Ottawa people are spoiled. Within a three-hour drive, you've got Algonquin Park, Killarney, the Rideau Lakes, the Ottawa Valley, and all of Gatineau Park practically in your backyard. There's really no excuse not to get outside more.
Whether you're a first-timer setting up a tent for the first time or a seasoned tripper planning a week-long canoe route, here are some of our favourite spots to escape to from the city — and the gear worth investing in before you go.
Gatineau Park — Your Literal Backyard
Okay, it's technically Quebec, but it takes 20 minutes to get there from Centretown so it counts. Gatineau Park has over 165 km of trails, multiple backcountry campsites, and front-country camping at Philippe Lake and La Pêche. Philippe Lake in particular is gorgeous — great swimming, lots of families, and easy access.
Gear tip: A quality tent makes all the difference. There's nothing worse than a soggy sleeping bag because your rainfly gave up overnight. We stock tents from MSR, Big Agnes, and Black Diamond — built to handle a proper Canadian thunderstorm.
Algonquin Park — The Classic for Good Reason
Two hours from Ottawa and endlessly rewarding. Whether you're doing a drive-in campsite at Mew Lake or embarking on a multi-day canoe route through the interior, Algonquin delivers every single time. Fall colours here are absolutely unreal.
Gear tip: Interior tripping requires a bit more planning. A well-fitted backpacking pack, a reliable sleeping bag, and a lightweight camp stove are the three things we'd never compromise on. Come in and we'll help you dial in the right setup for your trip length and the time of year.
The Rideau Lakes
The Rideau Waterway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest canoe routes in the country. There are dozens of Crown land sites and campgrounds along the system — perfect for a relaxed weekend of paddling between lakes, fishing, and campfire cooking. It's old-school Canadian camping at its best.
Gear tip: If you're going by canoe, pack smart. Portage packs and barrels keep everything dry and organized when you're doing carry-overs. A good camp chair and travel mug at the end of the day? Non-negotiable.
Bon Echo Provincial Park
About 2.5 hours southwest of Ottawa near Kaladar, Bon Echo is famous for its enormous granite cliff rising straight out of Mazinaw Lake — Indigenous pictographs on the rock face, clear water, and incredible kayaking along the cliff base. It gets busy in July and August, so book early.
Gear tip: Bon Echo is perfect for kayak camping. A touring kayak with good hatch storage lets you pack everything you need and explore at your own pace.
Packing List Basics (Don't Forget These)
It sounds obvious but it's the small stuff that gets forgotten. Stock up before you go:
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Headlamps — one per person, always
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Water treatment — backcountry water needs filtering
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Bug repellent — the Ottawa Valley black fly season is no joke
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A good dry bag for anything electronic
We're at 2148 Carling Ave — come in before your trip and we'll make sure you're not forgetting anything important. Half the fun is the gear talk.