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Canadian Capitals Self-Drive Adventure: Toronto to Ottawa

Canadian Capitals Self Drive Adventure

Love

Duration

6 Days

Starts In

Toronto

Route

Toronto, Ottawa

Your journey begins in Toronto, the province of Ontario's capital city, Canada's largest metropolitan area, and it is also home to the world's third tallest tower, the CN Tower with it's glass floor looking 1122-feet straight down. You will conclude your Canadian vacation in Ottawa, Canada's capital city, the political center of Canada, and home to Parliament Hill also known as "The Hill," the seat of the Canadian government and to the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world's largest naturally frozen ice rink and Guinness World Record holder.

Includes

Rental vehicle with outlined inclusions
Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
Accommodations of your choice

Excludes

Items of a personal nature
All other items not mentioned as included
Rental vehicle gas, parking, tolls, and all other items not listed as included
Select local taxes where applicable
One-way fee for rental car

Itinerary

Day
1

Day 1: Arrival and the Waterfront's Welcome

You touch down in Toronto and step into a city where lake and skyline meet in constant conversation. Collect your rental car and make your way toward the harbourfront, where glass towers rise beside the wide blue expanse of Lake Ontario. Spend your first afternoon wandering the boardwalk, watching sailboats drift past the Toronto Islands, and letting the hum of the city settle around you. As evening falls, wander into the Distillery District, where cobblestone lanes and restored Victorian warehouses now hold galleries, boutiques, and candlelit patios. Dinner here feels like discovery — small plates, local wine, and a skyline glowing gold above the rooftops. Tonight, you rest in the heart of downtown, ready for two full days of exploration ahead.

Day
2

Day 2: Icons, Islands, and the City in Motion

This morning belongs to Toronto's most recognizable silhouette. Rise above the city at the CN Tower, where the glass floor and open-air EdgeWalk offer a heart-in-throat perspective few skylines can match. By midday, board a ferry to the Toronto Islands, where car-free paths, quiet beaches, and skyline views reward a slower pace — bring a picnic and let the afternoon unspool. Return to the mainland for a stroll through Kensington Market, a patchwork of vintage shops, spice stalls, and murals that feels worlds away from the financial towers nearby. As the sun sets, choose a rooftop bar for cocktails with a view before a final Toronto dinner — perhaps along King West, where the city's culinary energy runs loudest.

Day
3

Day 3: Culture, Craft, and Toronto's Creative Edge

Your final Toronto day moves at a curator's pace. Begin at the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario, where centuries of craftsmanship and contemporary vision sit side by side. From there, make your way to St. Lawrence Market, a sensory feast of Ontario cheese, peameal bacon sandwiches, and maple everything — an ideal spot to build a picnic or simply graze your way through lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring a neighbourhood that catches your eye, whether the leafy calm of Cabbagetown or the design studios of Queen West. This evening, take one last look at the skyline from across the harbour before settling in for a final night in the city that started your journey.

Day
4

Day 4: The Road to the Capital

This morning, you point the car northeast and settle into Ontario's open highway, tracing the edge of Lake Ontario before curving inland toward the nation's capital. The drive unfolds over roughly four and a half hours, past farmland, small towns, and glimpses of the Canadian Shield beginning to rise. Break the journey in Kingston, where limestone buildings and a handsome waterfront make for a worthwhile pause — walk the harbor, browse a bookshop, or simply stretch your legs before the final stretch. By late afternoon, Ottawa's spires and government towers come into view along the Ottawa River. Arrive in time to watch the sun set behind Parliament Hill, your introduction to a city built on ceremony and quiet grandeur.

Day
5

Day 5: Parliament, the Canal, and ByWard's Table

Ottawa reveals itself slowly, and today you give it the time it deserves. Begin at Parliament Hill, where Gothic Revival towers and manicured lawns make for one of the country's most photographed views — join a tour inside if the timing allows. From there, walk the edge of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage waterway that shifts from summer paddling route to the world's largest skating rink come winter. Spend your afternoon in the ByWard Market, where farm stalls, bakeries, and a dense cluster of restaurants make for an easy, wandering lunch. As evening arrives, choose a candlelit bistro in the market district for a final capital dinner, the day's discoveries still settling pleasantly into memory.

Day
6

Day 6: Farewell to the Capital

Your last morning is unhurried. Take a final walk along the Ottawa River, where morning light catches the Gothic towers of Parliament Hill one more time, or slip into the Rideau Centre for last-minute finds before the drive home. If time allows, cross into Gatineau for a coffee with a view back toward the capital's skyline — a fitting final frame for the journey. By midday, return your rental car and make your way to the airport, six days of skylines, waterways, and storied streets behind you, and the promise of Ontario's capitals lingering long after you've gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cities are included in the Canadian Capitals Self Drive Explorer package and how many nights are spent in each?

The Canadian Capitals Self Drive Explorer package includes stays in two cities: Toronto for 3 nights and Ottawa for 2 nights. This itinerary allows travelers to explore both the vibrant cultural scene of Toronto and the historical and political significance of Ottawa.

Is a rental vehicle included in the Canadian Capitals Self Drive Explorer package?

Yes, a rental vehicle is included in the Canadian Capitals Self Drive Explorer package. However, travelers should be aware that the cost of gas, parking, tolls, and a one-way fee for the rental car are not included in the package price.

Can I customize the accommodations in the Canadian Capitals Self Drive Explorer package?

Yes, accommodations in the Canadian Capitals Self Drive Explorer package can be customized to suit your preferences. Keytours Vacations offers a choice of accommodations, allowing you to select options that best fit your style and budget. Consult a Keytours travel consultant to explore available options.

What optional activities are available during the stay in Toronto?

During the stay in Toronto, travelers have the option to take a day tour to Niagara Falls. This optional excursion offers a chance to experience the natural wonder of the falls, explore the Niagara wine region, and enjoy various attractions such as the Skylon Tower, Whirlpool Aero Car, and a cruise on the Niagara River.

How long is the drive from Toronto to Ottawa and are there any recommended stops along the way?

The drive from Toronto to Ottawa is approximately 5 hours. Recommended stops along the way include Kingston, where you can enjoy a 1000 Islands cruise or visit Fort Henry National Historic Site. Another option is a detour to Upper Canada Village, which offers a glimpse into rural Canadian life in 1886 with its historical buildings and costumed staff.

What are some of the highlights to explore in Ottawa during this itinerary?

In Ottawa, highlights include visiting Parliament Hill, the Canadian War Museum, and the National Gallery of Canada. You can also explore the historic ByWard Market, enjoy a cruise on the Rideau Canal, and visit the Canadian Museum of Nature. Ottawa's diverse cultural influences and numerous national museums make it an ideal place to soak up Canadian culture.

Are international flights included in the Canadian Capitals Self Drive Explorer package?

International flights are not included in the Canadian Capitals Self Drive Explorer package. Travelers will need to arrange their own flights to and from Canada. Keytours Vacations can assist with flight arrangements if needed. Be sure to confirm your travel plans with a Keytours travel consultant.

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Include Flights?

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