Ottawa Getaways: 23 Cozy Microadventures To Try

Looking for some unique Ottawa getaways? We have 23 suggestions for Ottawa travellers to discover the city's cozy side, one microadventure at a time.

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One of the best Ottawa getaways is checking out the tulips.

I am not adventurous. Nope, not one bit. Sure, I talk a good game and occasionally do things which other people might consider a bit daunting, like walking across Victoria Falls Bridge or kayaking in the Saguenay Fjord, but I think we all know the truth. Deep down, I'll always be the girl who caused a commotion in the Athens Meat Market and braced for an attack from non-existent wild pigs in Hawaii. I'm scared of adventure and (...I like to think...) adventure is a bit scared of me. However, a conversation with a friend has completely re-framed things for me. I've been introduced to the world of microadventures! And I think it's the perfect thing for Ottawa getaways.

The phrase microadventure has been popularized by Alastair Humphreys in his book Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes. The book describes a microadventure as something "close to home, cheap, simple, short and 100% guaranteed to refresh your life. A microadventure takes the spirit of a big adventure and squeezes it into a day or even a few hours." That's perfect for a city like Ottawa and, come to think of it, it's a bit of a familiar concept.

Hang on a second. That sounds like what I do. That sounds like what I do ALL. THE. TIME. I like things that are cheap, simple, short, and refreshing (aka COZY things!). Could it be that I've been an adventurer - and a trendy adventurer at that! - all along? Since the spirit of Humphrey's microadventures focus on this close to home, here are my favourite microadventures for those seeking Ottawa getaways.

Visiting the Mer Bleue Bog Trail

​Plants from the Arctic tundra, a secret "sea" leftover from the Ice Age, and one of the rarest micro-climates in Canada? You can find it all on the outskirts of Ottawa and - even better - it's completely free and accessible to visit. The Mer Bleue bog trail is one of my favourite places in the city and I guarantee you won't find it listed in any guide book.  This short, gentle nature walk takes guests along a boardwalk through an actual bog - VERY microadventure-y indeed.

Feasting at the East India Company

Most chefs are notoriously tight lipped when it comes to sharing their culinary secrets but Chef Nitin Mehra of Ottawa's East India Company couldn't spill the beans even if he wanted to. The exact recipe for his restaurant's famous garam masala - which is the star ingredient in so many of his receipes - is a secret guarded so tightly that there's only one person on earth who knows the exact formula - his mother. A night eating at the East India Company will transport you to another world, one of authentic Indian dishes and flavors that are miles away from your standard take out butter chicken. I think it's the best Indian restaurant Ottawa has to offer.

Eat amazing chicken wings!

My quest to find Ottawa's best chicken wings began in the early summer of 2020, when restaurant patios were just beginning to reopen - temporarily, as it turned out. I revelled in the simple joy of sitting outside and ordering the kinds of foods that always taste better from a restaurant. I loved every bite of those meals but it was the chicken wings that made the strongest impression. They were so delicious! Had chicken wings always been this crispy, this juicy, this tasty? I was so enamoured that I decided to try as many wings around the city as possible. ​This epic blog post was the result of my effort.

Escaping to Whitewater Village

Whitewater Village is a cottage co-ownership community just outside of Ottawa.  I headed to one of their gorgeous cottages, set in the pristine wilderness of the Ottawa Valley, with three of my girlfriends and it was the perfect recipe for adventure and fun. The cottages and the community are designed to cater to the needs of owners who want their own slice of the cottage ownership dream but without the year round commitment (and all the maintenance). However, you don't have to buy one to enjoy this community - one of the cottages is a rental property and it's the ideal spot for a weekend escape. 

Taking a Short Road Trip to the Popsilos

What do you get when you combine the rural Ontario countryside, farmland, and grain silos with massive, street-art inspired murals soaked in social commentary and diverse inspiration? Why, Popsilos, of course! In this truly unique art project, five farm silos in four communities across Prescott-Russell were given the ultimate makeover for the 150th anniversary of Canadian confederation, with respected Canadian artists presenting themes ranging from celebrating youth to honoring ecological diversity. 

Going Out For A Pint Or Two At Our Favourite Ottawa Pubs

Photo courtesy TripAdvisor under Creative Commons licensing.

Ottawa has a huge list of amazing watering holes. If you're keen to craft your own DIY pub crawl, start at Pour Boy for a selection of cheap domestic pints and then head in any direction you want. 

Alternatively, The Manx on Elgin Street pub is arty and cozy and perfectly pub-y.  They have delicious daily specials, solid vegetarian and vegan choices, and fantastic brunch (wake up early to avoid epic lines). Ryan loves going there on the last Sunday of the month to watch Remi Royale perform, an Ottawa experience not to be missed, and an indescribable music act that has to be seen to be believed.

Making Teatime Special In Gatineau

Photo credit: A Cook Not Mad

​Not nearly enough people head across the river to have their own micro-adventures in Gatineau. If you've been putting off a visit, you should head to Cha-Yi (61 Eddy Street) a tea shop that is warm and inviting, with room at the back to bring your laptop and get some work done while sipping a warm cup of tea. Embossed, shiny silver containers line the shelves behind the counter, holding teas, some decades old, that were all chosen by the owner on his yearly trips to China. The staff here are knowledgeable beyond expectation and will help you pick a delectable leaf to brew at home or to enjoy on site.

Discovering A Little Bit Of Canada (If You Can)

A prairie buffalo looks up from his meal of tender grass shoots, looking calm and serene despite the heat of the day. He's perfectly at ease next to a polar bear, whose sleek, silvery-white fur glistens in the sun. An enormous, stately inuksuk stands between them and presides over their affairs.

Anywhere else, this would be a most curious trio but in downtown Gatineau, Quebec, they were truly at home, for the buffalo, the polar bear, and the inuksuk were made entirely of plants, the latest spectacle from Montreal's innovative landscape art company, Mosaicultures. This is a "Google before you go" kind of mini-adventure as it's only available in the summer and there's no guarantee it will return each year. But if it does - GO!

Tasting and Touring On An Ottawa Food Tour

You all know how much I adore food tours! And now I'm beginning to think that going on an Ottawa food tour is the perfect way to tour the city. Who doesn't love to sample and snack while discovering a new neighbourhood, all with a friendly guide taking on the task of navigating?C'est Bon Cooking has provided Ottawa food tours and cooking classes since 2009. C'est Bon offers believes the best way to learn about a city is to explore the "neighbourhood food markets, discover local produce and dishes, and meet area chefs and food artisans.". Their guided tours include everything from a chocolate lover's tour, a taste of Chinatown tour, and a taste of the Glebe tour (my favourite neighbourhood) that will delight residents and visitors alike.

Sipping Some Local - Yes, LOCAL! - Ottawa Wine

Paul and Debbie LeBlanc's passion for Smokie Ridge Vineyard is obvious as soon as you meet them. Their vision, their enthusiasm, and their dedication is inspiring - but what on earth are they doing growing grapes and making wine in Ottawa of all places? Turns out that they grow hybrid grapes on hearty vines specifically bred for cold climates. Raising cold hearty vines from infancy to ready-to-sell Ottawa wine requires patience, ingenuity, and a delicate touch as the LeBlancs and their contemporaries rewrite the rules of wine production. Visitors are always welcome in the tasting room.

Taking In A Show At The NAC

From producing world class plays to hosting Broadway musicals to presenting special events like the Governor General's Awards, there is always something happening at the National Arts Center. Concerts, including performance by superstars as well as up-and-comers are popular, as is the new Equator Coffee cafe which has opened up inside. Last minute tickets can be as low as $20 or less but even the regular pre-purchased pricing is reasonable (assuming you don't need to be in the front row). 

Going To The Ottawa Movie Theatres Most People Forget

If you'd rather see films instead of plays, visit the Canadian Museum of History (formerly known as the Museum of Civilization) and the Museum of Nature. They are two of the best museums in Ottawa, but they also have movie theatres screening nature and science documentaries.  (Just beware of watching films about insects at the Museum of History's giant IMAX screen!)

 Pondering and Puzzling: Escape Room Ottawa Options

I really didn't know what to think before the first time I checked out the escape room Ottawa options. Turns out, I really didn't have to worry. The Jigsaw Escape Room in Ottawa's Byward Market isn't prone to cheap scares. Rather, each of the individual rooms is built around a theme. In our case, the Heist room established our team as part of an elite crime syndicate, intent on pulling off the ultimate diamond caper.  We had just 45 minutes to complete our quest - not much time when a huge haul of diamonds is on the line!

Escape Manor is another amazing local escape room company. They have properties in several parts of the city and have even partnered with museums -how awesome is that?! If you're looking for things for kids to do in Ottawa, this is a great place to start. We loved their property in Ottawa's Hintonburg neighbourhood. It reminded me a cool, jazzy kind of 1940s hang out, complete with plush leather furniture and great props. Like Jigsaw, we came THIS close to solving the puzzle in our room - but no dice! Maybe you can do better?

Sip spectacular coffee

I've often said that my most redeeming quality as a travel companion is my ability to track down cappuccino, any time, any place. Remember when I fell in love with this sweet cafe in Botswana or found an elusive one Euro espresso in Venice? When it comes to coffee, I don't mess around! That's why I loved putting together this list of the best Ottawa coffee roasters. After spending so many years talking about coffee around the world, it was awesome to put my hometown in the spotlight. 

Indulging in Sweet, Creamy Cheesecake

Oh So Good is Ottawa's best dessert shop (and site of my very first date with Ryan all those years ago). Their cake display is an absolute delight and huge slices of cheesecake make for the perfect end to a tremendously fun evening. They also offer tea, coffee, and smaller treats like lemon bars. If any of your Ottawa microadventures start or stop in the Byward Market, you should pop in for a visit. (What exactly makes this microadventure-y in nature? Just try searching for parking!)

Discovering Sweet Treats You Can Write Home About

Speaking of sweet treats in the Byward Market, Planet Coffee serves the best vanilla lattes in town (trust me, I've tried A LOT!) and also does lovely simple hot lunches and tasty squares and desserts. It's tucked away in a small alley off York Street and is a great place to take a client - it will definitely give you city-insider cred - or enjoy a date (blind or solo). Strolling the alley, popping into the shops, and enjoying a few treats is one of my favourite things to do with visitors who are seeing Ottawa for the first time.

Just down the lane is Paper Papier, a stationary, writing instrument, gift, and floral design shop that's one of my favourite places in Ottawa. I've never seen such a creative Ottawa florist at work. VERY cozy! I really love it in winter, when I'm thinking of tropical getaways as much as I'm envisioning Ottawa getaways.

Tracking Down Some Pints and Popcorn

We first visited Beyond The Pale Brewing Company on a bit of a lark - a bit of a microadventure, you might say! The exterior of the building is ....hmmm.... unique in appearance. "Industrial" might be the kind way to describe it. But you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, nor a brewery by its building exterior. When stepped into one of the friendliest, funkiest, most relaxed bars in Ottawa, it wasn't yet noon but the small bar and even smaller retail store were humming with couples, families, even a few dogs. Ryan loved their beer. I'm not a huge beer drinker, to be honest, but I still had a great time and I also got to try YOW Popcorn, which was one of the most delicious snacks imaginable. And now I can finally give a suggestion when when people ask for a craft brewery Ottawa recommendation. Definitely a microadventure with a happy ending.

Taking A Walk With "Jane"

The Jane’s Walks program is a celebration of the life and work of Jane Jacobs, an urbanist and activist who didn’t let a lack of formal training stop her from revolutionizing how we see urban spaces and ecosystems. This annual free festival of walking tours takes place in Ottawa and a few other cities every May and it helps put residents back in touch with their neighbourhood, their city, and appreciate the rich history and architecture all around us. Everything about this feels oh-so cozy to me and I look forward to it every year.

Tiptoeing Through The Tulips

May really is a special month in Ottawa. The month kicks off with several weeks of celebrations - including the Jane Walks I just mentioned - and culminates with the Tulip Festival and the largest race weekend in North America (half marathon runners - I see you!) I can't stress enough how Tulip Fest is more than beautiful weather and beautiful tulips. This isn't like any other of the Ottawa getaways! Tulip Fest celebrates Canada’s role in liberating the Dutch in World War II and is a symbol of ongoing friendship between the two nations. And, really, it celebrates the beauty of Ottawa. We don't get enough credit for being a wildly pretty city.  ​

Embracing An Artistic Microadventure

​The National Gallery of Canada holds the premier collection of Canadian art in the world, including works by the Group of Seven (like Alex Colville, above), Emily Carr, and Tom Thompson. For visitors embarking on a microadventure, I recommend starting here, preferably with one of the free tours lead by the museum docents. From there, my favourite place to stop in is the European collection, which is vastly underrated. 

Travelling East For The City's Best Shawarma 

People who love shawarma will rightly say that Ottawa serves the best shawarma in North America. If you're looking for shawarma Ottawa is your place! For those who haven’t tried this savory delight, shawarma refers to a vertical spit of meat, slow roasted for hours until it’s perfect to shave off slices for an incredible sandwich made with pita, fresh and pickled vegetables, and succulent sauces.

There are hundreds of shawarma shops in Ottawa, but I contend that the best of the best is Shawarma Chef in Orleans.  Yes, it is absolutely well worth the microadventure to travel east to the wilderness of Orleans! They have the best garlic sauce in the city. (Go ahead, try to fight me on this...)

Visiting Ottawa's Most Down To Earth Farmers Market

Farmers' markets have exploded in and around Ottawa. I've had the chance to explore a lot of them, all in the name of my unflinching dedication to maintaining quality control of the city's baked goods, homemade jam, and strawberries. Year after year, my favourite market is the Cumberland Farmer's Market, located to the east of the city, beyond the suburb of Orleans. In addition to local produce (always local, always in season), there are bakers, sausage makers, bee keepers, and flower vendors. There's also a wide variety of take-home meal vendors, selling homemade curries, stews, soups, and stir-fries.

... And Don't Forget About Winter Activities in Ottawa!

Sure, all that snow and ice doesn't sound overwhelmingly cozy but the beauty of Winterlude always makes me glad I braved the elements for my own February microadventure. Winter activities in Ottawa are vastly underappreciated - and arguably the city is at its most beautiful when its covered in frost and snow. And ultimately I think that's what microadventures are all about, pushing yourself a little in order to gain a lot, seeing the beauty in unexpected circumstances and embracing the challenges along the way. Thankfully, Ottawa has no shortage of microadventure opportunities. Which ones would you add to the list?


Here's a recap of some past Ottawa articles:

Jane's Walk Ottawa
Planning a Cozy Ottawa Staycation
Cold Vines, Warm Hearts at Smokie Ridge Vineyard

Flights from Ottawa to Perth Australia restaurants in Orleans Ontario Ottawa travellers Pizza delivery Ottawa Where to stay in Ottawa winter activities in Ottawa Ottawa travel show