🇨🇦 Ottawa Road Trip: Toronto to Ottawa by Car

We hit the road from Toronto to Ottawa 🚗 with a group of six including seniors and kids. Departed at 10 AM and arrived just after 3 PM — under 5 hours with only one rest stop. 👉 If you haven’t visited Kingston or the Thousand Islands, consider adding a stop along the way! 🏛️ Ottawa Attractions: Notre Dame Cathedral Free entry ⛪ (donations welcome). A beautiful and serene place. National Gallery of Canada 🖼️ Bought tickets on-site — not crowded on weekdays! Ticket prices: Adults: $20 65+: $18 24 & under / Students: $10 Family (2 adults + 3 youth ≤17): $40 Children ≤11: Free Canadian Parliament 🏛️ Free tours but must book online via “visit Canada’s Parliament”. Four buildings available to tour — book separately. We toured the East Block (40 mins). Since our elders don’t understand English, we printed info in advance — helpful! Major’s Hill Park 🌳 Right next to Parliament Hill — great views and relaxing. Rideau Canal Locks 1-8 ⚓🚢 Near East Block. Unexpectedly became our most-visited spot! Kids loved watching the boats pass through the locks. 🍽️ Food & Drinks: Most meals were around ByWard Market — lots of options! Check Google reviews to explore. Noodle House 79 🍜: A Vietnamese spot. Perfect for hot soup and tea after the drive. Great for seniors! Le Mien – Craft Noodle 🍲: Near ByWard Market. Delicious noodles and friendly service — kids loved it! The Grand Pizzeria and Bar 🍕: Italian. Decent food, very warm service — good for the whole family. Amore Gelato 🍧: Highly recommend! Try rum and espresso flavors. 🅿️ Parking: We used Indigo parking near Parliament Hill — around $20+ per day. #Ottawa #OttawaTravel #Canada #FamilyTrip #RoadTrip #TravelWithElders #ByWardMarket 🍁✨