School is in full gear again, but Columbus Day Weekend is just around the corner. The long weekend gives families the perfect opportunity to get away from all the hustle and bustle. You may not have the time to travel the world in 80 days, but with a daystay hotel from HotelsByDay you can have just as much fun in a foreign land.

1. Upper Canada Village

You can’t go wrong with taking a daycation at this old-timey pioneer village. Kids can learn what pioneer life was like by working mills, making wool, flour, and lumber by using nothing but water power. They also have an old schoolhouse, tin shop, cobbler, and blacksmith. A kid-friendly favorite is the animals, variety shows, tow boats, and horse-drawn carriages. Our personal favorite is the miniature steam train.

2. LaFleche Adventure Park

If you have kids with boundless energy, this is the spot for you. This park has huge rope courses, ziplining, etc. All kids above 4ft tall are welcome to try their hands at bridges, treehouses, and swings. The park is also a great picnic spot. After your adventure definitely take a walk through the LaFleche Caves. Make sure to have kids bring gloves and wear close toed shoes.

3. 1000 Islands Boat Tour

The Gananoque Boat Line offers short one hour tours, but to truly take in the beauty the two and a half hour is the way to go. The tour takes you past some beautifully done-up mansions, lighthouses, and the shortest international bridge in the world. You can also stop at the legendary Boldt Castle, but don’t forget to bring your passport!

4. Bonnechere Caves

Located in Eganville, these caves are a unique sight to sore eyes. The caves are enormous and feature a fascinating look at fossils, rock formations, stalactites. One thing to watch out for is bats, however. Tours run all day, and no reservations are necessary. Don’t worry about little ones, walking in the cave is fairly easy for all ages. And made much easier too with a daystay hotel!

5. Biodome

The Biodome is an indoor zoo featuring four different ecosystems full of animals. You can see rain forest critters like monkeys, piranhas, and macaws on one side, and arctic animals like Penguins and Puffins on the other. Definitely block out a good chunk of time for this trip as admission to the Insectarium and Botanical Gardens next door is included!

6. Parc Omega

If wildlife is a big family interest then Parc Omega is the day trip for you. Located outside of Montebello, this wildlife reserve is truly awe-inspiring. You’ll have no problem seeing dozens of deer, elk, and bison that will even come straight up to your car window looking for some oats or a carrot or two. There are hundreds of smaller creatures roaming through the reserve so get out and have a picnic as well. Don’t miss the hiking trail that overlooks the bear and wolf habitats, but don’t worry they’re safe for children!

You can’t go wrong with a family trip to one of these Ottawa hot spots this Columbus day weekend, and make sure to book your next daycation with HotelsByDay. Use code HBDwork5 to get 5% off your next daystay hotel booking! From all of us at HotelsByDay to all of you, have a happy, safe, and daystay filled Columbus Day Weekend!