Short, direct drive to Ottawa with a planned scenic village stop in Merrickville to break up the trip; aim to leave mid-afternoon to avoid heavy evening traffic. Bring water, poop bags and a towel for your dog.
Walk the historic canal and main street (dog on leash); the village has a handful of galleries, artisanal food stalls and a lawn perfect for stretching legs — many shops close around 5:00–6:00pm, so plan for a short hour-long stop.
Check in to a pre-booked pet-friendly hotel in central Ottawa (examples: The Westin Ottawa or a pet-friendly boutique B&B — confirm policies and pet fees when booking). Unpack, walk the dog and relax before dinner.
Choose a dog-friendly patio in the ByWard Market area for a relaxed first-night meal (many market patios welcome dogs outdoors; picnic-style vendors are also great for a dog-friendly dinner). Check patio hours—most patios open until ~9:00–10:00pm.
Take a short evening walk along the canal or through Major's Hill Park to help your dog unwind; parks are open in the evening but follow leash rules (usually on-leash in central parks).
Grab pastries, sandwiches and coffee to go from a popular bakery with outdoor seating; early hours typically start ~7:30–8:00am and outdoor seating is dog-friendly. Confirm same-day hours before you go.
Walk the canal pathways along Dow's Lake and Rideau Canal—flat, scenic routes ideal for dogs on-leash; quieter in the morning and open year-round (park paths accessible 24/7 but follow posted rules).
Stroll the open-air ByWard Market area—vendors, farmers' stalls and easy takeout options let you assemble a picnic; outdoor market hours generally start ~9:00am and run through late afternoon (vendors vary seasonally).
Pick up sandwiches, charcuterie or market fare and enjoy a picnic on the lawn of Major's Hill Park with views of the canal and Parliament; dogs are welcome on-leash and it's a relaxed midday option.
Walk the grounds around Parliament Hill and nearby Confederation Boulevard—interior tours disallow pets, so enjoy the exterior architecture, ceremonial lawns and photo ops with your dog on-leash (grounds are open during daytime hours, but check any special events).
Head to a local off-leash area (Andrew Haydon Park often has great river views; confirm current off-leash boundaries) to let your dog run and meet locals—off-leash areas typically have set hours (often early morning and evening), so check signage.
Dine on a dog-friendly patio in Westboro or Elgin Street; many neighbourhood gastropubs and restaurants welcome dogs outdoors—search for a place with a shaded patio and water bowls. Typical dinner hours 5:00–9:30pm but vary by restaurant.
Grab a quick breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café; leave early to make the most of cooler morning trail conditions in Gatineau Park. Most cafés open by 7:30–8:00am.
Short drive across the river to Gatineau Park; there are many trailheads—arrive early to secure parking and cooler hiking conditions for your dog. Park pathways are open daily; visitor centre hours often 9:00am–5:00pm (confirm seasonal hours).
Visit Pink Lake lookout and boardwalk for scenic views; dogs are allowed on-leash but keep them off sensitive vegetation—this is an easy 30–60 minute stop good for photos and a short, gentle walk.
Choose a moderate dog-friendly trail: Eardley Escarpment (great views) or Luskville Falls for a shorter waterfall walk; trails are typically open daylight hours and vary in difficulty—bring water and booties if terrain is rough.
Drive to nearby Wakefield or Chelsea for lunch; the Wakefield Mill (or local cafés/pubs) has patio seating with river views and typically welcomes dogs on outdoor patios. Lunch hours commonly 11:30am–2:30pm—call ahead to confirm patio seating and dog rules.
Return toward Gatineau Park for a stop at Champlain Lookout (iconic panoramic views over the Ottawa valley); short walk from the parking area and great for wide-open space for your dog while on leash.
Enjoy a laid-back final-night dinner at a dog-friendly patio—neighbourhood spots in Hintonburg or the Glebe often welcome dogs; typical dinner hours 5:00–9:30pm but vary by business.
Enjoy a relaxed brunch near Lansdowne Park (market/cafés have patios and dog-friendly outdoor seating); many shops open by 8:00–9:00am on weekdays/weekends—check hours for markets.
Take a final scenic walk through the Glebe neighbourhood or along the Rideau Canal locks for a gentle morning outing with your dog; these outdoor areas are open daily and are ideal for photos and a last stroll.
Stop halfway for a relaxed lunch picnic or patio meal; Smiths Falls and Merrickville both offer small town dining and riverfront spots perfect for a dog-friendly break. Typical lunch hours 11:00am–2:30pm.