Watson's Mill, Photo(s): Phil Renaud, City of Ottawa/Ville d'Ottawa

Discover Ottawa’s Rural Communities

Discover Ottawa’s rural communities

Craving a change of scenery? Maybe a little fresh air, new culinary experiences or local treasure hunting? It’s time to get out of town, without even having to leave the city! Rural Ottawa is the perfect one-day getaway to reconnect with nature and get to know the local businesses behind the neighbourhoods. Plan your next trip to Ottawa’s charming rural communities this winter and make the most of your visit with the itineraries below.

Visit rural Ottawa

Morris Island
Visit West Carleton-March this summer
It’s time for a change of scenery, take a day trip out to visit the West Carleton-March neighbourhoods, just 35 minutes west of Ottawa!
Mimis Donuts
Explore Rideau-Goulbourn this summer
Here are some reasons to road trip to the charming Rideau-Goulbourn neighbourhoods, just 30 minutes south of Ottawa!
Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm
A summer getaway to Osgoode, Metcalfe, and Greely
Plan your next weekend getaway to Ottawa’s rural communities, starting with Osgoode, just 30 minutes south of Ottawa!
Cumberland Heritage Museum
Discover summer in Cumberland
Jump in the car heading east and don’t stop until you’re in the charming, historic streets of Cumberland, just 20 minutes from Ottawa.
Cycling pathways Ottawa
Cycling in rural Ottawa
With over 800 kilometres (497 miles) of pathways, Canada’s capital region is a cyclist’s dream—especially the vast countryside surrounding the city.

Rural Ottawa winter itineraries

Winter biking, South March Highlands
Getaway to West Carleton-March
Go deep underground at Canada’s Cold War Museum, explore historic Carp village, and experience the great outdoors in Ottawa’s rural northwest.
Watsons Mill
Visit Rideau-Goulbourn
Browse the shops and grab a bite on Manotick Main Street, stop by a vineyard blanketed in snow, then head to Marlborough Forest for some snowshoeing.
RiverOak
Discover Osgoode, Greely and Metcalfe
Satisfy your sweet tooth at one of the city’s favourite sugar bush operations and skate through a wooded winter wonderland in Ottawa’s rural southeast.
Mer Bleue Bog
Explore Cumberland
Hike, ski or snowshoe through the natural beauty of Mer Bleue Bog and explore a century old village in Ottawa’s rural east.

Outdoor inspiration in the countryside

Snowshoeing in the Greenbelt
Year-round outdoor activities in Ottawa's Greenbelt
Enjoy seasonal outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, boating, paddling, skiing, snowshoeing and birdwatching all year round in Ottawa’s Greenbelt.
Gatineau Park, winter, Snowshoeing
Wonderful outdoor winter activities in Ottawa
Looking for fun things to do outside this winter by yourself, with friends or with loved-ones? Stay active by skating, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and more.
Snowmobile
Snowmobile trails in and around Ottawa
Planning a snowmobiling adventure this winter? Find out about easily accessible urban and rural trails, places to stay, local breweries and more.
OWL Rafting
Epic whitewater adventures on the Ottawa River
Get your whitewater fix—a gentle splash or world-class high adventure—by rafting, tubing and kayaking within the city or in Ottawa’s nearby countryside.
Parachute GO Skydive Cameraman Tandem view
Awesome adrenaline-inducing activities in Ottawa
Zipline, jump, fly, paddle and speed your way through the Ottawa region! Try these adrenaline-pumping activities to make unforgettable memories.
Pumpkins, fall
Fall for the perfect pumpkin patch and apple orchard in Ottawa
Visit apple orchards and pumpkin patches at the many farms in the Ottawa region this autumn for pick-your-own or pre-picked goodies, activities, and more.

Discover Ottawa’s rural communities

1000 Islands Cruises Rockport
1000 Islands Cruises Rockport
Discover exhilarating panoramic views and the rugged nature of the Thousand Islands.
1000 Islands Helicopter Tours
1000 Islands Helicopter Tours
Feel the anticipation, freedom and excitement as you are lifted high above lush greenery, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs.
Christmas, snowman, winter
A Country Christmas
By day, enjoy pre-cut Christmas trees, hedge mazes, wagon rides, Christmas displays, a Farm Shop with local vendors and more! By night, drive through…
Music
Almonte Celtfest
A fun weekend of Ottawa Valley and Celtic entertainment, a time to share the historical Celtic traditions with today’s local performers. Celtfest also…
Arbraska Laflèche
Arbraska Laflèche
Come explore one of the largest cave in the Canadian Shield with our Discovery Tour or our Explorers Tour.
Artisan Farm
Artisan Farm
Welcome to Artisan Farm! ? Our orchard is of smaller size, high density, with dwarf and semi-dwarf trees; which produce more fruit on a small area.

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