Laura Byrne Paquet

For a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, you could take your cue from Hollywood....

If you’re looking for a photogenic destination for a holiday road trip, why not follow the lead of many movie crews and head to Almonte?

With concerts, theatre, Christmas sales and an illuminated train, Perth is a great place to banish the November blahs and get in the holiday spirit. And it’s only 85 kilometres from Parliament Hill – an hour’s drive, in good conditions – making it an easy day trip from Ottawa.

If there was ever a phrase to sum up Smiths Falls in a nutshell, “still standing” would be a prime contender.

When you’re craving a relaxing weekend drive featuring some great places to eat and drink along the way, you don’t need to spend ages plotting your itinerary. Instead, check out these food and beverage trails for inspiration.

When you don’t have the time and budget for a long road trip but still want to escape the city, Carleton Place could be just the ticket. In fact, if you live in the west end, it’s probably quicker to drive to Carleton Place than to downtown Ottawa!

If you’re looking for a nearby summer roadtrip destination where you can enjoy great theatre and a pretty waterfront, you have at least three choices along the St. Lawrence River.

If you’re looking for a road trip destination with riverside parks, lots of locally owned shops and restaurants and even an Art Deco-inspired bowling alley, Arnprior is the place to go.

Not many Eastern Ontario villages are home to a caramel shop, glass-blowing studio, award-winning mustard maker and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, I’m pretty confident there’s only one: Merrickville, less than an hour’s drive southwest of Ottawa. 

Roughly 90 minutes southwest of Ottawa, the tiny Rideau Lakes village of Newboro punches far above its weight when it comes to amusements for road trippers.