Upper Canada Village

A Short day trip pick to Upper Canada Village—you can’t go wrong with a day spent at this classic pioneer village, just an hour south down the road to Morrisburg. Kids are (surprisingly!) fascinated by the working mills, where they make wool, flour, and lumber using nothing but water power.

1860s style schoolhouse is a favorite, as are the tin shop, shoe maker, and of course, the blacksmith. There are tons of animals to see, plus variety shows, a tow boat, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Be sure to add a ride on the miniature steam train.

Address: 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg, ON 

Phone:     (613) 543-4328

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Saunders Farm

Start with the huge treehouse climbing structure and discovery barn then try the giant jumping pillows. If you can get the kids to move on, there are mazes to run through, pedal cars to ride, a giant slide to race down and a splash pad. New this year is the Farmer’s Table restaurant, featuring locally farmed food prepared by their on-site chef. 
Good to know: parking is close by and you can head out to your car at any time, so coolers and swim suits can be left behind until needed.

Address: 7893 Bleeks Rd, Ottawa, ON

Phone: (613) 838-5440

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LaFleche Adventure Park 
For kids who need to burn off steam, look no further than LaFleche Adventure Park. They feature huge outdoor obstacle courses—each of which includes a zipline or two—making this trip a unique physical challenge. The kids’ course—open to those at least 4 feet all—features bridges, treehouses and

iplines. Have a picnic, then take a tour of the nearby LaFleche Caves (wear warm clothing). 
Good to know: Go on a week day, it’s not as crowded, bring gloves (or buy them there) and wear closed-toe shoes.

Address: 255, Rte Principale, Val-des-Monts, QC 

Phone: (819) 457-4033

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1000 Islands

The Gananoque Boat Line offers short one hour tours, but we recommend the two and a half hour tour that will take you past some pretty swanky houses, lighthouses, the shortest international bridge in the world and fill you in on some pirates of the past. You can also add a stop at the legendary Boldt Castle—but remember, you’ll need a passport for everyone as it’s on the American side.

Address: 1000 Islands Ontario

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Bonnechere Caves
Located about two hours west of Kanata, the Bonnechere Caves in Eganville are a unique sight to behold. The caves are huge—big enough to stand inside with plenty of headroom—and feature a fascinating look at fossils, rock formations, stalactites and plenty of bats. Tours leave often and no reservations are necessary. Access is by a long staircase but walking inside the caves is fairly easy for all ages.

Address: 1247 Fourth Chute Rd, Eganville, ON

Phone: (613) 628-2283

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Visit a Small Town
There are quite a few small towns in the Ottawa Valley that make for a quaint day trip full of browsing for antiques, strolling down quiet main streets, and dining in fantastic little cafes and ice cream shops. Almonte is the home of local roaster Equator Coffee, and also features many great little shops and the lovely Riverwalk. In Merrickville, you’ll find Mrs. McGarrigle’s famous maple mustard, and sweet treats at the Downtown Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe. Chelsea, on the Quebec side of the border, fits perfectly with a trip to Gatineau Park—reward tired hikers with ice cream from La Cigale or candy from Aux Bons Temps. Wakefield is still worth a visit for its lovely gift shops, picturesque covered bridge, and the Millionaire Bars at the Wakefield Boulangerie

Address: Chelsea, QC

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Biodome
Montreal seems far, but it can be done in a day if you plan well. Our favourite one-day Montreal destination is the Biodome, an indoor zoo featuring four different ecosystems full of animals. The rain forest area features adorable monkeys, scary piranhas, and very vocal macaws, but it’s the penguin and puffin enclosure that will have the kids sitting in fascination for hours. If you have extra time (and a strong stomach), check out the Insectarium next door, or enjoy a picnic in the Botanical Gardens (both included with admission). Guaranteed to cause car naps on the way home!

Address: 4777 Ave Pierre-de Coubertin, Montréal, QC

Phone: (514) 868-3000

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Parc Omega
Drive right on up to this wildlife reserve, located just outside Montebello in Quebec, and you’ll be rewarded with dozens of deer, elk, and bison wandering up to the car windows hoping to score a carrot or two…or ten. There are tons of animals to see as you slowly motor through the park, and there’s one place where you can get out for a picnic or a hands-on visit with some of the smaller creatures. Don’t miss the hiking trail near the entrance that overlooks the bear and wolf habitats. It’s a fun day for the whole family

Address: 399 Route 323 North, Montebello, QC

Phone: (819) 423-5487

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Prehistoric World (Life size Dinosaurs)

Are your children fascinated by dinosaurs? If so, there’s a great natural exhibit within driving distance of Montreal that would make a fun summer outing.

Prehistoric World is a park that features over 50 life size, scientifically accurate, dinosaur models in an outdoor setting. You can walk along a 1 kilometer trail and view dinosaurs from various historic periods. It takes about an hour to go through the park. There’s a fossil pit where children can hunt for dinosaur bones and picnic tables are available on site.

Address: 5446 Upper Canada Rd, Morrisburg, ON

Phone: (613) 543-2503

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