Ottawa Valley

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  Spring is in the air in Ontario’s Highlands – especially in the sugarbush – and we are ready to celebrate. This is the time of year when we typically head out to a sugarbush to see how syrup is made, to sample taffy, have […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  Valentine’s Day may be over but that doesn’t mean our chocolate indulgence has to end. Is there even such a thing as too much chocolate? We think not. For true chocolate lovers, every opportunity to sample a new artisanal chocolate is reason to rejoice. […]

At the beginning of this season, I got the idea to cycle one large loop of old railroad bed before the leaves turned in the fall and the snow closed in. I love setting goals on the bike; It seems like this happens on a micro and macro level constantly. This became my goal for […]

Maple syrup isn’t just for pancakes. Celebrate Canada’s iconic sweetener in all its forms in Ontario’s Highlands.

*Stay home, stay safe. This article contains experiences you can have at home or that conform with current stay-at-home orders. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but unfortunately this year brings with it new challenges.  You can’t go out to dinner, you can’t go see a movie, and many of the typical Valentine’s Day […]

Glide over fresh snow on these cross-country ski trails near you.

The ground may be covered by snow right now, but we’re dreaming of the warm weather and the camping season to come in the wild places in Ontario’s Highlands. Camping reservations have recently opened at provincial campgrounds across Ontario and if last year was any indicator spots will book up fast. You can book a […]

Explore wild places on cross country ski or snowshoe trails in Ontario’s Highlands.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  If you have been longing to cruise along snowy trails where the winter forest towers over you and the rush of the frosty wind fills your ears, this is the year to get out and explore the landscapes close to home. COVID-19 has made […]

Discover the story of Sarain Fox and her journey home to the Ontario’s Highlands, relieving memories of ice fishing and snowmobiling along the way.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  You slip and slide your way across the ice, your arms laden with fishing gear, excitement building at the thought of the unscripted day ahead. Tucked amidst your gear is a warm blanket, a thermos of something rich and delicious, and a carefully packed […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  The hill spills beneath the runners of your toboggan, plunging into a darkness made even deeper by the sparkle of snow beneath the moonlight. Your nose is cold but your mittened hands are warm, and your heart is pumping in anticipation of careening downhill […]

The holiday season is coming, and it’s the season for giving. You might be the type to start planning early, or the kind who is motivated by pressure, not even beginning your shopping until the 11th hour. Whichever you are, we’re here to help get the ideas flowing with a list of online gifts that […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  When the holiday decorations go up in December the whole world begins to shimmer with magic. Every car ride or stroll is filled with wonder as we drink in the night filled with sparkling holiday lights of all colours. For the next […]

Disconnect from the everyday with a snowmobile trip through Ontario’s Highlands.

Get into the holiday spirit this month with these mixologists and craft drink producers in Ontario’s Highlands.

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  When the days start getting shorter and the sun becomes something you crave more than chocolate, you know you are entering into the darkest months of the year. It can be easy to feel a little down and dreary at this time […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  If you’re dreaming of packing the car and setting out for a day trip to find the best foodie experiences in Ontario, we’ve got your back. Where else can you visit and sample products from craft breweries, distilleries, and cideries, cheese makers, […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  You’ve heard the word and maybe you’ve even seen Instagram pics of colourful charcuterie boards, and if you’re lucky you’ve sampled this meaty treat yourself (in case you wondered, it’s pronounced shahr-ku-tuh-ree). Charcuterie is originally a French word that literally translates to […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  If you were sad to pack away your bike for the winter, are lamenting the loss of beautiful weather for an early morning run, or regretting all the days you could have been churning through whitewater this summer but weren’t, we have […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  You nestle into a soft cocoon of blankets while curled up on the couch, the fire casting its flickering glow onto the faces of friends or family as you share comradery and conversation. You clasp a warm mug in your hands, the […]

Spend the night in historic accommodations to take yourself to way-back-when, and get into the spirit of the community you’re visiting. These inns have stories to tell of the people who lived and breathed inside their walls.

Discover quaint towns with inviting restaurants and local shops at these top destinations for day trips.

‘Tis the season – for shopping. Yes, the leaves may have barely fallen from the trees but the jack-o-lanterns will shortly be switched out for ornaments and holly and the days are numbered before the holidays are here live and in person. This year when planning your shopping to-do list, we have two words for […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  You waken to the sound of new snow drifting onto the top of your tent or cabin, landing light as a feather one snowflake at a time. The world is hushed and the air snaps with cold but you are warm and […]

Friluftsliv (free-lufts-liv): Free air life *Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  If you’re worried about being stuck indoors this winter, the Scandinavians may have the solution with this hard to pronounce and consonant-filled word: friluftsliv. Loosely translated, friluftsliv means “free air life,” a concept that was coined by […]

*Wander safe, wander local. Check your region’s local health guidelines before heading out.  Thanksgiving dinner is something we dream about all year long – the perfectly roasted turkey dishes up with cranberry sauce, potatoes and veggies, and often paired with more than one glass of wine or a cold pint of beer or cider, not […]

Wilno is a land with stories to tell – many stories, in fact. If the hamlet could talk, it would tell you tales of first settlers, church fires, bustling railway lines, and hockey games played on the outdoor rink. Known as Canada’s first Polish/Kashub settlement, Wilno is the place where settlers from Poland/Kashubia first laid […]

Oktoberfest brings to mind a crowded beer hall filled with large Germans shouting ‘Prost!’ and knocking thick beer steins together with gusto. But is this an event or a cultural celebration? We would argue the latter, and not just because we are looking for an excuse to drink beer and eat schnitzel. This year will […]

Having a guide can turn an everyday hike into the most amazing adventure. Although I’d hiked on my own in the past, making the hike with Tim Yearington of Bird Mountain Journeys wove together a story that allowed a deeper connection and different outlook on nature and history. It gave me a greater outlook on […]

So you’ve seen the Instagram posts of friends or family seated around a rustic campfire, enthusing on the beauty of nature and a rugged camping experience, but you’re thinking “That’s totally not for me?” Hey, don’t sweat it, you are not alone. Camping isn’t for everyone, and who says it should be? If everyone were […]

When was the last time you bit down into something so warm and rich, cheesy and flavourful that your heart said “thank you!” and your belly said “more please!” The best comfort foods are rich and calorie-laden, and best enjoyed in a warm, cozy restaurant or at home on the couch in your comfies. These […]

There’s something lingering in the air throughout October, leading up to the culmination of all things spooky on its final day – Halloween.   October starts with the summer’s lush canopy of green bidding a final farewell through a stunning display of vibrant colours. When the leaves die off and settle as a multi-coloured blanket on the forest floor, and the fog rolls in over the lakes and […]

Have you ever wandered through an older building and felt the hair raise on the back of your neck, and not been sure why? It may be you are sensing something that others aren’t, some spooky aftereffect from a historical wrongdoing or the ghostly pinings of a disgruntled spirit. Many small communities in Ontario’s Highlands […]

Celebrate the beauty of autumn in unique ways across Ontario’s Highlands

When the forest has transformed from shades of green to vivid reds, fiery oranges and brilliant yellows, the road will begin calling, sending a gentle reminder that the days where you can head out on the road with the windows down are numbered. In fall you aren’t looking for a highway experience, you want to […]

Explore Ontario’s muddiest places with these ATV trails in Ontario’s Highlands.

In my humble opinion, there is no better time than fall to hop on my bike and hit the roads, gravel, and trails of Ontario’s Highlands. I don’t have to worry about overheating, nor will I find myself pushed to my limit while trying to outrun a swarm of deer flies for 20 kilometres (true […]

Are you the type to pull over when you see a comically large roadside attraction, or a picture-perfect spot to snap a few shots? Amateur photographers and Instagrammers alike can agree that a giant ice cream cone, a massive mural adorning the side of a building, or a full-size replica of a jet plane are […]

Find the best vantage points for all the brilliant fall colours this season.

So you’re not ready for camping season to end? Here’s a tip: It doesn’t! Just because the summer is over doesn’t mean we need to head indoors, when it comes to camping experiences, fall is where it’s at. Fall camping is an entirely different (and some would say better) experience from summer camping –no bugs, […]

Discover these top lakes and rivers in Ontario’s Highlands to discover the beauty of fall colours from a canoe.

Find these cideries on your next road trip through Ontario’s Highlands to discover a refreshing way to toast the apple harvest with a cold cider.

It’s been a heck of a year, hasn’t it? If ever there was a year to test your capacity for resilience, it would be 2020. After such a momentous year, what we all could use right now is a little “me time” – a little pampering, and a little bit of peace and quiet to […]

So, you’re ready to hit the road. The King’s Highway 60 is calling your name – and who could blame you? The vistas on this route are stunning, from the Ottawa Valley to the Madawaska Valley. Every kilometre is a captivating experience. It may seem like you could cruise forever on this roadway, but everyone […]

From the rushing waters of the Petawawa, Madawaska and Ottawa rivers to the unspoiled woodlands of Algonquin Park, the Ottawa Valley is a sultry enchantress, enticing us with adventure. Renowned as a world-class whitewater destination and for the challenges found in its rugged hills and lush dales, the Valley pushes us to do more, live […]

Remember when your whole summer was devoted to swimming, playing, catching frogs, and finding adventures? At one time, this was an entire season fueled by ice cream, Freezies, and hot dogs. August always felt so short, and by the time it rolled around you’d scramble to finish your summer bucket list, savouring each shortened day […]

Did someone say road trip? The mere thought of a road trip brings to mind the excitement of heading out on an adventure where you may not know where you will end up but you’re pretty sure the getting there will be half the fun. When you head out for the day the options are […]

This year the key to exploring is to keep it local; this is the time to explore our own backyards, and the regions close to home that have so much to offer us in the way of exhilarating outdoor experiences, fantastic food and drink, and blissful relaxation. If you’re exploring a new corner of Ontario’s […]

Shhh…we’re not supposed to tell you about these swimming holes…some of them don’t even have names and you may never find them without a map, but we understand that when it’s 40 degrees out with the humidity and the public beach is packed the hunt is on for the perfect swim spot. Those in the […]

If you never thought that a simple road could spark your curiosity, initiate historical debates AND bring out your inner geologist, then you have obviously never been introduced to Letterkenny Road. Connecting the hamlets of Brudenell and Quadeville, this fully paved settlement road winds around pristine lakes, and leads you to a prized rose-quartz quarry. […]

“Stranded at the drive-in, branded a fool What will they say Monday at school?” – Danny Zuko, Grease We could think of worse things than being stranded at the drive-in with Danny Zuko this summer! Maybe it’s because of the 1950s movie Grease, or maybe it’s just because it’s an awesome experience, but there’s something […]

April Verch, fiddler, singer-songwriter and step dancer extraordinaire teaches the basics of stepdancing.

Break a sweat in Ontario’s Highlands with these top hiking and biking destinations.

You don’t need to leave the house for a romantic and locally inspired experience. Bring date night home with these four romantic experiences.

Follow in the footsteps of the Group of Seven and be inspired by these five experiences across Ontario’s Highlands.

Tell Dad how much awesome he is this Father’s Day with a little local love from these places in Ontario’s Highlands.

A throwback to summers gone past, with inspiration for this year’s adventure.

Challenge accepted: Take on the Great Potato Abundance of 2020 and put a dent in the local potato population.

Discover these chip trucks and their classic dishes, located throughout Ontario’s Highlands.

Get a virtual peek into these museums in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover the benefits of Wandering and why the place to do it is Ontario’s Highlands.

Hit the water and take advantage of these easy kayaking and canoeing opportunities in Ontario’s Highlands.

Take a trip around Ontario’s Highlands to these micro-breweries to discover your perfect summer beer.

Experience a slice of farm life at Dwyer’s Farmhouse in the Ottawa Valley.

Feed your curiosity and explore the diverse geology of Ontario’s Highlands at these Recreational Geology locations.

Wake up lakeside with a steaming cup of coffee from a roastery in Ontario’s Highlands.

Great beer makes great food. Check out some great recipes to bake with beer with Chris Thompson from Whitewater Brewery Co.

Discover the beauty of mindfulness and allowing yourself to Just Breathe.

Rediscovering a love for cycling with these key destinations in Ontario’s Highlands.

Chow down on artisan wood-fired pizza at any of these gems across Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover these perfect picnic spots throughout the Ottawa Valley and Lanark County on your next road trip just outside of Ottawa.

Expert fishing guide Sebastian Kowalczuk shares his secret fishing spots where you’re guaranteed a good catch.

Discover the charm and heritage of Wilno, Ontario.

Spring’s revival invites you to immerse yourself in your senses.

Hanging around the city when the scents of spring are tantalizingly tickling your nose is tough. This is when you yearn to get away from the slush, pack the car and head out for an almost-spring getaway to the countryside, where baby animals, maple syrup, G-rated fun, and fresh air are calling. Get out of […]

Celebrate Pi Day with the best pie at these bakeries in Ontario’s Highlands.

Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian – dine with confidence at these 10 Ontario’s Highlands restaurants. Your belly will thank you.

Discover sweet places to stay for maple adventures in Ontario this spring.

Add a little romance at one of these nine intimate Ontario retreats.

Discover rider-designed loops, private snowmobile trails, and places to stay along the way in Ontario’s Highlands.

Broaden your horizons and learn something new at a unique museum in Ontario’s Highlands’.

Winter events across Ontario’s Highlands that will help you keep your New Year’s Resolutions.

A grown-up’s guide to falling in love with Snow Days in Ontario’s Highlands.

Meet up with friends after a day well spent on the slopes or on the trails. Discover these top places in Ontario’s Highlands to celebrate the Apres Ski!

Perfect brunch spots a daytrip away from Canada’s Capital.

Discover some of the best bakeries in Ontario’s Highlands and their tasty treats.

Discover these 6 cabins in Ontario and uncover the beauty of a winter staycation in Ontario’s Highlands.

An adventure junkie shares her love for the active Ottawa Valley town of Calabogie.

Tips for a successful catch with ice fishing this winter.

Today’s craft markets are full of fresh, hip products made by creative and talented makers. This holiday season, go above and beyond by picking up handmade items with a story to tell at one of these Ontario holiday markets.

Bring a friend to visit these 6 rumoured ghost towns in Ontario.

Fall food festivals to warm your spirits and delight your taste buds in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover the warmth of friendly artists and artisans this fall with Studio Tours in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover these places in Ontario’s Highlands that allow you to get out into nature, benefiting your mental and physical health.

Discover the best places for summer sunsets in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover these top ice cream stops across Ontario’s Highlands to keep cool this summer on your road trip.

Discover 10 craft breweries along with 10 delectable burger joints to indulge your taste buds near Ottawa.

Discover these 5 golf courses in Ontario’s Highlands, perfect spots for your next golf escape.

Camps across Ontario’s Highlands to fill your kids’ days with excitement.

Check out all the Farmers’ Markets across the Ottawa Valley.

Grab a lifejacket and discover whitewater rafting in the Ottawa Valley for any type of traveler.

Sip and savour under the sun on a dreamy waterfront patio at one these spectacular restaurants.

Stretch your legs and fill your belly at these easy stops along three routes headed to Algonquin Park.

Get your muscles working with these five ways to embrace the Canadian wilderness in Ontario’s Highlands.

From rock to folk, these Ontario’s Highlands summer music festivals will keep you coming back year after year.

Discover these top ways to enjoy the strawberry season, when you let these farm-fresh berries shine on their own or in a variety of treats.

Celebrate creativity at art festivals across Ontario’s Highlands this summer.

Check out these cycling races, plus where to stay, eat, and rest at the towns nearby.

Breathe the fresh air at outdoor yoga workshops and events near Ottawa, Ontario.

3 tips to ensure a memorable cottage escape in Ontario Highlands.

Head into the woods and onto the water this summer and discover these off-grid cabins in Ontario.

Indulge your taste buds this summer with these 5 local finds at Farmers Markets through Ontario’s Highlands.

Check out these spots for afternoon tea at these tea rooms across Ontario’s Highlands.

Take a road trip this summer in Ontario’s Highlands and visit these key food festivals.

Discover ways to give a mom a Mother’s Day to remember, with gift ideas that go above and beyond.

Grab your SUP board and take in the beautiful views at these 5 places in Ontario’s Highlands.

Check out one of these live theatre performances throughout Ontario’s Highlands.

Schedule your next doughnut date to one of these stand-out shops in Ontario’s Highlands.

Four memorable bike adventures in Ontario’s Highlands.

Find your connection with nature and each other during a cabin getaway at Deacon Escarpment in Renfrew County.

Welcome the warm weather together this spring at events across Ontario’s Highlands.

Advice for planning an epic canoe trip adventure in the Ottawa Valley this summer.

Visit the Ottawa Valley and experience these unique date night ideas with your significant other.

Treat that special someone this Valentine’s Day to a gift of sweets at one of these top places.

Enjoy some quality family time and embrace the season during an escape to Ontario’s Highlands.

Escape the every day and check out these top places to read a good book in the Ottawa Valley.

Make fresh tracks along premium snowmobile trail, the RAP Tour Loop.

Discover your love for the season with a classic Ottawa Valley winter.

Discover Calabogie Peaks Resort, a well-known gem, through new eyes.

Experiencing Pembroke, Ontario’s adventure and charm.

Watch JR Alli’s video and see what he discovers when he allows himself to just wander.

Find out where to appease your creative side on this Creative Cruiser road trip.

Read how Christine from Amidst the Chaos bonded with the family and made memories on this family road trip.

Discover cabins in Ontario that allow you to get a temporary break from the online world.

Read how Will Tang from Going Awesome Places raced muscle cars and experienced thrills on the rapids with whitewater raftering in the Ottawa Valley.

Read about how one family took on whitewater rafting on the Madawaska River and why they can’t wait to do it again.

Visit Sigrid Naturals, a unique gift shop in Wilno, Ontario.

Marvel at outdoor art dotting the streets and trails across Ontario’s Highlands.

A three-day Creative Cruiser Road Trip in Ontario’s Highlands sure to peak and feed your curiosity.

A three-day Freedom Finder Route to clear your mind and make your adrenaline sky-rocket.

A three-day Memory Maker Route filled with moments of laughter and connection.

Devour an Ottawa Valley tradition and feel your taste buds rejoice with Wes’ Chips in Arnprior.

Discover the history of Canada’s quintessential pastry, the Beavertail.

Travel ideas for Father’s Day and beyond.

Top 4 summer treats that are worth the stop on your next Ontario’s Highlands road trip.

Fast-paced adventures to push your adrenaline on your next visit to Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover the small towns, good food, and incredible trails as you explore Renfrew County on ATV.

Discover unique finds and decor on a shopping trip through Ontario’s Highlands.

This March Break, do something unexpected with the family.

Seven charming museums in Ontario’s Highlands.

Seven amazing ways to indulge your next craving with maple-inspired treats.

7 Locations that will relax the most stressed out traveller.

The unplanned moments that seem to go hand in hand with road trips in Ontario’s Highlands.

Wintery trails, white-capped yurts and a lakeside massage make for a perfect couple’s romantic weekend getaway.

Six unique places to stay for an Ontario vacation.

5 iconic ways to experience winter like a Canuck.

Hidden trails and amazing surprises for sledders in Ontario.

Uncover Renfrew’s local connection to the biggest thing in hockey.

Visit the Petawawa Heritage Village, where you can step back in time and explore the lives of those who wandered long ago.

Popular downhill skiing destinations in Ontario’s Highlands.

Discover a rich history and an even richer geology at the Beryl Pit in the Ottawa Valley.

4 Tips for getting to welcoming Ontario’s Highlands communities.

An expert’s guide on the best fishing spots in Ontario’s Highlands.

A beginner’s guide to everything you need for a great catch in Ontario’s Highlands.

Follow your own path or just wander, allowing time to discover Ontario’s Highlands hidden gems.

Don’t wait until spring to satisfy your biggest cravings.

Visit these 8 Ontario Parks’ campgrounds in Ontario’s Highlands and discover why they are worth the admission.

Restaurants with views as impressive as the menu.

Read how one writer found unforgettable beauty in Barry’s Bay, a town that still appreciates the simple things.

Explore landscapes, vistas and waterways that inspired iconic Canadian artists, the Group of Seven.

SUP Instructor Courtney Sinclair takes her passion for paddle boarding to the whitewater.

Discover the rich canoe culture in Ontario’s Highlands.

Explore these three ways to escape the city, slow down, and absorb rural life in Ontario’s Highlands.

Explore roads of Ontario with these drives that make you reach for your hairbrush.

Indoor museums and galleries in Ontario’s Highlands.

From hidden gems to ancient caves, these recreational geology trips are full of surprises.

Explore Wilno’s Kashub Polish history at the Wilno Tavern.

Experience Glamping and reconnect with your loved one at Elements Outdoor Hotel, located in Renfrew County.

Make the most of summer and plan a cottage trip in Ontario’s Highlands and start an annual tradition.

A tale of one person’s thrilling weekend battling the whitewater rapids of the Madawaska River in Barry’s Bay.

Discover the story of the earth at the Bonnechere Caves in Eganville, Ontario.

Take a journey through Ontario’s Highlands on a road trip that will satisfy your inner foodie.

Take the road less traveled through Ontario’s Highlands to these unique festivals that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Discover the best spots to learn about the vibrant culture and hidden gems in Ontario’s Highlands through the locals themselves.

From limestone to theatre, Eganville is made for wandering.