Top Five Places to Visit Between (Old) Ottawa, Ontario and Catasauqua, Pennsylvania

If you're embarking on a road trip from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario, to Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, you're in for a treat. The cities and towns along the way have a rich history and offer a variety of attractions and experiences. Here are the top five places to visit on your journey.

The Route and Halfway Point

Before we embark on our journey of exploration, let's take a moment to highlight the route and the halfway point. You'll be driving approximately 620 miles from Ottawa to Catasauqua, and the halfway point is in LaFayette, NY. This small town is surrounded by stunning forests and lakes. It's the perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Top Five Places to Visit

1. Thousand Islands, Ontario

Our first stop is the stunning Thousand Islands on the Ontario side of the St. Lawrence River. This archipelago consists of over 1,800 islands that range in size from small rocky outcroppings to larger, inhabited islands. You can take a boat tour to explore the islands, go fishing, or simply admire the scenery. One of the most popular islands to visit is Boldt Castle, a stunning mansion with an interesting history.

2. Letchworth State Park, New York

Next up is Letchworth State Park, located in western New York. This park is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," and it's easy to see why. The park is home to a 17-mile-long gorge that is up to 600 feet deep in places. You can hike, bike, or horseback ride on one of the many trails in the park, or take in the view from one of the numerous overlooks. There are also several waterfalls to see, including the impressive 600-foot-high Middle Falls.

3. Watkins Glen State Park, New York

Watkins Glen State Park, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, is another natural wonder you won't want to miss. The park features a stunning gorge with 19 waterfalls, as well as numerous rock formations and pools. You can take the Gorge Trail, which follows the stream bed through the gorge, or hike the Indian Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park is also home to several campsites and picnic areas if you want to extend your stay and soak in the natural beauty of the area.

4. Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

If you're traveling with kids, or you're young at heart, Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a must-visit destination. This amusement park has over 70 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and kiddie rides. The park is also home to numerous dining and shopping options, as well as a zoo and botanical garden. And, of course, you can't forget the famous Hershey's chocolate.

5. Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania

Our final stop is Valley Forge National Historical Park, just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This park is an important historical site as it was the location of the Continental Army's winter encampment during the Revolutionary War. You can tour the encampment site, see replicas of the soldiers' cabins, and learn about the challenges they faced during that harsh winter. The park also features numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as an interactive visitor center.

Conclusion

There you have it – the top five places to visit on a road trip from (Old) Ottawa, Ontario, to Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. Whether you're a history buff, naturalist, thrill-seeker, or chocolate lover, there's something for everyone along this picturesque route. Don't forget to stop and enjoy the journey – it's not just the destinations that make a trip memorable.