Ottawa knows how to keep things interesting, and the latest roundup from Ottawa Road Trips proves that you don't have to travel far to find a genuinely great time. From pungent festival fun to spine-tingling ghost tours and adrenaline-pumping escapes in Calabogie, the region is serving up a full menu of weekend plans worth marking on your calendar.
Garlic Fest: For the Boldly Flavoured
If you love garlic, and really, who doesn't, then a garlic festival in the Ottawa region is basically a dream come true. These events typically draw local vendors, artisan food producers, and garlic devotees who turn up ready to sample everything from garlic-infused jams to roasted bulbs straight off the grill. It's a fantastic excuse to support small-scale growers and producers in the Ottawa Valley while indulging in one of the most beloved flavours on the planet. Keep an eye on local listings for exact dates and locations, as these festivals tend to sell out their vendor spots quickly.
Ghosts of Ottawa's Past
For those who prefer their weekends with a little more chill, the eerie kind, ghost tours around the Ottawa region offer a surprisingly captivating way to explore local history. Ottawa and its surrounding communities have no shortage of haunted lore, from centuries-old buildings with dark pasts to cemeteries with stories that'll make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. These guided experiences are equal parts history lesson and spooky entertainment, making them perfect for curious locals, visiting friends, or anyone who wants to see familiar streets through a whole new (dim) light. Ghost tours are especially popular in the shoulder seasons, so grab your tickets before they disappear, fittingly enough.
Calabogie: Ottawa's Outdoor Playground
Just about an hour's drive west of Ottawa, Calabogie has quietly become one of the region's most beloved escape destinations. Whether you're into skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or simply soaking in the views of Calabogie Lake, there's something out here for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Calabogie Peaks remains a go-to for skiers and snowboarders when the season cooperates, while the warmer months open up trails, watersports, and scenic drives that remind you just how beautiful the Ottawa Valley really is. For Ottawa families looking to unplug without a long drive, Calabogie checks every box.
Plan Your Ottawa-Area Weekend
The beauty of living in Ottawa is that the city itself is rich with things to do, but you're also surrounded by a region that rewards a little road-tripping. Whether you're a lifelong Ottawan or relatively new to the area, events like garlic festivals, ghost tours, and Calabogie adventures are the kind of experiences that make you fall a little more in love with this corner of Ontario.
Check Ottawa Road Trips for updated schedules and details on each of these events. They're one of the best resources around for finding hidden gems and seasonal happenings across the region.
Source: Ottawa Road Trips via Google News Ottawa Event feed.
