Visit stunning waterfalls in the Ottawa valley

Canada Travel Tips

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Tuesday, 21 February 2012 09:16

Not only do the streets of Ottawa have wonderful things to see and do, but there are also gorgeous landscapes outside city limits to explore while on holiday. There is a lot of natural beauty that travellers can see while taking tours of Ottawa, especially when it comes to regional waterfalls. As the weather warms up, visiting some of these sites would be an ideal day trip – and a great background to enjoy a picnic lunch. Travellers of all ages can have a great time seeing the natural wonders surrounding Canada's capital region.

A few miles outside of the city is Foresters Falls, which can be reached on a short hike along McNaughton's Creek. Visitors can check out the dams and bridges that were built in the 1800s to make the area more accessible for early residents. The waterfall is small yet charming, and can be a great reward at the end of a hike. There is also a museum nearby with more information and exhibits on the region's history.

Southwest of Foresters Falls is another lovely area that has a waterfall and scenic park. The Fourth Chute in Bonnechere is a cascading waterfall and one of five found on this waterway. Bonnechere River is a small tributary of the Ottawa River and helps irrigate nearby farmlands and forests. Guests may park along the road and head down to the river's edge lined by large rocks for climbing and enjoying the sunshine.

Located even farther west of Ottawa near the town of Pembroke, High Falls may be one of the most breathtaking areas around. Despite its name, the cascade drops just over three metres, but travellers are able to take some amazing photographs of the area or can spend the whole day admiring the vistas.

Those who would like to try out some water sports on or near these waterfalls can look into the white water rafting tours offered at many of these sites. Some of the best locales for these types of activities include the Ottawa, Madawaska, Mattawa and Noire rivers. Whether visitors have never rafted before or are seasoned veterans, there are options for all skill levels on many of the major waterways.

Travellers can make some amazing holiday memories by venturing to the waterfalls near Ottawa when they next travel to Ontario.