Is there a meal more perfectly indulgent and utterly unique than brunch? This much-loved dining experience is the perfect time to break bread and connect with family or friends, without the dishes. When else can you eat whipped cream first thing in the morning, or pair your eggs with champagne and orange juice?

On top of the unique flavour combos, brunch seems to bring with it a slower pace – it’s not a breakfast quickly washed down with coffee on your way out the door to work, or a mediocre lunch speedily eaten on your break or over your computer – it’s a lazy morning meal best accompanied by friends laughing around the table.

So next time you’re looking to amp up your brunch and pair it with a little retail therapy to keep the good times rolling even away from the table, check out one of the following spots all easily visited with a daytrip from Ottawa.

Mill Street Crepe Company - Almonte

Located in the charming town of Almonte, this crêperie offers a taste of France without having to cross the Atlantic and is a must-visit whether you prefer a savoury or sweet option for your weekend indulgence. Slice into a crepe loaded with double smoked bacon and creamy brie, enjoy a bit of a Canadian twist with mouth watering pulled pork topped with local maple syrup, or enjoy the rich hazelnut flavour of a Nutella-filled crepe.

Post-Brunch:

With your body sufficiently fueled by crêpes, take a post-brunch stroll down Mill Street to discover unique finds for your home and self at boutique shops like Tin Barn Market, Doree’s Habit, and Cheerfully Made Goods.

Krave Bistro - Arnprior

If you’re looking to take your brunch to the next level, this bistro in downtown Arnprior might be exactly what you’re searching for with options like the Royal Omelette including bacon, brie, lobster, and béarnaise sauce. On top of this more extravagant brunch, they also offer more classic breakfast options, as well as some with a bit of a twist – think breakfast tacos, crab cake bennies, and breakfast pizza.

Post-Brunch:

Continue embracing the high life by spoiling yourself and upping your wardrobe game during a visit to Arnprior’s A Dash of Fab and Jade & Laney.

The Nook Creperie - Pembroke

Treat your tummy to a cozy trip to Paris at this crêperie in downtown Pembroke. Indulge with crêpes packed with yummy ingredients like creamy brie, caramelized onions, prosciutto, or a French toast filling. With brunch side options that include cheddar jalapeno hashbrowns (yes, please!), fruit or yoghurt parfait, and mains featuring yummy sweet or savoury crêpe recipes, your taste buds will quickly discover the 'joie de vie.' Brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don't forget to order a yummy mimosa to accompany your meal!

Post-Brunch:

Keep your taste buds jumping for joy even after brunch with a visit to The Urban Gourmet Co. and continue on the cozy-train by popping into Pick-it-Fence downtown Pembroke to uncover unique home décor items, warm blanket scarves, comfy Ottawa Valley Apparel, and more.

Whitewater – Lakeside

The weekend brunch items change weekly at this lakeside brew pub, so there’s no guaranteeing what you will see on the menu, but the key categories never change, with Sweet, Meat, Egg, and Healthy specials each week. With their staples, the Full on English Breakfast and Whitewater Breakfast available every weekend and brunch bevvies like the Smoky Caesar and classic Mimosa, this is a spot for friends to come together to laugh and celebrate local flavours.

Post-Brunch:

Just a short drive from this Cobden-based brew pub lies the quaint town of Renfrew, where you can shop along the main street to find your next fave look at places like A Dash of Fab and The Shoe Lounge, and indulge your sweet tooth at J&J’s Chocolate Sensations.

Freska - Carleton Place

Breakfast is served all day long at Freska, which means you are guaranteed some great brunch dishes that will fill you to the brim. A must try is one of their "Freska" griddles, featuring pancakes, French toast or waffles with sides and smothered in pure Lanark County maple syrup. If eggs are more your brunch dream come true, order one of their eggs Benedict dishes. For those looking for lighter fare, their fresh fruit bowl, yoghurt, or avocado toast will keep the top button on your pants done up tight.

Post-Brunch:

There are so many things to do in Carleton Place! Check out the Carleton Place & Beckwith Heritage Museum to get a sense of the history here (ask about their spooky past), then head downtown for some shopping. You can find handmade, one-of-a-kind items at The Dress Shop or the Queen's Crafters and Antique Market, both on Bridge Street.

Wheelers Pancake House - McDonald's Corners

When thinking about brunch, why not go straight to the source for maple syrup? Wheelers Maple is located in McDonald's Corners and serves breakfast all day, almost every day of the year. Naturally when you order one of their famous pancake dishes you can smother it in Wheeler's maple syrup (yes, as much as you want). This makes a nice drive out in the country, and the best part is you can stretch your legs (and work off your breakfast) afterwards one one of their maple trails. 

Post-Brunch:

Wheelers is only a short drive to Perth, where you will want to tour the downtown to visit some of their boutique shops. A few must-stops are Queen Bee Millinery, a local hat maker who is elevating the hat scene in Perth, or find unique home furnishings, including high end comfy blankets, table settings, linens and more at Hay Design Furnishings + Decor or Red Brick Emporium.

Zak's Diner - Carleton Place

Remember the days when having brunch meant leaving a restaurant so full all you can think about is taking a nap? Zak's Diner is a favourite spot if you're looking for old-fashioned, plate-loaded meals, dished up 1950s style. At Zak's whether you choose their eggs Florentine or Benedic, French toast, pancakes, omelette, or old fashioned bacon and eggs, you won't leave hungry. A must add on to any breakfast is one of their famous milkshakes (because milkshakes can still be for breakfast, right?). 

Post-Brunch:

After brunch, pop down Highway 7 to The Cheddar Stop to stock up on local cheeses and specialty items, not to mention pure, sweet, Ottawa Valley fudge. 

Road Trips