Eastern Ontario discovery: Slow roads & scenic shores

Arrive in Canada's elegant capital and make your way to Le Germain Hotel Ottawa, your stylish base in the heart of the city. Perfectly positioned for exploring, the hotel places many of Ottawa's cultural and historic highlights within easy reach. After settling in, spend the remainder of the day discovering the city at your own pace. Perhaps enjoy a stroll through the downtown streets, admire the impressive architecture around Parliament Hill or wander along the Rideau Canal. As evening falls, explore Ottawa's thriving culinary scene, where lively restaurants, welcoming cafés and historic streets provide a wonderful introduction to the city.

Stay: Le Germain Hotel Ottawa

Enjoy a day discovering the many attractions of Ottawa. The compact city centre makes it easy to explore on foot, whether you're interested in world-class museums, historic landmarks or picturesque waterfront scenery. Later, join an included ByWard Market Food Tour and delve into one of Ottawa's most characterful neighbourhoods. This historic district has long been at the heart of the city's social and culinary life and is home to an excellent collection of independent eateries, bakeries and artisan producers. As you sample a variety of local specialities, you'll gain a deeper understanding of both the market's history and Ottawa's evolving food scene.

Stay: Le Germain Hotel Ottawa

Pick up your rental car before leaving the capital behind, traveling west into the beautiful landscapes of the Ottawa Valley. As the city gradually gives way to forests, lakes and rolling countryside, the pace of life noticeably slows. Arrive in the small community of Calabogie, a destination beloved for its outdoor lifestyle and spectacular natural surroundings. After checking into Somewhere Inn Calabogie, spend the afternoon at leisure. Whether enjoying a lakeside walk, exploring the surrounding trails or simply relaxing amidst the peaceful scenery, this is an ideal introduction to Ontario's quieter side.

Stay: Somewhere Inn Calabogie

Today is dedicated to exploring the rugged beauty of the Calabogie region. The highlight is a guided hike to Eagle's Nest Lookout, one of Eastern Ontario's most spectacular viewpoints. Following forest trails through the surrounding wilderness, you'll eventually emerge at a dramatic cliff-top vantage point overlooking the Madawaska Valley. The panoramic views stretch across vast forests, lakes and distant hills, offering a memorable perspective on this unspoilt corner of Ontario. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure – perhaps continue exploring the area on foot, take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside or simply unwind and soak up the tranquility.

Stay: Somewhere Inn Calabogie

Continue your journey through Ontario's beautiful lake country as you travel towards the Haliburton Highlands. Forests, granite outcrops and sparkling waterways accompany much of the route, showcasing the landscapes that define this part of the province. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to stop and appreciate the scenery, whether for a short walk, a leisurely lunch or simply to admire the views. Arriving in Haliburton, check into the charming Haliburton Post House before spending the rest of the day exploring the village and its attractive waterfront setting.

Stay: Haliburton Post House

Today offers an opportunity to experience one of Ontario's most impressive wilderness areas. Haliburton Forest encompasses an expansive landscape of lakes, forests and trails, providing an excellent introduction to the region's natural heritage. A highlight of your visit is admission to the renowned Wolf Centre, where large observation windows overlook a forested enclosure home to a resident wolf pack. Alongside the opportunity to observe these fascinating animals, the centre provides insights into the wider ecosystem of the Haliburton Highlands and the wildlife that inhabits it. Return to Haliburton for a relaxed evening and time to enjoy the peaceful setting of your lakeside accommodation.

Stay: Haliburton Post House

Today's drive brings a noticeable change in scenery as you leave the rugged landscapes of the Canadian Shield behind and make your way towards Prince Edward County. Known for its vineyards, orchards, farmland and creative communities, the county has established itself as one of Ontario's most exciting food and wine destinations. After checking into The June Motel, spend the afternoon exploring the local area. Browse independent shops, enjoy a tasting at a nearby winery or simply take in the relaxed atmosphere that has made the region increasingly popular among discerning travellers.

The next day is dedicated to discovering Prince Edward County at your own pace. One of Ontario's most celebrated culinary regions, the county is home to renowned wineries, excellent farm-to-table restaurants and a wealth of local producers. Vineyard visits, brewery tastings and scenic drives through rolling countryside all make for rewarding ways to spend the day. Alternatively, head to one of the county's picturesque waterfront areas or spend time exploring charming communities such as Wellington and Picton. With a second night at The June Motel, there is ample time to savour the region's laid-back pace.

Stay: The June Motel

Depart Prince Edward County and continue west along the shores of Lake Ontario towards historic Kingston. Beautifully positioned where Lake Ontario meets the St Lawrence River, Kingston was once Canada's first capital and remains one of the country's most attractive historic cities. After checking into The Belvedere Hotel, spend the afternoon exploring the waterfront and the city's atmospheric downtown, where handsome limestone buildings house boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

Spend the next morning exploring more of Kingston's rich history and attractive waterfront setting before embarking on an included cruise. Sailing through the famed Thousand Islands region, you'll pass a remarkable landscape of wooded islands, historic summer homes and scenic waterways that straddle the border between Canada and the United States. Seeing the region from the water offers a unique perspective on one of Eastern Canada's most beautiful landscapes. Return to Kingston later in the day and enjoy another evening in this charming lakeside city.

Stay: The Belvedere Hotel

Travel north through the picturesque countryside of Eastern Ontario, where rolling farmland, lakes and small communities characterise the landscape. Arrive in Perth, often considered one of Ontario's prettiest heritage towns, and settle into your lake-view cottage at Pine Brae Eco Resort. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy. Perhaps stroll through Perth's historic centre, browse independent boutiques or simply relax beside the lake and appreciate the peaceful natural surroundings.

Enjoy the next day at leisure in and around Perth. Rich in heritage charm, the town is known for its beautifully preserved architecture, welcoming cafés and attractive riverfront setting. Those wishing to explore further can venture onto nearby walking trails or enjoy time beside one of the area's many lakes. Alternatively, simply embrace the slower pace of life and relax at your cottage. As evening approaches, take in the tranquil scenery from the lakeshore, reflecting on your journey through some of Ontario's most scenic and lesser-visited regions.

Stay: Pine Brae Eco Resort

After breakfast, begin the short drive back to Ottawa, completing your circular journey through Eastern Ontario. Take one final opportunity to enjoy the region's forests, lakes and rural landscapes before returning to the capital where you will spend the night.

Stay: Le Germain Hotel Ottawa