6 road trips to try this week: Camping, ghosts and Upper Canada Village

It’s going to be a sweltering few days! If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat—or just distract yourself from it—here are a few ideas for short road trips near Ottawa. Wherever you go, keep a safe distance and have fun!

Throw some axes in Ottawa

Pandemic got you down? No worries—you can work out that angst by chucking around some woodworking tools! LumberJaxe is an axe-throwing spot in the City Centre complex that recently re-opened with new COVID-19 protocols in place. Reservations not required, but recommended.

Go rafting in Foresters Falls

OWL Rafting in Foresters Falls is offering small-group whitewater rafting trips for households and bubbles. The Ottawa River is known for having some of the best rafting rapids in Ontario, but don’t let that scare you—there are outings for people at all levels of ability (including children and novices). Here are details on the outfitter’s new COVID-19 procedures. P.S.: You can get $15 off your trip with the free #MyOttawa Pass from Ottawa Tourism.

Pitch a tent in the Outaouais or an Ontario provincial park

Eager for wake up in the morning beside a lake, surrounded by trees? You’re in luck. Tourisme Outaouais has a list of five spots you can camp in West Quebec right now, and this page from Ontario Parks lists all the provincial park campgrounds currently open in Ontario.

Take a guided bike tour of Ottawa

A few years ago, I took a guided tour with Maria of local Ottawa company Escape Bicycle Tours, and I was delighted how much I learned about the city I’ve been writing about for 30-odd years! It’s a wonderful way to get some exercise while seeing our own backyard from a different perspective. Three itineraries are currently available, ranging in length roughly two to three-and-a-half hours, and from 12 to 24 kilometres. Groups are limited to seven people at the minute. Escape is also offering a discount for #MyOttawa Pass holders.

Take the family to Upper Canada Village

Good news for all you fans of everything 1860s: Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg re-opened to the public on Canada Day! You have to buy a timed ticket in advance, and there are a few other changes to the usual procedures, but—as always—it’s a great place to learn about life in Ontario in the days right around Confederation.

Get a good scare in Ottawa, Kingston or Toronto

It’s baaaack! The Haunted Walk is now offering private bubble versions of its popular ghost tours, for groups of two to eight people living or bubbling together. You can take them in Ottawa, Kingston or Toronto. Please note: The video above is from a tour back in the non-COVID-19 days, to give you a flavour of what you’ll see—the current tours have social distancing protocols in place. Locals get 20% off a tour with the #MyOttawa Pass.

For more ideas, check out my recent posts on re-opening dates of your favourite local attractions and 25 Eastern Ontario road trips you can do right now. And don’t forget to subscribe to my free weekly e-newsletter, if you don’t already!