Camp Hither Hills

Orient yourself first of all towards central Ottawa (25 minutes' drive), as the Canadian capital is a showcase of art, architecture, history and food. Parliament Hill is an area worth exploring for its parks, river walks and grand Gothic revival buildings, while nearby museums like the Canadian Museum of Nature and Canadian Museum of History are on hand for informative indoor activities. Other must-see Ottawa spots include the city's bustling Chinatown and the landscaped lawns and whitewater rivers at Rideau Falls Park, while out in the suburbs you'll come across plenty to do with the kids at Calypso Theme Waterpark (30 minutes) or Little Ray's Nature Centre (30 minutes), a zoo. Once fully outside the city, let the call of nature guide you towards the rare plants, amazing animals and waymarked walking trails at Mer Bleue Bog (20 minutes) and Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary (an hour), or take to the well-tended greens of Falcon Ridge Golf Club (five minutes). And for evening entertainment? Head out for a friendly-game at Merivale Bowling Centre (20 minutes), or up the stakes and make a night of it at Rideau Carleton Casino (five minutes).