As our nation’s capital, Ottawa is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Eastern Canada. From winding parkways through colourful forests to scenic routes alongside historic waterways, there is no shortage of breathtaking drives to explore. Whether you’re planning a family day trip, a weekend adventure, or simply looking for a relaxing way to enjoy the season, these scenic drives offer something for everyone. From the panoramic lookouts of Gatineau Park to the historic charm of the Rideau Canal, here are six of the best scenic drives in and around Ottawa that deserve a spot on your fall bucket list.
Top 6 Scenic Drives in Ottawa Region
1. Champlain Parkway (Gatineau Park)
The Champlain Parkway is a fun uphill route that branches off the Gatineau Parkway. Additionally, this route will take you alongside the beautiful Gatineau Hills. It will lead you to one of the park’s most scenic areas. The Champlain Parkway is often considered the best of the best for scenic driving in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Running through the western section of Gatineau Park, it climbs into the Gatineau Hills and provides some of the area’s most spectacular lookouts.
For an extra photogenic experience, go through late September to Mid-October during peak fall colours!
What You’ll Find
- Panoramic views of the Ottawa Valley
- Dense forests filled with autumn coloured leaves
- Wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys and tons of birds
- Champlain Lookout, offering one of the best views in the region
- Multiple walking trails and scenic overlooks
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2. Gatineau Parkway (Gatineau Park)
Get a look at Pink Lake and Camp Fortune with this route, which the city built in the late 1950s. Since then, it has become well known for its stunning foliage and beautiful rolling hills. As a result, it remains one of the most popular scenic drives in the Ottawa-Gatineau region, especially in the fall. It is well-paved, so you can enjoy going through it quickly. The Gatineau Parkway is one of the main roads through Gatineau Park and offers a classic forest drive through rolling terrain.
Showcasing the region’s natural beauty, it remains one of the most popular scenic roads near Ottawa! Unlike many of the routes on this list, the Gatineau Parkway immerses you directly in the forests, making it another beautiful destination when the leaves are changing colour!
What You’ll Find
- Pink Lake: Famous for its blueish-green colour and surrounding trails
- Excellent displays of fall colours
- Scenic picnic areas
- Park activities, such as rock climbing or horseback riding
3. Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway (Formerly Rockcliffe Parkway)
You won’t be disappointed if you take this scenic drive in Ottawa! Sights include the Ottawa River, Rideau Hall, the Aviation Museum, and 24 Sussex Drive. As you continue along the route, the well-paved roadway winds alongside the Ottawa River and through the city’s most luxurious neighbourhood, Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful river views and the stunning scenery of the Gatineau Hills.
Consequently, this drive offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historic landmarks. Additionally, the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway runs along the beautiful Ottawa River. Overall, the drive combines both nature and history, providing sights everyone can enjoy.
What You’ll Find
- Waterfront sights along the Ottawa River
- Rideau Hall
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum
- 24 Sussex Drive, the home of the Prime Minister.
4. Luskville (Route 148 to Teron Road)
This route is located on the Gatineau side of the Ottawa River and will take you up close to the stunning slopes of the Gatineau Hills. If the weather permits, try parking your car and hiking up to the falls! Since it’s located on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River, it offers a breathtaking view of both the Ottawa Valley and the Gatineau Hills.
If you’re willing to leave the car for a short hike, you’ll be rewarded with some of the highest and most impressive views in the National Capital Region! Overall, the Luskville area will provide you with a more rugged, less-developed experience compared to the rest of this list, but it certainly isn’t one to ignore!
What You’ll Find
- Beautiful landscape views
- Quiet country roads
- Luskville Falls
- Luskville Trail
5. Meech Lake Road
This popular route takes drivers from beautiful Old Chelsea, along the slopes of Camp Fortune, to one of the largest lakes in Gatineau Park. Taking this route allows you to see the best of the park, including its most beautiful lakes and hills. When it comes to scenic drives in Ottawa, this is one of the more relaxing drives on this list. Meech Lake Road is the definition of scenic! It winds through forests, along shorelines and around several of Gatineau Park’s most popular recreational areas.
What You’ll Find
- Beautiful Lakefront scenery
- Forest-covered hills
- Multiple areas to stop for a picnic or a swim during the Summer.
- Meech Lake
- Old Chelsea
6. The Rideau Canal (Queen Elizabeth Driveway & Colonel By Drive)
If you’re interested in history, this route will be right up your alley. This gentle cruise will take you through the downtown core and, along the way, follow the historic UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal. In contrast, the Rideau Canal route offers a different experience from the hill-and-forest drives of Gatineau Park. Instead of elevation and lookouts, you’ll enjoy a leisurely journey through Ottawa’s historic heart!
What You’ll Find
- Parks and pathways
- Waterfront scenery
- Parliament Hill
- Rideau Locks
- Dow’s Lake
- Lansdowne Park
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Questions Asked About Scenic Drives in Ottawa
What is the most scenic drive near Ottawa?
The Champlain Parkway in Gatineau Park is often considered the most scenic drive near Ottawa thanks to its panoramic views, forested roads, and the famous Champlain Lookout.
When is the best time to see fall colours in Ottawa?
Fall colours typically peak between late September and mid-October, depending on weather conditions.
Are there scenic drives in Ottawa that don’t require hiking?
Yes. The Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, Colonel By Drive along the Rideau Canal, and Meech Lake Road offer incredible waterfront and forest views that you can enjoy entirely from inside your vehicle.
Is Gatineau Park worth visiting in the fall?
Absolutely. Gatineau Park is one of the premier autumn destinations in Canada due to its sheer density of sugar maples, which turn brilliant shades of orange and red, alongside accessible lookout points designed specifically for sightseeing.
Ready to Take the Scenic Route?
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy the season is to get in the car and go for a simple drive. Whether you’re winding through the hills of Gatineau Park, cruising along the Ottawa River, or exploring the quieter roads around Luskville, each of these routes offers something a little different. As a result, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a variety of landscapes, viewpoints, and attractions throughout the region.
They’re a great reminder that you don’t have to travel far to find incredible views, especially when the fall colours are at their peak. So pack some snacks, bring your camera, and take the scenic route the next time you’re looking for a weekend adventure around Ottawa. Remember, if you are ever in the market for car insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at isure today!
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