Where is your favourite summer spot in Ottawa? Or better yet, where would you take a visitor to show them the best parts of the capital? If your go-to list needs refreshing, we have you covered.

CAA partnered with LiVE 88.5 to ask listeners about their favorite summer activity. Turns out, Ottawa has some hidden gems worth exploring! Here are the best suggestions.

1. Get out on your bike! Ottawa has some incredible bike infrastructure built along our waterways and through our spectacular parks Check out the City of Ottawa’s Official Cycling Map. No bike? Check out Escape Bike Tours to hope on a ride for the day (and get a discount as a CAA Member).

“Riding my bike along one of our waterside paths and stopping for a picnic!”

-Tanya N

“Me, my wife, and our friends like to do "Bike and Brews", where we pick three to five breweries from across the city, and we sample great craft beer while biking between the breweries.”

- Brian A

1. Grab your boat and hit the water. Whether you own or rent a kayak or paddle boat, summer is ideal to launching inner-city adventures or other locations outside the city. Ottawa’s multiple rivers, Dow’s Lake and the canal are all incredible locations for a day on the water.  areas

“The badly-named Mosquito Creek is a great place to Kayak or Paddle Board.”

- Jeff B

“Kayaking from Mooneys bay to the hunt club bridge. There are some million(s) dollar houses backing onto the river that are fun to dream about!”

- Christopher B

1. Festivals galore! From the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival and Ottawa Jazzfest to Bluesfest, the Grand Feu fireworks festival and a whole range of food festivals, Ottawa celebrates summer in style. Every month, CAA Magazine publishes our top picks for things to see and do, especially when it comes to festivals.

“Nothing beats Bluesfest I look forward to it every year. Bluesfest is an Ottawa institution and I’m looking forward to many more years of amazing shows in the nation’s capital!”

- Kim B

“Amidst the warm summer breeze, the captivating melodies and intimate performances in cozy venues, the Ottawa Jazzfest is a cherished annual tradition and our favorite summer activity!”

- Shantel J

1. Get out of the city and embrace nature just a short drive away. Whether you’re taking a day trip or planning a camping weekend, Ottawa has some beautiful places to explore. And don’t forget to check out CAA Member savings on activities like OWL Rafting!

“I love going to Murphys point provincial with my dad to kayak. I love reading at Britannia beach and getting beach combers ice cream after!!”

- Kristy C

“Any road trip anywhere in Ontario like Sandbanks is always a good time! Day trips to Gatineau Park, Carbide ruins, or Lac Philippe are always a good time with the family!”

- Jason W

Whatever you get up to this summer, make sure to do it blasting your favorite tunes!

“Boat ride from Brittania to Aylmer Island for a picnic with family and of course LiVE 88.5 on the radio!!"

- Steve G