25 days in Ottawa & Gatineau Itinerary

A major center of technology nicknamed "Silicon Valley North," Ottawa offers visitors a modern flavor with its range of trendy hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Victoria Island. Get out of town with these interesting Ottawa side-trips: Dragonfly Golf Links (in Renfrew), Brockville Railway Tunnel (Open April through October) (in Brockville) and Upper Canada Village (in Morrisburg). And it doesn't end there: steep yourself in history at Parliament Hill and Buildings, take in the spiritual surroundings of Notre Dame Basilica, examine the collection at Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and wander the streets of ByWard Market.

To find where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read Ottawa travel itinerary planner.

Montreal to Ottawa is an approximately 2.5-hour car ride. You can also take a train; or take a bus. In July in Ottawa, expect temperatures between 30°C during the day and 18°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 31st (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Gatineau.

Facing off across the Ottawa River with the nation's capital, Gatineau represents a slice of French Canadian influence in the National Capital Region.

Explore Gatineau's surroundings by going to Mont. Ste. Marie Golf (in Lac-Sainte-Marie), Montebello (Omega Park & Lieu historique national du Canada du Manoir-Papineau) and Randonnee Malaski (in Lac-des-Iles). There's much more to do: trek along Gatineau Park, explore the fascinating underground world of Lusk Cave, play a few rounds at Mont Cascades Golf Club, and kick back and relax at Leamy Lake Park.

To see photos, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Gatineau route maker website.

Gatineau is just a stone's throw from Ottawa. In July, daytime highs in Gatineau are 30°C, while nighttime lows are 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) early enough to drive back home.