The small towns around Ottawa are one of the region's best-kept secrets. Within an hour or so of the capital, you will find heritage main streets, independent shops, excellent bakeries, and the kind of slow pace that makes a day trip feel like a proper escape. These are places where you park the car, walk from one end of town to the other, eat well, and drive home feeling like you have been away for much longer than a day.
Almonte
Almonte sits about 45 minutes southwest of Ottawa along the Mississippi River (yes, Ontario has one too). The town has reinvented itself around a creative economy, with textile arts, antique shops, and a food scene that punches well above its weight. The downtown core is compact and walkable, centred on Mill Street, which runs along the river and past the restored mill buildings that anchor the town.
Visit the mill district to see the river cascading past the old stone buildings. Browse the antique shops and galleries. Stop at a local bakery for something fresh. In autumn, the trees along the river turn vivid shades of orange and red, making Almonte one of the prettiest day-trip destinations in the region.
Perth
Perth, about an hour southwest of Ottawa, is one of the best-preserved heritage towns in Eastern Ontario. Founded in 1816 as a military settlement, the town has a remarkable collection of stone buildings from the early 19th century. The Tay Canal runs through town, and the waterfront park and walking paths along it are lovely in any season.
The main street has independent shops, restaurants, and a bakery that draws people from across the region. The Stewart Park Festival in summer brings live music to the waterfront. And the town's small museums and historical sites offer a window into the early settlement of Eastern Ontario without feeling like a history lesson.
Merrickville
Merrickville is the smallest of the bunch but arguably the most charming. This village on the Rideau Canal has a main street lined with galleries, craft shops, and restaurants housed in heritage buildings. The canal runs through the centre of town, and watching boats navigate the lock stations is a highlight in summer.
The Blockhouse, a stone fortification from the canal's construction period, offers a small museum and good views over the canal. The village is compact enough to explore in a couple of hours, which makes it ideal for combining with another stop on the same day trip. Pair it with a visit to Smiths Falls or a drive along the Rideau Canal corridor.
Wakefield
North of Ottawa in Quebec's Gatineau Hills, Wakefield is a village that feels like it belongs in a different province entirely. The main street runs along the Gatineau River and is lined with art galleries, cafes, and small shops. The covered bridge over the river is one of the longest in Quebec and makes for a great photo. The surrounding hills offer excellent hiking and, in winter, cross-country skiing that draws people from across the region.
The drive to Wakefield along Highway 105 is scenic, especially in autumn. The road follows the Gatineau River through forested hills, and the views improve with every kilometre. Plan to stop at a lookout along the way.
Westport
Further from Ottawa (about 90 minutes southwest), Westport sits at the western end of Upper Rideau Lake and rewards the longer drive. This tiny village has a main street with a general store, a brewery, and a handful of restaurants with lake views. The waterfront is the main attraction, with a public beach, a marina, and trails that lead to the Foley Mountain Conservation Area lookout, which offers sweeping views over the lake and surrounding forest.
Westport works best as a full-day commitment. Bring a swimsuit in summer, plan for lunch in town, and take the short hike to the Foley Mountain lookout before heading home.
Making the Most of a Small-Town Day Trip
The key to enjoying these towns is resisting the urge to rush. Drive at a reasonable pace and enjoy the countryside along the way. Leave time for unplanned stops at farm stands, roadside lookouts, and the small communities you pass through. Eat where the locals eat, not where the signs are biggest. And if a shop or gallery catches your eye, go in. These towns thrive on curious visitors who take their time.
For more ideas, see our guide to scenic drives from Ottawa, which covers the best routes to reach these towns and others.