Scenic Road Trip from Windsor to Ottawa: A 6-Day Canadian Adventure

Day 1: Travel & Explore London

London, Ontario, Canada on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Abruzzi Trattoria

Enjoy a hearty Italian-inspired breakfast featuring fresh pastries and espresso to start your journey energized.
CAD25, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Windsor to London

Begin your scenic drive northeast along Highway 401, approximately 2.5 hours covering about 200 km.
CAD20 for gas, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Church Key Bistro-Pub

Savor a local pub style lunch in downtown London, known for craft beer and a creative menu.
CAD30, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Museum London

Explore art and history exhibits showcasing Southwestern Ontario's cultural heritage. Open 10am - 5pm.
CAD12, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk through Victoria Park

Relax with a stroll in this well-maintained urban park located downtown, great for photos and people-watching.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Garlic's of London

Dine on vibrant Mediterranean flavors in a cozy setting, emphasizing fresh garlic and local ingredients.
CAD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: London to Kingston

Kingston, Ontario, Canada on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Queen's Café

Enjoy fresh coffee and homemade breakfast near Queen's University before setting out for Kingston.
CAD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive from London to Kingston

Travel east along Highway 401 for about 4 hours (about 330 km), enjoying the scenic countryside.
CAD30 for gas, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Wooden Heads Gourmet Pizza

Sample delicious wood-fired pizzas with unique toppings, a local favorite with a cozy atmosphere.
CAD25, 1h

2:00pm

Tour Kingston Penitentiary

Take a guided historical tour of the world-famous Kingston Penitentiary, open 9am-4pm, closed Mondays.
CAD15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the Kingston Waterfront

Relax with a scenic walk along Lake Ontario’s waterfront, perfect for sunset views and photo ops.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Chez Piggy

Enjoy farm-to-table dishes in a charming downtown Kingston setting, known for locally sourced ingredients.
CAD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Arrive & Explore Ottawa

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Art-Is-In Bakery

Start the day with fresh artisan bread and coffee at this popular Ottawa bakery.
CAD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Kingston to Ottawa

Enjoy the short 2.5 hour drive northeast on Highway 416 and 417, about 200 km, arriving in Ottawa midday.
CAD20 for gas, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-In & Lunch at ByWard Market

Grab lunch at one of the many outdoor patios in ByWard Market, such as Beckta Dining & Wine.
CAD30, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Parliament Hill

Explore Canada’s iconic government buildings with a guided tour or just admire the architecture. Tours available 9am-4:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk along the Rideau Canal

Stroll along this UNESCO World Heritage waterway, enjoying gardens and boatwatching.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Play Food & Wine

Dine on small plates crafted with local ingredients in a lively neighbourhood spot on York Street.
CAD45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Ottawa Museums

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wilf & Ada’s

Enjoy comfort-style breakfast in a cozy, art-filled space near the ByWard Market.
CAD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit National Gallery of Canada

Explore Canada’s premier art museum featuring indigenous art and contemporary exhibitions. Open 10am - 5pm.
CAD16, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Zak’s Diner

Classic diner fare with a modern twist, open for lunch and great for people-watching on Elgin Street.
CAD20, 1h

1:30pm

Canadian Museum of History

Cross the river to Gatineau and explore Canada’s rich historical exhibitions. Open 9am - 5pm.
CAD20, 2h

4:00pm

Relax in Major’s Hill Park

Enjoy scenic views of Parliament and the Ottawa River in this central green space.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Riviera

Upscale dining with Mediterranean influences, perfect for a special evening out in the city.
CAD50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Canada Day Celebrations

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Riviera

Enjoy a fresh and delicious breakfast in a chic setting to fuel your day of festivities.
CAD25, 1h

9:30am

Canada Day Parade & Festivities at Parliament Hill

Join the national celebration featuring live music, cultural performances, and activities. Event runs all day.
Free, 6h

1:00pm

Lunch at ByWard Market stalls

Sample festival foods and local delicacies from various vendors in the busy market area.
CAD20, 1h

7:30pm

Canada Day Fireworks

Watch the spectacular fireworks display at night over the Ottawa River, a highlight of Canada Day.
Free, 1h

9:30pm

Late Dinner at The Grand Pizzeria

Relax with a late-night artisanal pizza close to the ByWard Market after the fireworks.
CAD30, 1h
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Day 6: Wrap Up & Depart

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Art-Is-In Bakery

Grab a quick and tasty breakfast with fresh pastries before departing Ottawa.
CAD15, 1h

9:00am

Pack and Check-out

Ensure all your bags and memories are ready as you prepare to leave Ottawa.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Drive back from Ottawa to Windsor

Embark on the long drive home along Highway 401, approximately 8 hours and 800 km ahead.
CAD90 for gas, 8h

6:00pm

Dinner Stop at Sarnia

Break your drive with dinner at The Char House, known for steaks and seafood, open until 9pm.
CAD40, 1h
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