Staycation Series: Exploring Canada’s Capital

by Bianca Bujan

Canada’s capital is rich with history and heritage, offering lots to see and do right in the heart of the city. But the surrounding parks, communities, waterways and forests found in and around the Ottawa area offer plenty of staycation spots to explore. Whether you’re looking to cruise the Rideau Canal with kids, or wind down with a wellness weekend for two, these staycation ideas should help you plan your perfect (and safe) summer getaway — even during a pandemic.

 

For family fun: Rideau Canal

Grab the kids and head to Smiths Falls — a community sandwiched between Ottawa and Kingston. Located close to the halfway point of the Rideau Waterway, you and your family can sleep in a 1967 CN Rail Caboose. This unique and affordable glamping experience offers an authentic railroader accommodation, where you can curl up on pull-down beds and relax in the glow of a lantern while you’re lulled to sleep by your quiet surroundings. For family fun on the water, paddle the Rideau Canal by canoe or kayak. This site provides some great day trip paddle spots in the area.

Looking for an escape even closer to the water? Escape the crowds and cruise the Rideau Canal — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and beautiful boating waterway that takes you through some of the province’s best sites. Take in the surrounding views from the comfort of a LeBoat houseboat vacation — a great option for a multi-generational family getaway. These boats with multiple cabins and bathrooms are self-driving, so you can cruise on your own down the Rideau Canal from Smiths Falls to Ottawa (no boating license required!). Guided by this interactive map and these suggested boating itineraries, navigating your way through the Rideau Canal will be easy, effortless, and unforgettable.

 

For a couples trip: Gatineau Hills

Before you go, consider taking a few moments to give back to your community. Donating blood can be a very personal, private thing to do. It’s a selfless way to give patients in need the possibility of a stronger tomorrow — and donating blood with someone you love can be a bonding experience. The blood donation process is simple, and about an hour of your time could save someone’s life. There are a few different locations around Ottawa, and booking an appointment is easy.

Found in the Gatineau Hills area, Motelluxe is an Airstream trailer nestled in a little pocket of paradise in La Pêche. An adults-only escape, this iconic-retro, yet eco-green modern Airstream is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, offering a private alfresco hot shower, a wooden infinity deck for yoga or 'moon viewing' with a cool water soaker tub, and a queen master bed to enjoy a restful night’s sleep surrounded by nature. In the mornings, enjoy a delicious continental breakfast provided by your hosts.

Spend your days hitting a ball against the custom tennis backboard, relaxing and decompressing in the “hillside happy places” found on property. Explore the idyllic surroundings of Gatineau Hills, where you can take a peaceful hike, browse the quaint shops in town, or dine in a quiet eatery while enjoying your surroundings.

 

For a wellness weekend: Old Chelsea

Satisfy your senses with a spa getaway to Nordik Spa-Nature — a relaxation and wellness centre that focuses on thermotherapy and relaxation techniques, offering a multisensory experience in a natural setting. Found only minutes from downtown Ottawa in the town of Old Chelsea, this Scandinavian-inspired spa is the largest outdoor spa in North America. Take a dip in the thermotherapy pools, a treatment that involves alternating between hot and cold temperatures, followed by a rest period. This relaxation ritual is based on a 2000-year-old tradition founded in Nordic countries. Then, indulge in a mollifying massage (which may be covered by your benefits!) or signature treatment before tucking in for a restful night’s sleep in one of the on-site cottage rentals.

For a more budget-friendly wellness getaway, spend the day strolling or hiking along the stunning trails of Gatineau Park. Consider a stay at the Old Chelsea B&B, where you can stay in the main house, in a private room, or in the cozy cabin, and enjoy an evening on the back porch or in the garden by the fireside.

 

Bianca Bujan is an award-winning travel writer with bylines in Lonely Planet, Food & Wine, Canadian Geographic, Chatelaine, WestJet Magazine, The Globe & Mail, and others. She is also the Editor for WestCoast Families magazine. When she's not off on a new adventure or sharing stories of her travels, Bianca is exploring the outdoors with her family on BC’s North Shore where she calls home. For more travel inspiration follow her at bitsofbee.com, or on Instagram @bitsofbee.