Things to do in Ottawa!
Spa
Such a gorgeous place to spend the day. It is like a mini vacation in itself. At this Scandinavian style spa, set in the Gatineau Hills in Chelsea, Quebec, you can choose to do the basic package and enjoy the many saunas and steam baths along with hot tubs and pools and just lounge by the fire in between. You can also participate in the rituals with the saunas or do the full experience with a massage or body treatment, lunch or dinner or enjoy a glass of something on the lounge side. This is about a 30 minute beautiful drive
312 locals recommend
Nordik Spa-Nature | Chelsea
16 Chemin NordikSuch a gorgeous place to spend the day. It is like a mini vacation in itself. At this Scandinavian style spa, set in the Gatineau Hills in Chelsea, Quebec, you can choose to do the basic package and enjoy the many saunas and steam baths along with hot tubs and pools and just lounge by the fire in between. You can also participate in the rituals with the saunas or do the full experience with a massage or body treatment, lunch or dinner or enjoy a glass of something on the lounge side. This is about a 30 minute beautiful drive
This is a good, clean and affordable place for a manicure, pedicure, facial or waxing. Try the add on services like a neck and shoulder massage with a Manicure or pedicure...or the Me Time Package.
The Upkeep Shoppe
358 Preston StThis is a good, clean and affordable place for a manicure, pedicure, facial or waxing. Try the add on services like a neck and shoulder massage with a Manicure or pedicure...or the Me Time Package.
Sightseeing
One of my favourite places in our Nation's Capital. The architecture itself is worth the visit, but the art tops it all. Watch for special feature exhibits throughout the year. Spend an hour or the entire day and be sure to check out the gift shop. The gallery is located in the heart of the Market area so a short walk will take you to lunch, dinner or shopping.
552 locals recommend
National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex DrOne of my favourite places in our Nation's Capital. The architecture itself is worth the visit, but the art tops it all. Watch for special feature exhibits throughout the year. Spend an hour or the entire day and be sure to check out the gift shop. The gallery is located in the heart of the Market area so a short walk will take you to lunch, dinner or shopping.
A family favourite, visit the dinosaurs or the many regular exhibits. You and your kids will find endless fascinating things to see and do. There are special exhibits at certain times of the year. Centrally located on Argyle Avenue...just a short walk from the restaurants on Elgin or Bank Street
468 locals recommend
Canadian Museum of Nature
240 McLeod StA family favourite, visit the dinosaurs or the many regular exhibits. You and your kids will find endless fascinating things to see and do. There are special exhibits at certain times of the year. Centrally located on Argyle Avenue...just a short walk from the restaurants on Elgin or Bank Street
If you want to explore unique shops, cafe's and restaurants all in one place visit the Byward Market. There is really something for everyone....from high-end designer to the dollar store and everything in between. Also right next to the Rideau Centre mentioned on this list so you're sure to find what you're looking for.
585 locals recommend
ByWard Market
If you want to explore unique shops, cafe's and restaurants all in one place visit the Byward Market. There is really something for everyone....from high-end designer to the dollar store and everything in between. Also right next to the Rideau Centre mentioned on this list so you're sure to find what you're looking for.
Gorgeous historic spot to go for a walk, have lunch or high tea.
18 locals recommend
Mackenzie King Estate
Chemin MacKenzie KingGorgeous historic spot to go for a walk, have lunch or high tea.
Andaz Hotel has a nice rooftop bar with one of the best views of Ottawa. Its a bit pricey so I tend to visit just for one.
44 locals recommend
Andaz Ottawa Byward Market - a concept by Hyatt
325 Dalhousie StAndaz Hotel has a nice rooftop bar with one of the best views of Ottawa. Its a bit pricey so I tend to visit just for one.
Ottawa Art Gallery
50 Mackenzie King BridgeOttawa's newest art gallery...in a beautiful space.
Excellent spot for a drink with one of the best views in the city. Right across from the National Art Gallery.
33 locals recommend
Tavern On The Hill
1223 Alexandra BridgeExcellent spot for a drink with one of the best views in the city. Right across from the National Art Gallery.
Tavern on the Falls
1 John StSister to Tavern on the Hill....just a different view
Shopping
If you want to get out and shop, you will likely find anything you are looking for at or near the Rideau Centre in the Market. You'll find all the chain stores along with Hudson's Bay and Simons and Nordstrom Department stores. Nordstrom is one of my favourite stores...its a very civilized shopping experience and even a decent lunch at their rooftop restaurant.
589 locals recommend
Rideau Centre
If you want to get out and shop, you will likely find anything you are looking for at or near the Rideau Centre in the Market. You'll find all the chain stores along with Hudson's Bay and Simons and Nordstrom Department stores. Nordstrom is one of my favourite stores...its a very civilized shopping experience and even a decent lunch at their rooftop restaurant.
Workshop and their sister store Flock on Wellington carry mostly Canadian made women designers. The clothing is all very well made and unique. My friend Kelly always wants to pay a visit whenever she comes to town.
9 locals recommend
Workshop Studio & Boutique
242 Dalhousie StWorkshop and their sister store Flock on Wellington carry mostly Canadian made women designers. The clothing is all very well made and unique. My friend Kelly always wants to pay a visit whenever she comes to town.
Sister store to Workshop also mentioned on this list. Mostly the same or similar designers and clothing to Workshop, but on Wellington
17 locals recommend
Flock Boutique
1275 Wellington St. WSister store to Workshop also mentioned on this list. Mostly the same or similar designers and clothing to Workshop, but on Wellington
One of our larger shopping malls...very close to my home. Its a bit smaller than the Rideau Centre but still has 3 floors of shops to explore
161 locals recommend
Bayshore Shopping Centre
100 Bayshore DrOne of our larger shopping malls...very close to my home. Its a bit smaller than the Rideau Centre but still has 3 floors of shops to explore
There is a 24-hour Loblaws Grocery (and mini department store), a Starbucks Coffee, a Rexall Pharmacy and many other shops, restaurants and services here.
24 locals recommend
College Square Mall
1377 Woodroffe AveThere is a 24-hour Loblaws Grocery (and mini department store), a Starbucks Coffee, a Rexall Pharmacy and many other shops, restaurants and services here.
Great local Natural Food Store.
They also have a larger location with a bakery and cafe in Barrhaven at 4325 Strandherd Dr, Barrhaven, ON K2J 6E5
Natural Food Pantry - Westboro
1960 Scott StGreat local Natural Food Store.
They also have a larger location with a bakery and cafe in Barrhaven at 4325 Strandherd Dr, Barrhaven, ON K2J 6E5
Great Fresh Food Store for meats, produce, etc and a few accompaniments. No grocery items to speak of ...more a place to grab something to cook or ready made take home meals. There is a health food store called Rainbow right next to it for any specialty food requirements.
42 locals recommend
Farm Boy
1495 Richmond RdGreat Fresh Food Store for meats, produce, etc and a few accompaniments. No grocery items to speak of ...more a place to grab something to cook or ready made take home meals. There is a health food store called Rainbow right next to it for any specialty food requirements.
Entertainment
Absolute Comedy Ottawa
412 Preston StGreat place to catch a comedy show while you're in Ottawa
Check the schedule for music and shows while you're here.
https://nac-cna.ca/en/calendar/list/2019/06
346 locals recommend
National Arts Centre
1 Elgin StCheck the schedule for music and shows while you're here.
https://nac-cna.ca/en/calendar/list/2019/06
Sports
If CFL Football is your thing...check out the Redblacks in Ottawa. Check the schedule and see if there is a game on during your stay. https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/tag/2019-schedule/
Ottawa REDBLACKS
1015 Bank StreetIf CFL Football is your thing...check out the Redblacks in Ottawa. Check the schedule and see if there is a game on during your stay. https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/tag/2019-schedule/
If you're a hockey fan check if there's a Senator's game on while you're in town.
Ottawa Senators Hockey Club
1000 Palladium DrIf you're a hockey fan check if there's a Senator's game on while you're in town.
If soccer is your thing you could check out an Ottawa Fury game in season
https://www.ottawafuryfc.com/
Ottawa Fury FC
1015 Bank StreetIf soccer is your thing you could check out an Ottawa Fury game in season
https://www.ottawafuryfc.com/