Take a journey through time as you explore Ontario’s most iconic and lesser-known historic sites. From forts and battlefields to museums and heritage towns, this 10-day road trip is perfect for history buffs and curious explorers alike.
Day 1: Bowmanville → Kingston
? Distance: 180 km / 110 miles (~2 hrs)
?️ Overnight: Rideau Acres Campground or nearby
Begin your journey in the historic city of Kingston, once Canada’s first capital. Tour Fort Henry, a 19th-century British military fort, and stroll along the waterfront to see historic limestone buildings and Canada’s oldest penitentiary.
Day 2: Kingston → Ottawa
? Distance: 150 km / 93 miles (~2 hrs)
?️ Overnight: Wesley Clover Parks Campground
Arrive in the nation’s capital and explore Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, and the Canadian Museum of History across the river in Gatineau. End the day with a walk through ByWard Market, one of Canada’s oldest public markets.
Day 3: Ottawa → Pembroke
? Distance: 140 km / 87 miles (~2 hrs)
?️ Overnight: Riverside Park Campground
Follow the Champlain Trail and explore Pembroke’s rich history, including mural-covered buildings that depict moments from the town’s past. Enjoy a riverside walk and visit the Champlain Trail Museum.
Day 4: Pembroke → Petawawa
? Distance: 20 km / 12 miles (~30 mins)
?️ Overnight: Petawawa Civic Centre Campground
Spend the day learning about Canada’s military history at CFB Petawawa, visit the Military Museum, and explore local stories of courage and sacrifice that shaped the region.
Day 5: Petawawa → Toronto
? Distance: 340 km / 211 miles (~4.5 hrs)
?️ Overnight: Indian Line Campground or Glen Rouge Campground
Explore Toronto’s historic side with visits to Fort York, where British troops defended against American invasions, or Casa Loma, a gothic revival castle with fascinating stories. Don’t miss St. Lawrence Market for some heritage shopping and bites.
Day 6: Toronto → Niagara-on-the-Lake
? Distance: 130 km / 81 miles (~1.5 hrs)
?️ Overnight: Shalamar Lake Campground or Niagara Falls KOA
Visit Fort George, a preserved military site from the War of 1812, and wander the heritage-rich streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy a blend of history and wine country charm.
Day 7: Niagara-on-the-Lake → St. Catharines
? Distance: 30 km / 19 miles (~30 mins)
?️ Overnight: Jordan Valley Campground or nearby
Learn about the engineering marvel that is the Welland Canal at the St. Catharines Museum & Lock 3, where you can watch ships pass through and explore exhibits about the region’s development.
Day 8: St. Catharines → London
? Distance: 120 km / 75 miles (~2 hrs)
?️ Overnight: Fanshawe Conservation Area
Explore Eldon House, London’s oldest residence turned museum, and stroll through Victoria Park, rich with monuments and local history. Discover the city’s roots in medicine, education, and culture.
Day 9: London → Stratford
? Distance: 40 km / 25 miles (~45 mins)
?️ Overnight: Woodland Lake RV Resort or Stratford area
Immerse yourself in arts and history with the Stratford Festival, Canada’s world-renowned celebration of Shakespeare. Visit local historic sites and enjoy Stratford’s Victorian-era architecture.
Day 10: Stratford → Bowmanville
? Distance: 160 km / 100 miles (~2 hrs)
Take the scenic route home with optional stops in heritage towns like St. Marys or Port Hope. Pick up antiques, local crafts, or enjoy a final historical detour before ending your journey.
? Rediscover Ontario’s history on the road with Owasco RV Rentals!
