Ottawa, Canada’s capital metropolis, is a improbable vacation spot for an RV journey, providing an ideal mixture of historical past, tradition, and outside journey. From exploring Parliament Hill to cruising alongside the Rideau Canal, there’s no scarcity of experiences that make Ottawa an thrilling and RV-friendly vacation spot.
Whereas RVshare at the moment affords leases within the U.S. and never Canada, vacationers are welcome to lease an RV in a close-by American metropolis and drive throughout the border to find all that Ottawa has to supply. With loads of campgrounds, scenic drives, and nationwide parks close by, an RV journey to Ottawa is a good way to expertise one of the best of the area at your individual tempo.
RV Leases Close to Ottawa
Since RVshare doesn’t supply leases in Canada, the easiest way to discover Ottawa in an RV is to lease one from a close-by U.S. metropolis and drive throughout the border. Listed here are a few of the closest American cities the place you possibly can choose up an RV rental:
Syracuse, NY (175 miles | ~3 hours) – One of many closest main U.S. cities to Ottawa, with a direct route through I-81 N.
Burlington, VT (160 miles | ~3 hours) – An attractive drive by way of the Adirondacks and alongside the St. Lawrence River.
Rochester, NY (220 miles | ~3.5 hours) – A handy start line for these coming from Western New York.
All of those cities have RVshare leases out there, making it straightforward to choose up an RV and head straight for the border. Simply guarantee you might have the required insurance coverage and documentation earlier than crossing into Canada.
RV Campgrounds in Ottawa
Ottawa has a number of wonderful campgrounds that present the proper dwelling base for exploring town and surrounding sights. Listed here are some high choices:
- Wesley Clover Parks Campground
- Situated simply 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa.
- Gives full hookups, pull-through websites, and mountain climbing trails.
- An awesome possibility for households and pets, with open inexperienced areas and playgrounds.
- Ottawa Municipal Campground
- Conveniently situated off Freeway 417, making metropolis entry straightforward.
- Gives spacious websites, electrical hookups, and laundry amenities.
- Near public transit, permitting straightforward downtown exploration.
- Poplar Grove Campground
- Peaceable and surrounded by nature however nonetheless near metropolis facilities.
- Options Wi-Fi, picnic tables, and fireplace pits for a soothing keep.
- Recreationland Campground
- Situated east of Ottawa, nice for a quieter steer clear of metropolis noise.
- Gives giant websites with full hookups, good for giant rigs.
Exploring Ottawa in an RV
Ottawa is comparatively RV-friendly, however right here are some things to bear in mind:
- Parking: Downtown Ottawa has restricted RV parking. Contemplate parking at a park-and-ride lot and utilizing public transit.
- Roads & Navigation: Main highways are broad and RV-friendly, however some downtown streets could be slim.
- Climate Issues: Winter driving could be difficult with snow and ice. The perfect time for RV journey is spring by way of fall.
Touring to Ottawa with Pets
Ottawa may be very pet-friendly, and there are many locations to take your furry buddies:
- Bruce Pit Canine Park – An enormous off-leash space with trails.
- Andrew Haydon Park – A waterfront park with scenic paths for leashed canine.
- Rideau Canal Pathways – Nice for a stroll together with your pet alongside the water.
Most campgrounds in Ottawa permit pets, however test for particular restrictions earlier than reserving.
High Issues to See and Do Whereas in Ottawa
Listed here are some must-visit sights in Ottawa and the way they work for RV vacationers:
1. Parliament Hill
- Why Go to? Residence to Canada’s authorities, this historic web site options gorgeous structure and free guided excursions.
- RV Accessibility: Massive parking tons should not out there close by, however you possibly can park at a transit station and take the bus.
- Household & Pet-Pleasant? Whereas pets can’t enter the buildings, they’re welcome on the grounds.
2. Rideau Canal
- Why Go to? A UNESCO World Heritage Web site, nice for boating in summer time and ice skating in winter.
- RV Accessibility: Parking is accessible at Dow’s Lake Pavilion and Hog’s Again Park.
- Household & Pet-Pleasant? Children love the boat excursions, and pets can get pleasure from strolling the canal pathways.
3. ByWard Market
- Why Go to? A energetic space full of retailers, eating places, and native markets.
- RV Accessibility: Avenue parking is tight—finest to park exterior the world and take a taxi or transit.
- Household & Pet-Pleasant? Nice for meals lovers and informal strolling.
4. Canadian Museum of Historical past
- Why Go to? One among Canada’s most visited museums, simply throughout the river in Gatineau.
- RV Accessibility: Massive parking tons close by.
- Household & Pet-Pleasant? Children will get pleasure from interactive displays, however pets aren’t allowed inside.
5. Gatineau Park
- Why Go to? A nature lover’s paradise with mountain climbing, biking, and scenic lookouts.
- RV Accessibility: A number of parking tons for RVs, particularly close to in style trails.
- Household & Pet-Pleasant? Nice for all ages, and leashed pets are welcome.
6. Diefenbunker Museum
- Why Go to? A Chilly Battle-era underground bunker, now an interesting museum.
- RV Accessibility: Loads of parking out there.
- Household & Pet-Pleasant? A enjoyable academic cease for households.
7. Ottawa Tulip Competition (Might)
- Why Go to? A panoramic show of tulips throughout town, celebrating Canada’s reference to the Netherlands.
- RV Accessibility: Greatest parking is at Dow’s Lake Pavilion.
- Household & Pet-Pleasant? Pets are allowed in outside areas.
Nationwide Parks Close to Ottawa
Ottawa is surrounded by gorgeous parks good for a day journey:
FAQs About RVing in Canada
Can I take my RV rental from the U.S. into Canada?
Sure! Simply verify the RVshare RV proprietor’s coverage.
Do I would like particular insurance coverage to drive in Canada?
RVshare does cowl RV journey to Canada.
Are there restrictions on what I can deliver throughout the border?
Sure, sure meals objects and firearms are restricted. Test Canada Border Companies for particulars.
Ottawa is a improbable RV vacation spot with historic websites, outside adventures, and vibrant tradition. Whether or not you’re exploring Parliament Hill, cruising the Rideau Canal, or mountain climbing Gatineau Park, this metropolis has one thing for everybody. Prepared for an journey? Try RVshare and begin planning your Ottawa RV journey as we speak! 🚐
