Pakenham Five-Span Stone Bridge, Mississippi Mills
Hit the Road: Recreate the Epic Road Trips You Remember
When was the last time you set off on an old fashioned pack-the-car-to-the-roof road trip? The kind where the kids keep asking “Are we there yet?” and the scent of adventure hangs in the air along with that of stale potato chips and warm juice boxes?
There’s something about a road trip that speaks to the adventurer inside us all, launching us into the unknown and inviting us to explore new small towns and communities.
This summer, we invite you to recreate the epic road trips you remember. Set your GPS to include any of these small towns and road trip destinations and build memories for tomorrow.
Almonte - Lanark County
This adorable small town is just a 20-minute drive from Ottawa, and is known for its strong artist presence and culture. Almonte is so picture perfect it’s been the setting for numerous Hallmark movies in its downtown core, so expect the charm to be off the charts here!
Don't Miss:
Snap a pic beside the life-sized bronze statue of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. Explore the Mill of Kintail and the on-site museums focused on William Tait MacKenzie and Dr. James Naismith. Every road trip screams for ice cream, pick up yours at the Almonte Ice Cream Shop, a teeny tiny shop in downtown Almonte.
Accommodation Options: The Monte Inn & Lounge
Arnprior
Arnprior’s slogan “Where the Rivers Meet” sets the stage for this town that sits at the convergence of both the Ottawa and Madawaska Rivers. Downtown Arnprior is a fast growing shopping district thanks to its popularity as a daytrip destination from Ottawa.
Don't Miss:
Bring your swimsuit and stop for a swim in the Ottawa River and a picnic lunch at Robert Simpson Park, just a short walk from downtown Arnprior. Do some shopping at Koti 28, a Scandinavian housewares and gift shop located downtown, then stop for an ice cream treat at the super cute The Flavour Container.
Accommodation Options: MacNamara House Bed & Breakfast, Daniel House Bed & Breakfast
Bancroft
Bancroft rocks! Seriously, it’s Canada’s Mineral Capital. This former mining town is cute as a button with striking cliff faces throughout. Geology buffs will enjoy the opportunities to rockhound here, and explore the mineral history.
Don't Miss:
The best road trip fuel is candy (in our humble opinion) so plan a stop into the Bancroft General Mercantile to get your fill. Drink in an epic view with only minimal effort at Eagles Nest Park lookout, just outside of Bancroft, then stop for a bite to eat at the restaurant with the same name.
Barry's Bay
Situated just 35 minutes from Algonquin Park, Barry’s Bay has an outdoor enthusiast vibe. It particularly comes to life in summer with lots of sightseers road tripping their way through the Valley en route to cottages or Algonquin Park.
Don't Miss:
If you love browsing and finding cool and interesting gifts, Grumblin’ Granny’s will keep you busy. They carry a little bit of everything here, from clothing to crystals, home décor, and jewellery. Stop for a coffee and a snack at Madawaska Coffee Co. Café, on the main street.
Accommodation Options: Balmoral Hotel, Pinewood Inn
Carleton Place
Just 20 minutes to Ottawa, Carleton Place is booming these days! Wander downtown to experience small town shopping at its best. Snap a picture in front of the murals on Bridge Street or on the bridge overlooking the Mississippi River. After a day of shopping and sightseeing, have a drink on a waterfront patio, walk the main strip, or paddle down the Mississippi.
Don't Miss:
Photo opportunities abound here! Take some selfies of you playing one of the pianos scattered around the downtown or a riveting game of chess on the giant chessboard behind town hall. Must visits are Riverside Park, Carleton Junction, or one of the two breweries, Braumeister Brewing Co. and Stalwart Brewing Co.
Accommodation Options: The Grand Hotel, The Comfort Inn
Haliburton
The charming town of Haliburton is a favourite for Toronto cottagers and day-trippers, thanks to its great eateries, shops, art galleries, and prime lakeside location. This community is known for its artistic culture, and is home to the Haliburton School of Art + Design.
Don't Miss:
Art lovers, this town is for you! Tour the Haliburton Sculpture Forest in beautiful Glebe Park before heading over to Abbey Gardens to pick up some fresh garden fare or prepared meals to enjoy while you look out at the stunning vista at Skyline Park.
Madoc
One of the smaller towns on our list, Madoc sits where Highways 7 and 62 meet. The downtown is small but lovely for a short stroll. This would make a great road trip stop with only a short detour off Highway 7.
Don't Miss:
Stock up on road treats from Hidden Goldmine Bakery in the downtown core, and then stop for a light lunch and a craft beer tasting at 7/62 Brewery (ask them how they got their name!). If you want to stretch your legs detour to O’Hara Mill Homestead and explore the trails there.
Minden
The Gull River is a gentle-flowing river that attracts paddlers to Minden. Only 2.5 hours from Toronto and about a four-hours’ drive from Ottawa, Minden makes for a great road trip stop from either city. The Minden River Walk winds along the shores of the Gull River and offer spectacular views.
Don't Miss:
Ice cream lovers can choose from the fun, ice-cream cone shaped Minden River Cone and Kawartha Dairy, both right in Minden.
Accommodation Options: Dominion Hotel & Pub
Pakenham
This picture-perfect small town is a nice place to stop when travelling from Almonte or Carleton Place to Arnprior (or beyond). While tiny, Pakenham is also mighty, with a bakery (gluten-free), coffee shop, brewery, general store, restaurant, and more here. Be sure to check out the historic Five-Span Bridge, one of the Seven Wonders of Lanark County while you’re here.
Don't Miss:
If you’re looking for a place to stop for lunch, Centennial Restaurant is known for their pizzas and are located right on Hwy 29 from Almonte. You can park and stretch your legs at the parking area beside the bridge, or have a proper hike at High Lonesome Nature Reserve, a short drive from Pakenham proper.
Accommodation Options: Astrid Park, Cabinscape
Perth
Perth is a great roadtrip stop! The town of Perth pops up a lot when talking about the cutest towns in Ontario, thanks to its stunning heritage buildings, canal, and greenspace that looks straight from a fairy tale. While you're there, visit the Perth Museum and ask for the inside scoop on the last duel that was held in Perth.
Don't Miss:
A road trip isn’t complete without at least one photo with something BIG. Snap a pic next to the Mammoth Cheese, a portion of the 22,000 pound cheese exhibited at the World Fair in 1893, located in the Tay Basin. In Stewart Park, the statue of Big Ben is a testament to the Olympic success of Ian Millar on his famous horse, Big Ben.
Accommodation Options: Nevis Estate, Perth Best Western Parkside Inn & Spa
Pembroke
While it’s technically a city, with a population of 14,000, Pembroke counts as a small town when compared to Toronto or Ottawa and is a great spot for a road trip through the Ottawa Valley. Take a self-guided tour of over 30 murals depicting the city’s heritage.
Don't Miss:
Pick up a baker’s dozen donuts from McGuire’s Doughnuts and visit Waterfront Park, bordering the Ottawa River, and wander the Kiwanis Way Trail that connects the park with Riverside Park to the west.
Accommodation Options: Grey Gables Inn, Pembroke Best Western
Renfrew
Renfrew is a sweet little spot where two Ottawa Valley recreational rail trails intersect. Grab a bite and head out on a walk on the trails, or to visit the beautiful mill with a swinging bridge that crosses the Bonnechere River.
Don't Miss:
Pick up sandwiches, salads, and desserts from Bonnechere Bakery and Bistro. Pick-it Fence is one of those shops that you pop into “for a minute” and re-emerge an hour later with several bags.
Sharbot Lake
Not far from Highway 7, Sharbot Lake is a perfect spot for a roadtrip stop to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. You will notice the lake is situated on both sides of the community, so no matter where you are located you will get a great view. The lakefront park and public beach is sure to be a hit with kids who can work off some in-car energy in the lake or while wandering the K&P Trail.
Don't Miss:
A little north of town is Kick & Push Brewery which would be a good place to stop to pick up a six-pack to enjoy at your next overnight stop. Grab lunch to eat on the road from Cardinal Cafe & Shop (their soups and homemade donuts are amazing) or eat it down at the public beach overlooking the lake.
Accommodation Options: Cottages at Windrush, Rockhill Bed & Breakfast
Smiths Falls
Just an hour south of Ottawa is Smiths Falls, a town that is worth the drive for those who seek good food and a spot to chill. Wander the historic locks on the Rideau Canal in Centennial Park and stop in for a history lesson on the town’s railroad history at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario.
Don't Miss:
Rent a canoe or kayak from Smiths Falls Pedal and Paddle to explore Smiths Falls by land or by water. Stop for an ice cream cone and a towering, Dagwood-style sandwich at the sister shops, Sweet Scoops and The Pickled Pig.
Accommodation Options: Hotel Rideau, Smiths Falls Best Western
