UNEXPECTED JOURNEYS

The Gift of an Experience

Delight someone with the gift of an Unexpected Journey.

Pack a bag for your day and let our surprise road trips lead you to new destinations. We've curated the perfect experience gift for couples, families, that solo traveler, friends, or simply a gift to yourself.

We provide the inspiration, you create the memories.

Book your journey for only $60 today.

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Our road trips explore Eastern Ontario, Quebec and the surrounding areas.

Step 1: Choose where your next great journey begins.
Step 2: Leave the journey planning to us and be prepared for the unexpected.
Step 3: Receive your beautifully packaged, surprise journey in the mail.

The Path to Follow

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Your Package

A thoughtfully planned, self-guided journey that includes:

Everything you need to know before heading out for your day.
Unique accommodations in case you want to extend your experience.
A series of sealed notes that you open along the way that will guide you to each new stop.
Lots of unexpected surprises and details to help make the most of your day.

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We are so excited for you to:

Take a day with family or friends to discover, appreciate and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Uncover hidden gems, stunning scenery, inspiring places, local shops and delicious treats along the way.
Discover where your journey will take you when you open that first note and set out on your way.

The Experience

They say every great journey begins with a single step.
Which step will you take to begin your travel?

Bridges, Rapids and Trails

You might experience:

Lots of hidden rapids
Unique photo spots
The cutest Hallmark town
Bridges at every stop
Shops that will delight
Secret trails
Breweries, a distillery
Decadent treats
Snowshoe/ski trails

Find Out More

The River and Valley Route

You might experience:

Craft beers, dreamy vineyards
A magical waterfront stop with secret views
Gourmet destinations
Towering pines
Famous locals
Stunning waterways
Snowshoe trails

Find Out More

Pathways, Cozy Cafes & Pretty Photos

You might experience:

Instagrammable stops and venues
Foodie stops
Peaceful and enchanting forest trails
A cool brewery
Canada's prettiest town
Rural vineyards (summer)
Ski/snowshoe/skate

Find Out More

Waterways and Views

You might experience:

A beautiful town
Awe inspiring water views
Pretty pathways
Urban breweries
A stroll through the vines
An unexpected shop
A forest snowshoe
Gorgeous rural stops

Find Out More

As Far as the Eye Can See

You might experience:

Serene outdoor galleries
Stunning waterways
Architecture that will amaze
Unbelievable hikes
Surprise after surprise
A brewery, cidery and distillery
Snowshoe trails

Find Out More

Wonderful Waterfalls & Lookouts

You might experience:

So many waterfalls
Scenic lookouts
Boardwalks and bridges
Exploring along the water
Butter tarts, cheesecake and donuts
Adult beverages
Winter skating trail
Snowshoe trail

Find Out More

Sips, Strolls and Surprises

You might experience:

Unexpected paths
A gorgeous waterway
Scenic little hikes
Unique photo ops
Beautiful historic venues
Vineyards and more vineyards
Brewery stops

Find Out More

Peaceful and Inspiring Places

You might experience:

A few waterfront strolls
A heart-warming photo shoot
Scenic little hikes
Bakeries and decadent cheesecake
Unexpected stops
Skating trail/snowshoe

Find Out More

Extraordinary Destinations and Discoveries

You might experience:

Pretty pathways along the water
Iconic and historic sites
Urban eateries and boutiques
Boardwalks, islands and views
A rustic brewery, a vineyard
Outdoor skating trail

Find Out More

An Ottawa West Wander

You might experience:

Rural feels in the city
Water views and wildlife
An outdoor gallery
Local treats and brews
Cool coffee shops
Insta-worthy backdrops
Exploring the west end of Ottawa - This is an urban journey
Snowshoe trails

Find Out More

A Dreamy

Quebec Drive

You might experience:

Waterfall after waterfall
Photo-worthy outdoor art
Lots of secret spots
Chocolate, cheese and cafes
Craft breweries along the way
Sweet hiking and snowshoe trails
A winter skate

Find Out More

If you have any questions, please check out our FAQs

Testimonials

"My husband and I took one of the Unexpected Journey's day trips last weekend and loved it!

It was the perfect self guided tour with just the right touch of mystery and surprise. Every place we stopped had some adventure or beautiful Instagram worthy sites to see.

Towards the end of each "secret stop" we couldn't wait to open the next envelope and head to our next destination. It was amazing!

If you live in the Ottawa area or have plans to visit Ottawa, I highly recommend booking an "Unexpected Journey"!"

⛸️ Skating Trails - SAVE THIS POST❄️

We are so fortunate here in Ottawa to have the Rideau Canal (OPENS today!) which transforms into the world’s longest outdoor skating rink from January when the ice freezes until February-March, depending on the weather. Follow @ncc_c for updates.

Here are some other unique trails (some even found on our surprise road trips) that might make you want to sharpen those blades and explore this winter:

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

⛸️@riveroakskatingtrail - York’s Corners - 3.5km - Night skating - ODRs - Bonfires - Cider

⛸️@patinageenforet - Next to Gatineau Park - over 3km - Hiking and snowshoe trails - Night skating by torchlight - Fire pits, benches, their own adorable mascot.

⛸️Laurentian Valley Skating Trail - https:// www.lvtownship.ca - Pembroke - 1.5km - Snowshoe trail - Special night skates - Donations accepted

⛸️@icelyndskating - Stittsville - Over 2 km of skating trails through the forest - Night skating - 2 ODRs - Bonfires, vendors - Benches

⛸️@le_sentier_du_petit_pingouin - Gatineau - Over 5km skating trail on a beautiful golf course - Skate rentals and sharpening every weekend

⛸️Grouse Park Skating Trail - Deep River - Night skating - Free (Check updates to see if open)

⛸️Beckwith Skating Trail - Beckwith (behind Beckwith Park, 1319 9th Line) - 1 km loop - Benches

⛸️@countryside_adventures_- Moose Creek - 3 km trail - Snowshoe trail - Tubing - Petting zoo, bonfires,food truck, fresh baking - Rentals available

⛸️@monttremblant - Le Grand Lodge Skating Rink and Trail - An illuminated 900m skating trail through a pine forest - Giant snow slide - Book a 2 hour access online - Skate rentals available

#ottawatourism #bonjourquebec #myottawa #laurentides #lanarkcounty
#skatingtrails #outaouis #outaouaisisfun
#exploreontario #discoverontario #rideaucanal #winter #ottawavalley
#winteractivities #canada #patinageenforet
#icelyndkating #explorecanada

✨ What a year! ✨

🥳 2024 has been a year filled with some incredible journeys of our own (and some not so incredible ones of course)

✨ We visited Tremblant a few times, slept with the wolves @parcomega, my fist time in Washington, marvelled at the ruggedness of Tofino and the @wickinnbc, went home to Mattawa lots and lots, hung out in Montreal, Toronto, Niagara-On-The-Lake and ended our year @steannesspa. ✨

In between all that travel, we explored and discover some new local gems that we’ll share with you through our new journeys launching just in time for the spring! 🚗💌

✨Unexpected Journeys won the Faces awards for “BEST OTTAWA EXPERIENCE”!! Thank you so much! 😊🙏

✨We moved into a new house on the water 💦 and lived through 5 months of renovations!

Thank you so much for following along and stay tuned for 2025!

#yearinreview #myottawa #takenonanunexpectedjourney #surpriseroadtrip #experiencegifts #momentslikethese #makingmemories

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!🎄

✨May this magical season be filled with family, friends, great food and some quiet time beside the fire. ✨

Oh, and hot chocolate. May it be filled with hot chocolate… with whip cream…and sprinkles! 😊

🎄📸Insta worthy holiday photo stops! Save this list and head out soon!

Here are just a few of our favs:

📸 @cedarhillchristmastreefarm - Pakenham - Pictured here! - So many fun photo ops to be had here! Don’t forget that iconic picture of the bridge

📸 @saundersfarmfun - Munster - A Country Christmas - See photo - Gorgeous lights, festive backdrops make this experience extra special. There’s even a Cider House to stop in and visit.

📸 @robertplantegreenhouses - Orleans - Beautifully decorated for the holidays. Festive plants, decor, holiday photo booth and even a coffee shop!

📸Winter Wander - Sparks Street - see photo - Explore the many holiday-themed light installations.

📸Turcotte Family Home - 18 Cypress Gardens, Stittsville - This family has been decorating their home as a fundraiser for CHEO. So worth the visit!

📸Ottawa Christmas Market - Lansdowne - See photo - Photo after photo to be had at this magical market. Don’t forget the one with the giant Christmas tree! 🎄

📸 @gemmelsgarden - Smith Falls - See photo - Stroll through this gorgeous garden centre all decorated for the holidays!

📸 @fairmontlaurier - Dowtown Ottawa - See photo - Head into the lobby of the Ottawa’s castle to see the Trees of Hope for CHEO. Then head to the Elf Pub for a warm drink.

📸 Downtown Ottawa is like walking through a Hallmark movie with lights everywhere you look. @ottawatourism

📸 Take a little road trip and head to @fairmontmontebello for lunch in Canada’s biggest log cabin. Add in a little snow and you have the perfect backdrop for a festive photo! See photo.

🎄✨Happy Holidays everyone and enjoy the season!

#christmas #ottawatourism #myottawa #ottawafun #exploreontario #igersottawa #facesottawa #narcityottawa #instaworthy #takesomepictures #saycheese #makingmemories #christmasphotoshoot #coveredbridge #merryandbright #magical #december #canadalife #winterincanada #outaouaisisfun

This is the perfect holiday experience you’re going to want to explore this season! 🎄

📍Ottawa Christmas Market - Lansdowne

This incredible event has it all! There are lights, music, photo-ops, Santa visits, an outdoor rink, food, drinks ( even some adult ones), lots of shopping, special events, outdoor fires, workshops and more!

We promise you’ll leave here feeling all warm and fuzzy ( unless you forgot your mitts!😊)

🎄Details:

🎄Runs from Nov 22nd - Dec 22nd - Friday - Sunday
Dec 26th - Jan 5th - Every day

🎄Parking on site

🎄Accessible to people with limited mobility and special needs

🎄Pets on leash permitted but not in restaurants

*A few tips:

-🚗There is also a parking garage on 2nd Ave ( it’s few blocks away but lets you shop Bank St as you head over and no line ups to get in and out)

-🧤Wear mitts and a tuque, it can get pretty cold!

-🥗🍱If you plan on eating in the area, make reservations at least a week in advance! Or, if you forget, put your name in somewhere and walk around until your time.

-We were told that Friday nights were the quietest. GO then! 😊

@ottawatourism @ottawa.xmas.market

#myottawa #ocm2024 #holidayspirit #lansdownelive #ottawachristmas #ottawalife #igersottawa #glebe #apt613

🎅🏼Our surprise road trips are SANTA APPROVED!

The big guy ❤️ loves them because:

✨They will lead you to 5 surprise outdoor stops! Who doesn’t love a surprise?

✨It’s a day out already planned for you…all you need to do is drive! 🚗

✨They are filled you lots and lots of optional things to see and do along the way!

✨They tour some of the most incredible areas in and around Ottawa like @ottawavalleytravel, @onhighlands, @lanarkcountytourism, @tourismelaurentides, @sdgtourism, @experiencerideaulakes, @tourismeoutaouais, @madawaskavalley
and so many more.

✨Our Unexpected Journeys support local! They’ll help you discover incredible small businesses in charming small towns all over Ontario and Quebec. 😊

✨There are 11 to choose from with so many more being added in the new year!

✨They make the perfect gift…especially for Christmas. 🎄

✨The packaging is beautiful ( if Santa does say so himself 😉).

✨They can be used all year long! You can return in a different season for a whole new experience! It’s like having 4 road trips all in 1!

✨The experience creates memories that will last a lifetime. Isn’t that what it’s all about? 🤍

You are invited on an Unexpected Journey. Visit our website to accept the invitation. 💌

#myottawa #exploreontario #explorequebec #experiencegifts #discoverON #momentslikethis #creatingmemories #roadtrip #surpriseroadtrip #christmasgiftideas #santa

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