The Ottawa Valley is known for its turbulent whitewater, lazy rivers, deep, cold lakes, and rugged terrain. Without a doubt a visit here will invite you to push yourself to your limits, discover new personal bests, and immerse yourself in nature.

This three night, two-day itinerary will take you to all the best spots in the valley, for a curated adventure guaranteed to create periods of adrenalin as well as moments of quiet contemplation. Peppered with small towns, excellent food and drink, and unparalleled views, this is your chance to experience the best of the valley, firsthand.

4 Days, 3 Nights in the Ottawa Valley
4 Days | Total Distance: 141km

Start Here: Calabogie

If you love the outdoors, Calabogie is one for your bucket list. Home to Calabogie Peaks ski resort, this small town is humming in all four seasons. In summer, you can dip into Calabogie Lake, take a hike, cycle, or stop for a brew (or two).

  • Take a dip in Calabogie Lake at Barnet Park. This sandy shoreline has a gradual slope into the water so is ideal for young children. Washrooms, picnic tables and parking are also found here.
  • Hike to the spectacular Eagle’s Nest Lookout, a one-and-a-half-kilometre easy-going trek, or you can also challenge yourself on the nine-kilometre Manitou Hiking trail.
  • Sample some craft beer at Calabogie Brewing Co., right in the heart of Calabogie. Their Summer Solstice ale is light enough for even the hottest summer days.
  • Grab a bite to eat at Redneck Bistro – their menu items are cleverly named with a definite redneck theme. We recommend their Hilbilly Bread, Redneck Burger or Calabogie Hoagie.
  • Mad River Paddle Co. can fix you up with whatever you need to enjoy the water – canoe, kayak, SUP, or you can also try out e-bikes to cruise through town.
Calabogie
Ottawa Valley
From Toronto: 372km • 4 hr 40 min From Ottawa: 102km • 1 hr 15 min

Referred to as 'the funnest small town in Canada' by CBC's comedy series, Still Standing, Calabogie more than lives up to the name.  From indoor activities like restaurant hopping, to outdoor adventure in watersports, backwoods play, and skiing Ontario's vertical drop at Calabogie Peaks, there's plenty of fun to be had at this outdoor paradise.

Time Spent Here: You’ll want to soak up every minute of your time here until the sun sets and you head for your room at Calabogie Lodge Resort.

End Your Day: Calabogie Lodge Resort

On the shores of Calabogie Lake, this resort has a fabulous waterfront view, and their villas are country charming, clean, and spacious, with enough room to accommodate up to eight people. Perfect for family get togethers!

    • You’ll want to head down for dinner to the on-site restaurant, On the Rocks. Ask for a seat on the patio that overlooks Calabogie Lake and watch the sun set while you dine.
    • Try out the lodge’s dry sauna for some extra relaxation before bed.
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    Start Here: Calabogie Lodge Resort

    Waken with the birds and savour your morning on your balcony overlooking Calabogie Lake.

      • For a hearty breakfast head to Oh-el-la Café to get something to enjoy on your balcony or take with you on the road.
      • Take a dip in the pool or right in Calabogie Lake.

      Next Stop: Eganville

      This town is cute as a button with stellar views of the Bonnechere River. Worth a wander down the main street to see the sights.

       

      Eganville
      Ottawa Valley
      From Toronto: 350km • 4 hr 20 min From Ottawa: 135km • 1 hr 35 min

      Laying in a deep limestone valley, Eganville is known as the Ordovician Fossil Capital of Canada.  See these fossils up close at the Bonnechere Caves, and go deep underground to do your own fossil hunt. 

      Time Spent Here: Plan on an hour or two at most, depending on if you are stopping to eat as well.

      Next Stop: Bonnechere Caves

      Spelunkers will love this destination! Head deep into the earth to see the natural caves that highlight the unique geology of the Ottawa Valley.

      • Take a guided tour of the caves which run every half hour and accommodate up to 25 people.
      • After your tour, head across the street to the Fourth Chute Parkette and do some fossil hunting on the exposed Canadian Shield.
      • Bring a picnic lunch with you from Eganville or detour past the caves to Douglas to Captain Fish Express chip truck and bring it back to dine by the water at the Fourth Chute.
      Please note:

      The caves are cool in summer and a sweater is recommended.

      Time Spent Here: Plan on two to three hours here. You can easily spend between half an hour to an hour in the caves, plus time to explore the grounds and the Bonnechere River.

      Next Stop: Pembroke

      You’ll want to leave enough time to check out this small town before heading to your accommodation.

      • You can eat dinner in the fine dining restaurant at the Grey Gables Inn & Spa, The Oak Door, or you can also head to the lovely The Courtyard Bistro on Pembroke Street in downtown Pembroke.
      • The Pantry Eatery is a new venue right in Grey Gables Inn that serves homestyle fare best enjoyed with a pint or two.
      • Before the sun sets you’ll want to visit Pembroke’s Waterfront Park. Stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the views of the Ottawa River and the maintained gardens there.
      • Do some shopping at the cute little shops here like dot. or Pick-it-Fence.
      Pembroke
      Ottawa Valley
      From Toronto: 387km • 4 hr 50 min From Ottawa: 145km • 1 hr 45 min

      Stroll the Pembroke's downtown and take in 30 historic murals celebrating the history and character of the city, from steam engines to logging.  Pembroke has more murals than almost any city in Canada.

      Time Spent Here: Try to arrive in Pembroke with an hour or two to spare before checking in to the inn so you can explore a little bit before dinner.

      End Your Day: Grey Gables Inn & Spa

      This historic inn is within walking distance of the downtown core so you can literally drop your bags and head downtown as soon as you get to Pembroke or wait to check in until after you’re doing exploring.

      Take your time at the inn because you will be leaving first thing tomorrow morning for the last leg of your itinerary!

      Start Here: Grey Gables Inn & Spa

      Enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast in the inn before setting off on your day’s adventure. If you can snag one, their waffles are worth the wait. We recommend you be up and at ‘em early for your whitewater excursion.

      Next Stop: Forester’s Falls

      No trip to the Ottawa Valley would be complete without a whitewater experience! Each year the Ottawa River attracts thousands of visitors eager to tackle the world-class rapids found here. Forester’s Falls is where you’ll find the best of the best when it comes to whitewater rafting companies.

      • You’ll need to pre-book a daytrip excursion with either OWL Rafting or Wilderness Tours to have the best experience on the Ottawa River.
      • Check in to your chosen tour company and get ready for the whitewater adventure of a lifetime!
      Foresters Falls
      Ottawa Valley
      From Toronto: 386km • 4 hr 36 min From Ottawa: 120km • 1 hr 16 min

      Forester Falls is located just minutes from the Ottawa River, the most rafted river in North America.  Enjoy the white water paddling, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting int he area  The country roads along rolling farmland are excellent for biking tours.

      Time Spent Here: Excursions typically last a full eight hours so plan accordingly.

      End Your Day: Wilderness Tours or OWL Rafting

      If you’re all funned out by sunset you can head straight home or you can also book an accommodation option right at either Wilderness Tours or OWL Rafting. If you’re rather be pampered a little bit, book the Whitewater Inn in Beachburg to use as your home base for your adventures.

      Start Here: Your Accommodation

      You won't want to laze around in bed or you will miss the delicious breakfast served by Wilderness Tours, OWL Rafting and Whitewater Inn. If you're still feeling energetic, you can also book another day on the river to make the most of the amazing whitewater experiences here.

      Summer
      Road Trips
      Paddling
      Hiking