Time to pack your sunhat and fill up the gas tank. This summer is the perfect time to head out for a regional roadtrip and familiarize yourself with the tastes, experiences and attractions that are hidden in plain sight.
From theatrical experiences along the St. Lawrence River to decadent desserts and gift shops in picturesque villages, Eastern Ontario is the place for quick and affordable roadtrip opportunities. Check out some of Eastern Ontario’s hotspots with this guide, compiled from the recurring column Regional Roadtrips, where local travel writer Laura Byrne chronicles her picks for day trips and weekend getaways.
Arnprior
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 — just 40 kilometres west of the Canadian Tire Centre — is the place to go. Check out the full guide to a day trip in Arnprior here.
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Byrne’s top picks:
Arnprior and District Museum — 35 Madawaska St.
KOTi 28 — 158 John St. N.
White Pines Book and Children’s Boutique — 152 John St. N
Jade & Laney — 108 John St. N.
Valley Girls Clothing Company — 90 John St. N
Bee Savvy Fine Foods — 14 Elgin St. W.
The Village Crate — 159 John St. N.
Johnie’s Vintage — 54 Madawaska St.
Racked Consignment Shoppe — 12 Elgin St. W.
Antiques, Treasures and Treats — 260 Elgin St. W.
Mighty Fine Bakehouse — 79 Madawaska St.
Krave Bistro — 24 Elgin St. W.
Gillies Grove
Robert Simpson Park — 400 John St. N.
Steelheads & Strikes — 120 John St. N.
Merrickville
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, we’re pretty confident there’s only one: Merrickville, less than an hour’s drive southwest of Ottawa.
Byrne’s full guide to Merrickville can be found here.
Her main highlights:
Mrs. McGarrigle’s — 311 St. Lawrence St.
Yellow Canoe Cafe — 108 St. Lawrence St.
Iron Forge Pizza — 206 Main St. W.
Downtown Ice Cream Shoppe — 165 St. Lawrence St.
Violets on Main — 318 Main St. W.
Pickle & Myrrh — 110 Main St. E.
Maple & Rose — 205 Mill St.
Wick Witch Apothecary — 108 St. Lawrence St.
Gather Brewery & Glassworks — 635 St. Lawrence St.
MonSky Creations Gallery — 108 St. Lawrence St.
Laura’s Shop — 106 Colborne St. W.
Newboro
The tiny Rideau Lakes village of Newboro (population: 262) punches far above its weight when it comes to amusements for road trippers. Roughly 90 minutes southwest of Ottawa, it is home to an art school, a soapmaker, a fishing gear shop, and a rambling country store that seems to have swallowed up half the community. Byrne’s full column on Newboro is here.
Byrne’s must-sees:
Stone Manor Studios — 11 New St.
Newboro Soap Company — 49 Drummond St.
Kilborn’s on the Rideau — 10 Drummond St.
Norris Bait and Tackle — 8877 County Road 42
Stagecoach Inn — 4 Drummond St.
Leeds and Grenville
Have you ever heard an alpaca orgle? At Little Foot Alpacas just outside Spencerville, about 50 minutes south of Ottawa, co-owner Caroline Bingley dishes up fascinating facts about these lovable South American mammals. Read her full account of the day here.
Byrne’s highlights:
Little Foot Alpacas — 8011 Campbell Rd, Spencerville
El Rebost de les Mil Illes — 991 Industrial Rd Unit D, Prescott (for a post-alpaca trek snack)
St. Lawrence River
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. Read the full column and Byrne’s travel recommendations here.
Upper Canada Playhouse — 12320 County Road 2, Morrisburg
St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival — 101 Water St. W., Prescott
Thousand Islands Playhouse — Gananoque
