Liam SmithWelcome to the scenic drive from Toronto to Ottawa! Along this route, you’ll come across some pretty charming stops that offer way more than just a quick rest.
Each stop is a great chance not just to take a breather but to dive into the vibrant local culture and meet some really friendly folks. And don’t forget the parks and trails you’ll find along the way—they’re perfect for a short hike or a calming walk.
It’s like a mini-vacation right on your route. Whether you’re exploring historic sites or tasting local goodies, each stop between Toronto and Ottawa adds something special to your road trip.
- How to Get to Ottawa from Toronto
- What is the distance between Toronto and Ottawa?
- What to See between Drive Stops from Toronto to Ottawa
- Where to Dine between Drive Stops from Toronto to Ottawa
- Where to Stay between Toronto to Ottawa
- FAQs about Toronto to Ottawa Drive
How to Get to Ottawa from Toronto
The most direct route to get to Ottawa from Toronto is to take Highway 401 eastbound, ideal for a straightforward and efficient journey.
Alternatively, you can opt for Highway 407 to bypass some city traffic, then connect to Highway 7 for a more scenic route. If you prefer a drive with beautiful views along the way, consider County Road 2, which travels closer to Lake Ontario.
What is the distance between Toronto and Ottawa?
The distance between Toronto and Ottawa is approximately 450 kilometres. It’s a journey that often takes around four to five hours by car, depending on traffic and how often you stop along the way.
What to See between Drive Stops from Toronto to Ottawa
Highway 401
Royal Ontario Museum
– Media credit: romtoronto
Address: 100 Queens Park
Phone: +1 416 586 8000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost: $26 to $30.50
The ROM is an absolute must-see, especially if you’re a fan of natural history and world cultures. It’s one of the largest museums in North America, boasting a collection that spans everything from dinosaur fossils to ancient Egyptian artefacts.
The diverse galleries are perfect for both kids and adults, making it an educational stop for the whole family. When visiting, you can expect to explore sections like the Bat Cave, the CIBC Discovery Gallery, where kids can interact with exhibits.
The museum also hosts numerous family-friendly programs, including guided tours and hands-on activities that keep little ones engaged.
Cobourg Beach
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Address: 138 Division St. Cobourg
Phone: +1 888 262 6874
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 11 PM
Website: N/A
Cobourg Beach is an incredible stop to stretch your legs and soak in some sun along your journey. Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, this beach is renowned for its clean, soft sands and clear waters.
It’s an excellent spot for a picnic or just to relax by the waves. Even better, it’s family-friendly, with a spacious playground and splash pad for the kids, making it a hit among families.
Beyond that, you can expect to find amenities like picnic areas, public restrooms, and change facilities. There’s also a charming boardwalk that’s perfect for a scenic stroll, offering lovely views of the lake.
Belleville Riverfront Trail
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Belleville’s Riverfront Trail runs along the Moira River, offering paved pathways ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. It’s a wonderful place to experience a bit of tranquillity, with numerous benches where you can take a moment and enjoy the view.
You’ll also find convenient facilities along the trail, such as restrooms and water fountains. Moreover, the trail provides access to some charming spots, such as the Belleville Farmers’ Market, where you can pick up fresh, local produce.
The riverfront trail also intersects with various historical points of interest, including plaques and markers that tell the story of Belleville’s rich heritage.
Kingston (Halfway Point)
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Kingston serves as the ideal halfway point between Toronto and Ottawa. Rich in history, this historic downtown area is a good place to start, with its beautiful limestone buildings and numerous shops and restaurants.
Fort Henry gives you a glimpse into Kingston’s military past, with daily tours and reenactments that are quite engaging. While in Kingston, take a stroll through Queen’s University; its historic campus is both picturesque and full of Canada’s academic history.
For those interested in marine life, the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes provides exhibits and even some retired ships you can board. During the summer, the Kingston Farmers Market in Springer Market Square offers local produce, crafts, and more.
Thousand Islands National Park
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Address: 1121 Thousand Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown Landing
Phone: +1 613 923 5261
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Cost: Free admission for ages 17 and under (Other fees are available here)
Thousand Islands National Park provides a variety of outdoor activities that cater to different interests and ages. You can indulge in kayaking, paddleboarding, or take a scenic boat tour to marvel at the numerous islands dotted along the river.
The park’s hiking trails range from easy walks to more challenging treks, making it accessible for everyone. While you’re there, don’t miss the interpretive programs and guided tours that offer insights into the park’s diverse ecosystems and rich history.
If you’re planning an extended visit, consider staying overnight in one of the park’s oTENTik accommodations or campgrounds. Additionally, Thousand Islands National Park is rich in cultural heritage, so you can explore historic sites and landmarks here.
Highway 407 & 7
Toronto Zoo
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Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd., Toronto
Phone: +1 416 392 5900
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Cost: $33 to $44 per person
The Toronto Zoo, spanning over 710 acres, is a great spot to visit if you want to break up the journey. It houses over 5,000 animals representing more than 450 species, making it one of the largest and most diverse zoos in the world.
Here, you’ll be exploring through the African Savanna exhibit, where you can see giraffes, lions, zebras, and more. You’ll also come across the Tundra Trek to meet polar bears and Arctic wolves, as well as the Great Barrier Reef exhibits.
For kids, there are plenty of hands-on activities, such as the Discovery Zone, where they can interact with smaller animals. Dining options are abundant within the zoo, as well as picnic areas if you’ve brought your own food.
Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park
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Address: 3667 Concession Rd. 6, Orono
Phone: +1 905 983 5016
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- Adult – $20
- Teens/Seniors – $15
- Children – $10
- Ages 3 and under – Free
Group rates:
- Adult – $16
- Teens/Seniors – $12
- Children – $8
Nestled near Orono, Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park offers a more intimate setting where you can get up close and personal with a variety of exotic animals. It’s home to lions, tigers, lemurs, and wolves, among others.
One of the standout features here is the Close Encounters program, which allows the kids to feed and interact with some of the animals safely. Amenities are well thought out here, with picnic areas and a small café providing options for a quick bite.
If you’re really taken by the place, there’s even a bed and breakfast on-site, allowing you to extend your stay and enjoy more of what the park has to offer.
Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site
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Address: 220 Hunter Street East, Peterborough
Phone: +1 705 750 4953
The Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site is a marvel of engineering and a fascinating historical landmark. Located along the Trent-Severn Waterway, this lift lock was constructed in 1904 and remains one of the tallest hydraulic lift locks in the world.
When you visit, you can either take a boat tour through the lock or observe from the visitor centre, which offers detailed exhibits about the history and mechanics of the lock. Interpretive panels and guided tours add layers of information that enrich your visit.
What’s more, there’s a lovely park area surrounding the lock where kids can play and families can have a picnic. Accessibility is a key focus here, with ramps and elevators making it easy for everyone to explore the site.
Bowmanville Valley Conservation Area
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Address: Hampton, ON
Phone: +1 905 623 3379
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Website: N/A
Bowmanville Valley Conservation Area offers a wonderful array of hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness. Here, you’ll be walking through serene woodlands and near picturesque creeks, making it a refreshing break from the drive.
Besides the trails, the Bowmanville Valley Conservation Area offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly in Bowmanville Creek, which is known for its trout.
You might even come across the fish ladder, a fascinating structure that helps fish navigate their way upstream. For those interested in picnicking, there are plenty of well-maintained picnic spots in the area.
County Road 2
Cameco Capitol Arts Centre
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Address: 20 Queen St., Port Hope
Phone: +1 905 885 1071
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 2 PM
Cameco Capitol Arts Centre is a must-visit, offering a beautifully restored 1930s atmosphere that brings a unique charm to any road trip. This historic venue hosts a wide array of live performances, including plays, concerts, and film screenings.
It’s a non-profit organisation, so your visit supports the arts and contributes to the community. Before you go, check their schedule online to see what’s playing.
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
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Address: 328 Presqu’ile Pkwy, Brighton
Phone: +1 613 475 4324
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM
Presqu’ile Provincial Park is a paradise for bird watchers, thanks to its rich diversity of wildlife, especially bird species. You’ll also find a variety of trails here suitable for hiking, biking, and even cross-country skiing in the winter months.
The park features a beautiful beach where you can relax, swim, or have a picnic. There are also historic sites within the park, like the lighthouse and its associated museum, which are educational and intriguing.
By the way, they offer numerous programs throughout the year, including guided walks and educational talks.
Prince Edward County
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Prince Edward County is renowned for its wineries, and touring a few of them can turn a regular road trip into a delightful culinary experience. Besides wine, the area is known for its local produce, so you’ll definitely want to check out some of the farm markets.
For art enthusiasts, make sure to visit the many galleries and studios that feature local artists’ work. Prince Edward County is also home to Sandbanks Provincial Park, where you can enjoy a hike or simply relax on the sandy beach.
Boldt Castle
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Address: 1 Heart Island, Alexandria Bay
Phone: +1 315 482 9724
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Cost:
- Adult (Ages 13 and above) – $13
- Child (Ages 5 to 12) – $9
- Infant (Ages 4 and under) – Free
Accessible by boat, touring Boldt Castle is like stepping back into a fairy tale with its grand rooms, towers, and beautiful gardens. Don’t miss the yacht house, where you’ll find an impressive collection of vintage boats.
By the way, they offer guided tours that provide comprehensive insights into the love story behind the castle’s construction and its subsequent restoration. Conveniently, there’s an on-site cafe where you can grab a bite while exploring the grounds.
Where to Dine between Drive Stops from Toronto to Ottawa
The Big Apple
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Address: 262 Orchard Rd, Colborne, ON
Phone: +1 905 355 2574
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 8 PM
Good to know: Great for families
The Big Apple is not just a place to eat; it’s also kind of like a grocery store! Now, for a delicious and quick bite, you can aim for their freshly baked pies, apple bread, loafs, apple dumplings, macaroons, and more.
You shouldn’t also miss their famous apple cider, fresh apple juice, and other maple and apple-inspired treats. Make sure to explore their seasonal offerings and farm market for special treats you might not find elsewhere.
Cucina Urbana Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
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Address: 165 Division St #201, Cobourg
Phone: +1 905 377 9100
Pricing: $$-$$$
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Good to know: Great for fine dining or special occasions
Cucina Urbana Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar specialises in authentic Italian cuisine, featuring handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine list.
Other than these, you can also aim for their mains like fillet steak frite, veal fontina, grilled striploin, pesto-baked salmon, chicken parmigiana, and more.
By the way, they offer a selection of dishes for kids, like mac n’ cheese, penne pasta, cheese pizza, and chicken fingers and fries.
Flame + Smith
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Address: 106 Bloomfield Main St, Prince Edward
Phone: +1 613 393 1006
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday, Thursday to Sunday – 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Good to know: Ideal for both groups and intimate gatherings
Flame + Smith offers a unique dining experience with its farm-to-table approach, featuring locally sourced ingredients. This includes their wood-fired steaks, pork belly, lamb kebab, and fresh seafood.
Speaking of seafood, they do offer a seafood platter that features oysters, snow crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, salmon, and more. And make sure you try one (or maybe two) of their wine and cocktail offerings, which perfectly complement any meal.
North Folk Cafe
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Address: 1 Gore St W, Perth
Phone: +1 613 201 3139
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Good to know: Ideal for coffee lovers or for light meals
North Folk Cafe is great for a cosy meal, offering a variety of coffee and tea options. Here, expect some classic ones like espresso, Americano, macchiato, cappuccino, and flat white.
Their menu features artisanal sandwiches, like classic grilled cheese, turkey pesto, roasted chicken sandwich, and more, along with a soup of the day. Moreover, they also offer afternoon tea, so if you’re into that, give it a go.
Where to Stay between Toronto to Ottawa
Hampton Inn by Hilton Kingston
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Address: 125 Innovation Dr, Kingston
Phone: +1 613 766 1122
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Check in – 3 PM
- Check out – 11 AM
For a great place to stay, the Hampton Inn by Hilton Kingston is super reliable. They’ve got comfy beds, a free hot breakfast to jumpstart your day, and an indoor pool for a bit of relaxation.
They offer free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre too, which might come in handy if you want to keep up your routine on the road. Just a heads-up: they are pretty close to local attractions, so it’s easy to explore Kingston if you want to stretch your legs a bit.
Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront
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Address: 1 Johnson St, Kingston
Phone: +1 613 549 8100
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check in – 3 PM
- Check out – 12 PM
Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront is a solid pick if you’re making a stop on your Toronto to Ottawa drive. Expect well-equipped rooms with amazing water views, an on-site restaurant offering tasty meals, and a fitness centre.
What’s more, they provide free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and have an indoor rooftop pool to unwind in. It’s right near downtown, so it’s super easy to check out the shops and eateries around.
Best Western Plus Belleville
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Address: 387 N Front St, Belleville
Phone: +1 613 969 1112
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Check in – 3 PM
- Check out – 11 AM
The Best Western Plus Belleville is a convenient stop with everything you need for a comfortable night’s rest. Plus, it’s situated near a shopping centre and some good dining spots, so you won’t run out of options.
Now, the hotel has spacious rooms, a complimentary breakfast buffet, and an indoor pool. They also offer free Wi-Fi and parking, which is great if you’re road-tripping.
The Woodview Inn
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Address: 250 King St W, Gananoque
Phone: +1 844 382 1110
Pricing: $-$$
Operating hours:
- Check in – 3 PM
- Check out – 11 AM
If you’re looking for a more elegant B&B experience on your Toronto to Ottawa drive, The Woodview Inn in Gananoque is a gem. They have beautifully decorated rooms, a renowned on-site French restaurant, and personalised service that’s hard to beat.
Given its location, it’s also a great spot if you want to explore the Thousand Islands area briefly.
