Major city · Canada
Embrun
Skip as a base: Embrun is a half-day stop 35 min from Ottawa by car. Stay only if you have a reason — family, the trail, or a cheap bed outside the city.
Embrun is a francophone town of about 8,700 in Russell Township, 35 minutes southeast of downtown Ottawa on Highway 417. There is no rail station and no airport; you arrive by car or by a weekday commuter bus. One afternoon covers the church, the rail trail and a brewpub. Most travellers see it as a day trip from Ottawa or a quiet bed on the drive between Ottawa and Montréal.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep (trail, patios, strawberry picking); late Jan for the Embrun Carnival
- avoid Nov–Mar for walking (cold, icy); late Jun–Jul for black flies and mosquitoes on the trail
- Airports
- YOW · YUL
- 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 Embrun911 ▾
- 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 Embrun, 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 for a town of its size; the real risks are highway driving in winter, deer and cyclists on rural roads at dusk…
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 40 min by car via Highway 417; no direct transit to Embrun).
- Getting aroundA car is the only practical way to cover the town and the surrounding countryside; the business park west of Exit 88 is not walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2–5 (≈ US$2–4)
- BeerDraught beer at a pubcheckC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, Vars carpool lot to EmbruncheckC$23–29 (≈ US$17–25)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$15–35 (≈ US$11–30)
- Budget bedMotel or inn room nearby, a night, per roomC$90 (≈ US$70)
- Mid-range bedB&B room (La Clé des Champs area), a night, per roomC$150 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedB&B room (La Clé des Champs area), a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$70 (≈ US$55) · Mid C$140 (≈ US$110) · High C$250 (≈ US$190)
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 40 min by car via Highway 417; no direct transit to Embrun) · YUL Montréal-Trudeau (About 1 h 45 min by car westbound on Highway 417/40)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care*
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Feb
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Mar
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Care*
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Care
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
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Dec
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Aug–Sep. Mixed: Jan, Jun–Jul. Avoid: Feb–Mar, Nov–Dec. 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 Nov (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Embrun: 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)
11 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)
12 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
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
13 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°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 only practical way to cover the town and the surrounding countryside; the business park west of Exit 88 is not walkable. The Notre-Dame Street core is fine on foot. A bike trail links the west end to Centenaire Street and on toward Russell; rentals at Vélo Xpress, 968 Notre-Dame Street. Walking end to end takes about an hour.
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
Car east on Highway 417, Exit 88 westbound from Embrun
The obvious pairing: Parliament, ByWard Market and museums, then back the same evening.
Russell, Ontario
goDoor to door: 10–15 min
Car west on Notre-Dame Street / Road 3, or bike the rail trail
Same township, more food and beds; the trail links the two.
Limoges, Ontario
cautionDoor to door: 15 min
Car east on Highway 417 to Exit 79
Small stop; only worth it if you are already driving that way.
Door to door: About 1 h
Car east on Highway 417, then Highway 17
Ottawa River town; combine with a longer Prescott-Russell drive.
Door to door: 1 h 50 min–2 h
Car east on Highway 417, which becomes Highway 40 in Québec
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep there instead.
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.
Notre-Dame Street core
The main road through town: church, shops, brewpub and the trailhead parking lot within a short walk.
Russell village (10 min west)
More beds and restaurants; use it if Embrun itself is full.
Ottawa (35 min northwest)
The practical base: far more choice, and Embrun becomes a day trip.
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$120–200 (≈ US$90–150) excl. bed
- High
- C$220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B room (La Clé des Champs area)1 × 1 night × C$150 | C$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$140 | C$280 |
| Commuter bus from Ottawa, one way2 × C$4 · check | C$8 |
| Taxi Vars carpool lot to Embrun1 × C$26 · check | C$26 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$50 |
| Trip total≈ C$277 per person per day, bed included | C$554≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; car costs and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–5 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Brewpub panini | C$14–18 (≈ US$11–14) |
| Brewpub salad | C$7–15 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Draught beer at a pubcheck | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Taxi, Vars carpool lot to Embruncheck | C$23–29 (≈ US$17–25) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$15–35 (≈ US$11–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No train or scheduled intercity bus into town: the commuter bus runs weekday afternoons only and tickets are cash-only from the driver.
- OC Transpo route 222 drops you at the Vars carpool lot, about a 10-minute taxi ride from Embrun — check the current timetable before relying on it.
- Use insect repellent on the rail trail in summer; mosquitoes and black flies are common.
- Most signage and services are French-first; English is usually understood in stores.
- Winter driving on Highway 417 can be icy and snow-covered: check conditions before a day trip.
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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EmbrunEmbrun
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Ontario Provincial Police (non-emergency)1-888-310-1122
- Telehealth Ontario (24 h)1-866-797-0000
Embassy
No embassies in Embrun; the US embassy and most others are in Ottawa, about 35 min by car.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Commuter bus Ottawa → Vars: about C$4 (≈ US$3), 55 min, cash to the driver (check)
- Taxi Vars → Embrun: C$23–29 (≈ US$17–25), about 10 min (check)
- Drive Ottawa downtown → Embrun: about 35 min via Highway 417 Exit 88
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- S'il vous plaît — Please (seel voo PLEH)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-YAY par KART)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twa-LET)
Tipping is expected in Canada: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis.
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 Embrun. 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: Jun–Sep (trail, patios, strawberry picking); late Jan for the Embrun Carnival · avoid Nov–Mar for walking (cold, icy); late Jun–Jul for black flies and mosquitoes on the trail · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YOW and YUL: drive times field-checked, taxi and rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster map for the Notre-Dame Street core with the trailhead parking lot as the anchor.
- Place pages with verified hours (Église St. Jacques, Etienne Brule Brewery, Homestead Pub, the rail trail) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal fixtures for the Embrun Carnival (late January) and strawberry picking (late June) so the calendar can go green.
Sources
- officialParoisse St-Jacques (Église St. Jacques)
- officialEtienne Brule Brewery
- official417 Bus Line
- officialOC Transpo
- secondaryWikivoyage: Embrun (Ontario), revision 5156011 (CC BY-SA 4.0)