The Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Crystal Lake, IL to (Old) Ottawa, ON

Are you looking for a fun and cultural road trip from Crystal Lake, Illinois to (Old) Ottawa, Ontario? Look no further! This journey will take you through some of the most beautiful and historical landmarks and parks, and will give you a taste of the vibrant museum scene. So, buckle up and get ready for an amazing adventure!

Interesting Fact: Did you know that the distance between Crystal Lake, Illinois and (Old) Ottawa, Ontario is approximately 418 miles, making it the perfect distance for a weekend road trip adventure.

Halfway Point: Lambton Shores, ON, is the perfect place to take a break and stretch your legs before continuing on your road trip journey.

The road trip from Crystal Lake, Illinois to (Old) Ottawa, Ontario is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes long, covering a distance of 418 miles. This trip will take you through some of the most scenic routes, offering beautiful views of the countryside and historic towns.

Top Five Places to Visit

1. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
   The Royal Ontario Museum is one of the largest museums in North America and is home to an extensive collection of world cultures and natural history. Visitors should make sure to check out the iconic Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, a modern addition to the museum's building that has quickly become a city landmark.

   Point of Interest: Don't forget to visit the museum's outdoor spaces, including the ROM's Welcome Project, which features impressive indigenous art installations.

2. Niagara Falls
   No road trip from Crystal Lake to (Old) Ottawa would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Niagara Falls. Whether you choose to take a boat tour, walk along the falls, or simply admire them from a distance, the sheer power and beauty of the falls are sure to leave you in awe.

   Point of Interest: Visitors can take a journey behind the falls to get a unique and up-close view of the natural wonder.

3. Parliament Hill
   Parliament Hill is a must-visit landmark in Ottawa, with its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and its picturesque location overlooking the Ottawa River. Take a guided tour of the Centre Block to learn about Canada's history and see the stunning Peace Tower.

   Point of Interest: Make sure to stay for the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, a tradition that has taken place on the Hill since 1959.

4. Gatineau Park
   Just a short drive from downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Park is a beautiful natural oasis with over 200 kilometers of hiking and biking trails, as well as picturesque lakes and waterfalls. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy stunning views of the region.

   Point of Interest: Don't miss the breathtaking view from the Champlain Lookout, one of the park's most popular scenic spots.

5. Ecomuseum Zoo
   Located just outside Montreal, Ecomuseum Zoo is the perfect destination for animal lovers. This unique zoo is dedicated to the conservation of Quebec's wildlife and features over 115 species of animals, including black bears, lynx, and river otters.

   Point of Interest: Make sure to take a guided tour to learn about the zoo's conservation efforts and get a behind-the-scenes look at animal care.

This road trip from Crystal Lake, Illinois to (Old) Ottawa, Ontario is the perfect way to explore the culture and natural beauty of the region. With exciting cities, stunning landmarks, and beautiful parks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and immerse yourself in the wonders of this incredible journey.