If you’re coming to Toronto for FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches this summer and planning a side trip to Ottawa, you don’t have to spend your whole time in a sweltering city. Canada’s postcard-perfect wilderness is closer than you think.
Hastings County is a destination worthy of adding to your Toronto to Ottawa FIFA Road Trip because it offers a quintessential Canadian experience. Think lakes, campfires, canoe trips, small-town charm, dark skies full of stars, and deep breaths of fresh forest air.
It can be experienced in a 1-2 night side trip from your base in Toronto, or even as a quick pit stop on your way to Ottawa.
Below is your practical guide to visiting Hastings County between match days.
Where Is Hastings County?
Hastings County is conveniently located halfway from Toronto to Ottawa. It’s close enough that you won’t spend all day in the car, but far enough to feel like you’ve truly left the city behind.
Driving time:
- 2-3 hours from Toronto
- 2-3 hours from Ottawa
How to Get to Here
The easiest way to explore Hastings County is by renting a car.
While there are train routes from Toronto to Ottawa, Ontario’s best summer experiences tend to happen away from public transit.
A rental car gives you the freedom to:
- explore multiple small towns in one trip;
- stop at roadside lookouts and local food spots;
- easily access trails, lakes, parks, and remote cottages; and
- travel on your schedule.
Renting a Car in Toronto: Quick Tips
Wherever you’re staying in Toronto, there’s likely to be a car rental company nearby, but they’re especially concentrated around visitor hotspots like airports and near Union Station in downtown Toronto.
In the summer, there’s likely to be high demand for cars so it’s best to book as soon as you can.
Consider weekdays for a lower price.
Where to Stay
Hastings County is the kind of place where your accommodation can be part of the adventure—not just a place to crash.
Here are some different types of accommodations to consider.
Glamping Under the Stars
Hastings County has unforgettable glamping-style options if you’re looking for campfire evenings, quiet mornings with coffee outdoors, and star-filled skies that you can’t get in Toronto.
Consider a dome or yurt at:
Note that Marmora Retreat and Maynooth Station Lodge have a two night minimum stay.
Relaxing at a Cottage
Whether the phrase “I’m coming to the cottage” means something to you or not, Hastings County can give you a classic Canadian cottage country experience with evening BBQs and a lake mere steps from your door.
These home-like accommodations range from rustic to modern and typically have 2 to 5+ bedrooms, which makes them perfect for families and groups of friends traveling together.
The best places to search for cottages are AirBnB and VRBO. Note that some cottages have a minimum stay of two or more nights.
Small Town Stays
If you prefer being close to restaurants, shops, and arts venues, staying in or near towns like Bancroft or Tweed can be a great option.
Our small towns have inns, motels, and bed and breakfasts for anyone looking for walkable small-town charm combined with quick driving access to trails and lakes.
Our Where to Stay page has listings for accommodations across Hastings County.
Top Things to Do in Hastings County
Whether you're visiting for one night or stretching your stay into a mini vacation, Hastings County has plenty to fill your itinerary.
1. Take in the View at Eagle’s Nest
If you want one iconic photo from your Ontario road trip, this is it.
Eagle’s Nest Park near Bancroft is a dramatic lookout over forests and lakes. Stop here for a quick hike, a scenic picnic spot, or a sunset lookout.
2. Paddle Like a Canadian at Madawaska Kanu Centre
If you’ve ever wanted to try canoeing in Canada, plan a visit to the Madawaska Kanu Centre. They’ll teach you how to paddle, so it’s great for beginners. Exploring a river in a canoe or kayak is one of the most peaceful experiences you’ll ever have.
3. Hike and Picnic at Vanderwater Conservation Area
The Vanderwater Conservation Area has a 16 km trail network that will lead you through mature forests and to the Moira River where the water cascades over a series of limestone steps. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, as well as picnic tables for a plein air lunch.
4. Enjoy a Quieter Park Experience at Lake St. Peter
Ontario’s major parks—like Algonquin Provincial Park—can get busy in summer. If you’re looking for a more relaxed alternative, we suggest Lake St. Peter Provincial Park.
Lake St. Peter, which isn’t far from Algonquin Park, has a large lake with beautiful sandy beaches where you can go for a swim or out for a paddle in a rented canoe, not to mention some beautiful lookout points.
5. Explore Charming Small Towns
Hastings County is full of small communities that feel friendly and welcoming. Each town has its own character, but you can expect local cafés and restaurants, shops, and a slower pace that might tempt you to stay permanently!
Some of our towns are close to each other and can easily be explored in pairs:
6. Try Our Gravel Cycling Routes
If you’re the type of traveller who rents a bike wherever you go, Hastings County is a hidden gem for cycling.
The area is known for beautiful gravel routes with minimal traffic through forests, farmland, and quiet country roads. It’s a great way to see Ontario’s landscapes up close and at your own pace.
7. Go Rock Hunting on a Recreational Geology Adventure
Amateur geology or rock collecting, aka “rockhounding,” is a big deal in Hastings County thanks to its unique geology. It’s part science, part treasure hunt, and something you won’t find on a typical tourist itinerary.
Try one of these experiences:
- Go on a geologist-led mineral collecting field trip at Lakeside Gems.
- Hunt for rocks in the Princess Sodalite Mine Rock Farm, or pop into their Rock Shop and buy a crystal, fossil, jewelry, or other souvenirs.
- Take a tour of the Tyendinaga Caves.
- Learn more on our Recreational Geology page.
Rockhounding is a great way to bring home a piece of the Canadian Shield, but there are limitations (for example, you’re not allowed to take rocks from Provincial Parks). We recommend checking with one of the above tour guides or shopkeepers to be safe.
8. Catch Live Theatre and Local Arts
Beyond hiking and paddling, Hastings County also has a strong arts scene. Our theatres, galleries, and studios are a great rainy-day option—or a relaxing activity after a day outside.
You can check out performances at:
9. Lean Into the Cottage Food Experience
No visit to cottage country is complete without ice cream, especially on a hot day or after a big hike.
If it’s something more substantial you’re looking for, keep an eye out for food trucks serving classic burgers and fries, or something more unusual.
Check out our Where to Eat guide for more food options.
10. Off-Road Adventures: ATV Trails
For travellers who want adrenaline between match days, may we suggest off-road ATV trails?
This is a great option if you’re traveling with a group and want something active, rugged, and very different from the city.
We recommend Bancroft Offroad Tours.
Suggested Itineraries
Option 1: The Cottage or Glamping Experience (2 Nights)
- Day 1: Settle into your cottage/dome/yurt → head into town for dinner, ice cream, and a mission to find marshmallows → sit around the campfire
- Day 2: Outdoor adventure (hiking/canoeing/kayaking/cycling/ATVing) + local theatre at night
- Day 3: Geology tour → head back to Toronto or onward to Ottawa
Option 2: The Quick Small Town Experience (1 Night)
- Day 1: Check into an inn/motel/B&B → shopping + dinner + local theatre
- Day 2: Morning paddle or conservation area visit → drive back to Toronto or onward to Ottawa
Option 3: The Toronto to Ottawa Pit Stop (1-2 Hours)
Check out the Eagle’s Nest Lookout → Explore Bancroft for lunch and shopping for souvenirs → Onward to Ottawa
Explore Our Website for More Travel Ideas
Toronto will give you the crowds, the global energy, and the tournament buzz, but Hastings County will give you something else entirely: the Canadian summer experience that draws visitors from around the world.
Hastings County is close, easy to reach, and perfect for a one- or two-night escape between FIFA World Cup 2026™ match days.
Find more inspiration for your trip by browsing our website. We’d love to host you!
