Ottawa sits at the meeting point of several distinct landscapes, and the drives that fan out from the city in every direction are among the most beautiful in Eastern Canada. Whether you want a quick afternoon loop or a full-day road trip, the options are varied and rewarding. Here are the drives that make the journey itself the destination.
Gatineau Hills Loop
The Gatineau Parkway is the closest and most accessible scenic drive from Ottawa. Cross the river into Gatineau and follow the parkway as it winds through the forested hills, past lakes and lookout points, to the Champlain Lookout. In autumn, this drive is extraordinary. The hardwood forests erupt in reds, oranges, and golds, and the lookout offers a panoramic view that stretches from the Ottawa Valley to the Laurentian Mountains.
The full parkway loop takes about an hour without stops, but plan for longer. You will want to pause at the lookouts, and if you have time, the short trail to Pink Lake is worth the detour. In summer, the drive passes several lake access points where you can stop for a swim.
For an extended version, continue north on Highway 105 through the Gatineau Valley to Wakefield. The road follows the Gatineau River through increasingly dramatic scenery, and the village of Wakefield makes an excellent lunch stop.
Rideau Canal Corridor
Head south from Ottawa along the old highway (County Road 16 and connecting roads) that parallels the Rideau Canal. This route passes through Manotick, Merrickville, and Smiths Falls, with opportunities to stop at lock stations along the way. The landscape alternates between farmland and riverside forest, with the canal appearing and disappearing beside the road.
The drive from Ottawa to Merrickville takes about an hour, and you can extend it to Smiths Falls (another 20 minutes) or all the way to Westport and the Rideau Lakes region. Each lock station along the route offers a chance to stop, stretch your legs, and watch boats navigate the historic waterway. The countryside is flat and open, which means the views are wide and the light, especially in the golden hours, is beautiful.
Ottawa Valley Route
West of Ottawa, the Ottawa Valley reveals a landscape of rolling farmland, river bluffs, and small towns with deep roots. Take Highway 17 west along the Ottawa River, then cut south through the village of Arnprior and into Lanark County. The roads through this area wind past stone farmhouses, covered bridges, and fields bordered by cedar rail fences.
The Ottawa Valley route works well as a loop. Drive west to Arnprior, south through Pakenham (home to a five-span stone bridge, the only one of its kind in North America), then to Almonte and Perth before returning to Ottawa via Highway 7. The full loop takes about three hours of driving, plus stops. Pack a lunch or eat in Perth, which has some of the best restaurants in the region for a town of its size.
Thousand Islands Drive
This is the longest drive on the list (about two hours to reach the Thousand Islands region), but it rewards the effort. Take Highway 416 south to the 401, then follow the Thousand Islands Parkway along the St. Lawrence River. The parkway is a narrow, scenic road that hugs the riverbank, with views of the islands and the international shipping channel.
Stop at the Thousand Islands Tower for an aerial view, visit the Brockville Railway Tunnel (a rail tunnel converted to a walkway with a light show), or simply pull over at one of the many picnic spots along the river. Gananoque, the main gateway to the islands, has boat tours and restaurants on the waterfront. This is a full-day commitment but one of the most visually stunning drives accessible from Ottawa.
Eastern Ontario Farmland
For a quieter drive, head east from Ottawa through Russell, Embrun, and the farming communities of Prescott-Russell. This is flat, open farmland that stretches to the horizon, punctuated by church steeples and grain silos. In summer, the fields are lush and green. In autumn, the harvested landscape has a spare, golden beauty. It is not dramatic in the way the Gatineau Hills are dramatic, but it has a peacefulness that is rare to find this close to a major city.
The small Franco-Ontarian communities in this area offer a taste of rural French-Canadian culture, with local bakeries selling tourtiere and butter tarts, and churches that anchor every village centre.
Tips for Scenic Driving
Autumn (late September to mid-October) is the best season for scenic drives, but every season has something to offer. In spring, watch for flooding on low-lying roads near rivers. In winter, check road conditions before heading into the Gatineau Hills. Year-round, fill up on gas before leaving Ottawa, as rural gas stations can be sparse and sometimes closed on weekends.
For overnight options along these routes, see our weekend getaway guides. For small-town stops worth building a drive around, see our small-town escapes guide.