Day Trips From Ottawa: Within One A Hour Drive
You know that weird time of year when it’s dark by 5 p.m. and your energy starts to dip? Yep, we all know the time of year has come, and the November blues are real. Personally, I believe there’s no better cure than a little road trip (hello microadventures!). Coffee in hand, good tunes on, and a cozy small town waiting to be explored. Within an hour of Ottawa, you’ll find charming spots like Perth, Calabogie, and Almonte, each with its own cafés, shops, and scenic corners that make for the perfect late fall escape.
Almonte, Ontario
Just 45 minutes from Ottawa, Almonte is the perfect destination for small-town charm. Filled with antique shops, good coffee, local shops, and easy outdoor adventures, all close enough to be home by dinner (or not).
Start your day with a latte from Ottawa Valley Coffee, then explore downtown to visit Big Vintage, Packrats Bazaar, and Cheerfully Made. For lunch, stop at North Market for seasonal favourites, and enjoy the menu that never disappoints. Spend the afternoon taking in the river views at Grand Falls, then visit Vodkow for a quick tasting before dinner. End your day with a cozy meal at Joe’s Italian Kitchen or The Sterling, both ideal spots to conclude your evening.
A picture-perfect small town just 45 minutes from Ottawa, which feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie. Read the full guide on Exploring Almonte, Ontario. From its historic mill views to cozy cafés and vintage shops, it’s the kind of place made for slow mornings and local wandering (and shopping).
Calabogie, Ontario
If your perfect day includes a bit of adventure and beautiful views, Calabogie is calling your name. Start your day by heading out to hike Eagles Nest Lookout. It is often said (look it up on Instagram) that it’s one of the best views in the Ottawa Valley.
But wait, if you’re like me, you’ll need caffeine before anything else. Stop in at the oh so cute Oh-el-la Café. This is one of my favourite coffee shops in the Ottawa Valley. Oh-Ella Café is a cozy spot to linger in town. Get your order ‘for here’ and enjoy the cozy Instagram-worthy atmosphere.
After your hike, I’m sure you’ve worked up an appetite, so head over to Calabogie Brewing. Be sure to grab a flight and try their signature beers, like the Front Porch Kölsch (the raspberry version is also superb!) or the Portage Ale. And don’t miss out on their pizzas! They make the dough from scratch right in-house, and you’ll have a hard time choosing which delicious recipe to try!
If you want to extend your visit, I highly recommend staying at Cabinscape: A Cozy Off-Grid Cabin. Or if hotel is your style and you’re heading there in winter, hit the slopes at Calabogie Peaks Resort.
Perth, Ontario
Perth is the literal definition of a postcard town. The downtown core is filled with heritage stone buildings, boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants that beg you to stay a little longer.
Start your day with a coffee and a piece of pie at the Perth Pie Shop; you won’t be disappointed. Plus, you’ll guaranteed be taking home a homemade pie with you. Next up? What has become my favourite shop in town is The Perth Cheese Shop. I am a huge fan of charcuterie, and who can resist cheese? This shop is where you step inside and immediately start imagining your dream cheeseboard or try the charcuterie in a cone!
Then, of course, you’ll need a break from all the food. Walk along the Tay River and enjoy the views from Stewart Park. Spend the afternoon exploring downtown’s local shops. My favourites are LIDA for thrift shopping, and Flint & Honey is another must-visit for Canadian brands.
Get the full guide to this effortlessly charming and historic town. With stone buildings, local eats, and boutique shopping around every corner, it’s an easy day trip that always feels like a little getaway.
The best part about living in Ottawa is how many incredible little towns are right in our backyard. If the November blues are starting to creep in, there’s no better remedy than a cozy day trip close to home. Whether you’re wandering through Almonte’s vintage shops, soaking up the views in Calabogie, or grabbing a coffee in Perth, these small-town escapes are the perfect way to reset. So grab your coat, cue up your road trip playlist, and start planning your next adventure around Ottawa.
