Ottawa to Orlando

Question

Planning on driving from Ottawa, Ont to Orlando in March with husband and 3 kids. Hoping to do the drive in 2 days. Any tips or suggestions of places to check out or stay along the way?

Thank you !

Answer

Driving from Ottawa, Ontario to Orlando, Florida in two days is ambitious but doable. The total distance is roughly 1,500–1,600 km (about 950–1,000 miles), which translates to around 14–16 hours of driving under normal conditions. Splitting the drive over two days means averaging 7–8 hours of driving each day, not including stops for meals, gas, or stretching legs.

Here are some tips and suggestions to make the trip manageable and enjoyable with your family:

Route Planning: The most straightforward route is generally via I-81 south through New York State, connecting to I-77/I-95 through Virginia, then I-75 south through Georgia into Florida. This avoids major city congestion where possible while staying on major highways.
Break up driving: Plan for a morning departure from Ottawa, stopping for lunch and short breaks every 2–3 hours. Consider scenic stops or rest areas where kids can stretch.
Accommodations: For the first night, somewhere around Roanoke, VA, or Charlotte, NC works well as a midway point. Both cities have numerous family-friendly hotels with amenities like pools and free breakfast.
Overnight hotel suggestions:
- Roanoke, VA – Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, or Residence Inn.
- Charlotte, NC – Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, or Fairfield Inn.
- Greensboro, NC or Columbia, SC are alternatives depending on timing and traffic.
Meal Stops: Look for local diners or fast-casual restaurants along the highway for quick meals. Many interstate exits have clusters of restaurants.
Entertainment for kids: Bring tablets, books, travel games, or audiobooks. Frequent breaks help avoid restlessness.

Other tips for a smooth drive:

Check your vehicle’s condition—oil, tires, brakes, and fluids—before the long trip.
Keep water, snacks, and a first aid kit in the car.
Use a GPS app that can monitor real-time traffic and suggest alternate routes if there’s heavy congestion.
If you want a bit of sightseeing, consider a short detour to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia or Congaree National Park in South Carolina, depending on timing.

In summary, a two-day drive from Ottawa to Orlando is possible with a disciplined schedule. Plan a midway overnight stop around Roanoke, VA or Charlotte, NC, schedule regular breaks, and ensure you have entertainment and snacks for the kids. Leaving early each morning will maximize daylight driving and reduce fatigue.

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