Best Ottawa to Toronto Drive (+ Best Road Trip Stops)

One of the best ways to get from Ottawa to Toronto is to drive.

Whether you’re visiting Canada or a local, you’ll likely make this road trip at least once to see the best of Ontario’s two capital cities.

I make this drive regularly from my home in Ottawa to visit my family in Toronto. In fact, I did it about 1x a month in 2022 – usually bringing my golden retriever with me.

Since we go so often, I love changing it up with some scenic stops, day trips, and even finding the best snacks along the way!

Here’s everything you need to know about making the drive from Ottawa to Toronto, including the best route, where to stop, and what to see along the way.

Distance From Ottawa to Toronto

Ottawa is about 450km away from Toronto.

Depending on the route, this can be reduced to 403km on toll roads.

Toronto to Ottawa Drive Time

Driving from Toronto to Ottawa takes on average 4.5-5 hours without stops.

The drive is more likely to take 5.5-6 hours if you stop for food, to let your dog stretch their legs, or to go to the bathroom.

Why Drive Ottawa to Toronto?

Driving is the cheapest way to get from Ottawa to Toronto and vice versa.

It also gives you the most flexibility in terms of stops and sightseeing along the way.

Flying takes about the same amount of time, but can be more expensive depending on flight prices and airport transfers. With the commute to airports, the 45 minute flight quickly becomes closer to 5 hours and ends up costing you SO much.

Taking the bus is cheaper than flying, but takes longer (about 7 hours) and is less comfortable.

Train travel is scenic, but quite expensive and runs at inopportune times. I’ve regularly tried to book train trips from Ottawa to Toronto only to find them taking 21+ hours due to the lack of trains running directly.

Driving is really the best option for getting from Ottawa to Toronto, especially if you want to make a few stops along the way!

Best Route to Ottawa from Toronto

The best, and fastest, route from Ottawa to Toronto and vice versa is to the the 401 Highway.

This is a 450km drive that takes approximately 4.5 hours without stops.

This route is also known as the “Lake Ontario route”.

The drive is 403kms if you take the 407 and 404 toll roads, which will save you a few minutes but costs around $25 in total.

Directions: Ottawa to Toronto Drive

From Ottawa’s downtown core, head south (the opposite direction of the Ottawa River and Parliament) towards the Trans Canada Highway/Highway 417 West.

You’ll merge onto it from O’Conner St.

Follow the 417 West until you can exit to the 416 South (exit via the left lanes).

You’ll continue on this route for 290km.

Then you’ll merge onto the Ontario 401 West.

You can take the 401 West Express (it’s free) or the 401 West, depending on the traffic levels.

To get to downtown Toronto, you’ll take exit 375 onto the Don Valley Parkway and then take exit 1 to Richmond St./Downtown.

Follow signs for Bay St.

Directions: Toronto to Ottawa Drive

Assuming you’re starting near Union Station in Downtown Toronto, you’ll want to head north on Bay St. towards Hagerman St.

Turn right onto Dundas St W and take the left ramp onto the Don Valley Parkway North.

In 1 km you’ll merge right onto the 401 East.

You can take the express or the 401 East standard (both are free) until you get to exit 721 A about 350km from Toronto. This is the exit for the Ontario 416 North towards Ottawa.

To get to downtown Ottawa, you’ll exit at 75B towards the Ontario 417 East and follow signs to stay on this highway.

Take exit 130 towards Kent St and go north to get to Parliament and most hotels.

Scenic Route Toronto to Ottawa

My favourite route to drive from Toronto to Ottawa and back is the scenic drive of Highway 7.

It takes an extra 15-30 minutes, but it’s well worth it for the scenery!

The route starts out similarly, with you getting on the Trans-Canada Highway/ Ontario 417 West.

You’ll stay on the 417 West until you see exit 145 for Ontario 7 Highway (signs will say “Carelton Place/Toronto”).

Continue this way for 236k.

You’ll use the left two lanes to turn onto the Ontario 115 South/Ontario 35 South.

Follow signs for Toronto, which will have you merge on the Ontario 401 West in 15 km.

Then you’ll follow the same route of taking the Don Valley Parkway to Richmond Street and following signs to Downtown Toronto.

The beauty of this route really comes from your time on Highway 7.

You’ll see small towns, farms, and beautiful fall colours if you go in autumn!

I love driving past all the lakes, the small town shops, and even stopping to hike some of the trails between Toronto and Ottawa on my drives.

It really helps tire out my dog!

The route looks like you’re driving through Muskoka or Manitoulin Island rather than between the two largest cities in Ontario.

17 Best Toronto to Ottawa Drive Stops

1. Peterborough

Peterborough is a city located in the Kawarthas.

It’s about two hours from Ottawa and makes for a great day trip or overnight stay.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants downtown, as well as a few parks if you want to take a walk.

If you’re looking for something to do, you can visit the Peterborough Lift Lock or take a walk along the Otonabee River.

Peterborough is also home to the Art Gallery of Peterborough, which is definitely worth a visit!

2. Cobourg Beach

Cobourg is a beautiful town located on Lake Ontario.

It’s about halfway between Toronto and Ottawa, making it the perfect place to stop for a break.

The beach is the main attraction in Cobourg, and it’s definitely worth a visit!

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes along the boardwalk, as well as a few shops.

If you’re looking for something to do, you can visit the Cobourg Pier or take a walk along the boardwalk.

Cobourg is also home to Victoria Hall, a beautiful historic building that houses the Cobourg Concert Hall and the Art Gallery of Northumberland.

3. Picton

Picton is a small town located in Prince Edward County.

It’s about two and a half hours from Ottawa and makes for a great day trip or overnight stay.

There are plenty of restaurants and shops downtown, as well as a few parks if you want to take a walk.

If you’re looking for something to do, you can visit the Picton County Museum or take a walk along the Millennium Trail.

Prince Edward County is also home to a bunch of wineries, so if you’re a fan of wine tasting, this is the place for you!

The Sandbanks Winery is my personal favourite.

4. Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is a beautiful place to visit in the fall, thanks to the incredible fall foliage.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, I highly recommend the Drake Devonshire Inn.

This county is composed of a bunch of small towns, each with their own unique charm.

Some of my favourites include Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington.

There are plenty of restaurants and shops in each town, as well as a few parks if you want to take a walk.

5. Port Hope

Port Hope is another beautiful town located on Lake Ontario.

It’s about an hour from Toronto and makes for a great day trip.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants downtown, as well as a few parks if you want to take a walk or have a picnic.

If you’re looking for something to do, you can visit the Port Hope Railway Museum or take a walk along the Ganaraska River.

Port Hope is also home to the Port Hope Drive-In, which is the oldest drive-in movie theatre in Canada!

6. Kingston

Kingston is a popular stop for people driving from Ottawa to Toronto, and for good reason!

It’s a quaint city with a lot of history. It’s also right on Lake Ontario and has some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had.

If you’re looking for a place to stay overnight, there are plenty of hotels and Airbnbs in the downtown core.

There are also a ton of great restaurants, bars, and shops. I always make sure to stop at the Chocolaterie to get some delicious handmade chocolates.

If you’re looking for something to do, you can check out Fort Henry, the Kingston Penitentiary Museum, or take a boat tour of the Thousand Islands.

7. Gananoque and Thousand Islands National Park

Gananoque is a small town located in the Thousand Islands region of Ontario.

It’s about two hours from Ottawa and makes for a great day trip or overnight stay.

There are plenty of restaurants and shops downtown, as well as a few parks if you want to take a walk.

If you’re looking for something to do, you can visit the Thousand Islands National Park or take a boat tour of the Thousand Islands.

I love climbing the fire tower at the national park for a great view of the islands!

You can even take a ferry over to Boldt Castle, which is located on one of the islands.

8. Brockville

Brockville is a city located in the 1000 Islands region of Ontario.

It’s about two and a half hours from Ottawa and makes for a great day trip or overnight stay.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants downtown, as well as a few parks if you want to take a walk.

Brockville is also home to the Brockville Museum, which is definitely worth a visit!

9. Boldt Castle

Located on Heart Island in the 1000 Islands region of Ontario, Boldt Castle is a must-see if you’re in the area.

The castle is open to the public from May to October and is reachable by boat tour or ferry.

If you’re looking for something to do, I highly recommend taking a tour of the castle!

10. Trenton

Trenton is a city located in the Bay of Quinte region of Ontario.

It’s about two and a half hours from Ottawa and makes for a great day trip or overnight stay.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants downtown, as well as a few parks if you want to take a walk.

If you’re looking for something to do, you can visit the National Air Force Museum of Canada or take a walk along the Waterfront Trail.

Trenton is also home to a few different wineries, so if you’re a fan of wine tasting, this is the place for you!

The Bay of Quinte region is absolutely beautiful in the fall, thanks to the incredible fall foliage.

If you’re visiting in the fall, I highly recommend taking a drive through the area to see the leaves!

11. The Big Apple

The Big Apple is a family-friendly attraction located in Colborne, Ontario.

It’s about three hours from Ottawa and makes for a great day trip.

The Big Apple is home to a giant apple-shaped structure that you can climb to the top of for a great view of the surrounding area.

There is also an attached restaurant that serves up some delicious apple pies!

If you’re visiting in the fall, make sure to go on a hayride through the nearby apple orchards!

Kids will love the petting zoo, too!

12. Perth

Perth is a small town located about an hour and a half from Ottawa.

It’s a great place to stop for lunch or to stretch your legs.

There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops downtown, as well as a few parks if you want to take a walk. I recommend stopping by Northfolk Cafe for a delicious treat to keep you full before your only options are fast food for a couple hours.

One of the best things about Perth is that it’s right on the Tay River.

There are a few places where you can rent kayaks or paddleboards to get out on the water.

It’s a great way to spend an hour or two if the weather is nice!

If you’re looking for something to do indoors, you can visit the Perth Museum or take a tour of the historic Matheson House.

13. Kanata

Kanata is a suburb of Ottawa that’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown.

Despite being a suburb, there are actually quite a few things to do in Kanata.

I recommend heading to Bruce Pit for a nature walk or to the Kanata Leisure Centre for a swim.

There are also a few restaurants and shops in the area if you’re looking for something to eat or drink.

Kanata is also home to the Canadian Tire Centre, which is where the Ottawa Senators play their home games.

If you’re visiting during hockey season, make sure to catch a game!

Best Provincial Parks to Stop At

14. Murphy’s Point Provincial Park

Murphy’s Point Provincial Park is located in Elgin, Ontario.

It’s about two hours from Ottawa and makes for a great day trip or overnight stay.

The park is home to a variety of hiking trails, as well as a beach on Big Rideau Lake.

There are also a few heritage buildings on-site that you can tour, including an old farmhouse and a blacksmith shop.

If you’re visiting in the winter, Murphy’s Point Provincial Park is a great place to go for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing!

15. Frontenac Provincial Park

Frontenac Provincial Park is located in Frontenac County, Ontario.

It’s about two and a half hours from Ottawa and makes for a great day trip or overnight stay.

The park is home to a variety of hiking trails, as well as a beach on Frontenac Lake.

Frontenace Provincial Park is also a great place for bird watching, as there are over 250 different species of birds that have been spotted in the park.

16. Presqu’ile Provincial Park

Presqu’ile Provincial Park is located in Brighton, Ontario.

It’s about two hours from Ottawa and makes for a great day trip or overnight stay.

The park is home to a variety of hiking trails, as well as a beach on Presqu’ile Bay.

There are also a few lighthouses on-site that you can tour, as well as a variety of different birds that you can spot.

If you’re visiting in the winter, Presqu’ile Provincial Park is a great place to go for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing!

17. Sandbanks Provincial Park

Sandbanks Provincial Park is located in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

It’s about three hours from Ottawa and makes for a great day trip or overnight stay.

The park is home to a variety of hiking trails, as well as three different beaches on Lake Ontario.

Sandbanks Provincial Park is also a great place for bird watching, as there are over 280 different species of birds that have been spotted in the park.

Places to Stay Between Toronto and Ottawa

There are a few different places that you can stay overnight if you’re driving from Ottawa to Toronto.

Here are a few of my recommendations:

Belleville:

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Belleville, I recommend the Ramada by Wyndham Belleville.

It’s located right off of Highway 401 and is about a 20-minute drive from Murphy’s Point Provincial Park.

The hotel has an on-site restaurant and offers free breakfast for guests.

Kingston:

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Kingston, I recommend the Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water’s Edge.

It’s located right on the water and is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Kingston.

The hotel offers free breakfast for guests and has an on-site fitness centre.

Picton:

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Picton, I recommend the Merrill House.

It’s located right in downtown Picton and is about a 10-minute drive from Sandbanks Provincial Park.

Tips for Travelling From Toronto to Ottawa By Car

• The best places to stop for bathrooms along the route are Tim Hortons or OnRoutes.
• I always use the Gas Buddy app (free) to find cheap gas prices on road trips.
• Google Maps provides accurate instructions, but Waze is more helpful for providing detours and real time updates of accidents and traffic stops.
• Make sure you have a good playlist to keep you entertained on the drive or download some excellent podcasts! The radio cuts in and out during parts of this drive as you shift between counties.
• There are not many allergy friendly places for meals along these routes. People with food allergies and intolerances should pack a cooler of food.

Best Time to Drive from Ottawa to Toronto or Toronto to Ottawa

The best time to drive from Ottawa to Toronto or vice versa is in the summertime.

However, if you’re looking to avoid traffic, I would recommend driving during the week rather than on weekends.

You should also avoid driving during peak hours, which are from 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm in either city. This is rush hour, when you’re likely to get stuck in traffic for hours.

I typically leave Ottawa or Toronto either before 8am or after 10am to avoid traffic.

I’ve driven during winter as well, and don’t recommend it. The highways get especially icy and it can have horrible visibility, even just from cold fog.

There’s also a risk of wildlife in spring and winter, which is why it’s best to drive between Toronto and Ottawa in the summer.

Wrap Up: Ottawa to Toronto Drive

If you’re looking for a fun road trip to take this summer, I recommend driving from Ottawa to Toronto.

The drive is around four and a half hours and there are plenty of great places to stop along the way.

You can visit Presqu’ile Provincial Park if you’re visiting in the summertime, or go skiing or snowshoeing at Sandbanks Provincial Park in the winter.

There are also a few different places where you can stay overnight if you want to make it into an adventure!

I make this drive almost monthly so I’ve found all of the fun things to do, and often turn it into a two-day drive just so I can do more hikes!

If you’re thinking about making the drive, I would definitely recommend it. It’s a great way to see some of Ontario’s natural beauty!

FAQs:

How much does it cost to drive from Toronto to Ottawa?

The cost of driving from Toronto to Ottawa varies based on gas.

It takes about 450km to get to Toronto.

At an average price in 2023 of $1.80/L for gas and a car with a 12L/100km tank, it would cost about $97.20 to drive from Toronto to Ottawa.

I’ve had it cost more and less depending on the size of the vehicle I drive (for example, my SUV tended to cost $80-90 for the drive during the gas price hike in 2022 and again in 2023).

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