages, such as the Class V English IPA or Farmer’s Daughter blonde ale. Homemade pizza, al fresco dining and live music round out a relaxing experience.

Location: 503 Rafting Road, Foresters Falls   

Accommodations

Whitewater Inn

Each room at the Whitewater Inn is named after the rapids of the Ottawa River, making it an apt choice for paddlers and history buffs.

Located in the small village of Beachburg, suites feature a private ensuite bath, air conditioning and a self-catered continental breakfast. In particular, the Iron Ring suite has all the comforts of home with a king-sized bed, pull-out couch, sitting area, kitchenette and a two-person jacuzzi tub. An apartment unit with a full kitchen, perfect for small families, is also available. Book a five-course dinner to make your stay complete.

Location: 1739 Beachburg Road, Beachburg

Stop 5: Ottawa

Approx. distance and drive time to Ottawa: 125 kilometres, 1.5 hours

It’s a 125-kilometre drive from Canada’s Whitewater Capital to Ottawa, the final stop on this canoe-inspired Ontario road trip itinerary.

You’ll pass small towns and growing suburbs along the way to the hip, multicultural metropolis and historic Parliament Hill. Canada's capital city is known for its distinct, friendly vibe and is a great place to wet your paddle.

Activities

Paddling at Dow’s Lake Pavilion

The Rideau Canal is famous for its winter skateway, and in summer, you can paddle this historic canal at Dow’s Lake Pavilion. Canoe, kayak and standup paddleboard rentals are available from May to October, allowing you to get out on the water in the heart of the city.

Location: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa

Urban Ocean SUP

Urban Ocean offers standup paddleboard rentals, instruction and tours throughout the Ottawa area.

This mobile company delivers to the city’s most popular paddling destinations, including the downtown waterfront, so you can paddle with views of Parliament Hill. Instructional courses are available for all levels, as well as SUP tours—including a unique night paddle option.

Location: 173 Guelph Private, Kanata

Le Boat Houseboat

Le Boat rents houseboat accommodations on the Rideau River from its base at the Dow’s Lake Pavilion. Be the captain of your own houseboat on a 202-kilometre waterway consisting of a string of lakes between Ottawa and Kingston. Various live-aboard vessels are available, from budget to luxury, with onboard washrooms, cooking facilities and comfortable beds.

Location: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa

Canadian Museum of Nature

Ottawa is a can't-miss destination if you love visiting museums. Check out the Canadian Museum of Nature for a closer look at Canada’s diverse tapestry of natural landscapes, flora and fauna—and get inspired by all the natural spectacles to see on your next voyage by canoe.

Location: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa

Food and drink

ByWard Market

The trendy ByWard Market district in downtown Ottawa offers a range of dining options to suit all tastes.

For starters, check out SIDEDOOR for an authentic taste of Southeast Asian street food, and The Aulde Dubliner & Pour House is a classic old-world style pub. You’ll also find many farmers’ market stalls selling uniquely Canadian products, including maple syrup, meats and cheeses.

Location: York Street and Dalhousie Street, Ottawa

Accommodations

Lord Elgin

Locally owned and operated for more than 80 years, the Lord Elgin Hotel is an Ottawa landmark with a prime downtown location. It’s just steps from Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the National Arts Centre and many of the capital’s top attractions.

Location: 100 Elgin Street, Ottawa

Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market

Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market offers a contemporary stay in one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Located just steps from the shops and restaurants of the ByWard Market, this boutique hotel also boasts Ottawa’s highest rooftop lounge.

Location: 325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa

Getting here and around

By air

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is about 30 kilometres northwest of the city centre. There are car rental options in Terminal 1, or you can travel downtown by UP Express, transit, taxi, Uber or Lyft.

The Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is located about 20 minutes from downtown, with convenient transportation by bus and airport shuttle, as well as car rentals and a new direct train service from the airport to South Keys station, with easy transfers from to the city centre.

By land

Make sure you have all the required documents to cross the border into Canada.

Regional entry points include Sarnia, Windsor and Fort Erie for access to Toronto, and the Thousand Islands Bridge for Ottawa.

Check border wait times and research other entry points.

Getting around

Having access to a private vehicle is a must to complete this Ontario road trip in its entirety.

However, Toronto has an extensive transit system, including city streetcars, subway and bus network and a regional train service with connections to Peterborough. Buy a TTC Day Pass to move around the city at your leisure.

Check out OC Transpo for bus and train public transit in Ottawa.