Tour Planner
Touring is one of the principal activities of the Club. Our tours vary from quick ice cream runs, to day trips, to lengthy excursions lasting several days.
Tour Guidelines
UMN Club members should familiarize themselves with the Touring Information and Guidelines. They are how we make sure everyone stays safe and has fun on our tours. A handy card version of the Tour Guidelines is available from the Tour Director.
CB Radios
The club uses CB Radios to communicate between cars while on tours. To get the maximum enjoyment out of a tour -- and to make sure we don't lose you -- you should get yourself a CB Radio.
New provincial legislation in Ontario forbids the use of hand-held CB microphones. There are two solutions: either the passenger can handle the radio, or the driver can use a headset microphone.
Many people ask why we don't use FRS radios. The answer is range: an FRS radio is not powerful enough to allow reliable communication between the first and last car in a convoy. For the same reason, hand held CB radios, thought useful in a pinch, are not really adequate for touring.
Information about CB radios, where to buy them, how to install them in your Miata can be found in the "Tech Notes" section of this web site.
Tour Sign-Up Sheet
Tour leaders must have all tour participants sign the UMN General Waiver & Sign-in Sheet.
Planning a UMN Tour
Even though the Club schedules a variety of tours each season, we are always looking for new roads to drive on, and new places to visit. If you want to lead a tour, or like to propose a new one, our Tour Director (Tours@OttawaMiata.net) would love to hear from you!
The following are detailed descriptions of some of UMN's popular tours. You may find them useful as a starting point for the design of new tours.
Directory of Tours
Ice Cream Runs
- Spencerville Ice Cream Run
Spencerville ICR- 2018
Spencerville - 2018 (GPS file) - Special ICR St Albert
- Kemptville Ice Cream Run
- Burnstown Ice Cream Run
- Pakenham Ice Cream Run 2012
SCENIC DRIVES
CARLETON PLACE TO BALDERSON
Ottawa to Vankleek Hill to Ottawa
Ottawa, Westport, Rockport, Ottawa
Rockland - Boileau
Scenic Drive To Picturesque Vankleek Hill
Pakenham to Burnstown Tour
OTTAWA TO STOWE
Anyone planning to drive to Stowe from Ottawa should consider this non-Interstate route that runs eastward just South of the Canada-US border, turns South through the Champlain Islands and approaches Stowe from the North, coming in through the amazing Smuggler's Notch. Distance: 366 km, time including planned breaks: 6 hours.
Ottawa to Stowe by Islands & Notch Map
Ottawa to Stowe by Islands & Notch
PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD FROM STOWE
This short drive starts in Stowe and takes us up the Mountain Road through Smuggler's Notch to Jeffersonville, then West to Pleasant Valley Road, running around the back side of Mount Mansfield before joining up with Highway 15 to loop back to Jeffersonville and returning to Stowe through Smuggler's Notch. It's a relaxing drive that shows us a side of the mountain that most people don't see. Distance: 103 km, time including planned stops: 1 hour 40 minutes.
Stowe Pleasant Valley Drive Map
Stowe Pleasant Valley Drive
STOWE TO JAY PEAK AND BACK
This is a half-day drive that starts in Stowe, runs up the Mountain Road (108) and through Smuggler's Notch to Jeffersonville. Turning West on highway 104, we turn onto Pumpkin Harbor Road which runs through a wonderful sampling of Vermont farms and alpine pastures along some great little twisty roads. At East Fairfield, we turn East and then North almost to the Canadian border all the way to the Jay Peak ski area. At Jay, we turn South to pick up highway 100 that will take us through more Vermont countryside to Morrisburg and Stowe. Distance: 188km, time including planned stops: 4 hours.
Stowe to Jay Peak and Back 2012 Map
Stowe to Jay Peak and Back 2012
STOWE TO QUECHEE GORGE AND BACK
From Stowe, this drive heads North on 100 and East on 15 and 2 to St. Johnsbury, affording us some magnificent vistas. Turning South on highway 5, we follow the shores of the Connecticut River, which defines the border between Vermont and New Hampshire. Lunch is planned in the Quechee Gorge Village. After lunch and a visit of the gorge and village shops, the drive returns to Stowe along Interstate 89, exiting at Waterbury and following highway 100 into Stowe village. Distance: 303km, time including planned stops and visits in the area: 8 Å“ hours.
Stowe to Quechee Village and Back 2012 Map
Stowe to Quechee Village and Back 2012
WHITE MOUNTAINS TRAIL FROM NORTH CONWAY
by Jim Charlton - October, 2012
The next time you head to North Conway for a shopping trip, make sure you allow a few hours to drive the White Mountains Trail, a 164-kilometre (102-mile) loop that starts and ends in North Conway. The loop takes in the famous Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch, the towns of Bartlett and Glen and if you wish, the Mount Washington Auto Road.
North Conway Scenic Loop
WhiteMountainsTrail
STOWE NORTH TO ENOSBURG, BURLINGTON AND THE SHELBURNE WINERY
by Jim Charlton - May, 2013
This is a half-day drive is a variation of the Stowe to Jay Peak and Back Tour from 2012 however it ends in Burlington for lunch. We start in the centre of Stowe and run up the Mountain Road (VT-108) through Smuggler's Notch to Jeffersonville. Turning West onto VT-15, we soon turn onto Pumpkin Harbor Road which runs through a wonderful sampling of Vermont farms and alpine pastures along some great little twisty roads. We head North to Enosburg on VT-36, VT-108 and VT-105 to the McDonald's. After the morning break, we turn South at Montgomery Center onto VT-118 rather than continuing on to Jay Peak as we did in 2012. The route takes us back to Jeffersonville and then heads down Pleasant Valley Road and East on VT-15 and South on VT-7 into South Burlington for lunch. After lunch, you can shop, visit Burlington, or return to Stowe through Waterbury on I-89 or Route 2, but the directions are included to the Shelburne Winery where in 2013 we took in a guided visit to the production facility and a wine tasting featuring some of the winery's own estate wines as well as other Vermont wines, meads and cheeses. The drive is 272 km long and the 5 hour and 38 minute time as it is described in the driving directions allows for a mid-morning break and a one-hour lunch stop but it does not include your time at the winery if you decide to visit.
Stowe North to Enosburg, Burlington and the Shelburne Winery
TEMPLE'S SUGAR CAMP TOUR
by Barrie Thomas - April, 2013
Start is at the Kanata Lakes Beer store off Terry Fox Drive. Take the Terry Fox Drive exit off Hwy 417 and do a Right Turn (RT) if you are coming west and a Left Turn (LT) if you are coming east. Go through 2 sets of lights north bound, 3 sets for east bound, and the Beer Store is just behind the ESSO gas station.
TEMPLE'S SUGAR CAMP TOUR
SUGAR CAMP TOUR
by Barrie Thomas - April, 2015
SUGAR CAMP TOUR APR 2015
SUGAR BUSH TOUR
by Barrie Thomas - April 26, 2014
SUGAR BUSH TOUR APRIL 26TH 2014
KINGSTON COMMUNICATIONS MUSEUM TOUR
by Barrie Thomas - May, 2013
A tour to the Kingston Commuications Museum via Edgewater & Terry Fox Drive with the total driving time of five and a half hours.
Kingston Communications Museum tour
Braeside Church Supper Tour
by Joanne Lauterbach - May, 2023
A annual supper at the Braeside Church.
BRAESIDE-CHURCH-SUPPER-MAY 28, 2023
Mount St Patrick dinner 2015
by Rolly Beaulne - September, 2015
GATINEAU PARK TOUR WITH MIATAS OF MUSKOKA GROUP
by Rolly Beaulne - August, 2013
The turn by turn info
The schedule
TWEED TWISTIES TOUR
by Claude Gelinas - October, 2013
Tweed Twisties Tour Instructions
1000 ISLANDS TOUR
by Barrie Thomas - July 17, 2014
1000 ISLANDS LUNCH CRUISE DOWN (MS Word format)
1000 ISLANDS LUNCH CRUISE DOWN (rtf format)
1000 ISLANDS LUNCH CRUISE RETURN (MS Word format)
1000 ISLANDS LUNCH CRUISE RETURN (rtf format)
LOST VILLAGES TOUR WAY DOWN VIA CR 43 (MS Word format)
LOST VILLAGES TOUR WAY DOWN VIA CR 43 (rtf format)
LOST VILLAGES WAY BACK VIA HWY 416 (MS Word format)
LOST VILLAGES WAY BACK VIA HWY 416 (rtf format)
Foymount, Quadville, Eganville Tour
by Michel Bernier - July 21, 2014
Foymount (MS Word format)
Miata Foymount 2 (MS Excel format)
Thousand Islands (Full Day)
by Barrie Thomas - C2M2-2015
The Thousand Islands is a group of 1,864 islands that straddles the Canada-US border in the Saint Lawrence River. After leaving the city on 4 lane highways, we will travel along the Rideau River and the St Lawrence Seaway. There, we will have lunch and take a boat cruise among the islands, passing by many of the unique island cottages and castles, on both the Canadian and US sides. Tickets for the boat cruise will cost approximately $30. After the boat cruise, we will return to 200 Coventry Rd. Ottawa via secondary country roads.
St Sauveur, Quebec (Full Day)
by Barrie Thomas - C2M2-2015
St Sauveur is a picturesque village in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec. In winter it is at the centre of several ski resorts. In summer the mountain air and quaint village make this a popular holiday destination. Visitors have a choice of shopping at the Outlet Mall or visiting the boutiques and restaurants in the village. Leaving Ottawa along the Rockcliffe Parkway, we will follow the southern banks of the Ottawa River to Hawkesbury where we will cross the river into the Province of Quebec. There we will follow the north shore of the Ottawa River, through the town of Lachute towards St Sauveur.
More information about St Sauveur
Outbound
Return
Upper Canada Village (Full Day)
by Barrie Thomas - C2M2-2015
Taking country roads south to Upper Canada Village where you can experience what life was like in rural Canada in the 1860s. The over forty authentic historical buildings were rescued from local villages before the area was flooded with the construction of the St Lawrence Seaway. Visitors would be able to tour a functioning Woollen Factory, a Bakery, a water-powered Sawmill, a Steam Flour Mill, a Blacksmith shop and much more. Costumed hosts will be on hand to demonstrate what life was like in the 19th century. The entrance fee to Upper Canada Village is approximately $18.00. Outbound
Rideau Canal and Locks (Full Day)
by Barrie Thomas - C2M2-2015
This tour will take us west of Ottawa where we will drive through scenic and winding roads along the Rideau Canal System. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal was opened in 1832 as a precaution in case of war with the United States. It provided an alternate route between Ottawa, Canada's Capital, with the garrison city of Kingston, on Lake Ontario. The series of 45 locks at 23 stations are marvels of 19th century engineering. Now operated by Parks Canada, these locks are still housed in their original structures and make use of their original hand operated mechanisms. Aside from visiting some of the more picturesque locks, we will be stopping for lunch in the charming village of Westport.
Brewery and Cheese Factory (Full Day)
by Barrie Thomas - C2M2-2015
Travelling east of Ottawa we will be driving on rural roads through farm country. Our first stop will be at Beau's All Natural Brewery in Vankleek Hill. Beau is an award winning, family-run, "micro" brewery where they brew, sell and deliver their own products. After lunch we will continue over rural roads to the St Albert Cheese Factory. Originally known as "Fromagerie # 743", the facility was established in 1894 as a co-operatiive to serve local dairy farmers. After a brief tour and cheese tasting, we will take a meandering route through country roads back to 200 Coventry Rd. Ottawa.
Canal Tour to Merrickville (half day)
by Barrie Thomas - C2M2-2015
Depart from 200 Coventry Rd. Ottawa through downtown Ottawa to Colonel By Drive, which runs along the historic Rideau Canal until it merges with the Rideau River. From there we will follow the river west to the village of Merrickville. The village was already a well-established industrial centre when the canal was being built in the early 1800's. Merrickville now prides itself in its artistic community, boasting over thirty local artists and artisans. Our drive back will follow the Rideau Heritage Route to the city.
Mackenzie King Estates (half day)
by Barrie Thomas - C2M2-2015
Nestled in the Gatineau Hills north of Ottawa is the country estate of Canada's 10th Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King (1874 - 1950). Although Mackenzie King was an accomplished politician who served as Canada's Prime Minister for 22 years, he is also known for his eccentricities. After he died in 1950 the public learned that he was a spiritualist and would hold séances in his home, seeking guidance from his dead mother. He also constructed elaborate faux ruins, using discarded material from demolished buildings of Ottawa, and other famous buildings. Many of these "ruins" are still standing. We will take the picturesque Gatineau Parkway on our way to the estate and drive along the Gatineau River on our way back to 200 Coventry Rd. Ottawa.
Chateau Montebello (half day)
by Barrie Thomas - C2M2-2015
From 200 Coventry Rd. Ottawa, we will travel east along the Ottawa River to one of Quebec's most prestigious resorts. Built in 1930 as a private wilderness retreat for business and political elites, the Chateau was constructed entirely of red cedar logs. Despite this rustic building material, the Chateau still displayed the grandeur and opulence of that by-gone era. Over the years, the Chateau has hosted royalty, Presidents, Prime Ministers and the "rich and famous". Following our visit, we will return along the Ottawa River and cross back into Ontario near Gatineau.
MEMBER's PERSONAL TOURS
Gapsé and Charlevoix (7-day)
by Jim Charlton - September 2015
This leisurely, weeklong trip takes you around Québec's picturesque Gaspé peninsula and then crosses over the St. Lawrence River into the Charlevoix region, ending in Québec City. Highlights along the way include Saint-Jean-Port-Joli (wood carvings), Kamouraska, Rivière-du-Loup, Rimouski, Métis-Sur-Mer, Cap des Rosiers, Percé and Rocher-Percé, the Baie de Chaleur, the Matapedia Valley, Tadoussac, Les Éboulements, Baie Saint Paul and, of course, la Ville de Québec. The distances between overnight stays were set to allow for frequent stops at lookouts and small towns along the way. Days 1 and 7 are spent getting to the start of the directions and driving home from Québec City. The hotels listed on the directions were those we used but you can certainly make your own choices. Note that the ferry from Rimouski to Forestville runs from May to mid-September and that reservations should be made before you leave home. Total driving distance from Ottawa/Gatineau is about 2400 km.
Gaspe and Quebec by Miata GPS file
Nova Scotia (9-day)
by Jim Charlton - September 2015
This nine day trip from Ottawa to Nova Scotia and back, takes in Cape Breton, includes a one day stayover in Halifax and a day cruising the eastern shore. The first two days are longer drives on mainly two-lane roads through Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and New Brunswick; not the shortest route but a very pleasant way to get to the Maritimes. On Day 3 from Moncton we launch our more leisurely scenic drives around Cape Breton, the Cabot Trail, Halifax and the eastern shore. The pace is leisurely enough to allow for stops at scenic lookouts and small town shops and restaurants. We spend a day visiting Halifax and take time to see the fortress at Louisbourg, Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg. A ferry ride from Digby across the Bay of Fundy lands us back in New Brunswick. The drive home passes near Mount Washington to an overnight in North Conway, New Hampshire. The last day starts with the renowned Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch, the backroads of Vermont and home.
Nova Scotia by Miata.pdf -Turn by Turn and maps
Nova Scotia Day 1 to 3 GPS file