Waterfall Road Trips
Ottawa residents are lucky to have some great waterfalls right in the city. But there are lots more to be found on a day-trip out of town.
NOTE: Some of these day trips take a full day. There are long stretches of driving without any waterfalls, and you might return after sunset. Be sure to understand how far you are going before you set out.
For a shorter day, try trip No. 30 to Ottawa City or No. 31 to the Mississippi Valley.
There's no need to leave Ottawa to see some great waterfalls. This tour focuses on the big three falls in town, and adds a small bonus rapids or two.
A short drive from Ottawa brings you to the Mississippi Valley. Each of the historic towns and villages along the river has its own waterfall or two.
Some of the falls on this route are quite small, but together, along with their surroundings, they make for a great outing.
A slightly longer drive from Ottawa leads to several fine waterfall sites located along the Bonnechere River.
A slightly longer drive from Ottawa leads to several fine waterfalls located along the Bonnechere River. This would be about 4 hours total driving, including your return.
Explorers that are willing to pack even more in can add a few extra falls and still make it back by mid-evening.
Can go as far as Cordova, Healey, Ranney. Flinton, Price. Long, but not ridiculous. 6 hr max return
See the little falls and mills and dams along the Rideau canal route, more or less.
Most road trips in this page requires use of a vehicle. But not this one! It is possible to visit several waterfalls using by public transit.
While you can see a lot in Muskoka in one day, you can see a lot more by staying overnight. This gives you a chance to reach the edge of Algonquin Park, as well as some of the other nice falls away from the Hwy 11 corridor.
An aggressive traveller might be able to do most of this journey during a single day, but it would require a very late return home. A second day gives you time to actually explore and enjoy.
A great number of waterfalls are found along highway 11, starting at Bracebridge and ending at North Bay. A few more are located less than an hour east on Hwy 17.
From Toronto to North Bay is about a 4 hr drive. While an enthusiastic traveller could do the return trip in one day, an overnight stay in North Bay is much better. You'd actually be able to enjoy yourself! Plus, see a few extra gems just a bit further off the highway.
A great number of waterfalls are found along highway 11, starting at Bracebridge and ending at North Bay. A few more are located less than an hour east on Hwy 17.
From Toronto to North Bay is about a 4 hr drive. While an enthusiastic traveller could do the return trip in one day, an overnight stay in North Bay is much better. You'd actually be able to enjoy yourself! Plus, see a few extra gems just a bit further off the highway.
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