The best approach to see and learn about more of Canada is to take a day excursion from Montreal to Ottawa. Via Rail offers public transportation that travels between Montreal and Ottawa in just over two hours each trip. Depending on the day and time of travel, the special EscapeTM cost starts at $59 CAD per adult one way. There are a limited number of seats available at these prices, so you must reserve long in advance because the standard economy fare is more than twice as expensive. You will still need to board an OTC bus to get to Parliament Hill once you arrive at the Ottawa train station in order to experience the city's top attractions.
Whether you're traveling from Ottawa in the summer or the
winter, gorgeous natural parks and treks can be the perfect way to spend the
day! This part of the province known as Eastern Ontario is one that we
particularly enjoy. The Ottawa Valley is visually stunning and serene, and the
area around it is covered in lakes and rivers. Having said that, there are
plenty of tiny communities nearby Ottawa that blend local history with culture,
so there are always places to go. There are even larger cities that provide an
alternative. There is a day trip from Ottawa to suit everyone, whether you're a
family traveling with children or seeking for a straightforward break with
friends.
Getting Around
In any season, getting around in Canada's capital is simple.
Utilize all of Ottawa's available transportation options, including the light
rail system, taxis, ride-sharing, and more! In the Ottawa-Gatineau region,
there are both public and private transportation alternatives available.
Public transport (bus and light rail)
On the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, OC Transpo runs
buses and the O-Railway, Ottawa's light rail train. You can buy tickets and day
passes with cash on the bus, with a credit card or cash at any O-Train stop, or
at some pharmacies, grocery stores, and the CF Rideau Centre. Children under
the age of seven will travel for free in 2022. (instead of the usual age of 5 or
less).
On the Quebec side of the Ottawa River, the Société de
Transport de l'Outaouais, generally known as STO, conducts business.
You can pay with cash on the bus while purchasing tickets and
day passes (Occasional Multi pass) at service stations and recharge stations at
specific pharmacies, convenience stores, and malls. Young children under five
travel for free.
Shared e-scooters
Depending on the weather, a number of businesses offer
battery-powered personal scooters from April to November. A smartphone app may
be used to hire out e-scooters that are parked all over the city. There are
limitations on things like age and bike zones.
Taxi
The taxi services in Ottawa can now be reserved in advance using their practical apps, text
messaging, or internet choices for hassle-free pickups and drops offs,
including to and from the airport.
Beautiful Day Trips from Ottawa + Directions
Diefenbunker Museum +
Carp:
The Diefenbunker Museum is one of the greatest day trips from
Ottawa, in our opinion. The Diefenbunker is the name given to the Cold War-era
bunker that is situated in the little town of Carp. In the event that nuclear
war broke out in Canada, this unique bunker was constructed to safeguard very
important Canadians (mostly government personnel). John Diefenbaker served as
Prime Minister at the time in the late 1950s, so you might now recognize the
name. This enormous underground complex has been repaired over time and
converted to a museum. You can find out all about the history of the bunker,
Canada's involvement in the Cold War, and a ton of other interesting historical
facts in this enormous time capsule.
Almonte:
Almonte is a terrific day trip from Ottawa if you want to
escape the bustle of the major city. The Mississippi River's modest historic
town, which is not the same as the one in the United States, is a charming
escape. When visiting Almonte, there are actually a surprisingly large number
of activities to do and see. Boutique stores abound in the "city
core," and you can unwind in the vicinity of a few museums, parks, and
beaches. Eric had gone to Almonte Beach, and he thought it was a nice place to
cool off in the summer. A must-do when visiting Almonte is to unwind by the
river at the neighborhood restaurant/pub, the Barley Mow.
Owl Rafting on the Ottawa
River:
Consider taking a more adventurous day excursion from Ottawa
if you're looking for a little bit of an adrenaline rush. Consider rafting down
the Ottawa River's rapids. You ought to check out Owl Rafting to accomplish
this. It's also a terrific place to go and "go outside" for the day
because it's only a small portion of the gorgeous Ottawa Valley. In case you
want to spend the night before going rafting, Owl Rafting also has camping
areas and a big "resort" section.
Calabogie:
Calabogie is a jewel of the Ottawa Valley, known for its
untamed, undulating countryside, gorgeous lake, and various paths. It should
come as no surprise that Ottawa residents like taking day trips to Calabogie
year-round. Most people associate Calabogie with Calabogie Peaks Resort. This
all-year resort offers superb skiing and snowboarding and is located at one of
the bigger mountains in Ontario. As part of the wider Manitou Mountain Trail,
the region also includes some fantastic hiking paths, such as the well-known
Eagles Nest Lookout Trail (which snakes around the same area as the Resort).
The region is also well-known for its extensive network of ATV and dirt bike
trails, and Tom Irwin Adventure Tours, a local business, will take you out and
demonstrate how to do it safely!
Kingston:
If you take a day trip to Kingston, you can easily delve into Canadian history. If this is your first time to Ontario Away, you should be aware of our minor favoritism of Kingston. Having saying that, Kingston offers a wide variety of sights and activities. Due to the material used in many of the old downtown buildings, Kingston, which once served as Canada's capital, is known as the "Limestone City." In addition to strolling along the lovely waterfront, you may visit popular sites like Fort Henry, the Kingston Penitentiary, set sail on a tour of the Thousand Islands, or take the Kingston Trolley Tour.
