Major city · Canada
RussellRussell, Ontario
Skip as a base. Russell is a 30–40 min drive from Ottawa: go only as a half-day stop for the museum and the rail trail, or sleep here if Ottawa beds are full.
Russell is a small English-speaking town in Eastern Ontario, about 5,000 people, paired with French-speaking Embrun 3 km east in the same township. Its draw is a rail-trail network, two conservation areas and a two-building local museum. There is almost no visitor infrastructure: one inn, a pub and a pizzeria. Treat it as a half-day from Ottawa or a cheap bed outside the city, not a destination in itself.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- May–Oct
- avoid Jan–Feb (deep cold, trails icy)
- Airport
- YOW
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Russell911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Ontario Provincial Police (non-emergency)1-888-310-1122
- Telehealth Ontario (health advice, 24 h)1-866-797-0000
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Russell, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery safe by any standard; the real risks are winter driving on regional roads, ice on unmaintained trails and long gaps between open businesses.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 1-888-310-1122 Ontario Provincial Police (non-emergency) · 1-866-797-0000 Telehealth Ontario (health advice, 24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYOW Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International (About 35–45 min by car via Highway 417 and Boundary Rd; no direct bus to Russell.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical answer: the village is compact but the conservation areas and trailheads sit on its edges.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beerdraught in a pubC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, Vars to RussellAbout 11 min; ask the fare before you get in.C$25–35 (≈ US$19–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryBy donation
- Budget bedCountry inn double room, a night, per roomC$95 (≈ US$70)
- Mid-range bedCountry inn double room, a night, per roomC$140 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedCountry inn double room, a night, per roomC$200 (≈ US$150)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$70 (≈ US$55) · Mid C$130 (≈ US$95) · High C$220 (≈ US$160)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YOW Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International (About 35–45 min by car via Highway 417 and Boundary Rd; no direct bus to Russell.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Feb
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Mar
not flagged
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
not flagged
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Russell: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
12 rd
Feb
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
10 rd
Mar
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
10 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
11 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
12 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
12 rd
Dec
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical answer: the village is compact but the conservation areas and trailheads sit on its edges. OC Transpo route 222 reaches the Vars park-and-ride on weekday afternoons only, then it is a short taxi to Russell. Local taxis (Blue Line, Capital) cover the gap.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 35–50 min by car
Drive Highway 417 west from Boundary Rd, or OC Transpo 222 to Vars then onward
Parliament, ByWard Market and the national museums; the reason most people are in this area at all.
Door to door: 5–10 min
Drive or taxi 3 km (1.9 mi) east on regional roadsDrive or taxi 1.9 mi (3 km) east on regional roads
Same township, more food and beds; French-speaking majority.
Limoges
cautionDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive east on regional roads
Small village; combine with Embrun rather than a trip on its own.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive east on Highway 417
Ottawa River town with services; a long way for a short visit.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Russell village core
Walkable to the museum, parks and the pub; very few beds, so book ahead or look at Embrun.
Vars / Burton Rd (north)
Highway 417 access and the nearest inn; you need a car for everything.
Embrun (3 km east)
More rooms and restaurants in the same township; still a drive-or-taxi hop from Russell.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$70–110 (≈ US$55–80) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$120–190 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed
- High
- C$200 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Country inn double room1 × 1 night × C$140 | C$140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$130 | C$260 |
| Car, one day (rental plus fuel)1 × C$90 | C$90 |
| Taxi Vars park-and-ride to Russell1 × C$30 | C$30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$57 |
| Trip total≈ C$314 per person per day, bed included | C$627≈ US$500 |
KC's Country Inn lists rooms from C$95; rates move with the season.
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax is added at the till. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Pub burger or pizza | C$16–26 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Beer, draught in a pub | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Taxi, Vars to RussellAbout 11 min; ask the fare before you get in. | C$25–35 (≈ US$19–30) |
| OC Transpo fare, Ottawa to VarsWeekday afternoons only. | C$4 (≈ US$3) |
| Museum entry | By donation |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Commuter buses run at peak hours only and 417 Bus Line takes cash from the driver: check the current timetable before you rely on it.
- OC Transpo route 222 is a weekday-afternoon service to Vars, not a Russell service; budget a taxi for the last leg.
- Trails and conservation areas are unlit and unplowed in winter; ice is the real hazard.
- Village restaurants close early and some shut on Mondays: check hours the day you go.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Ontario Provincial Police (non-emergency)
- 1-888-310-1122
- Telehealth Ontario (health advice, 24 h)
- 1-866-797-0000
Pocket card
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RussellRussell, Ontario
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- OPP non-emergency1-888-310-1122
- Telehealth Ontario1-866-797-0000
Embassy
No embassies in Russell; they are in Ottawa, about 40 km west.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi Vars park-and-ride → Russell: C$25–35 (≈ US$19–30), about 11 min
- OC Transpo Ottawa → Vars: C$4 (≈ US$3), about 55 min, weekday afternoons only
- Drive Ottawa → Russell: about 40 km (25 mi) via Highway 417 and Boundary Rd, 35–50 minabout 25 mi (40 km) via Highway 417 and Boundary Rd, 35–50 min
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Excuse me — Excuse me
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the trailhead? — Where is the trailhead?
English is the everyday language here; French is common in Embrun next door.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Russell. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct · avoid Jan–Feb (deep cold, trails icy) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YOW: last-mile options to Russell field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: village core, Castor Riverfront parks, New York Central Fitness Trail, J. Henry Tweed.
- Place pages with verified hours (Keith M. Boyd Museum, conservation areas) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile-weather fixtures so trail and driving gates can go green.