Ottawa, Ontario, the charming capital of Canada, exudes a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty along the picturesque banks of the Ottawa River. Known for its striking Gothic Revival architecture, Parliament Hill stands as the centerpiece, where visitors can witness the country's political heart in action and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Ottawa's cultural scene thrives with national museums, including the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History, highlighting the nation's artistic and historical achievements. Beyond its urban allure, Ottawa offers expansive green spaces like Gatineau Park, ideal for outdoor activities year-round, while festivals such as Winterlude and Canada Day celebrations showcase the city's festive spirit and diverse community.
If you're a local and looking to escape for a weekend, keep reading. With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also some international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Ottawa, Ontario, area within a non-stop 4-hour flight. More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers), it just depends on what you want to do at your destination.
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ, YTZ) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, people, cleanliness, Hockey Hall of Fame.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Toronto
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YOW - See flight deals
WestJet from YOW - See flight deals
Swoop from YOW - See flight deals
Flair Airlines from YOW - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
History and cool summertime temps!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Boston
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
Who can fly you there?
Delta from YOW - See flight deals
JetBlue from YOW - See flight deals
Southwest from YOW - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
It might not be the same city it was before, but it'll always make for a great weekend getaway.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in New York
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but you’ll pay peak rates for solid hotels.
Winter for Christmas festivities!
Who can fly you there?
AA from YOW - See flight deals
Delta from YOW - See flight deals
United from YOW - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from YOW - See flight deals
JetBlue from YOW - See flight deals
Southwest from YOW - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 2 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, bars, sports, rivers!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Chicago
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
AA from YOW - See flight deals
Southwest from YOW - See flight deals
United from YOW - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $350+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - 1 Hour 40 Minute Flight
Why go?
Museums, walking tours, great mass-transit and cherry blossoms. Fly to DCA for convenience.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Washington DC
When to go?
Year-round (spring season for cherry blossoms)
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from YOW - See flight deals
AA from YOW - See flight deals
Allegiant from YOW - See flight deals
United from YOW - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $180+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For avid runners, pack your running shoes and go for daily runs around the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 3 Hour 25 Minute Flight
Why go?
Theme parks. Disney & Universal. Bring bug spray and an umbrella if you go during the summer. It's not my favorite city, but there's a reason why it's the #1 tourism city year after year in the US.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Orlando
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from YOW - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from YOW - See flight deals
Frontier from YOW - See flight deals
Southwest from YOW - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Quebec City, Quebec (YQB) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Quebec City enchants visitors with its charming old-world atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and the historic beauty of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in rich history and French culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Quebec City
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from YOW - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Comments