Best Places to See When Driving From (Old) Ottawa, Ontario to Westfield, New Jersey

Are you planning a road trip from Old Ottawa to Westfield, New Jersey? The distance between these two cities is approximately 600 kilometers, which means you'll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the scenic route. Whether you're looking for natural wonders, cultural hotspots, or historic landmarks, this road trip has it all! In this blog post, we've compiled the best places to see when driving from Old Ottawa to Westfield, New Jersey. So, pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready to hit the road!

Natural Wonders

Niagara Falls Niagara Falls is one of the most popular natural wonders of North America. It's located on the border of Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA, and it's only a 4-hour drive from Ottawa. The falls consist of three massive waterfalls that cascade over the Niagara River. You can take a boat ride to the base of the falls or enjoy a scenic helicopter tour. Don't forget to take a poncho because you'll definitely get wet!
Watkins Glen State Park Watkins Glen State Park is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, which is about a 5-hour drive from Niagara Falls. The park boasts a series of 19 waterfalls that cascade over a mile-long gorge. Visitors can hike through the gorge and take in the stunning views of the waterfalls, cliffs, and rock formations. It's a photographer's paradise!
Liberty State Park Liberty State Park is located in Jersey City, New Jersey, and it's only a 45-minute drive from New York City. The park is situated on the banks of the Hudson River, and it offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can also take a scenic ferry ride to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Cape May Cape May is located on the southernmost point of New Jersey, and it's a 3-hour drive from Liberty State Park. It's known for its beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, and Victorian architecture. Visitors can take a stroll on the boardwalk, go whale watching, or explore the town's charming shops and restaurants. Don't forget to take a picture of the iconic Cape May lighthouse!
Longwood Gardens Longwood Gardens is located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and it's a 2-hour drive from Cape May. The gardens feature 1,077 acres of exquisite horticulture, including 20 indoor and 20 outdoor gardens. Visitors can admire the stunning floral displays, fountains, and water features. The gardens also host a variety of cultural events throughout the year, such as concerts and fireworks displays.

Cultural Hotspots

National Gallery of Canada The National Gallery of Canada is located in Ottawa, and it's a must-visit destination for art lovers. The gallery houses over 75,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs, from Canadian and international artists. Visitors can also explore the stunning architecture of the gallery, which is designed by the famous architect Moshe Safdie.
Corning Museum of Glass The Corning Museum of Glass is located in Corning, New York, and it's a 3-hour drive from Watkins Glen State Park. The museum showcases over 50,000 objects that span 35 centuries of glassmaking history. Visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations, create their own glass art, and discover the science behind glass.
Princeton University Princeton University is located in Princeton, New Jersey, and it's a 45-minute drive from Westfield. The university is known for its historic architecture, beautiful campus, and world-renowned research programs. Visitors can take a walking tour of the campus, visit the university's museums and galleries, or attend a lecture or event.
Philadelphia Museum of Art The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it's a 2-hour drive from Cape May. The museum houses over 240,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, from around the world. Visitors can also climb the museum's famous "Rocky Steps" and pose for a picture with the bronze statue of Rocky Balboa.
Grounds for Sculpture Grounds for Sculpture is located in Hamilton, New Jersey, and it's a 30-minute drive from Princeton University. The park features more than 270 sculptures by renowned artists such as Seward Johnson, Clement Meadmore, and Isaac Witkin. Visitors can wander through the 42-acre park, admire the art, and even attend a sculpture workshop or demonstration.

Historic Landmarks

Parliament Hill Parliament Hill is located in Ottawa, and it's the political and cultural heart of Canada. The hill is home to the country's parliament buildings, which feature stunning architecture and beautiful views of the Ottawa River. Visitors can take a guided tour of the buildings and learn about Canada's history and government.
The Erie Canal The Erie Canal is a historic waterway that stretches over 360 miles from Albany to Buffalo, New York. It was built in the early 19th century to create a direct water route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. Visitors can take a boat tour along the canal, visit the many historic towns and villages along its route, and learn about the canal's impact on American history.
Princeton Battlefield State Park Princeton Battlefield State Park is located in Princeton, New Jersey, and it's the site of a historic battle during the American Revolution. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the battlefield and learn about the events leading up to the battle and the impact it had on the war. The park also features walking trails, picnic areas, and historic landmarks.
Independence National Historical Park Independence National Historical Park is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it's a 2-hour drive from Cape May. The park is home to many historic landmarks, including Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, and the Liberty Bell. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park or explore on their own.
Washington Crossing State Park Washington Crossing State Park is located in Titusville, New Jersey, and it's a 45-minute drive from Princeton University. The park is the site where George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. Visitors can visit the historic village of Titusville, explore the park's walking trails, and see reenactments of Washington's famous crossing.

Conclusion

Driving from Old Ottawa to Westfield, New Jersey is a journey that's full of wonders, culture, and history. From the majestic Niagara Falls to the iconic Liberty State Park, this road trip has something for everyone. So, pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready to discover the best of the Northeast. Happy travels!