Memorable meals and cozy adventures top our list of the best Ottawa staycation activities for couples.
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On my very first backpacking trip through Western Europe, I chose my itinerary by cross-referencing hostels which earned a coveted "thumbs up" designation from my Let's Go guidebook with destinations that had free art galleries and museums. That system served me well. I was never stuck with a dirty party hostel and I saw much of the world's finest art for a song. Ever since, art galleries just scream "travel!" to me - and that includes the National Gallery of Canada.
When I first moved to Ottawa, the National Gallery was like a part-time home for me and I was a regular volunteer. Our recent staycation visit reminded me that galleries are indeed my happy place and every visit feels so very travel-y, it really doesn't matter if I'm in my hometown or halfway around the world. It's TRAVEL! And it feels great.
Something I always appreciate about the National Gallery are its intriguing and thought provoking temporary exhibits, and this visit was no exception. We try to go every summer and I'm so glad we made it this year. We were also equally happy to stroll through our favourite rooms in the European collection and, for a few moments, pretend that we were in Paris or Amsterdam as we took in works by Van Gogh and Monet and let our mind drift to adventures past.
When I first moved to Ottawa, the National Gallery was like a part-time home for me and I was a regular volunteer. Our recent staycation visit reminded me that galleries are indeed my happy place and every visit feels so very travel-y, it really doesn't matter if I'm in my hometown or halfway around the world. It's TRAVEL! And it feels great.
Something I always appreciate about the National Gallery are its intriguing and thought provoking temporary exhibits, and this visit was no exception. We try to go every summer and I'm so glad we made it this year. We were also equally happy to stroll through our favourite rooms in the European collection and, for a few moments, pretend that we were in Paris or Amsterdam as we took in works by Van Gogh and Monet and let our mind drift to adventures past.
National Gallery of Canada practicalities
Admission to the National Gallery of Canada is $16 plus tax, though admission to the permanent collection is always free on Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Guests are required to wear masks throughout the gallery. Coat and bag check services are free.
Guests are required to wear masks throughout the gallery. Coat and bag check services are free.
Glide through the city with Rideau Canal Cruises
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While the Rideau Canal gets plenty of visitors in winter when it turns into one massive skating rink, there's a lot to discover in summer and a genteel boat cruise is just the way to do it. Rideau Canal Cruises, which operates North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel, offers smooth rides and great guides.
Despite living in Ottawa for years, Ryan and I had never done any kind of boat ride together here. The first thing I noticed when cruising down the Rideau Canal was how busy it was. Private boats, rented kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, and pathway cyclists abounded. But the second thing I noticed was the intense quiet. There were stretches of waterway enclosed by greenery, blocking out the city entirely. With the exception of the ducks, we were entirely alone - well, us and our fellow passengers. Even though we were in the heart of the city, it certainly didn't look or feel like the Ottawa I knew - and that was a good thing!
Part of the credit for our excellent experience lies with our Rideau Canal Cruises guide, Terry. With effortless bilingualism, he pointed out the sites and explained the history of Rideau Canal, sharing several illuminating stories that were entirely new to me. For instance, I had no idea that hundreds of men died from malaria during the Canal's construction, or that certain curves and turns were designed to avoid underground bedrock. I just envisioned that the Canal was always.... there. I hadn't considered that it was a human endeavor and I suddenly realized that we didn't know our city nearly as well as we thought we did. Terry was a superb historian and was a rare guide to find that perfect balance of being funny and engaging without being over the top.
Despite living in Ottawa for years, Ryan and I had never done any kind of boat ride together here. The first thing I noticed when cruising down the Rideau Canal was how busy it was. Private boats, rented kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, and pathway cyclists abounded. But the second thing I noticed was the intense quiet. There were stretches of waterway enclosed by greenery, blocking out the city entirely. With the exception of the ducks, we were entirely alone - well, us and our fellow passengers. Even though we were in the heart of the city, it certainly didn't look or feel like the Ottawa I knew - and that was a good thing!
Part of the credit for our excellent experience lies with our Rideau Canal Cruises guide, Terry. With effortless bilingualism, he pointed out the sites and explained the history of Rideau Canal, sharing several illuminating stories that were entirely new to me. For instance, I had no idea that hundreds of men died from malaria during the Canal's construction, or that certain curves and turns were designed to avoid underground bedrock. I just envisioned that the Canal was always.... there. I hadn't considered that it was a human endeavor and I suddenly realized that we didn't know our city nearly as well as we thought we did. Terry was a superb historian and was a rare guide to find that perfect balance of being funny and engaging without being over the top.
Rideau Canal Cruises practicalities
This 90 minute tour departs from 1 Elgin St, which is down a set of stairs beside the National Arts Centre.
Boat ride tickets start at about $30. While this is an outdoor activity, masks are still required on board the boat.
Boat ride tickets start at about $30. While this is an outdoor activity, masks are still required on board the boat.
Put your sleuth skills to work at Escape Manor
I know what you're thinking. "Just one photo? Where are the rest?" Nice try, readers! One photo is all you get, as I don't want to give away any clues when you visit Escape Manor for yourself!
What I CAN tell you is that our experience solving the mysteries, riddles, clues, and puzzles of the Beau's Brewery themed escape room was exceptionally fun. Some of you may remember how, in the past, I was convinced that escape rooms were filled with zombie actors, but that assumption couldn't be further from the truth. Escape Manor's approach is all about fun, challenging yourself, and being immersed in a story. Our beer themed room focused on a mystery surrounding Beau's Brewery and felt especially fitting for us as Ryan enjoyed a Beau's Lug Thread beer just the night before at La Terrace. We did get a quick tour of the other rooms and I can report that, while their stories are more shiver-inducing, even scared-y cats like me could handle them.
The friendly, welcoming staff at Escape Manor's Queen St location told us that they've been pleasantly busy as of late and that guests don't seem put off by the idea of being "locked up" after months of isolation. I think I know why. It was so refreshing to spend 45 minutes completely immersed in the task at hand, focused on nothing but our mission. It was a true escape from reality as we worked furiously against the clock to complete our objective and the time breezed by in mere minutes.
If escape rooms are new for you, remember that you don't have to be a particularly talented sleuth to have a great time. The key to success, in my opinion, is how different people observe different things, not who is the best at solving mysteries. The staff will give you two hints if you need them. I recommend asking for one fairly early in the game (no point in getting stuck at the beginning - gotta keep the momentum going!) and for one towards the end (when there always seems to be a particularly challenging clue to unravel). I'm confident after trying it once, you'll be keen to do another right away.
What I CAN tell you is that our experience solving the mysteries, riddles, clues, and puzzles of the Beau's Brewery themed escape room was exceptionally fun. Some of you may remember how, in the past, I was convinced that escape rooms were filled with zombie actors, but that assumption couldn't be further from the truth. Escape Manor's approach is all about fun, challenging yourself, and being immersed in a story. Our beer themed room focused on a mystery surrounding Beau's Brewery and felt especially fitting for us as Ryan enjoyed a Beau's Lug Thread beer just the night before at La Terrace. We did get a quick tour of the other rooms and I can report that, while their stories are more shiver-inducing, even scared-y cats like me could handle them.
The friendly, welcoming staff at Escape Manor's Queen St location told us that they've been pleasantly busy as of late and that guests don't seem put off by the idea of being "locked up" after months of isolation. I think I know why. It was so refreshing to spend 45 minutes completely immersed in the task at hand, focused on nothing but our mission. It was a true escape from reality as we worked furiously against the clock to complete our objective and the time breezed by in mere minutes.
If escape rooms are new for you, remember that you don't have to be a particularly talented sleuth to have a great time. The key to success, in my opinion, is how different people observe different things, not who is the best at solving mysteries. The staff will give you two hints if you need them. I recommend asking for one fairly early in the game (no point in getting stuck at the beginning - gotta keep the momentum going!) and for one towards the end (when there always seems to be a particularly challenging clue to unravel). I'm confident after trying it once, you'll be keen to do another right away.
Escape Manor practicalities
Escape Manor operates programs at four different Ottawa locations, plus holds special escape rooms at the Diefenbunker Museum and the historic Cornwall Jail. All experiences are bilingual and you can select your preferred language at time of booking. Note that you always have an emergency key to escape (so you are never truly locked in) and that you have a walkie talkie to communicate with staff at all times.
Prices start at about $25 per person.
Lastly, during COVID-19, masks are a mandatory. Wearing a mask as you search the room is a rather sweaty experience! To maximize your comfort, pin up long hair and wear light clothing. Disposable gloves are provided so you can rummage around the freshly cleaned rooms with absolute confidence.
Prices start at about $25 per person.
Lastly, during COVID-19, masks are a mandatory. Wearing a mask as you search the room is a rather sweaty experience! To maximize your comfort, pin up long hair and wear light clothing. Disposable gloves are provided so you can rummage around the freshly cleaned rooms with absolute confidence.
Enjoy scenic soaring with Heli-Tremblant
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These are the horses featured in the RCMP's Musical Ride program!
Have you ever seen Ottawa like this? We certainly hadn't. In fact, we didn't even know there were helicopter tours in the city! Our ignorance was a bit of a blessing in disguise because we had no idea just how exceptional of an experience we'd have with Heli-Tremblant.
Helicopter tours are outrageously cozy, from the secret storage compartments under the seats to the snug, cushy headsets that allow all passengers to communicate. I soon learned that being in a helicopter is like the very best parts of being in an airplane - but with none of the bad. You get to see everything on the ground below and sneakily check out houses, yards, and parks but there's no boring middle, no savagely bad airplane food, no wild turbulence or grumpy passengers. It's about soaring and soar we did, getting a birds' eye view of Ottawa, Gatineau, the Gatineau Hills, and the two cities' rivers and green spaces.
Suffice to say, we had never seen Ottawa like this. We were both awestruck by how incredibly green and lush the city is. We knew that Ottawa has a lot of green space but you really have no idea just how much until you see it from above. The sheer amount of water, rivers, lakes, ponds, and channels was astonishing. There were some areas that looked like a lagoon and we soon realized that the Rideau Canal is but a teeny representation of the area's waterways.
Pilot Simon was exceptionally skilled. All turns were gentle and the landing was unbelievably soft. (And for everyone wondering about my notoriously tricky stomach...I'm pleased to report that I did just fine but taking a pre-flight ginger capsule didn't hurt). In addition to the main sights, he also took time to show us where some of his favourite hiking trails were. It's no exaggeration to say that this 30 minute tour was our best experience of the past six months. We were TRAVELLING! We were up in the air, floating over new territory and doing something so totally new and unexpected that it was absolutely exhilarating.
We couldn't stop grinning and we didn't want our flight to end. We're already hoping to repeat the experience in the autumn to see the area's spectacular fall colours. And there's no one we'd rather fly with than Simon.
Helicopter tours are outrageously cozy, from the secret storage compartments under the seats to the snug, cushy headsets that allow all passengers to communicate. I soon learned that being in a helicopter is like the very best parts of being in an airplane - but with none of the bad. You get to see everything on the ground below and sneakily check out houses, yards, and parks but there's no boring middle, no savagely bad airplane food, no wild turbulence or grumpy passengers. It's about soaring and soar we did, getting a birds' eye view of Ottawa, Gatineau, the Gatineau Hills, and the two cities' rivers and green spaces.
Suffice to say, we had never seen Ottawa like this. We were both awestruck by how incredibly green and lush the city is. We knew that Ottawa has a lot of green space but you really have no idea just how much until you see it from above. The sheer amount of water, rivers, lakes, ponds, and channels was astonishing. There were some areas that looked like a lagoon and we soon realized that the Rideau Canal is but a teeny representation of the area's waterways.
Pilot Simon was exceptionally skilled. All turns were gentle and the landing was unbelievably soft. (And for everyone wondering about my notoriously tricky stomach...I'm pleased to report that I did just fine but taking a pre-flight ginger capsule didn't hurt). In addition to the main sights, he also took time to show us where some of his favourite hiking trails were. It's no exaggeration to say that this 30 minute tour was our best experience of the past six months. We were TRAVELLING! We were up in the air, floating over new territory and doing something so totally new and unexpected that it was absolutely exhilarating.
We couldn't stop grinning and we didn't want our flight to end. We're already hoping to repeat the experience in the autumn to see the area's spectacular fall colours. And there's no one we'd rather fly with than Simon.
Heli-Tremblant practicalities
Packages with Heli-Tremblant range from $99 to $199 per person with a minimum of two passengers. You can add a third person starting at $49. Flights take off from the Rockcliffe Airport, home of the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum and the Rockcliffe Flying Club.
Like most enclosed activities, you'll have to wear a mask during your flight and all members of your party must be part of the same social bubble.
Like most enclosed activities, you'll have to wear a mask during your flight and all members of your party must be part of the same social bubble.
Treating yourself: Restaurants that make every staycation unforgettable
Oh So Good Desserts
No cozy weekend escape is complete without decadent things to eat and, in my world, dessert is a priority. Given that this was a couple's staycation, there was one place we absolutely had to visit: Oh So Good Desserts.
This was the scene of our very first date all those years ago and, as you can see, it still brings a twinkle to my eye. Of course, that may have less to do with romance (sorry!) than the fact that they make the best cheesecake in town and on any given day there are about two dozen cheesecakes and traditional cakes to choose from, plus many other sweet treats. On this particular visit, I had the baklava cheesecake and Ryan had Black Forest cake. My only regret is not taking extra slices to go.
This was the scene of our very first date all those years ago and, as you can see, it still brings a twinkle to my eye. Of course, that may have less to do with romance (sorry!) than the fact that they make the best cheesecake in town and on any given day there are about two dozen cheesecakes and traditional cakes to choose from, plus many other sweet treats. On this particular visit, I had the baklava cheesecake and Ryan had Black Forest cake. My only regret is not taking extra slices to go.
La Terrace at Fairmont Château Laurier
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Staycationers cannot live on cheesecake alone, which is why were thrilled to have dinner at La Terrace. Unbelievably, we had never visited this popular patio until this summer and we instantly understood the buzz - there are incredible views of Parliament, the Rideau Canal Locks, the Ottawa River, and the Canadian Museum of History.
The views on our plates were equally nice. Ryan, in particular, was thrilled with his steak frites and the spectacular au jus which accompanied his plate. Ryan is seemingly cursed to always receive his steak dramatically under or over cooked but the chefs at La Terrace got it spot on. A terrific wine list and a beautiful patio filled with flowers only added to the romantic experience.
The views on our plates were equally nice. Ryan, in particular, was thrilled with his steak frites and the spectacular au jus which accompanied his plate. Ryan is seemingly cursed to always receive his steak dramatically under or over cooked but the chefs at La Terrace got it spot on. A terrific wine list and a beautiful patio filled with flowers only added to the romantic experience.
North and Navy
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Ottawa has a lot of romantic restaurants. Ottawa has a lot of cozy restaurants. And Ottawa has a lot restaurants serving up terrific, European inspired food. But there's none that combine all three of these things perfectly - none, save for North and Navy. This gorgeous little haunt serves Northern Italian and Venetian cuisine and features a menu that changes about once a month to reflect seasonal offerings.
North and Navy's intimate patio is informally elegant, with jaunty lights adding a cheery atmosphere. The impeccable service is attentive without being intrusive, perfect for our "official" wedding anniversary dinner. And if we appealed to our imagination (or just took a few extra gulps of wine!), it felt like we were back in Europe at one of our favourite Italian towns, soaking up food that clearly came from a world class chef - but absolutely could have come from the grannies we met in the markets of Volterra and Orvieto.
One of the few menu items that never changes at North and Navy is the polpette or meatballs, served with tomato sauce. Ryan's job is to eat the meatballs while I steal all the tomato sauce, using the content of the bread basket so nothing is left on the plate. These simple plates are so good that we always remark if we did nothing but sip wine and eat bread, olive oil, meatballs, and sauce, we'd be happy. Of course, that sentiment lasted all of a minute when more food started to arrive!
On this particular visit, we nibbled on cured pork loin (lonza) with crushed peppercorns, smoked almonds, peaches, and pickled asparagus, homemade agnolotti pasta stuffed with braised short rib and served with mint (or was it lemonbalm?) and plums (the sauce was so good, I ate the leftovers with a spoon), salmon with fennel and radish and a big dollop of mascarpone cheese, and flat iron steak with crispy potatoes, kale, and salsa rossa. Remember how the cheesecake at Oh So Good brought a romantic sparkle to my eye? Well, the flat iron steak at North and Navy had Ryan openly declaring his love to the chef, a message our waitress carried to the kitchen for him. I believe the words "Hey, we had a good run" were used as he threatened to leave me and marry the kitchen staff. But don't worry - I got tiramisu to go and I didn't share a bite, so I think we all know who got the last laugh at the end of a perfect meal and perfect evening.
North and Navy's intimate patio is informally elegant, with jaunty lights adding a cheery atmosphere. The impeccable service is attentive without being intrusive, perfect for our "official" wedding anniversary dinner. And if we appealed to our imagination (or just took a few extra gulps of wine!), it felt like we were back in Europe at one of our favourite Italian towns, soaking up food that clearly came from a world class chef - but absolutely could have come from the grannies we met in the markets of Volterra and Orvieto.
One of the few menu items that never changes at North and Navy is the polpette or meatballs, served with tomato sauce. Ryan's job is to eat the meatballs while I steal all the tomato sauce, using the content of the bread basket so nothing is left on the plate. These simple plates are so good that we always remark if we did nothing but sip wine and eat bread, olive oil, meatballs, and sauce, we'd be happy. Of course, that sentiment lasted all of a minute when more food started to arrive!
On this particular visit, we nibbled on cured pork loin (lonza) with crushed peppercorns, smoked almonds, peaches, and pickled asparagus, homemade agnolotti pasta stuffed with braised short rib and served with mint (or was it lemonbalm?) and plums (the sauce was so good, I ate the leftovers with a spoon), salmon with fennel and radish and a big dollop of mascarpone cheese, and flat iron steak with crispy potatoes, kale, and salsa rossa. Remember how the cheesecake at Oh So Good brought a romantic sparkle to my eye? Well, the flat iron steak at North and Navy had Ryan openly declaring his love to the chef, a message our waitress carried to the kitchen for him. I believe the words "Hey, we had a good run" were used as he threatened to leave me and marry the kitchen staff. But don't worry - I got tiramisu to go and I didn't share a bite, so I think we all know who got the last laugh at the end of a perfect meal and perfect evening.
Where to stay for your Ottawa staycation: Fairmont Château Laurier
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What's it like to check into a hotel for the first time in seven months? It feels.... different, like putting on a business suit after half a year of pajamas. It was curiously foreign and familiar all at once. The Fairmont Château Laurier is endlessly elegant and well appointed but I worried if I'd be able to relax. Thanks, COVID! My moment of bliss came mid-way through my customary hotel room snoop when I spied a sachet of rose petal potpourri hanging in an embroidered bag in the closet. It was such an unexpectedly cozy touch and it helped me remember why I love hotel escapes so much.
For Ryan, his moment was discovering the Nespresso machine (surprise, surprise....) and the small cups that were perfect for espresso drinks. Is there anything better than making a fresh cup of coffee after you've checked into a hotel, taking a moment to exhale after the first leg of your adventure? Early morning room service delivery was another touch of luxury that made this staycation feel especially decadent. There's nothing quite like saying "bacon, please!" and the universe making it happen!
In the end, my worries about whether I could relax were for naught. Who was I kidding? I LOVE living the hotel life and it was so nice to return! It felt so good to sink into a plush bed without worrying about chores, household tasks, or anything at all connected to our "real" life beyond the staycation.
For Ryan, his moment was discovering the Nespresso machine (surprise, surprise....) and the small cups that were perfect for espresso drinks. Is there anything better than making a fresh cup of coffee after you've checked into a hotel, taking a moment to exhale after the first leg of your adventure? Early morning room service delivery was another touch of luxury that made this staycation feel especially decadent. There's nothing quite like saying "bacon, please!" and the universe making it happen!
In the end, my worries about whether I could relax were for naught. Who was I kidding? I LOVE living the hotel life and it was so nice to return! It felt so good to sink into a plush bed without worrying about chores, household tasks, or anything at all connected to our "real" life beyond the staycation.
Fairmont Château Laurier practicalities
As you might suspect, safety is front of mind at all hotels these days. Masks are required when you're in all common areas of the Fairmont Château Laurier and staff members will request a temperature check when you arrive. Services like the fitness centre and pool are by reservation to ensure social distancing. Breakfast is by room service delivery only and in room materials like magazines have been temporarily removed.
You can reserve on Expedia via our affiliate link.
You can reserve on Expedia via our affiliate link.
It's time to start planning your own cozy Ottawa staycation!
This was our perfect cozy couple's staycation - but it's just one adventure out of thousands of different possible combinations of activities and experiences. To help you plan your own unique Ottawa staycation, Ottawa Tourism's "It's On Us" program is offering visitors a $100 Visa gift card when they spend two nights at participating local hotels until the end of 2020. Check out the full program rules here. Happy planning!
If you enjoyed this piece, you'll also like:
Biking In Ottawa: See The City On Two Wheels
21 Cozy Microadventures for Ottawa Travellers
Discovering Perth, Ontario, Where Pie Is Perfection
A Day At The National Gallery
Exploring Ottawa's Mer Bleu Bog
Surprises and Serendipity in Ontarios' Highlands
If you enjoyed this piece, you'll also like:
Biking In Ottawa: See The City On Two Wheels
21 Cozy Microadventures for Ottawa Travellers
Discovering Perth, Ontario, Where Pie Is Perfection
A Day At The National Gallery
Exploring Ottawa's Mer Bleu Bog
Surprises and Serendipity in Ontarios' Highlands
21/8/2020 01:52:57 pm
Wow what a fun time. I cannot wait to be able to cross the border; full time digital nomads now, meaning we are always looking for new travel spots.
Vanessa
25/8/2020 10:58:28 am
Oh - it would be awesome if you could cross over soon and check out some of these spots for yourself!! I think a lot of people are really missing visiting Canada and the US.
Comments are closed.
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