One of the best things about living in Ottawa is how quickly you can escape the city and find beautiful countryside, rivers, forests, and charming small towns. Within an hour of downtown, you can experience some of the most scenic drives in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
Whether you want a relaxing weekend cruise, a fall colours drive, or a peaceful summer escape, these are the most scenic drives near Ottawa under 1 hour.
🚗 1. Gatineau Parkway Drive – The Classic Ottawa Scenic Route
If you only do one scenic drive near Ottawa, make it this one.
📍 Location
Through Gatineau Park in Gatineau
Why It’s Amazing
Forest roads
Scenic lookouts
Rolling hills
Incredible fall colours
Best Stops
🌄 Champlain Lookout
The most famous lookout near Ottawa.
🌊 Meech Lake
Perfect summer stop.
Best Time to Go
👉 Fall is absolutely unbeatable here.
🌾 2. Ottawa to Merrickville – Best Small Town Drive
The drive to Merrickville feels like classic small-town Ontario.
Why People Love It
Country roads
Historic charm
Farmland scenery
What to Do in Merrickville
Coffee shops
Boutique stores
Canal views
Best For
👉 Relaxed weekend drives.
🌊 3. Ottawa River Drive to Wakefield – Best Riverside Views
This route combines river scenery with one of the coolest nearby villages.
📍 Destination
Wakefield
Why It’s Worth It
Ottawa River views
Forest landscapes
Relaxed cottage-country feel
Don’t Miss
🛶 Wakefield Covered Bridge area
☕ Local cafés and patios
🍁 4. Perth Road Trip – Best Historic Town Drive
The drive to Perth is especially beautiful during summer and fall.
Why It’s Scenic
Rolling countryside
Quiet highways
Historic architecture
Why People Like Perth
Stone buildings
Waterfront parks
Relaxed small-town atmosphere
🌲 5. Carp & West Carleton Drive – Underrated Local Favourite
This west-end route is surprisingly scenic.
Areas to Explore
Carp
Dunrobin
West Carleton
Why It’s Great
Rural scenery
Open farmland
Ottawa River access nearby
Bonus Stop
🍺 Local breweries and farm shops
🌅 6. Rideau Lakes Drive – Best Waterfront Road Trip
The Rideau region offers incredible summer driving.
Why It’s Beautiful
Lakeside roads
Marinas
Cottage-country vibes
Best Stops
Manotick
Rideau Ferry areas
Small waterfront villages
Best For
👉 Slow summer weekend drives.
🚗 7. Ottawa to Chelsea – Best Quick Escape
A short drive with surprisingly scenic surroundings.
Why People Love It
Forested roads
Hills and lookouts
Great restaurants and cafés
Nearby Attractions
Gatineau Park access
Nordic spa area
Perfect For
👉 Half-day trips close to the city.
🌄 8. Calabogie Drive – Best Adventure Route
For drivers who enjoy winding roads and mountain scenery.
📍 Destination
Calabogie
What Makes It Special
Twisty roads
Forest landscapes
Lakes and hills
Great Activities
Hiking
Boating
Scenic stops
🌿 9. Prince of Wales Drive – Best In-City Scenic Route
You don’t even need to leave Ottawa.
Why It’s Great
River views
Green space
Relaxed pace
Best Areas
Hogs Back
Rideau River sections
Experimental Farm nearby
🌊 10. Long Sault Parkway (Slightly Longer but Worth It)
Technically close to the 1-hour mark depending on traffic—but incredible.
Why It’s Famous
Waterfront driving
Islands and bridges
St. Lawrence River views
Best For
👉 Summer day trips.
📊 Best Scenic Drives Near Ottawa
🍂 Best Time for Scenic Drives Near Ottawa
🍁 Fall
The most popular season due to incredible colours.
☀️ Summer
Best for lakes, patios, and village exploring.
❄️ Winter
Some routes become beautiful snow-covered drives.
🧠 Why Ottawa Is Great for Road Trips
One underrated thing about Ottawa:
👉 You can reach nature extremely quickly.
Unlike Larger Cities
You don’t need to drive 2–3 hours to find:
Lakes
Forests
Scenic roads
Charming small towns
🚘 Tips for Scenic Driving Around Ottawa
✅ Start Early on Weekends
Popular routes get busy.
✅ Bring Cash/Card for Small Shops
Some rural spots are limited.
✅ Plan Scenic Stops
The drive is only half the experience.
✅ Watch for Cyclists
Especially in Gatineau Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most scenic drive near Ottawa?
The Gatineau Parkway drive is the most famous.
2. Where can I see fall colours near Ottawa?
Gatineau Park is the top destination.
3. What are good small towns near Ottawa?
Merrickville, Perth, and Wakefield are excellent choices.
4. Are there scenic waterfront drives near Ottawa?
Yes, especially around the Ottawa River and Rideau Lakes.
5. Is Calabogie worth visiting?
Absolutely, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Are these drives good year-round?
Yes, though fall and summer are the most popular seasons.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the most scenic drives near Ottawa is one of the best ways to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. Within an hour of the city, you can experience forest roads, lakeside villages, river views, and incredible lookouts that feel far removed from urban life.
Whether you want a relaxing Sunday drive or a full day trip, Ottawa offers some fantastic scenic escapes close to home.
