Unexpected Journeys

28/04/2024

🌸 Do you know what the MOM in your life wants for Mother’s Day this year?

Time spent with you. 🤍

💌 One way to do that is to take her on one of our Unexpected Journeys.

We promise you…

✨Laughter

✨Incredible memories that will last a lifetime

✨Lots of photos of mom smiling

✨The title of favourite child 😊

✨Much needed, stress free time together ( because we’ve planned it all for you) 👌🏼

Choose from one of our 11 (soon to be 12) 🚙 surprise road trips to take her on.

You can go in any season and nothing needs to be booked in advance! (You might have to book mom! lol)

Book your Mother’s Day memory maker today!🤍 (website link in bio)

26/04/2024

✈️Unexpected Journeys took their own Unexpected Journey last week and headed to…

📍Tofino BC

What a stunning part of our country! 🇨🇦

This secluded paradise on Vancouver Island’s west coast truly is one of Canada’s hidden gems and so very worth the visit.

Why?

🏖️The long sandy oceanside beaches to explore. Think giant pieces of driftwood, rocky outcroppings, tidal pools, sunsets, and endless photos.

🌊 The Pacific Ocean’s massive waves makes this one of the top surfing destinations in North America!!

🌳The ancient rainforests and their incredible trails to hike

🐋🐻🐟🦭🦅The wildlife you’ll see when you’re there! You can take guided tours to see everything from bears to whales to eagles to so much more. We went on a whale watching tour with ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🚵🥾🚁💦There are so many ways to explore this rugged landscape…on foot, by air from the water, on your bike.

🖼️🗿The local artisans

🤍The food, the accommodations, the views, the inspiration you get from just taking it all in! Another one crossed off the bucket list!

Stay 🏩: highly recommend this iconic inn. Think rustic/luxury!

Eats 🍤🥘:

*Tofino is situated in the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation

Have you had the chance to visit?

18/04/2024

🍷Cheers to vineyard season!

Save this list!

✨You don’t have to go very far from Ottawa to indulge in some absolutely decadent wines. Many of these dreamy spaces appear on our surprise road trip itineraries.

🍷 - Vankleek Hill - Beautiful patio - Music in the vineyard - Tea Cellar - Special events - Delicious food - Home of a

🍷 - Carp - Gorgeous vineyard seating - Seasonal location of and their famous pinsacrust - Winery tours - Special events

🍷 - Oxford Station - Tastings - Wine and cheese - Charming - Specual events

🍷 vineyard - Mountain - Covered patio - Tours and guided tastings available - Drive In Vineyard - Music

🍷 - Westport - Wood fired pizza on their stunning patio - Wood grilled menu

🍷 - Quyon - Pretty outdoor spaces - Heritage barn - vintage car museum

🍷 - Shawville - Historical fruit farm - Art and music - Rustic and dreamy space - Offering flower subscription boxes - Bistro

🍷 - Richmond - Pretty indoor and outdoor spaces to sip - NEW OWNERS follow for more info

🍷 - Navan - Beautiful vineyard - Giant patio - Tastings - Charcuterie, cheese bread - Amazing host - Lots of events

🍷 - Ottawa - Indoor and outdoor tastings - Picnics in the vineyards

🍷 - Morrisburg - Patio overlooking the vineyard - Wood fired pizza - Even non- alcoholic tastings for kids! - Concerts

🍷 - Arnprior - A market, flower field and delicious fruit wines - Tastings available - A true hidden gem

🍷 - Maberly ( near Perth) - Stunning venue - Tasting room - Restaurant - NEW in 2023

🍷See you in the vineyard! 🍇

PS Our newest journey 💌 is definitely one for the wine lover. Watch for its release soon!

14/04/2024

Welcome to 🌸FLOWER SEASON 🌸in the Ottawa area and beyond.

Here’s the blooming schedule:

✨Cherry Blossoms 🌸🤍 - End of April - Early May

✨Trilliums ❤️🤍 - Late April - May - Ontario’s flower

✨Tulips 🌷 - Beginning in May - May 10-20

✨Lilacs 🪻🪻- End of May - You’ll want to visit the Franktown Lilac Festival and Lilac Lane in

✨Roses 🌹 - Begins early June and lasts all summer

✨Showy Lady Slippers 🌸 - Mid June - Early July

✨Lavender 🪻💜 - Mid June

✨Daylilies 🪷 - End of July

✨Sunflowers 🌻 - Mid July - August

✨Dandelions 🌼 - April - October! 😳

Plus lots and lots of exquisite gardens all spring and summer long!

🌸📸 Follow along as we guide you to some of the most insta-worthy floral backdrops in and around Ottawa.

💌 Did you know that all of our Unexpected Journeys will lead you to spectacular gardens? Tis the season! 🌸🌸🌸

10/04/2024

For the mom who has everything...We bet she doesn't have this💌

🌸🚙🤍 Why not take mom (or the mother of your children), on an Unexpected Journey and share a memorable day with her surrounded by the people she loves?

💕Time spent together creating memories really is the best gift of all! 💕

💌Each Mother's Day Unexpected Journey includes:

✨A beautifully wrapped itinerary 💌

✨A plantable postcard, with a personlized message that mom can plant to remind her of her day (besides all the incredible memories) 🍃

✨A "Love Letter To Mom" that you can fill out together that we promise will make her smile 😊

✨Something "unexpected" that mom can leave in a special spot along the way (it's biodegradable) or take home with her 🤍

✨Moments of pure joy, laughter, nostalgia, delight 🌸

💌Choose from our 11 incredible surprise road trips that explore Ottawa and the surrounding areas or give her a gift certificate so she can choose her own.

🌲Tis the season to get outside, get discovering, get inspired, get excited!

Thanks mom! 💕

Why not take mom (or the mother of your children), on an Unexpected Journey and share a memorable day with her surrounded by the people she loves?

29/03/2024

✨ Looking for somewhere to explore this SPRING 🌸 long weekend? 🐣 Head here:

📍Cooper Marsh just outside of

There are two beautiful boardwalk sections that take you through the marsh. Yah, I said the “B” word! 😊 (if you know me, you know me)

Don’t forget to climb the viewing tower and take in the over 130 species of 🦆🐦🪶birds here or have a seat along the path, close your eyes and just listen! 🎶

Details:

▫️About an hour and 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa 🚙

▫️Free parking ( large lot) and entrance

▫️No pups allowed due to the fragile ecosystem ❌

▫️Pretty picnic area at parking lot and within trail system 🧺

▫️Parts of the trail are muddy this time of year so wear appropriate shoes 🥾

*Check out today’s stories for the sights and sounds of spring 🌸 at Cooper Marsh.

24/03/2024

✨Beautiful old barns and homes. 🤍

You’ll find many on most of our 💌 Surprise Road Trips

📸 So fun to photograph

❤️ Even more fun to imagine the stories they could tell.

Are you a fan? Let me know in the comments ⬇️.

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19/03/2024

🌸🌸Hello Spring🌸🌸

Here are a few activities you can look forward to in Ottawa and the surrounding areas this 🌸Spring!🌸

🌸Watch for Easter 🐣 activities at the beginning of April around the city!

🌸Sugar Shack 🍁 visits until mid April.

🌸Check out the cherry blossoms around Ottawa at the end of April.

🌸Visit a local vineyard 🍷. Many open their outdoor seating in April.

🌸The Tulip Festival 🌷mid May.

🌸Visit 💜 Lilac Lane in Franktown at the end of May. This path is covered in these fragrant flowers!

🌸Plan your camping trip now! Most provincial parks open for camping ⛺️ the May long weekend.

🌸The Rideau Canal 💦 and lock stations open mid May.

🌸Take a drive 🚙 along the Long Sault Parkway mid May when it reopens for the season.

🌸Visit the orchards at the Purdon Conservation Area early to mid June

🌸Go chasing waterfalls 💦, it's prime season when everything melts

🌸Visit some adorable baby animals at some local farms.

🌸Hit up a patio! 🍹time!! These could be opening anytime soon!

🌸Of course take one of our 💌 Unexpected Journeys this spring!

✨ Follow us as we bring you details and some inspiring images of all things spring in and around the Ottawa and Outaouais region and beyond! 🌸🌷🌼This spring
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19/03/2024

🍁 Maple Season has arrived!🍁

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Grab your tuque, your boots, your family and friends and head out to to the sugarbush for one of 🇨🇦 most iconic experiences!

Did you know that Canada produces around 85% of the world’s 🍁maple syrup?

The season is short and sweet so get out there!

🍁 - Edwards -Weekends - $ - Animals, taffy, trails, tractor rides, museum, delish food - Farm shop

🍁 - Cumberland - Weekends - $ - book in advance for weekdays - Pancakes, taffy, petting zoo, trails, fire pits

🍁 - Near Perth - Wed-Sun - Free - Trails, pancakes, beautiful heritage building - Firepit

🍁 - Pakenham - Trail and Maple Store open daily - $ - Trails, sleigh rides (weekends), bonfires, delish food to eat outside, gift shop

🍁 - Lanark County - Pancake house - Free - Trails - Museums - Vintage tools - Open year round!

🍁 - Almonte - Tastings available - Trails - Kettle Boys - Picnic by the fire - Store - Open daily

🍁 - Nepean - Weekends - $ - Wagon rides- Trails - Animals - Play areas - Treats, hot chocolate - Gift shop - Book online

🍁Mapleside Sugarbush - Pembroke - Stroll through the maples- Visit the shanty - Shop - Maple products

🍁Domaine de L'Ange Garden - L'Ange Garden - 25 min from Ottawa - Sleigh rides - Incredible meals - Tubing - Book in advance

🍁Sand Road Maple Farm - Moose Creek - Maple Farm Buffet - Trails - Wagon rides - Gift shop

🍁Le Vignoble de Chelsea - Chelsea - Incredible Sugar Shack meal

🍁 - Westport - Join them April 6-7 as they open their doors for Maple Weekend

🍁 - Montebello - Weekends - Included with admission - Sugar shack- Taffy - Skating - Bonfire

🍁 - Vanier - Only operating urban sugar shack in North America - $ - Book in advance - Weekends - Music, food, activities

12/03/2024

❤️Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for choosing Unexpected Journeys as…

✨OTTAWA’S BEST EXPERIENCE✨

I pour my heart and soul into creating these journeys and it means so much that you love them as much as I do. 😊 I truly appreciate every one of your votes!

In the words of the famous Tina Turner…”You’re simply the best, better than all the rest…” 🎶

If you head to the 3rd photo you’ll notice that I wasn’t excited at all! 😂

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03/03/2024

Looking for something to do this weekend? SAVE THIS POST and read on! ⬇️

What does a warm, early spring weekend mean? Some ice on the trails mixed in with some wet, muddy spots.

Still want to get outside and stay dry? 🌲☀️

Head to one of these beautiful spots for a walk along the water, or relax on one of the benches you’ll find at each location.

Want to make your experience even better? Grab a little “something, something” from a local coffee shop ☕️🍩 to enjoy as you explore!

☀️Wakefield - Take a stroll along the Gatineau River - Parking along Chemin Riverside or any of the side streets - Coffee Shop:

☀️Pembroke - Head to the Pembroke Waterfront Park and take the pathway with views of the Ottawa River. Start at the Pembroke Marina and walk as far as Riverside Beach. There’s even a boardwalk section!! 😊 - Parking at Marina - Coffee Shop:

☀️Andrew Haydon Park - This beautiful park in Ottawa’s west end is the perfect spot for a little walk along the shores of the Ottawa River. Lots and lots of benches can be found lining the pathway. - Parking at Nepean Sailing Club - Coffee Shop: Grab something on the way (nothing close by)

☀️Gananoque Waterfront Trail - Head to the Joel Stone Heritage Park to take in the sweeping views of the St Lawrence River - Parking near the waterway both $ and free - Coffee shop -

As you know, here at Unexpected Journeys we love road trips! 🚙 There are 11 in our collection to date with more being added by the spring!

17/02/2024

Pack your bags, grab your friends, your family because you are so going to want to stay here! 🤍

📍Welcome to Maple & Rose Merrickville 🌹

✨ Located in the heart of Merrickville, this beautifully restored, circa 1840, Victorian home is the essence of luxury and history with lots of modern touches added in to keep you oh, so comfy!

🛌With 7 gorgeous bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, this swoon-worthy venue sleeps up to 16 and is the perfect destination for your group.

There are so many thoughtful touches everywhere you look from fresh cut flowers in the rooms, to local decadent caramels from to a dreamy welcome basket filled with local treasures.

💌 Maple and Rose makes an appearance on our “Pathways, Cozy Cafes and Pretty Patios” journey as one of our recommended stays.

Here are some of the things we absolutely ❤️ about this property ( there are so many more):

✨ The history and beauty of this grand building

✨ The 7 uniquely decorated bedrooms! Filled with absolutely everything you need! That chandelier in the Rose Room was perfection! 👌🏼

✨ The selfie mirrors…to help you capture so many incredible moments. This one was in the Charlotte Room.

✨ The little corners and nooks to snuggle into for a quiet moment. This one courtesy of the Family Suite.

✨ Catching the sunrise on the wrap around veranda 🌅.

✨ The light-filled sunroom. Can we just talk about that lounger!!!! 🤍

✨ The historical stained glass sprinkled throughout mixed in with modern stained glass from local maker Micheal Gray.

✨ The RGA Lounge with its giant tv, fireplace, cozy couch, kitchen all set for an epic movie night! 🎥

✨ The fire pit in the back yard 🔥.

Thank you Kate for being such a wonderful host! It was a fabulous night. 🥹

*Check out today’s stories to see more!

14/02/2024

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️

May your life’s journey be surrounded with people (and pets) that you love!

Thank you so much to everyone who purchased 💌 Unexpected Journeys for Valentine’s Day. ❤️

Make sure to tag us on your journey for a chance to be featured on our stories! ❤️

*Chris is not a fan of cheesy photos, but he did this one anyways = True ❤️… and lots and lots of persuading on my part! 😂

08/02/2024

⛷️If you’re looking to ski in a winter wonderland, you might just want to take a little road trip to 📍Mont Tremblant! ❄️❄️❄️

Less than a 2 hour drive from Ottawa, this dreamy area in the is absolutely beautiful!

Treat yourself and stay in the village overnight. Park your car at your hotel, walk to all the shops, activities and restaurants.

⛷️The Mountain:

▫️There is on open air cabriolet that takes you from the parking lot to the base of the mountain

▫️You can take the enclosed gondola to the very top 🚠

▫️There are 102 trails, 14 lifts, and 4 areas to ski

▫️A fantastic hill for all abilities: 22 easy trails, 31 difficult and 49 very difficult/extreme

▫️The 6 km Nansen run is the longest trail and is a green run. A definite must ski for any level!

▫️Right now the top of the mountain looks like something out of a magazine!❄️❄️❄️

Lodging:

Our two fav stays when in Tremblant are:

▫️ - luxury - steps away from the Village - boutique hotel

▫️ - located at the top of the mountain - ski in/out - stunning views of the hill

Eats:

▫️ - fondues, raclettes, grillade- heaven! 😊

▫️a_mano_trattoria - delicious Italian dishes

💌 Did you know that our “Dreamy Quebec Drive” journey explores this area and beyond?

06/02/2024

Places you need to visit this winter #3️⃣ ❄️ You’re definitely going to want to head here!

📍Les Chutes de Plaisance

A short drive from downtown Ottawa (45 minutes) is this hidden 💎! Who knew that we had a mini 💦 Niagara Falls right in our own backyard?

Follow the short 1 km path lined with picnic tables, observation decks and spectacular views that meanders along the waterway.

*You’ll want to have some crampons for your boots as the path can be really slippery in the winter! ❄️

The details:

▫️There is an entrance fee during the regular season which runs from April-October. Gates are open during the winter so use with caution! There is nobody onsite. Use at your own risk.

▫️Pups on leash permitted

▫️Facilities when open. No facilities in the winter

▫️Small part of the parking lot is plowed in the winter

💌 This “WOW” spot ( and you’ll be saying that many times ) makes an appearance on our “Sips, Strolls and Surprises” journey.

03/02/2024

Welcome back sunshine. ☀️ We’ve missed you!

30/01/2024

If you’re ever in the Muskokas…head here! It’s magical! ✨ SAVE THIS GUIDE

📍Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery

❤️ Located in the pretty community of Bala, this unique space has been on our bucket list for years and is a definite “must do” when in the area!

There’s a different experience here every season and their ❄️ winter activities are bucket list worthy!

❄️Skate their famous 1.2 km long ice trail through the cranberry bog during the day or their “Light the Night” experience in the evening! 🔥(rentals available)

❄️ Treat yourself to a wine tasting of their delicious fruit wines, seltzers and ciders… so good! (We might have brought a bottle or two home!) 🥂

❄️ Snowshoe their 10 km of trails through a beautiful forests (rentals available)

❄️ Rent one of their Fire Lounges, Porch Side Fire Pits (we did) or Ice Trail Fire Pits and indulge in some of the amazing food and wine served there!

❄️ Take a guided tour or a tutored wine tasting.🍷

*Make sure you book your experiences online before heading out

We can’t wait to return in the 🍂 fall for their signature Cranberry Plunge ( look it up, it’s so cool!)

21/01/2024

⛸️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 for updates.

Here are some other unique trails that might make you want to sharpen those blades and explore this winter:

⛸️ - York’s Corners - 3km - Night skating - Hiking, skiing and snowshoe trails - Bonfires - Cider

⛸️ - Next to Gatineau Park - 3km - Hiking and snowshoe trails - Night skating by torchlight -Firepits, benches, their own adorable mascot.

⛸️Laurentian Valley Skating Trail - https://www.lvtownship.ca/en/explore-and-play/lv-skating-trail.aspx - Pembroke - 1.5km - Snowshoe trail - Special night skates - Free

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

⛸️ - 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

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

⛸ adventures_ - Moose Creek - 3 km trail - Snowshoe trail - Tubing -Petting zoo, bonfires, food truck, fresh baking

19/01/2024

Cheers to you and thank you! 🥂
has been nominated for not 1, but 2 Ottawa Awards 🏆this year! 🥹

✨Best Ottawa Experience
✨Best Tour

*Both found under the Leisure and Tourism category.

I’ve poured my ❤️ and soul into creating memorable experiences for everyone and this has certainly touched my heart and soul.

Voting runs daily and begins on Monday and you can vote every day! I

FACES awards are nominated by the public.

There are so many incredible local businesses and individuals on the list and I’m so very humbled to be part of that group. 🫶

Make sure to and vote for your favs!

16/01/2024

Looking for a really fun and unique Valentine’s Day ❤️ gift idea for your girl or guy, your family, your friends, yourself?

💌Gift them an ✨Unexpected Journey✨

AKA…

✨The gift of an experience (There are 11 to choose from in our collection)

✨The gift of time spent together

✨A memory maker (my fav 😊)

✨A surprise road trip

✨Something to look forward to

✨The perfect proposal package (We’ve actually had a few proposals on our journeys! )❤️❤️❤️❤️

✨A discovery package. (We promise that you’ll discover places that you didn’t even know existed!)

✨A breath of fresh air, literally! You’ll get the chance to get outside and do some exploring, reset and recharge. 🌲

💌 Your surprise itinerary comes beautifully packaged with a few extra add-ons for your special experience. Check out the next photo to see one of them and if you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll understand! 😂)

💌Last day to order packages delivered in time for the big day is February 4th and please let us know when ordering that this is a Valentine’s Day gift.

Certificates available anytime, even last minute. We got ya! 😉

12/01/2024

1️⃣ Places you need to visit this winter #2️⃣! ❄️ Save this post for later.

📍The Mill of Kintail Conservation Area

❄️ If you want to feel like you’re walking through a winter wonderland head here. I promise, you will absolutely fall in love. No wonder it’s been named 1 of the “ 7 Wonders of Lanark County”.

✨ Magical in any season but extra special covered in a fresh blanket of snow and honestly, straight out of a fairy tale book.

🌲 You can snowshoe or hike the 6.5 km of gentle trails that will take you through beautiful forests, fields and along the pretty Indian River. Throw in an Insta-worthy bridge, a rustic chapel, a few little boardwalks and benches and you have the perfect recipe for an inspiring time spent in nature.

📸 Make sure you stop to take a selfie on the bridge with the iconic 1930s grist mill in the background (now home to the R Tait McKenzie, a famous Canadian sculptor and James Naismith, the inventor of basketball).

Here’s a little hidden 💎 you are so going to want to find: the hidden bench by the water. Instead of turning left onto the bridge continue straight along the path. You’ll find it!

Details:

▫️Fee: $6.00 to park
▫️2854 Ramsay Concession 8, Almonte
▫️Dog-friendly trails
▫️Flat, easy trails
▫️Outhouse on site

*This serene space makes an appearance on our “Bridges, Rapids and Trails” Journey.

06/01/2024

✨If you’re looking for a luxurious and intimate stay while in the Tremblant area, head here! SAVE this post.

📍Hotel Quintessence 🤍

Just steps from the Village, this stunning 5⭐️ boutique hotel is located right on Lake Tremblant and will absolutely take your breath away! No wonder it’s won so many awards!

With only 30 suites (all of them with balconies facing the water, stone fireplaces, King-sized beds and sumptuous amenities) it always feels peaceful.

Once you arrive, you really never have to leave.

With a spa that includes an infinite edge hot tub and pool, sauna, steam baths and gym, an incredible restaurant and wine bar ( I highly recommend the decadent chocolate lava cake to finish), beautiful outdoor spaces and paths along the water to explore, live music, water sports in the warmer months, outdoor fire pits all year long, Hotel Q is more than just a destination…it’s an experience. 🤍

💌 Did you know that it makes an appearance as one of our recommended stays on our “Dreamy Quebec Drive” Journey?

Here are our top Insta-worthy spots on the property: (believe me there are many more! )

✨The amazing view from any window in your suite (add in a little room service to make it that much more swoon-worthy)

✨Looking out into the Lake from the infinite edge hot tub located in the Spa Sans Sabots 👌🏼

✨Getting cozy by the fireplace in your room

✨Exploring the grounds of this beautiful hotel. There are so many pics to be had!

✨Watching the sunset from your balcony! They are mesmerizing. 🤍

✨Your view from your bedroom!

✨The Wine Bar

✨Your morning coffee or tea, in your robe or slippers. Every suite has so many inspiring places to start your day.

✨That dramatic staircase in the lobby!

This was our 3rd time staying at this exceptional property and certainly not our last.

Thanks to the amazing staff for taking such good care of us! 🫶

02/01/2024

First hike of 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣!

📍Old Quarry Trail

Located in Kanata just across the street from the Hazeldean Mall, this trail system is a little 💎!

Flat, wide trails, chickadees along the way (bring those black sunflower seeds), a boardwalk and it transforms into a gorgeous ski/snowshoe trail in the winter! ❄️

It’s perfect, especially if you want something easy to begin the new year. 😊

Details:

▫️Parking in lot P5 off of Hazeldean Rd
▫️Outhouse at trailhead
▫️Dogs not allowed
▫️We followed the trails A-B-C-D-E-G-H-D-B-A for a loop of around 5km
▫️Head to or for a little hot bevy afterwards.

Follow along for lots and lots of exploring inspo and to find out when our newest journeys launch!