The Trans-Canada Highway has a Southern Route through Ontario, that comes close to (but never touches) Toronto, and reconnects to the main route of the Trans-Canada Highway at Ottawa in the east and Sudbury in the north. The eastern most part of the Southern Route lies between Ottawa and Peterborough. Travelers will experience the natural beauty of Ontario’s countryside, experience lots of small-town charm, and see and explore points of interest along the way. The drive is especially appealing for those who enjoy a mix of the great outdoors, the changing seasons, and cultural experiences from the early/colonial period of Ontario.
Route Overview
This drive begins in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, heading west on the 417 Queensway (we’ll set “zero” on the odometer at Nicholas Street). As you leave the urban environment, you’ll pass the Junction of Highway 416 to Prescott which lies on the Highway 401 route (between Toronto, Kingston , and Montreal). Prescott is also the location of the St Lawrence Seaway Bridge to Ogdensburg New York, through Ottawa’s suburban communities of Bayshore, Kanata, and Stittsville before reaching the outskirts of the city.
Once you leave the city behind, the landscape transitions into rolling hills and farmland. The drive along Highway 7 provides views of vast agricultural fields, old barns, and farmsteads. The first town you pass is Carleton Place. Carleton Place is a pretty town in Lanark County that on the Mississippi River, which flows north from here through Pakenham and Arnprior, where it flows into the Ottawa River. Lanark County, through which Highway 7 passes, is renowned for its stunning countryside and is often referred to as the “Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario.” Depending on the season, you may encounter maple syrup festivals or scenic landscapes.
Perth is a historic town along the route, known for its well-preserved 19th-century stone architecture. Travelers might consider stopping to explore the town’s heritage sites, parks, and enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants. Perth lies on the Tay Canal branch of the Rideau Canal, and just north of Rideau Lake and the town of Smiths Falls.
As you drive west you get intot he rugged Canadian Shield which angles southward from Algonquin Park to the Thosuand Islands part of the St Lawrence. The lands along Highway 7 are dotted with lots of tiny lakes that are basically dips ground into the ancient rocks during the last Ice Age and now filled with water. Sharbot Lake is a picturesque area with a beautiful lake and surrounding landscapes that are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
Next along the way is Kaladar, a small community that serves as a rest stop for travelers. It’s a good place to stretch your legs, grab a snack, and appreciate the rural surroundings. To the north a short bit is the very scenic Bon Echo Provincial Park. Madoc is another charming town along the way, with lots of small shops, parks, and historical sites. The landscape continues to feature farmland and forests.
Marmora is a historic town with a mining heritage, with the Marmora Mine historic site. The landscape along Hihgway 7 is surrounded by forests and lakes. this next strech of the highway lies just south of the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park and the Petroglyphs Provincial Park, accessed via the smaller communities of Havelock, Norwood, and Indian River.
As you approach Peterborough, the landscape may become more developed. Peterborough itself is a vibrant city with cultural attractions, parks, and the picturesque Lift Locks, a notable engineering marvel. The Lift Lock is on the Trent-Severn Canal which connects Lake Ontario with Lake Simcoe and then Lake Huron. This waterway allows recreational boaters to bypass the Welland Canal and Lake Erie.
