The nation’s capital, Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive, is more than just Parliament Hill and historic buildings; it’s a gateway to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. For those who believe the journey is just as important as the destination, Ottawa and its surrounding region offer a treasure trove of scenic drives that are perfect for a weekend escape, a contemplative solo trip, or a memorable family road adventure.
Forget the bumper-to-bumper Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive grind for a day. We’ve compiled an epic, 2000-word guide to the best scenic drives in Ottawa and its nearby hills and waterways. Get ready to roll down the windows, breathe in the fresh Canadian air, and discover the hidden beauty of the National Capital Region. Whether you’re chasing the vibrant fall colours of the Canadian shield, looking for historic driving routes, or just want an easy Sunday drive with a spectacular view, your next adventure starts here.
The Crown Jewel: Gatineau Park Parkways
Just a stone’s throw across the Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive, in the province of Québec, lies Gatineau Park, a sprawling conservation area that offers the most famous and arguably the most spectacular scenic drives in the region. This is where the landscape transforms into a blazing canvas every autumn, making it the ultimate destination for fall foliage viewing near Ottawa.
The Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive: A Driver’s Dream
The park is home to a network of Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive—the Gatineau Parkway, Champlain Parkway, and Fortune Lake Parkway—that wind through dense forests, past pristine lakes, and up the Eardley Escarpment, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Ottawa Valley. The driving experience itself is exhilarating, with smooth roads, gentle curves, and towering maples lining your route.
Important Tip for Drivers: The National Capital Commission (NCC) often restricts private vehicle access on the parkways during specific hours and days in the warmer months to promote active transportation (cycling, walking). Always check the NCC’s official schedule for the latest public vehicle access times, especially during the peak fall Rhapsody Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive, where access is often limited to afternoons or weekends only.
Champlain Lookout: The Iconic Vista
No trip through Gatineau Park is complete without a stop at Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive Lookout. Perched atop the Eardley Escarpment, this renowned viewpoint offers a sweeping, majestic vista that extends for kilometres across the rolling farmlands of the Ottawa Valley and the distant city skyline. It’s a photographer’s dream, particularly at sunrise or sunset. The lookout has recently been renovated, providing a modern and accessible platform to soak in the view.
Seasonal Highlight: The view during the Fall Rhapsody (late September to mid-October) is unparalleled. The sea of red, orange, and gold leaves makes this spot a must-visit for any Ottawa scenic road trip enthusiast.
Nearby Drive: After the lookout, continue along the Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive Parkway. You can connect to the quaint village of Chelsea, known for its charming cafés, restaurants, and the popular Nordik Spa-Nature.
Hidden Gems on the Parkway
Beyond Champlain, the parkways hold other spectacular stops:
Pink Lake Lookout: A unique, meromictic lake (its layers of water don’t mix), which, despite its name, is a vibrant turquoise-green. The viewing platform is a short walk from the dedicated parking lot off the Gatineau Parkway.
Étienne Brûlé Lookout: Another fantastic stop along the Champlain Parkway, perfect for a picnic with a view of the Ottawa River.
Mackenzie King Estate: Drive up Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive Road (often accessible even when parkways are closed) to visit the picturesque former summer residence of Canada’s 10th Prime Minister. The ruins, gardens, and trails are beautiful year-round.
Historic Charm: The Rideau Canal and Heritage Routes
For a drive that perfectly blends Canadian history with picturesque scenery, look no further than the routes flanking the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rideau Canal. This route offers a gentler, more pastoral drive compared to the Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive of Gatineau Park.
Colonel By Drive: The Urban Scenic Loop
Running alongside the east bank of the canal, Colonel By Drive offers one of the most accessible and beautiful scenic drives within the city limits of Ottawa.
Route Vibe: A relaxing, tree-lined route that takes you past Dow’s Lake, Carleton University, and various lush parks.
Best Time to Drive: Spring, during the Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive Tulip Festival, when the canal banks are bursting with colour. It’s also stunning in the summer when boat traffic is busy, and in the fall when the trees create a golden canopy.
Traffic Note: Like the Gatineau Parkways, sections of Colonel By Drive are often closed to vehicles on Sundays and holidays during the warmer months, allowing for a popular pedestrian and cycling experience—an excellent time to walk the route instead!
The Rideau Heritage Route: Ottawa to Kingston
For a full-day adventure, take the broader Rideau Canal Scenic Heritage Route south of Ottawa. This is a true Canadian road trip that extends 202 kilometres to Kingston.
Merrickville: The Jewel of the Rideau
Approximately an hour’s drive south of Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive, you’ll encounter the charming village of Merrickville-Wolford. Often dubbed the “Jewel of the Rideau,” it’s an ideal spot to break your journey.
Stop and Explore: Wander through the historic blockhouse (a National Historic Site), browse the unique artisan boutiques, and enjoy a meal at a riverside pub. The well-preserved 19th-century architecture makes this small town feel like stepping back in Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive.
Perth and Smiths Falls: Inland Beauty
Continuing the scenic drive takes you through more idyllic countryside and small towns built around the canal’s lock stations. Perth is known for its beautiful stone architecture, stunning waterfront, and the Stewart Park Festival, while Smiths Falls is the home of the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre, a perfect place to learn about the canal’s engineering marvel.
Driving Experience: The route varies from main roads to quiet, winding backroads, offering lovely views of lakes, rivers, and classic Ontario farmland. This is a top-tier Ottawa day trip for history and nature lovers alike.
The River Runs Through It: Ottawa River & Rockcliffe Parkway
Circling the northern edge of the city, the Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive along the majestic Ottawa River provide stunning waterfront vistas and an up-close look at the region’s geography.
Rockcliffe Parkway
This picturesque parkway, running from the Rockcliffe area toward Orléans, offers a delightful contrast of urban elegance and unspoiled nature.
Sights to See: The drive provides continuous, spectacular views of the Ottawa River, the forested Gatineau Hills in the distance, and the prestigious Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood. You’ll pass by the official residence of the Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive (Rideau Hall) and the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum.
Lookout: Stop at the Rockcliffe Lookout for a fantastic photo opportunity overlooking the river. It’s an easy-to-access spot for a quick break and a view.
Up the Mighty Ottawa: The Western Route
For a longer scenic journey west, tracing the river towards the Ottawa Valley offers a taste of more rugged, pioneering history.
Route Highlights: Head west along the Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive, eventually reaching towns like Arnprior and the historic Braeside. The drive reveals a mix of river landscapes, from wide open banks to more forested areas.
Local Culture Stop: Visit the Arnprior District Museum to learn about the town’s rich logging history. This is an excellent route for those looking for less-travelled scenic roads near Ottawa.
Farther Afield: Day Trips Beyond the City
While the core routes are spectacular, a slightly longer drive opens up even more unique and dramatic landscapes, perfect for an all-day excursion.
The Calabogie Peaks Drive and Eagle’s Nest Lookout
About an hour and a half west of Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive, the drive to the Calabogie area is a local favourite for its rolling hills and rugged, Canadian Shield terrain.
The Drive: Highway 508 leading to Calabogie is particularly scenic, featuring winding roads that cut through dense, mixed forest.
The Reward: The main attraction here is the Eagle’s Nest Lookout. While it requires a short hike to the top (a 1.5 km loop to the main viewpoint), the drive itself is worth the trip, and the panoramic view from the cliff-top over the Bonnechere River Valley is one of the most stunning in Eastern Ontario. It’s an essential stop for a fall colours road trip from Ottawa, often peaking a little earlier than the city due to the elevation.
The Thousand Islands Parkway Adventure
For an unforgettable waterfront Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive, head south-west toward the St. Lawrence River. The Thousand Islands Parkway starts near Gananoque (about 1.5 to 2 hours from Ottawa) and runs for 37 kilometres along the river.
The View: This route is an absolute marvel, offering unparalleled close-up views of the famous Thousand Islands archipelago. The water is dotted with hundreds of islands, each holding a cottage, a castle, or a patch of pristine wilderness.
Must-Do Stops: Stop at the Thousand Islands Tower for a 360-degree elevated view, or take a river cruise from Gananoque or Rockport to truly appreciate the landscape. This is a world-class scenic drive and a fantastic all-day Ottawa to Kingston road trip loop.
Outaouais Region Exploration
Exploring the Québec side further also offers the Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive (Waterways) route. This itinerary traces the Ottawa and Gatineau rivers, offering a blend of culture, history, and nature.
Key Destinations: Drive towards Montebello (home to the historic Fairmont Le Château Montebello and Parc Oméga) and explore the charming small towns along the way.
Nature Stop: Parc national de Plaisance, known for its rich birdlife and tranquil waterways, is a worthwhile detour for nature lovers and a break from driving.
Insider Tips for the Perfect Ottawa Scenic Drive
To ensure your scenic driving adventure is smooth and memorable, here are a few key takeaways and pro tips:
Plan for Peak Season Crowds
Fall Foliage Warning: If you are driving for autumn colours, be prepared for significant crowds, especially on weekends in October, particularly in Gatineau Park and at Calabogie’s Eagle’s Nest. Arrive early (before 9:00 AM) or plan your trip for a weekday to avoid congestion and parking issues.
Alternative Transport: In Gatineau Park, consider parking at the edges of the park and using the NCC’s free shuttle service during peak fall season to access the popular lookouts, which can save you a lot of stress.
Pack Smart
Your scenic drive is an opportunity to truly disconnect.
Essentials: Bring a good camera (not just your phone!), binoculars for spotting wildlife or distant scenery, a thermos of coffee, and a pre-packed lunch to enjoy at one of the many roadside picnic areas (like Étienne Brûlé Lookout).
Fuel and Snacks: While the major routes are close to towns, some of the more rural stretches, like the Calabogie or Rideau Heritage routes, have fewer services, so fill up your tank before you leave the city.
Respect the Environment and Road Rules
Speed Limits: Parkways, especially in Gatineau Park, have lower speed limits designed for scenic cruising, not racing. Drive slowly to appreciate the view and for safety.
Leave No Trace: When you stop at a lookout or picnic spot, please take all garbage with you to keep these beautiful driving routes pristine for everyone.
Wildlife: Be especially vigilant when driving at dawn or dusk, particularly near Gatineau Park and on the rural routes, as deer and moose are often active near the roadsides.
The Best Season to Experience Ottawa’s Drives
While every season offers a unique spectacle, here is a quick guide to help you decide when to take your Ottawa scenic drive:
Summer (June – August)
The landscape is lush and green. Perfect for Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive that end with a swim, a canoe/kayak rental, or a picnic by the water. The historic lock stations along the Rideau Canal are fully operational and a sight to see.
Fall (Late September – Mid-October)
The undisputed best time for a scenic drive. The fall Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive of the Canadian Shield are world-famous. Target Gatineau Park and the Calabogie area for the most dramatic displays.
Spring (April – May)
A beautiful time for the urban drives like Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive to see the explosion of tulips, and the Ottawa River routes as the ice breaks and the water flows rapidly. The greenery is fresh, and the air is crisp.
Winter (December – March)
Many parkways, including those in Spots in Ottawa for a Scenic Drive Park, are closed to vehicles in winter and converted into cross-country ski trails, but the views of snow-covered pines and frozen rivers are still beautiful from the main roads. The city centre drives, with the historic Parliament buildings dusted in snow, are magical.
